Things To Do
in Scorniceşti

Scornicești is a rural commune in Olt County, Romania, known as the birthplace of Nicolae Ceaușescu and a quiet center of Oltenia's farming landscape. The town sits along rolling farmland with patches of woodland and gentle hills, offering a calm base to explore southern Romania. Visitors can glimpse traditional village life, historic sites, and rural markets that showcase local produce.

While small, Scornicești is well placed for day trips to Craiova, Slatina, and the Olt River valley.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Scorniceşti
morning
:

Arrive at Scorniceşti, a quaint village known for its historical significance. Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a delicious Romanian breakfast featuring local specialties. Take a leisurely stroll around the village to absorb the charming atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Nicolae Ceaușescu Memorial Complex, where you can explore the museum that details the life of the former Romanian leader. As you walk through the exhibition, you'll gain insight into the country's intriguing past. Afterward, relax in one of the village's parks, soaking up the peaceful surroundings.

evening
:

Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local eatery, where you can savor traditional dishes like sarmale and mămăligă. Engage with locals and learn about their customs and stories over a warm meal. Cap off your evening with a stroll under the stars, taking in the quiet charm of Scorniceşti.

day 2
Exploring Historical Landmarks
morning
:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading out to visit the Scorniceşti Monastery. This serene place offers a glimpse into local religious history as you admire its architecture and peaceful gardens. Take time to reflect and enjoy the tranquil environment.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby town of Slatina to explore the Olt County Museum. Here, you can view artifacts that showcase the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Spend the afternoon wandering through Slatina's streets, soaking in the local atmosphere and grabbing a coffee at a quaint café.

evening
:

Return to Scorniceşti for dinner at a family-run restaurant that serves delightful Romanian cuisine. Share stories with fellow travelers about your day’s endeavors and what you’ve learned about the region. Wind down with a night walk, enjoying the village’s quietude under the night sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee$1-3
🛏️Hostels or budget hotel per night$15-25
🚌Local transport ticket$0.5-1
🧀Dairy or basic groceries$2-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich rural and historical atmosphere with easy access to Oltenia's countryside
  • Relatively affordable prices and warm, welcoming locals
  • Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale tourist facilities
  • Public transport options can be sparse outside the main towns
  • "Bună ziua" - Hello / Good day
  • "Mulțumesc" - Thank you
  • "Vreau să merg la..." - I would like to go to...
  • "Cât costă?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Unde este toaleta?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Scorniceşti

Visit one of these nice places.

Casa Memorială Nicolae Ceaușescu

Exterior photography of the birthplace museum, a marker of 20th-century Romanian history.

St. Nicholas Orthodox Church

A traditional church with white walls and a wooden bell tower, ideal for architectural shots.

Scornicești Village Square

Cobbled square with local life, benches, and seasonal activity; best during golden hour.

Olt River viewpoints

Riverside views with farmland and hills in the distance, especially striking at sunrise or sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Scorniceşti

Romanian countryside cuisine blends hearty grains, dairy, vegetables, and meat; in Scornicești you’ll find simple, comforting dishes made with local ingredients.

Scorniceşti Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ciorbă de burtă

Tripe soup, typically sour with borș, served with garlic croutons and sour cream.

Must-Try!

Mămăligă cu brânză și smântână

Polenta with cheese and sour cream; a staple accompaniment or a main with toppings.

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, simmered in tomato and herbs.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Piața Centrală Scornicești

A small market for fresh produce, dairy, bread, and locally produced goods; best in the morning.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a temperate-continental climate with four distinct seasons: hot summers, cold winters, and mild springs and autumns. Summers can reach into the 30s Celsius, while winters may drop below freezing with light snow. Rain is possible year-round, with slightly wetter periods in spring and autumn. Overall, dress in layers and be prepared for changing conditions.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with 'Bună ziua' (hello) or 'Bună dimineața' (good morning); a handshake is common.

Church etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting churches; remove hats for women and keep voices quiet.

Respect for history

Be respectful near the Ceaușescu birthplace and other historical sites.

Language

Romanian is spoken; learning a few phrases helps during conversations.

Safety Guide

Safety

Scornicești is generally safe with low crime rates for a rural area. Typical precautions include safeguarding valuables in crowded markets and on public transportation, and driving carefully in winter road conditions. Emergency numbers in Romania: 112 (EU-wide).

Tipping in Scorniceşti

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants and cafes, rounding up or leaving a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service is good. In small towns, cash tips are common.

Payment Methods

Cash (RON) is widely accepted; many shops take cards in larger establishments; ATMs are available in the town center.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with long evenings; stay hydrated, use sun protection, and enjoy outdoor markets and evening strolls.

Autumn

Mild daytime temperatures and colorful countryside; harvest markets increase, skies can be dramatic with autumn rain.

Winter

Cold and possible snow; shorter days; indoor attractions and warm cafes are appealing.

Spring

Mild temperatures and fresh greenery; April showers are common, great for photography and gentle walks.

Nightlife Guide

Scorniceşti at Night

Nightlife in Scornicești is modest and centered on village bars and cafes; during warmer months locals gather in the town square or at outdoor terraces, occasionally with live local music or village events.

Hiking in Scorniceşti

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Olt River Valley Trail

Riverside route with farmland and light woodland; easy to moderate difficulty, suitable for all travelers.

Getic Plateau foothill walk

Gentle ridge walk offering views across Oltenia's countryside; good for a half-day hike.

Forest trails near the outskirts

Short woodland paths ideal for a nature break and birdwatching.

Airports

How to reach Scorniceşti by plane.

Craiova International Airport (CRA)

Approximately 90-120 km west; major domestic and some international connections; best accessed by road or rail from Scornicești.

Bucharest Henri Coandă International (OTP)

Romania's busiest airport, about 210-230 km northeast; connect via highway or rail to Craiova and Scornicești.

Sibiu International Airport (SBZ)

Around 180-200 km northwest; fewer direct flights but feasible with rail/road transfer.

Getting Around

Walkability

Scornicești is small and walkable in the village center, with most sights reachable on foot. Roads to surrounding areas are navigable by car or local bus services; expect a relaxed, low-traffic environment ideal for strolls in the center and around the market area.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families and farmers

Predominant group; many residents work in agriculture or nearby towns.

Elderly population

A noticeable share of retirees living in the rural area.

Roma community

Present in the region; contributes to the cultural diversity of the area.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport; local teams and school leagues are common; easy to watch in nearby towns or at regional facilities.

Handball

Common in schools and clubs; urban and rural communities host local matches.

Basketball

Youth and amateur leagues; local courts may host informal games and events.

Transportation

Traffic

Road traffic in Scornicești is light; best transport is car or local bus connections to bigger towns. Roads can be two-lane and narrower in rural areas, so plan extra travel time. In winter, snow and ice can affect driving; check local conditions before heading out.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Scorniceşti.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

In Scornicești, vegetarian options include dairy-based dishes, polenta, vegetables, and bean soups; communicate preferences in Romanian, e.g., 'Sunt vegetarian'.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available locally; for more advanced care or specialized hospitals, travel to Slatina or Craiova. EU citizens with valid health coverage can access services accordingly, and private clinics are available in larger nearby towns.

Discover Romania

Read more in our Romania 2025 Travel Guide.

Romania Travel Guide