
‘Enchanting' European city is a hidden gem with £1 pints and new £18 flights
It's barely even summer, but if you're already eyeing up an autumn getaway, Wizz Air has just announced a new route that won't break the bank.
The budget airline is launching twice-weekly flights from Birmingham to Sibiu, an 'enchanting' medieval city in central Romania, this October – with fares starting at just £17.99 one-way.
The historic city lies in the heart of Transylvania, a region famous for its vampire legends and Count Dracula.
The bloodthirsty character, popularised by Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, is based on Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia.
The 15th-century prince displayed 20,000 of his enemies impaled on sticks and happens to be a distant relative of King Charles III.
With fairytale streets, gothic architecture and an eerie atmosphere, it's essentially the perfect Halloween getaway.
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
And if the culture doesn't tempt you, the price of a beer might. Romania is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for alcohol, with pints in Sibiu costing as little as £1 in some bars, putting the UK's £5 average to shame.
So, what does this hidden gem actually offer?
Compared to other Romanian cities, like its capital, Bucharest, Sibiu is relatively small. And, despite attracting plenty of visitors, it is generally considered a hidden gem.
The medieval city is divided into two areas: the Upper Town and the Lower Town. The Upper Town is perched on a hill and was once home to aristocrats and the religious elite.
You'll find grand squares and palaces, and Saint Mary's Evangelical Cathedral, an imposing Gothic-style cathedral. The Lower Town was home to Craftsmen, Merchants and artists and is known for its colourful houses and cobblestone streets.
Transylvania's ties to Dracula often draw people to the region, and you can find links to the tale in Sibiu. The city is said to be the burial place of Dracula's son, 'Cel Rau' (the Evil One).
It's a secret that very few people know when visiting, according to Visit Sibiu. It's said he was assassinated outside Sibiu's Evangelical Church in Piata Huet and buried there.
Visitors have described Sibiu as both enchanting and eerie, and a large reason for this is its architecture.
Across the town, you'll find dozens of houses with small dormers that look like half-open eyelids. The unique feature has earned Sibiu the nickname 'The City with Eyes'.
Most were built in the 19th century; however, some date back to the 15th century. Legends say they were built to frighten people, making them believe they are being watched. But they actually just act as a ventilation system for the houses' attics.
Either way, they're definitely a little unsettling and Big Brother-esque.
After all that exploring, you'll likely want to get off your feet. And there are plenty of bars and traditional restaurants to do so.
Eastern Europe is known for having affordable beer prices compared to Western Europe, and Sibiu is no exception. Recent research by Finder ranked Romania as the tenth cheapest place to enjoy a pint in Europe.
The price of a glass of beer costs just £1.85, significantly lower than the average London pint at £6.75.
If you're after some sunshine, the best time to visit Sibiu is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant.
Temperatures can reach up to 30 ° C during the summer months (July and August), however, these are the busiest months. So, if you don't like sweltering crowds, perhaps consider a different time.
The shoulder seasons (April and May) and autumn (September and October) can offer tourists some respite from crowds. The weather is still pleasant, but there are typically fewer people visiting.
So, maybe bag yourself some Wizz Air flights for October.
Sibiu is a great destination for those looking for a cheap city break. You can find accommodation for less than £40 per night.
The Ibis Styles is a budget-friendly option for travellers, with prices starting at £35 per night on Booking.com.
But, if you're looking for something a bit more luxe, the four-star Continental Forum has rooms for £70 per night, set in a historic building in the centre of Sibiu.
There are also plenty of options in the city's old town. The Pension Casa Frieda, an 18th-century building converted into a guesthouse, has rooms for £35 a night, while Hotel Casa Luxemburg, located amongst Sibiu's medieval streets, has rooms for £60 a night. More Trending
Sibiu is a great place to tick off when exploring the wider Transylvania region, so many travellers will stay for 24 hours or less before heading on to other destinations.
If that's the kind of break you're after, it's a two-hour drive from Brașov, another medieval city located in the Carpathian Mountains, that's known for its Saxon walls and Gothic churches.
