Things To Do
in Poiana Mare
Poiana Mare is a small rural commune in Dolj County, in the Oltenia region of southwestern Romania. The landscape is characterized by rolling farmland, groves, and traditional village houses that reflect a slow-paced rural lifestyle. Agriculture and local craftsmanship remain central to life here, with warm, welcoming communities.
Visitors come to experience authentic Oltenian hospitality, scenic countryside, and easy access to nearby Craiova and natural areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Poiana Mare and settle into your cozy accommodation surrounded by the stunning Carpathian Mountains. After a refreshing break, venture out to explore the charming village and its vibrant surroundings. Capture the beauty of the scenery as you stroll through the local markets and admire the traditional architecture.
Enjoy a delightful lunch at a local bistro, sampling authentic Romanian cuisine. Spend your afternoon hiking along one of the area’s scenic trails, with opportunities for wildlife watching and breathtaking views from the hilltops. Ensure you bring your camera as the landscapes are truly picturesque.
Return to the village for a relaxing evening, perhaps indulging in a hot drink at a quaint café. Engage with friendly locals and learn about their culture and traditions. As the evening falls, savor a traditional dinner with family-style dishes shared among friends.
After breakfast, embark on an exhilarating guided nature walk to discover the diverse flora and fauna of the area. The air is crisp, and the mornings are ideal for spotting wildlife in their natural habitats. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights about the local ecosystem along the way.
After your nature walk, enjoy a packed picnic lunch at a scenic spot surrounded by stunning landscapes. Spend your afternoon engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking or horseback riding through the rolling hills. The adrenaline rush combined with the breathtaking scenery is an experience to remember.
Wind down your adventurous day with a peaceful evening by your accommodation. You could gather around a fire pit while sharing stories and roasting marshmallows under the stars. Feel the warmth of local hospitality as you discover more about the area’s history and legends.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| 🥗Lunch for one | $8-15 |
| 🚌One-way local transport | $0.50-1.50 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🏨1 night in guesthouse | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Oltenia experience
- Friendly locals and welcoming hospitality
- Affordable costs and simple, comforting cuisine
- Close to Craiova for city excursions and larger services
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options in the village
- Public transport can be sparse locally; best with a car
- Fewer medical facilities in Poiana Mare; rely on Craiova for major services
- Rural infrastructure may affect road conditions in winter
- "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
- "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
- "Vă rog" - Please
- "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
- "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Vorbiți engleză?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ruta spre Craiova, vă rog" - Route to Craiova, please
Places to Visit in Poiana Mare
Visit one of these nice places.
A traditional lanescape with stone walls, wooden gates, and flowering window boxes—ideal for candid village life and morning light.
An old Orthodox church featuring simple frescoes and a bell tower, perfect for architectural and detail shots.
Panoramic views of the Oltenia plain with farmland patchwork and distant ridges, especially vibrant at sunrise or sunset.
Open fields framed by hedgerows and distant groves; golden-hour lighting enhances textures and color contrast.
Food in Poiana Mare
Poiana Mare Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cabbage rolls stuffed with pork and rice, served with cornmeal porridge (mămăligă) and a dollop of smântână.
Must-Try!
Tangy tripe soup seasoned with vinegar and sour cream, often enjoyed as a robust starter.
Polenta topped with fresh cheeses and sour cream, a quintessential rustic dish.
Roasted vegetable spread (eggplant, peppers, tomatoes) enjoyed on crusty bread.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly markets with fresh produce, dairy, and homemade preserves; great for sampling seasonal specialties and meeting farmers.
Larger market nearby with a wide array of cheeses, sausages, honey, and street snacks; ideal for picking up picnic ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is common. Use polite forms like domnule/domnișoară and a respectful tone with elders.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; remove hats indoors and speak softly in religious spaces.
If invited to a home, bringing a small gift (e.g., pastries or wine) is appreciated; accepting hospitality with gratitude is important.
Respect local quiet hours, especially in smaller villages; avoid loud music in public spaces late at night.
Safety
Tipping in Poiana Mare
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and guesthouses, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is good. Rounding up the bill is common in smaller establishments.
Cash in RON is widely accepted in rural areas; major cards are common in Craiova and larger venues. ATMs are available in towns nearby; some remote spots may require cash on arrival.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with fresh greenery; late rains can make trails muddy, so bring waterproof footwear and a light rain jacket.
Warm to hot days; thunderstorms are possible in the afternoons. Stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for morning hours.
Harvest season brings cooler days and colorful landscapes; ideal for photography and countryside walks. Pack layers for cooler evenings.
Cold temperatures and potential snow; some rural roads may be slow or closed. Bring warm clothing, and expect shorter daylight hours.
Poiana Mare at Night
Hiking in Poiana Mare
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic loop around the village with gentle ascents, offering panoramic views of the Oltenia plain.
A mellow trail along a nearby stream, suitable for easy day hikes and birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Poiana Mare by plane.
The closest major airport, about 40–60 km from Poiana Mare; provides connections to Bucharest and select European destinations. Car or taxi transfer is typical to reach Poiana Mare.
A regional hub with extensive international connections; usually reached by train or road from Craiova for further travel into Dolj County.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Romanian residents, many with deep ties to farming and local traditions.
A presence in some areas, contributing to cultural diversity; interactions are generally friendly with mutual respect.
Some families host seasonal workers during harvest periods, contributing to the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, widely played in villages and towns with local clubs and informal matches.
Common at school and community levels; regional teams compete in national leagues.
Runners and cyclists take advantage of rural roads and scenic routes.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Poiana Mare.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be adapted; look for mămăligă-based plates with cheese and sour cream, vegetable stews, and fresh salads. Communicate clearly with the staff about avoiding meat and broth-based soups.