Romania offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and scenic charm, making it perfect for Maltese travellers searching for a unique summer road trip. From the youthful buzz of Cluj-Napoca to the elegant architecture of Bucharest, every stop reveals something new—hidden villages, timeworn castles, and lively city corners full of character. With smart planning and a sense of adventure, the open roads of Romania promise a journey worth remembering. Let’s dive into what makes this destination so rewarding to explore!
Romania is one of Europe’s most affordable and diverse travel destinations. With lower costs for hotels, meals, and transport compared to Western Europe, it’s ideal for budget-conscious travellers. Traditional dishes like sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and papanași (fried sweet cheese doughnuts) offer delicious, good-value meals.
The cultural variety is just as rich. In Cluj-Napoca, the heart of Transylvania, historic Gothic architecture blends effortlessly with a lively modern vibe. Bucharest showcases a mix of Ottoman, Neoclassical, and modernist stles along its broad boulevards. Summers are warm and pleasant, with city temperatures around 25°C to 30°C, while mountain areas remain cooler.
Exploring Romania by car gives you the freedom to set your own pace. Well-maintained motorways connect the main cities while charming backroads meander through sunflower fields, rolling hills, and ancient fortresses. This is a destination to be savoured slowly, where the journey is just as memorable as the places you visit.
As EU citizens, Maltese travellers can enter Romania with a valid passport or national ID, which should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date. While a Maltese driving licence is generally accepted, some car rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), so it’s best to check beforehand.
Direct flights from Malta to Romania typically take between two to two-and-a-half hours. Booking early, especially during winter or early spring—can help you save money. If direct options aren’t available, consider connecting through major European hubs. While travelling by ferry and car through Italy and Hungary is possible, it requires more time and planning. For most travellers, flying and hiring a car on arrival is the easiest option.
Focus your itinerary around Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest for a well-rounded mix of Transylvanian heritage and urban culture. This route offers a rich contrast between Romania’s medieval charm and its dynamic capital energy. Along the way, you’ll pass through scenic landscapes, traditional villages, and historical landmarks worth stopping for.
Cluj-Napoca is a lively university city where Gothic architecture, creative energy, and café culture come together in perfect harmony. Start your visit at Union Square (Piața Unirii), where the towering 14th-century St Michael’s Church anchors a bustling plaza filled with outdoor cafés, street performers, and locals enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Just a short walk away, the Cluj Botanical Garden offers 14 hectares of themed gardens and greenhouses—an ideal spot for a peaceful morning stroll.
When it’s time to eat, the city’s restaurants serve up traditional Romanian dishes like sarmale, mămăligă, and papanași, alongside a wide range of international cuisine reflecting Cluj’s youthful, multicultural vibe. As evening falls, the city comes alive with wine bars, pubs, and live music venues featuring local vintages and talented performers.
If you're in the mood to explore beyond the city, several rewarding day trips are within easy reach. Băile Cojocna, just 30 minutes away, is known for its salt lakes, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. Salina Turda, around 45 minutes from Cluj, is an impressive underground salt mine turned amusement space, complete with boat rides, a Ferris wheel, and colourful lighting.
For a deeper dive into Romanian history, head to Alba Iulia, a star-shaped citadel about 1.5 hours away. Or venture two hours to Viscri Village, a UNESCO-listed Saxon settlement famous for its fortified church, cobbled streets, and traditional crafts. For even more inspiration, check out Ten Must-See Sights Every First-Time Visitor to Cluj Will Love.
From Cluj-Napoca, a scenic drive of about 435 km southeast takes you to Romania’s bustling capital, Bucharest. Once you arrive, the monumental Palace of the Parliament is a must. This structure, built during Ceaușescu’s regime, is one of the most massive administrative buildings in the world. Guided tours lasting around 90 minutes take you through its vast marble halls and offer a glimpse into Romania’s political history.