Sibiu is also close to Bran, the ultimate Dracula destination. The commune is just two hours away and is the home to the gothic Bran Castle – a popular tourist destination famously marketed as 'Dracula's Castle' despite the fact it has no real connection to Bram Stoker's novel.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Major European holiday destination opens e-gates to British travellers just in time for summer
MORE: Devastated and broken, I headed to the Himalayas to heal my heartbreak
MORE: I was cabin crew for 26 years — here's how we handle emergencies at 30,000 feet
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
This coastal city break has ancient walls, beaches and flights from Cardiff
This coastal city break has ancient walls, beaches and flights from Cardiff This incredible UNESCO World Heritage city has beaches and cobbled streets, and you can fly there from Cardiff The city is also well known as the main filming location in Croatia for King's Landing in HBO's smash series Game of Thrones. (Image: Portia Jones ) Croatia has exploded as a holiday hotspot in recent years, and no trip to this sun-soaked destination is complete without a visit to the historic city of Dubrovnik, affectionately dubbed the City of 1,000 Monuments, and possibly where Richard the Lionheart was cast ashore after a shipwreck in 1192. Dubrovnik draws vast crowds with its distinctive Old Town, where massive stone walls, completed in the 16th century, still encircle the historic city. Visitors can admire its well-preserved architecture, from the baroque St. Blaise Church to the Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector's Palace, which now houses a history museum. The city is also well known as the main filming location in Croatia for King's Landing in HBO's smash series Game of Thrones. This UNESCO World Heritage site is just a three-hour flight from the UK, and you can fly there from Cardiff Airport with TUI. Here's how to make the most of a city break to the "Pearl of the Adriatic" From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here Walk the city walls Walking Dubrovnik's city walls is the best way to get a birds-eye view of the old town and learn more about its fascinating history. (Image: Wales Online ) Walking Dubrovnik's city walls is the best way to get a birds-eye view of the old town and learn more about its fascinating history. Article continues below The full circuit of the 24m-high and 6m-thick walls is a 2-kilometre walk. Dubrovnik's city walls walk offers a range of views, including battlements, patchwork red roofs and fortresses. From up here, you'll get a seriously epic view of the coastline. The Adriatic sparkles below, and it's so unspoilt that the scene today isn't all that different from what Franciscan monks, Roman emperors, the Venetian navy, even Napoleon would've seen when they scanned the horizon for approaching enemies. Dubrovnik has a fascinating history; it was a powerful merchant republic that engaged in extensive trade and was a pioneer in the fight against slavery, officially banning it in 1416. A jealous Venice also invaded the city in the 12th century. It became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1815 and then became part of Yugoslavia. Dubrovnik sustained substantial shelling during the 1991-1995 war, and you can still see war damage in Dubrovnik to this day. To gain a deeper insight into the city's history as you traverse the imposing walls, book a Dubrovnik walking tour with a qualified and knowledgeable guide. By booking a Dubrovnik walking tour in advance, you can experience Dubrovnik's old town with a professional local tourist guide licensed by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism. Go on a Game of Thrones tour Fort Lovrijenac in Dubrovnik- the setting for The Red Keep in King's Landing (Image: Thinkstock/Getty ) Several locations in Croatia were used for Thrones filming, but historic Dubrovnik was the main filming location for King's Landing (the Lannister's stronghold in Game of Thrones) and has become synonymous with the franchise. Facing out over the azure blue Adriatic Sea, with imposing stone walls and a mix of Baroque and Renaissance architecture, it certainly evokes a fantasy epic vibe. Locations across the city have been used for GOT filming, including The Pile Gate (the entrance to the Old Town), which was featured in Season Two Episode Six, where an angry crowd attacks horrid King Joffrey. The Jesuit Staircase was used as the 'steps of the Great Sept of Baelor' in King's Landing. This is where one of the most famous scenes in season five took place, the 'Walk of Shame'. In this shocking scene, Cersei Lannister is forced to walk naked through the streets of King's Landing. ToursByLocals offers a comprehensive five-hour Game of Thrones Tour Experience for super fans who want to see many of the filming locations. Visit Fort Lovrjenac - the Red Keep, take a ferry to Lokrum island – the City of Qarth and visit the Game of Thrones Museum on this whirlwind tour. Head to the beach For a city, Dubrovnik has a surprising variety of beaches (Image: Getty Images ) For a city, Dubrovnik has a surprising variety of beaches, ranging from pebble, gravel, stone, and concrete, where you can swim, kayak, and sunbathe near clear waters. Some of the popular options include Banje Beach, renowned for its proximity to the Old Town and impressive views, and Sveti Jakov Beach, which offers a peaceful escape with crystal-clear waters and stunning sunset views. Make sure to watch the sun go down at one of Dubrovnik's many beach bars. The best bar for outdoor drinking in Dubrovnik is the uber-cool Buza bar, located on top of a secluded beach outside the city walls, with tables set among the rocks. This joint is known affectionately as the 'hole-in-the-wall', as to get to this unique bar, you have to go through a hole in the wall, ('buža' literally means 'hole'). Once you're on the other side, you can grab a drink at their cliffside bar and enjoy beautiful views of the Adriatic as you sink a cold beer or two. Have lunch in Dubrovnik's Restaurant Panorama Dubrovnik's Panorama Restaurant offers unparalleled views of the city's historic walls (Image: Portia Jones ) Dubrovnik's Panorama Restaurant offers unparalleled views of the city's historic walls. You can dine 415 meters up Mount Srdj at this contemporary restaurant. There are several ways to reach Dubrovnik's Panorama Restaurant. You can arrive on foot, by car or by cable car (the best option). The food is beautifully presented, allowing you to capture amazing #platedpics for your socials. The best time to visit Dubrovnik's Panorama Restaurant is in the winter, as you will have a better chance of securing a window seat. Fresh seafood and steak feature heavily on the menu. Local and seasonal produce is used where possible. It's pretty pricey, but that's to be expected with a view as magnificent as this. Go wine tasting Wine lovers should endeavour to visit Croatia's famous wine-growing region (Image: Elena Noviello via Getty Images ) Wine lovers should endeavour to visit Croatia's famous wine-growing region, Pelješac Peninsula. The Pelješac Peninsula area is approximately 90 minutes away from Dubrovnik and is home to some truly wonderful vineyards. Article continues below It's a beautiful drive from Dubrovnik with some stunning scenery. The Pelješac Peninsula is famous for its Croatian wines. Croatia is not really known for its wine internationally. The names of Croatian wines are complicated [try pronouncing 'Pošip' after several glasses of vino]. Production is often very small, and Croatian vineyards don't typically export their wines. So you'll get to sip lovely vinos that you wouldn't normally find at home. If you love a glass or two of wine, then it's definitely worth booking a Wine tasting tour of Pelješac. Visit family-owned wineries, chat with the winemakers, and sample a selection of stunning Croatian wines.


