The underrated European country with £1.70 pints and 24C in May

and affordable with a great mix of stunning natural , castles, beaches and rich in history, there is much to love about . From the vibrant city life of Bucharest to the mystical charm of Transylvania and the scenic Carpathian Mountains, there's so much to explore and enjoy in this European country. Now is the time to visit Romania before it gets more crowded, with tourism up 4.5% in 2024, reaching 14.26 million visitors, staying in apartments and short-term rentals, according to the Romanian National Institute of Statistics.

Famous for its association with Dracula, Transylvania is a region filled with villages, fortified churches and the stunning Carpathian Mountains that will transport you to another era. It is home to the Bran Castle, which is also called the Dracula Castle, and is one of the country's most famous landmarks.

While Bram Stoker never specifically mentioned the Bran Castle in his novel, the castle's dramatic, Gothic appearance and location in the Transylvanian countryside near the Carpathian Mountains have made it a highly popular connection to the legend.

In the beautiful capital city of Bucharest, visitors should explore the massive Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, and stroll through the lively cobbled streets of the Old Town, filled with cafés, galleries, and centuries-old churches.

The Carpathian Mountains provide a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with stunning forests, wildlife and breathtaking views, while the Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a paradise for birdwatching and boat trips through tranquil, reed-filled channels.

To step back in time, the medieval towns of Sighioara, Sibiu, and Braov are must-sees, with cobbled streets, colourful houses, and the enchanting Pele Castle, a Neo-Renaissance palace which is said to be the first European castle to have electricity and central heating.

For some relaxation and a dose of sea air, head to Romania's beautiful Black Sea coast, where you'll find golden beaches, and seaside resorts like Mamaia.

Other notable beaches include Constanta Beach, Corby Beach, Plaja de Carte, and Sulina Beach.

Despite being just a three-hour flight from the UK, you can expect daytime maximum temperatures of 24C in Romania in May, according to Weather2Travel, which makes it the perfect spring destination to unwind by the coast and soak in the country's fascinating history and landscapes.

What makes it even more attractive, is its affordability. Expect to pay just £1.67 for a pint and £7.5 for a meal in an inexpensive restaurant, according to the .

One TripAdvisor user wrote: "Bucharest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and very relaxed walking
It has huge and beautiful parks as well as many well-preserved old buildings."

Another user from Staffordshire wrote: "If you are visiting Bucharest, you have to check out Old Town. It has something for everyone, loads of clubs, pubs, cafés, and restaurants.

"It is packed with fantastic architecture, walking tours, gift and souviner shops, book stores, and museums. It's a fun place to walk around, take in the sights and interact with many people."

A Reddit user also said about Romania: "It's one of the most slept-on countries in Europe in my opinion - loads of history, spectacular nature, good food, and impressively affordable by EU standards last summer. It's one of the most slept-on countries in Europe in my opinion - loads of history, spectacular nature, good food, and impressively affordable by EU standards."