One of the most affordable countries in Europe, Romania, is being hailed as the next big destination for walkers. Following its recent inclusion in the Schengen area, interest in this eastern European gem has surged, reports the Mirror.

With its warm summer weather, lush and expansive countryside, and cost-effectiveness compared to neighbouring countries, Romania has a lot to offer. This week, a specific region of the country was featured onIntrepid Travel's Not Hot List, which showcases ten global locations that are currently under-visited. Romania's entry this year is Via Transilvanica. Known as the 'Camino of the East', the 1,400 km long-distance walking trail is positioning Romania as Europe's upcoming premier walking destination.

The trail, initiated by Intrepid Foundation partner Tasuleasa Social Association and dubbed 'the road that unites', is intentionally designed to connect travellers with lesser-known communities and distribute the economic benefits of tourism more broadly.

The route takes visitors through quaint villages, ancient forests, and 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. As visitor numbers increase, now is the ideal time for the nation to consider its approach to sustainable tourism.

Romania welcomed a staggering 7.1 million international visitors in 2024, and with the addition of 170 km of new paths set to open in 2026, the country is gearing up for an even bigger influx of tourists. This marks the first phase of a larger 20-year expansion plan to extend the Via Transilvanica trail beyond its original footprint, broadening its reach across Romania.

Travel times have been made smoother thanks to Romania's 2025 Schengen debut that eliminated border checks with its European neighbours, and new flight routes from Birmingham to Sibiu have ushered in a new era of travel for the region.

Anna Szekely, vice-president of the Tasuleasa Social Association, said: "This slow-travel route isn't just scenic, it's built to revive depopulated villages, support local enterprise and give visitors a rare chance to experience traditions that feel untouched by time.

"For us, hospitality means creating genuine meeting points between hikers and locals - places where shared meals, old stories and the rhythm of rural life are as much a part of the journey as the miles walked."

Intrepid's new 11-day Hiking in Romania via Transilvanica Trail trip gives travellers early access to some of the newly added sections of the trail.

"Hike to spiritual sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sucevita and Moldovita monasteries and explore Bran Castle, linked to the Dracula legend. Enjoy the occasional homemade dinner and local wine with residents living in small villages along the trail and learn about each community's culture."

Intrepid's 2026 Not Hot List features

• Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone


• Tien Shan Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan


• Sierra Norte, Mexico


• Vis Island, Croatia


• Gaziantep, Türkiye


• Arunachal Pradesh, India


• Via Transilvanica, Romania


• Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador


• Oulu, Finland


• Great Basin National Park, Nevada, US