National Geographic’ magazine has included Romania in its list of the most beautiful vacation destinations for October 2026, following New York, Madagascar, Argentina, Scotland, and Egypt. Ranked sixth, the country is recommended especially for culturally-focused road trips. The magazine highlighted the stunning landscapes along the Transfăgărășan and in Transylvania in general.
According to the publication, October is the last month the Transfăgărășan is open to tourists, and the fall scenery offers some of the most spectacular views in the Southern Carpathians. “October is the last month in which the Transfăgărășan - a 56-mile highway that winds through the peaks and valleys of the southern Carpathian Mountains - is fully open to visitors (for the rest of the year the sheep and brown bears have it all to themselves). It’s at its most scenic in autumn when the landscape is awash with amber foliage” the magazine notes. Tourists are invited to discover Transylvania, Bran Castle, and the Black Church in Brașov, or to explore the mysterious Hoia-Baciu Forest, known for its tales of paranormal phenomena.
Bran Castle
PHOTO Ştefan Baciu, RRI
“For those seeking full immersion into Romania’s more mystical history and culture, Transylvania is the ideal roaming ground. Follow in Count Dracula’s footsteps on a tour of the region’s famed Bran Castle, nicknamed Dracula’s Castle due to its resemblance to the home of the fictional Transylvanian vampire, before heading to nearby Brașov to see its gothic Black Church” the article adds.
“Or follow the Transfăgărășan to the country’s eastern reaches for a stroll through the Hoia-Baciu Forest, which is known for its abundance of rugged hiking paths, crooked trees and paranormal tales.” National Geographic writes adding that: “Kürtőskalács, or chimney cake, is a must-try delicacy that’s served year-round but best enjoyed on chilly autumn afternoons. They can be bought at street-food markets and from carts parked by popular attractions,” wrote National Geographic.
Brasov
PHOTO romania-insider.com
Romania has also been included in other prestigious rankings and lists compiled by National Geographic, focusing on conservation, ecotourism, and global attractions. In March 2026, the country ranked second worldwide in the list of the most spectacular nature conservation projects worth traveling for. The publication highlighted the massive reforestation efforts, biodiversity, and rewilding initiatives (such as the reintroduction of aurochs). Romania was described as one of the last destinations in Europe offering truly wild, vibrant, and unspoiled nature.
Furthermore, the Făgăraș Mountains in the Southern Carpathians, nicknamed “Europe’s Yellowstone,” ranked second worldwide in a list compiled by the magazine of the most spectacular nature conservation projects, surpassed only by Ecuador’s Cloud Forests.
Over the years, various regions and attractions in Romania have been selected for the prestigious annual “Best of the World” list or recommended as destinations by National Geographic experts, including Maramureș, the Danube Delta, and Transylvania.
Author: Daniela Budu
This content is republished under a bilateral cooperation agreement between the Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) and the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation (Radio România). The original article can be found on the Radio România International (RRI) website at the following link: https://www.rri.ro/en/news-and-current-affairs/today-in-the-news/romania-recommended-by-national-geographic-magazine-id1068730.html