Bucharest’s charm truly comes alive in its historic Old Town, Centrul Vechi. Cobbled streets weave through a lively mix of Ottoman-era buildings, cosy cafés, and artisan boutiques. Strolling along Strada Lipscani, you’ll find a vibrant blend of shops, bars, and street life. As evening falls, the city’s rooftop bars offer the perfect setting for a cocktail with panoramic views over Revolution Square.
For a deeper look into Romania’s heritage, don’t miss the Village Museum, an open-air collection of over 100 traditional homes, churches, and windmills gathered from regions across the country. Food lovers can dive into local flavours with dishes like ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup), mititei (grilled meat rolls), and a wide selection of Romanian craft beers served in welcoming bistros. If you have extra time, consider a day trip two hours north to Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle, a stunning Neo-Renaissance palace set among forested hills, known for its ornate interiors and spectacular mountain views.
Discover Romania at your own pace with Finalrentals, where you can choose from a wide selection of modern, well-maintained vehicles, including compact cars and SUVs. Booking is simple and transparent, with no hidden fees. You can easily customise your rental online by choosing fuel type, adding GPS or child seats, and selecting convenient pick-up and drop-off locations.
Standard insurance is included with every rental, and you can choose to add extra coverage for damage, theft, or driving across borders if needed. You’ll need a valid driving licence, a credit or debit card, and sometimes an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car.
A security deposit will be held during your rental and refunded once the vehicle is returned safely. Finalrentals offers 24/7 customer support and roadside assistance for your convenience. One-way drop-offs are available, and all vehicle inspections are done with you to ensure complete peace of mind.
In Romania, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and children under 12 must be secured in appropriate child seats. Handheld mobile phones while driving are strictly prohibited, although hands-free devices are permitted. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads and 130 km/h on motorways.
A road vignette, known as a rovinietă, is required for driving on national roads and motorways in Romania. You can buy it at border crossings, many petrol stations, or online. Make sure to display the receipt or digital confirmation clearly on your windscreen to avoid fines.
Romania's major highways, such as the A1 and A3, are modern and well-maintained. However, rural and mountain roads can be uneven, with potholes or loose gravel in some areas. The famous Transfăgărășan Pass is typically open from mid-June to early October, but it’s wise to check local road conditions before planning a drive there.
Fuel stations are readily available in cities but can be sparse in rural regions, so it’s advisable to refill once your tank is below a quarter. Urban parking is usually marked by blue bays or managed by ticket machines. Many hotels provide private or discounted parking options for guests.
If you're involved in an accident, stop immediately, activate your hazard lights, and place reflective warning triangles. Exchange contact and insurance details with the other party. For any emergency, dial 112. You can also contact Finalrentals’ 24/7 customer support for assistance with breakdowns, towing, or reporting incidents. Stay alert while driving—city drivers can be assertive, and in rural areas, it’s common to come across pedestrians, animals, or stray dogs, particularly around dusk.
Many younger Romanians speak English in cities, but rural areas may not. Learn a few Romanian phrases:
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants or rounding up in cafés and guesthouses.
Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites. In summer, choose light, breathable clothes that offer protection from the sun. If you're heading to the mountains, bring a jumper or light jacket, as it can get cooler there.
Carry Romanian leu (RON), especially outside cities. Cards are widely accepted, but small shops and rural petrol stations may only take cash.
While exploring Romania, visit some lesser-known destinations that offer unique and memorable experiences worth the extra journey. These hidden gems showcase the country’s rich history, stunning architecture, and traditional culture beyond the usual tourist paths.
Before setting off on your Romanian road trip, it’s crucial to pack thoughtfully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Bringing the right gear and essentials will help you stay comfortable and prepared for varying conditions:
A Romanian road trip offers a memorable mix of medieval towns, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture—all within reach from Malta. Renting a car in Romania with a reliable provider like Finalrentals ensures comfort and peace of mind. From Gothic spires in Cluj to grand boulevards in Bucharest, from salt mines to fortified villages, each stop unveils a different side of this underrated gem. With careful planning, some Romanian vocabulary, and a good playlist, your summer adventure is ready to begin. Drive safe, stay curious, and enjoy Romania’s open roads.