ITV News
5 hours ago
- ITV News
UK agrees free movement deal between Gibraltar and Spain
The UK Government has reached a post-Brexit deal on Gibraltar, allowing free movement between the UK overseas territory and Spain. It ends years of uncertainty for Gibraltan residents who faced the possibility of new hard-border controls, set to begin in November. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Now under the new deal, there will be a fluid border between Gibraltar and Spain, without passport checks for people crossing. It is a relief for the estimated 15,000 people, over half of Gibraltar's workforce, that cross the land border between Spain and Gibraltar every day. Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Gibraltar's chief minister met with EU and Spanish negotiators in Brussels on Wednesday, to get the deal over the line. Gibraltar airport will now have a Eurostar-style dual border control, carried out by Gibraltar and Spanish officials. Immigration and law and order in Gibraltar will remain the exclusive responsibility of Gibraltar's authorities. While Spanish officials will take responsibility for the Schengen Area in a model that mirrors French police operating in London's St Pancras station. The deal also includes a 'bespoke goods and customs model' for goods entering Gibraltar by land, avoiding the need for 'onerous checks'. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: "This government inherited a situation from the last government which put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat. "Today's breakthrough delivers a practical solution after years of uncertainty. "Alongside the Government of Gibraltar, we have a reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. "I thank the Chief Minister and his Government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as the Rock itself.' Gibraltar was not included in the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement negotiated by the Conservative government following Brexit. Instead, the previous government began negotiations in 2021 to reach a deal, but it remained unresolved until Wednesday. Gibraltar's Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would "protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty". "Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty." Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.


Reuters
10 hours ago
- Reuters
Syria requires women to wear burkinis on public beaches
DAMASCUS, June 11 (Reuters) - Syria's Islamist-led government has decreed that women should wear burkinis or other swimwear that covers the body at public beaches and swimming pools, while permitting Western-style beachwear at private clubs and luxury hotels. The tourism ministry decision issued this week marks the first time the Damascus authorities have issued guidelines related to what women can wear since Bashar al-Assad was toppled in December. During the Assad family's iron-fisted rule of Syria, which was shaped by a secular Arab nationalist ideology, the state imposed no such restrictions, though people often dressed modestly at public beaches, reflecting conservative norms. The new requirements were set out in a wider decree dated June 9 and which included public safety guidelines for beaches and swimming pools ahead of the summer, such as not spending too long in the sun and avoiding jellyfish. It said that beachgoers and visitors to public pools should wear "appropriate swimwear that respects public decency and the feelings of different segments of society", requiring "more modest swimsuits" and specifying "the burkini or swimming clothes that cover the body more". Women should wear a cover or a loose robe over their swimwear when moving between the beach and other areas, it said. Men should wear a shirt when not swimming, and are not allowed to appear bare-chested "in the public areas outside the swimming areas - hotel lobbies or ... restaurants", it said. The decree added that "in public areas outside the beaches and swimming pools", it was preferable to wear loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees and to avoid transparent or very tight clothing. It offered an exception for hotels classed as four stars or above, and for private beaches, pools and clubs, saying "normal Western swimwear" was generally permitted, "with adherence to public morals and within the limits of public taste". Since Sunni Islamist-led rebels overthrew Assad, fliers have appeared urging women to cover up, but the government has issued no directives ordering them to observe conservative dress codes. A temporary constitution passed earlier this year strengthened the language on the role of sharia (Islamic law) in Syria. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who led an al Qaeda group before cutting ties with the jihadist network, has sidestepped interviewers' questions on whether he thought Syria should apply sharia, saying this was for experts to decide.