Costești Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Costești with this comprehensive travel guide including attractions, activities, accommodation, food, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Costești

Costești is a small town located in the Wallachian Plain, in Muntenia, Romania. This town is known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. It is a perfect destination for those who want to experience the relaxed Romanian lifestyle.

List of Places to Visit in Costești

If you are planning on visiting Costești, these are the top tourist attractions that you should not miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Costești Monastery: This beautiful monastery is an important historical and spiritual attraction.
  • Archeological Museum: This museum houses artifacts from the Dacian and Roman periods.
  • Costești Fortress: A medieval fortress that played a significant strategic role during the 18th century.

Natural Attractions of Costești: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Măgura Cârligele (Cârligele Hill): This beautiful hiking trail offers stunning views of the entire Costești region.
  • Costești Gorges: A unique natural attraction with several hiking trails and camping spots.
  • Cioclovina Cave: A cave system famous for its stalagmites, stalactites, and subterranean lakes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Costești

Costești is a great place for hiking and biking enthusiasts. The following are some of the most popular routes:

  • Măgura Cârligele Hiking Trail: A 9 km trail with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • Costești-Gura Gârbovei Trail: A 12 km hiking trail that can be challenging, but offers beautiful views of the natural landscape.

Best Things to Do in Costești: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to enjoy while in Costești:

  • Visit the Costești Monastery and attend a religious service.
  • Take a guided tour of the archeological museum and learn about the history of the region.
  • Go camping at Costești Gorges and enjoy a night under the stars.

Week-Long Itinerary for Costești

Day 1: Arrival and check-in at your hotel Day 2: Visit Costești Monastery and the archeological museum Day 3: Hike the Măgura Cârligele Trail Day 4: Visit Cioclovina Cave Day 5: Take a guided tour of Costești Fortress Day 6: Relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Costești Gorges Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Costești

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the traditional cuisine in Costești. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sarmale: Stuffed cabbage rolls with minced meat, rice, and vegetables.
  • Mici: Grilled minced meat rolls that are a popular street food in Romania.
  • Ciorbă: A sour soup made with different meats and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Țuică: A traditional plum brandy that is popular in Romania.
  • Wine: Romania is known for its excellent wines. Try a red wine from the Dealu Mare region.

Where to Stay in Costești: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are several options for accommodation in Costești, including:

  • Hotel Lunca Corbului: A 3-star hotel located in the heart of Costești.
  • Overnight camping in Costești Gorges
  • Houses for rent: Traditional Romanian homes where you can enjoy the local lifestyle.

What to Buy in Costești: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you want to bring home a piece of Costești, here are some unique souvenirs to consider:

  • Traditional Romanian shirts and blouses
  • Handmade pottery from the local artisans
  • Local honey and jams

Local Culture and Customs of Costești

The people in Costești are generally friendly and welcoming. It is important to respect the local customs and traditions such as greeting people with a handshake, being on time for appointments, and addressing elders with respect.

Best Time to Visit Costești

The best time to visit Costești is between May and September when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, if you want to enjoy winter activities, you can plan your visit between December and March.

Do’s and Don’ts of Costești

Do:

  • Experience the local cuisine and culture
  • Visit the natural attractions and historical places
  • Respect the local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the natural landscape
  • Engage in any disrespectful behavior towards locals or their culture
  • Travel alone in remote places at night

Safety and Health

Safety in Costești

Costești is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, it is always important to take precautions and stay aware of your surroundings.

Health in Costești

The medical facilities in Costești are limited, so it is recommended to carry a basic first-aid kit for minor health issues. It is also important to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Costești: Transportation Options and Logistics

Costești is well-connected to major cities in Romania. The following are the transportation options to reach Costești:

Airports Near Costești

  • Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest is the closest airport to Costești.

Bus Stations Near Costești

  • Costești is connected to several cities and towns with regular bus services, including Bucharest, Pitesti, Slatina, and Craiova.

Other Options

  • Renting a car from the airport or nearby cities is also a popular option to reach Costești.

How to Get Around in Costești

The best way to get around Costești is by car, bicycle, or on foot. Taxis are also available, but it is advisable to agree on the fare before getting into the taxi.

Where to Go Next from Costești: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time and want to explore the nearby places, here are some destinations to consider:

  • The city of Slatina, famous for its cultural heritage and natural beauty
  • The city of Craiova, known for its architecture and historical attractions

Conclusion

Costești is a unique destination with rich history, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. By following this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip to Costești and have a memorable experience.

Costești Town Hall Costești Town Hall Cathedral of the Holy Prophet Elijah Cathedral of the Holy Prophet Elijah Former Costești Town Hall, today Town Police Former Costești Town Hall, today Town Police