Known for its spa tourism since the end of the 19th century, Vâlcea County is very popular for its resorts. They treat and relax thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. Each resort has its own charm and, what’s more, tourist packages are prepared even for the winter holidays. In addition to the healing baths, you can also enjoy other activities nearby.
It is a sought-after area for prevention, treatment and recovery, recreation and leisure, as we learned from Monica Gheorghiu, director of the National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion Vâlcea.
“Vâlcea County is very popular for its four resorts: Călimănești-Căciulata, Băile Olănești, Băile Govora and Ocnele Mari. Important, without a doubt, is Călimănești-Căciulata, which has a beautiful chain of hotels, parks, hermitages, thermal waters and promenades, which are increasingly preferred by tourists. Also, most of the geothermal pools in Romania are located here, and, in their free time, hiking in the Cozia National Park or visits to the famous monasteries, Cozia, Turnu, Ostrov, Stânișoara, complete the program of tourists who spend quality time here, in the resort. The Călimănești-Căciulata resort has been known for its mineral waters and their curative properties, since ancient times. For example, it is known that the waters were first used by the monks of the monastery and are documented since 1520. It is even said that Prince Mircea the Old treated himself in his old age with the mineral waters of Călimănești and also Franz Josef, the king of Austria-Hungary, benefited from the treatments of the waters of Căciulata. The resort is recommended not only for digestive system diseases, but also for urinary system diseases or rheumatic, degenerative, neurological and gynecological diseases.”
In the Călimănești-Căciulata resort we find the largest balneoclimatic treatment base in Romania. There are over 5,000 accommodation places in the complexes with treatment bases, where approximately 1,500 patients can be treated simultaneously. Also, during 2024, up until September, the resort was visited by over 191,000 tourists. Thus, statistical data positions it in second place in Romania in terms of the number of arrivals to the destination.
“Thermal pools, parks, boat cruises, socio-cultural events, you will find them all in an exceptional resort, which we also recommend in all seasons, and development continues here. We can tell listeners that a sports complex is being built in Seaca, another swimming pool, and a forest park that will complete the tourist offer. We can also talk about Băile Olănești, another important resort in Vâlcea County. In addition to digestive and kidney diseases, respiratory diseases caused by occupational diseases, caused by exposure to noxious or toxic substances or allergies, are also treated here. In Băile Olănești, we encounter two natural healing factors that harmonize very well, climatically and topoclimatically.”
In addition to the hydromineral factor, represented by the mineral waters in this area, Băile Olănești occupies a leading place in Romania in terms of the number of springs, the total flow, but also the variety of composition and concentration of mineral waters, says Monica Gheorghiu, director of the National Center for Information and Tourism Promotion Vâlcea.
“In this resort, there are over 35 hydromineral sources, both natural springs and as a result of drilling works. A number of 15 springs are captured for internal cure, two springs for external cure, and four wells are used in balneotherapy. Also, let’s not forget that here we are as the gateway to the Buila-Vânturarița National Park, where tourists can go on numerous hiking trails and visits to the hermitages in the area, which are true “Meteoras” of Romania. Iezer, Pahomie, Pătrunsa are spectacular places located in a particularly beautiful natural setting. We also move on to Băile Govora, another important resort for Vâlcea County, where those suffering from asthma or bronchitis are treated, so the treatments for the respiratory system are well developed here. It is located in a very beautiful area, in a subcarpathian depression, surrounded by hills, covered with oak, pine and beech forests, at an altitude of approximately 400 meters.”
In Băile Govora, the climate is moderate continental, with slightly cool summers and mild winters. Thus, the climate helps to prevent or treat lung diseases.
“It is an important resort for us due to the variety and therapeutic character of the waters rich in chlorine, iodine, bromine, or those in magnesium, calcium and sulfur. It is also located in an area where there is no allergenic pollen, the humidity being relatively constant. Thus, wonderful conditions are created for carrying out treatment activities. At the same time, it is located on the road leading to the Horezu Monastery, to the Horezu area, a rich ethno-folklore hearth in Vâlcea County, and the place where the story of Horezu ceramics began. On the other hand, we recommend Ocnele Mari, another resort of local interest, which is increasingly sought after by tourists, at least during the summer season, through its saltwater pools and not only, it possesses tourist attractions of great interest. In addition to the saltwater pools, we have the Ocnele Mari salt pan, which falls into the category of tourist attractions with a therapeutic role, due to this natural factor that is present in abundance: salt. It is the ideal place where tourists can enjoy the therapeutic effects of this mineral.”
The Christmas package for a double room at a three-star hotel unit in Călimănești-Căciulata is 2,834 lei (570 euros). These cover three nights’ accommodation from December 24-27 for two adults, as well as breakfast. Also included are a traditional breakfast, a festive dinner with a DJ, a meeting with Santa Claus, a carol singing program, and free access to the Aquapark.
