Apuseni, CNN’s Top Place in Europe in 2022. The perfect summer vacation: ancient forests and limestone cliffs

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, the American channel CNN published a new top spot for the most beautiful destinations in the world.

Among them are the Apuseni Mountains, which CNN journalists wrote about “the perfect summer vacation, with cooler temperatures and unspoiled trails through ancient woodlands and limestone cliffs.”

Apuseni is the only destination in Romania to top CNN, which also includes destinations such as Lisbon (Portugal), Plovdiv (Bulgaria), Pompeii (Italy), Athens (Greece) and many other destinations in Ireland, Germany, Poland, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, among others.

The Apuseni Mountains are placed third as a destination after Europe’s tops From Spain and Lofoten Island from Norway.

“Picos de Europa is one of the most overlooked mountain ranges in Western Europe. Rough limestone peaks and deep keys are crossed by well-marked hiking trails, with deep caves attracting more intrepid travelers. The stunning Fuente de Europa Cable Car offers Extensive views and access to excellent walking routes.”

I’m in second place Lofoten Islands in Norway. Deep in the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands in Norway are a dream destination for tour enthusiasts, enthusiasts, and those who prefer adventures off the beaten path.

Fishing villages and perfectly preserved Viking archeology are other promising reasons to get there.

Westerns, uncrowded paths through ancient forests and limestone cliffs

Part of the Western Carpathians in Transylvania, Apuseni is the perfect summer vacation, with cooler temperatures and uninhabited trails through ancient forests and limestone cliffs.

Brown bears and wolves walk on these hills, although it takes patience and a keen eye to keep an eye on them. Climbers can experience a series of routes … ”appears in the description of these mountains.

The fauna, flora, relief and traditions still preserved in the land of the trenches complete a series of reasons that describe it as a place no tourist should miss.

The Scărișoara Glacier, Ionele Gate, Vârtop Glacier, Bear Cave, Bride’s Veil Waterfall, or Lake Tarnița are some of the area’s most popular tourist attractions.

See also: The most beautiful places to visit in the western mountains. Waterfalls, caves and stunning scenery

CNN journalists also note Americans’ high interest in European holidays and make an argument for the highest dollar/euro ratio in the past 20 years, which means cheaper accommodations for them.

The article also talks about great European destinations (including the lesser known), high-speed rail connections and other reasons to take an “epic” trip.

The most beautiful places in Europe in 2022, according to CNN:

Tops of Europe and Spain

The site of Spain’s first national park, the Picos de Europa is a mountain range that offers stunning views and access to excellent hiking trails.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

The Lofoten Islands in Norway are a dream destination for nature lovers and those who want adventures away from the crowded areas.

Apuseni Mountains, Romania

Ephesus, Turkey

The ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus is the most complete city ever discovered in Europe, thanks to careful excavation and restoration.

Avignon, France

For a city of less than 100,000 residents, Avignon has an incredible abundance of historical and cultural attractions.

Lisbon, Portugal

The Portuguese capital has experienced massive development in recent years, and has become an ideal dining destination.

Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

The Dingle Peninsula, in County Kerry, on the southwest coast of Ireland, is a paradise for those who love adventurous travel.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The second largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv was, along with Matera in Italy, the European Capital of Culture in 2019. The city is one of the oldest settlements in Europe.

Pompeii, Italy

It attracts more than 2.5 million visitors annually and there is rarely a quiet time to visit Pompeii, but it is well worth it.

The perfectly preserved ancient city of Pompeii, which was buried after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, is unlike any other city in Europe, according to CNN.

Athens, Greece

Its ancient ruins are a huge attraction, and the city itself is one of the most fascinating in Europe.

Salzburg, Austria

With the Alps looming over the 11th-century Hohensalzburg Castle and a number of beautiful palaces and churches, Salzburg is undoubtedly the most picturesque city in Central Europe, according to CNN.

Hene Strand, Denmark

Henne Strand is a holiday paradise for all those who love spending time outdoors.

Bruges, Belgium

Its medieval streets and winding canals have a distinct charm. It is called the “Venice of the North”.

Dusseldorf, Germany

Düsseldorf is a modern city and host to the world-famous art gallery, Art Düsseldorf.

Wroclaw, Poland

Krakow and Warsaw are already famous, but Wroclaw is a Polish city with beautiful architecture.

Groningen, the Netherlands

Young and modern, Groningen is an alternative to Amsterdam. The canals and classic Dutch buildings are similar, but the waves of tourists are missing.

Cirngorms, Scotland

Scotland’s second national park is one of the wildest places in the UK.

Photo: Romulus Oberican