Who doesn’t love peonies? From the very beginning, the Attractive Romania program has had a deep attachment to this delicate and fleeting flower. It was chosen by our creative team to be part of the project’s logo, and its elegance has been reflected not only in our promotional materials but also in the events we organized. It has become a recurring symbol throughout our efforts to promote lesser-known destinations and landmarks across the country.

Since May 15th is officially dedicated to the Romanian peony, and because its blooming period is quite short, we thought we’d show you a few places in Romania where you can see these beautiful flowers in full bloom. It’s important to mention that the Romanian peony is a protected species, so picking or damaging the flowers is strictly forbidden. This is a perfect opportunity to get out into nature and enjoy some truly spectacular scenery — just don’t forget, peonies bloom for only a short while, so make the most of it!

A great starting point to admire blooming peonies is the Enisala Peony Reserve, located in Tulcea County. Set on Peony Hill, near the Enisala Fortress, this protected area turns into a stunning natural display in April and May, when wild peonies burst into bloom, covering the forest in a vibrant red.

The area is easily accessible via county road DJ222, exiting the village of Enisala toward Jurilovca. From there, a dirt road leads close to the forest, where you can park and continue on foot. The trail is easy to follow, with a gentle elevation gain of about 100 meters, and can be completed in around 30 minutes. In addition to the beauty of the blooming peonies, once you reach the top of the hill, you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Danube Delta and the surrounding area. It’s the perfect spot for a walk, a picnic, and a moment of pure delight.

Another spectacular place in Dobrogea where you can admire wild peonies in all their glory is the Măcin Mountains National Park. In May, the meadows and rocky slopes come alive with steppe peonies (Paeonia tenuifolia), a rare and protected species that draws nature lovers and photographers year after year. The marked trails in the area are suitable for hikers of all ages and offer not only a floral spectacle but also breathtaking views of the unique landscape of the Măcin Mountains – the oldest mountains in Romania. If you're looking for an authentic spring outing with fresh air, scenic views, and a burst of color, this is definitely a destination worth exploring.

Located in Plenița Forest, about 60 km from Craiova, this protected area covers more than 50 hectares and is home to the Romanian wild peony (Paeonia peregrina var. romanica), a legally protected species. In May, the forest meadows and clearings turn into a vibrant red carpet, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The reserve is easy to access, situated around 3 km from the village of Plenița, on the road toward Verbița and Oprișor. The trails in the area are easy to walk and perfect for a relaxing outing in nature. Every year, on the third Sunday of May, the village hosts the Peony Festival — a local event dedicated to celebrating this remarkable flower.

In April and May, the steppe peonies (Paeonia tenuifolia) bloom in Valea Botei, near the village of Zau de Câmpie in Mureș County, offering a truly impressive natural display. Their blooming period is short — usually between 7 and 10 days — so it’s best to plan your visit accordingly to catch them at their peak.

The reserve is easy to reach, located about 5 kilometers from the center of Zau de Câmpie. The road is suitable for most vehicles, and from there, a short walk will take you right into the heart of nature. Be sure to stick to the marked trails and follow the site’s rules to help protect this rare species and its habitat. While you're in the area, don't miss a visit to one of the most unique landmarks along the Attractive Romania Castle Route — the Ugron Castle, also known as the "calendar castle" due to its fascinating architectural symbolism.

Photo credits:
https://www.facebook.com/ciprian.cenan
https://www.facebook.com/DobrogeaExplore
https://www.facebook.com/iulian.radu2
https://www.facebook.com/magicromania
https://www.facebook.com/eugen.negoita