National Parks

Vâlcea County also stands out in terms of national parks, with two such protected natural areas within its borders: Cozia National Park and Buila-Vânturarița National Park, which offer a variety of recreational activities, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers and hikers.

Cozia National Park covers an area of approximately 17,000 hectares and is located in the central-northern part of Vâlcea County, in the Cozia Mountains, which are part of the Southern Carpathians. The park is known for its diverse mountainous terrain, with towering peaks such as Cozia Peak (1,668 meters), as well as for its spectacular gorges, including the Olt Valley. The vegetation consists of deciduous and coniferous forests, and the fauna is varied, with wild animals such as the brown bear, wolf, lynx, and chamois. In addition to its natural landscapes, the park is home to important religious sites, such as Stânișoara Monastery and Turnu Hermitage.

Although less well-known, Buila-Vânturarița National Park is extremely picturesque. Located in the central part of the Căpățânii Mountains, with an area slightly exceeding 4,000 hectares, it is the smallest national park in the country but compensates with rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. Buila-Vânturarița National Park is a refuge for many rare or protected plant and animal species. The flora is rich and diverse, with special species adapted to limestone soils and varying altitudes, while the fauna includes birds of prey such as the golden eagle and the tawny owl.