Day trips by car from Craiova
7 one-day trips from Craiova, with approximate distances and a practical tip for each.
Mountains and history: Târgu Jiu, Transalpina, Tismana
- Târgu Jiu — the Brâncuși ensemble (approx. 115 km, 1h45). The Endless Column, the Gate of the Kiss and the Table of Silence, in a two-hour walk through town.
- Rânca and the Transalpina (approx. 150 km to Rânca). Romania's highest road, open in summer; leave early and bring warm clothes even in August.
- Tismana Monastery and Polovragi Cave (approx. 130–150 km). A 14th-century monastery, gorges and a cave — combine them with Horezu on the way back.
The Danube: the Gorges, Herculane, Calafat
- The Danube Gorges and the Decebalus rock sculpture (approx. 200 km, 3h via Drobeta-Turnu Severin). The riverside road from Orșova to Dubova is among the most beautiful in the country.
- Băile Herculane (approx. 190 km). Historic spa town, thermal springs, the Cerna gorges.
- Calafat and the Danube (approx. 90 km, 1h30). The riverside promenade and the bridge to Vidin; to cross the border you need our written consent (€10/day).
Close to Craiova
- Horezu (approx. 100 km). Traditional UNESCO-listed pottery and the Hurezi Monastery.
- Călimănești–Căciulata and Cozia Monastery (approx. 150 km). The Olt valley, thermal baths and one of the oldest monasteries in Romania.
Mileage tip: 1–3 day rentals include 300 km/day cumulated (900 km over 3 days); from 4 days mileage is unlimited in Romania. For a weekend with long drives, the "Unlimited mileage" package (€12/day) is cheaper than the overage fee.
Pick an SUV for the road