Romania's central region of Transyilvania is one of the top 10 winter destinations in Europe recommended by Lonely Planet travel guides this year. The Lonely Planet editors suggest visiting the cities of Brasov and Sighisoara, which are described as "gorgeous medieval towns with various connections to Vlad Ţepeş, the historical Dracula." Vlad Ţepeş, also called “Dracul” (The Devil), ruled the Tara Romaneasca in 1448, 1455-1462 and 1476,  even if it’s not very clear if he ever put a foot in Bran castle.

Lonely Planet are points out that Bram Stoker, the Irish writer who used Vlad Tepes as inspiration for his novel Dracula, never visited Romania, so tourists shouldn't expect too many elements from the book and movies with Dracula on site.

In top 10 European winter destinations recommended by Lonely Planet also include: Rovaniemi in Finland; Christmas fairs in Germany and Austria; Abisko (Sweden), Athens (Greece), Copenhagen (Denmark), Budapest (Hungary); Jasná (Slovakia), Andalusia (Spain), Venice (Italy).

Launched in 1972, Lonely Planet is the largest travel guide in the world. Publisher Lonely Planet edits over 500 titles related to travel, in several languages​​, and produces television programs in collaboration with other companies.

Ioana Toader, ioana.toader@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Romania-Insider.com)