Dj Travel Guide

Călărași County (județ Călărași, abbreviated CL in Romanian administrative shorthand — note that 'DJ' is the abbreviation for Dolj County, another county in Romania) sits in the southern part of the country, in the Muntenia historical region, bordering Bulgaria across the Danube River. The landscape is predominantly flat, part of the Bărăgan Plain, and is dominated by agriculture, waterways, and small rural communities.

The county seat is Călărași city, a modest Danubian town with some light industry and local commerce. The Danube and its associated lakes and wetlands give the area ecological value, with fishing and birdwatching possible along the riverbanks and floodplain areas.

Important clarification for travelers: In Romanian county codes, 'DJ' stands for Dolj County, not Călărași. Dolj County is located in Oltenia, in southwestern Romania, with its capital at Craiova — one of Romania's larger cities. This guide covers Dolj (DJ) County. Craiova is a significant regional hub with universities, museums, a major football club, and improving transport links.

Visas and Entry

Romania is a member of the European Union and, as of 2024, has joined the Schengen Area (for air and sea travel). Entry requirements vary by nationality. For accurate, current visa information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Romanian Immigration Inspectorate website.

Health

No special vaccinations are typically required for travel to Romania from most Western countries, but confirm current requirements with your own health authority before departure. Standard travel health insurance is strongly recommended. Pharmacies (farmacie) are widely available in Craiova and larger towns.

What to Pack

• Summers in Dolj are hot and dry; lightweight clothing and sun protection are essential.
• Winters can be cold with occasional snow; warm layers are necessary November through February.
• Comfortable walking shoes are useful for exploring Craiova's older neighborhoods and parks.
• Some cash in RON is advisable; card acceptance is growing but not universal in smaller towns and markets.

By Air

Craiova International Airport (CRA) serves Dolj County and connects to several European cities, including Bucharest, with seasonal and scheduled flights. Verify current routes and carriers directly with the airport or flight aggregators, as services change.

By Train

Craiova is a major rail junction in southern Romania, with regular InterCity and Regio services connecting to Bucharest, Timișoara, and other key cities. CFR Călători (Romanian State Railways) operates these routes — check timetables and book tickets at cfrcalatori.ro or at station ticket offices.

By Road

Dolj County is accessible via national roads (DN) and European routes. Road quality varies; some secondary routes in rural areas can be poor. The A1 motorway provides a faster connection toward Pitești and Bucharest from the eastern side of Oltenia, though full motorway coverage to Craiova was still being extended — verify current road conditions locally or via Infotrafic.ro.

By Bus

Intercity coach services connect Craiova with Bucharest and other cities. Operators and schedules change; use autogari.ro to check current routes and timetables.

Within Craiova, public transport consists of buses and trams operated by the local authority. Timetables and route maps are available at stops and through the city's transport authority — verify current information locally.

For travel between Craiova and smaller towns or villages within Dolj County, local buses and minibuses (microbuze) are the main options, though schedules can be infrequent. Renting a car is the most flexible option for rural exploration; international rental companies and local agencies operate in Craiova, including at the airport.

Taxis are available in Craiova; use apps such as Bolt or Uber where available, or request taxis through established local companies to avoid overcharging. Confirm the fare or that the meter is running before departure.

Craiova City

• Museum of Oltenia (Muzeul Olteniei): One of the most important regional museums in southern Romania, covering natural history, archaeology, history, and ethnography across several buildings. Verify opening hours and admission fees on-site or via the museum's official channels.
• Madona Dudu Church (Cathedral): A notable Orthodox cathedral in the city center, important to local religious life.
• Jean Mihail Art Museum (Casa Băniei / Casa Jean Mihail): Houses a collection of Romanian and European fine art, including works associated with the sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, who was born in Gorj, a neighboring county, and has ties to the Oltenia region.
• Nicolae Romanescu Park: A large, landscaped public park considered one of the most beautiful in Romania. Designed in the English landscape style in the late 19th century, it features a lake, bridges, and walking paths.

Nature and the Surrounding County

• The Jiu River runs through Craiova and the county; the river valley to the north offers some scenic rural landscapes.
• Villages in Dolj County preserve traditional architecture and crafts; the area around Segarcea is known for wine production.
• Birdwatching and fishing along the Danube floodplain to the south of the county are possible; local guides are advisable for accessing remote wetland areas.

Oltenian cuisine — the regional cooking of Dolj and surrounding counties — tends to be hearty and based on local produce. Expect dishes featuring pork, polenta (mămăligă), fresh and fermented cheeses, bean soups (ciorbă de fasole), and seasonal vegetables. Grilled meats (mici — spiced minced-meat rolls — and various pork cuts) are common at restaurants and street stalls.

Wine is an important part of local culture. The Segarcea wine-producing area within Dolj County has a long tradition; local restaurants often stock regional wines. Țuică (plum brandy) is a traditional spirit offered as a welcome drink in many rural settings.

Craiova has a range of restaurants from traditional Oltenian cooking to pizza and international fare. Markets (piețe) in the city sell fresh local produce, cheeses, and preserved goods and are worth visiting for an authentic sense of daily life. Always check current opening hours locally.

Money

RON (Romanian Leu) is the only currency. ATMs are readily available in Craiova; less so in smaller villages. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets; carry cash for markets, smaller eateries, and rural areas.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage is good in Craiova and along main roads; rural areas may have gaps. EU roaming rules apply to EU-registered SIM cards. Local SIM cards are available at phone shops and some convenience stores.

Emergency Numbers

• General emergency (ambulance, fire, police): 112 (EU standard)
• Always verify additional local contacts upon arrival.

Language Tips

Romanian is the sole official language. In Craiova, some English is spoken at hotels and by younger residents, but knowledge is limited outside tourist-facing businesses. Learning a few basic Romanian phrases (mulțumesc — thank you; scuze — excuse me; vă rog — please) is appreciated.

Dolj County and Craiova are generally safe destinations for travelers. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) can occur in busy public spaces, markets, and on public transport — standard urban precautions apply.

Road safety deserves attention: some rural roads are in poor condition, livestock may appear on roads outside towns, and driving standards can differ from what visitors are accustomed to. Drive defensively and avoid driving at night on unlit rural roads where possible.

Stray dogs remain present in some areas of Romania, including rural parts of Dolj County. Avoid approaching stray animals; seek medical attention promptly if bitten.

Consult your home country's official travel advisory for Romania before departure for current risk assessments.

Dolj County sits within the Oltenia cultural region, which has a distinct identity within Romania — its own dialects, folk music, crafts, and traditions. Orthodox Christianity plays a central role in community life; religious holidays and local saints' days are widely observed.

Traditional dress, music (including the doina style of folk song), and crafts such as weaving and pottery are still practiced and celebrated at local festivals. If your visit coincides with a local festival or market day, these are excellent opportunities to experience regional culture authentically.

Craiova is associated with significant Romanian cultural figures and has a strong university presence, giving it a somewhat more cosmopolitan feel than many towns of its size. The local football club, FC Universitatea Craiova, commands passionate local support — attending a match can be a vivid cultural experience, though check fixture schedules and the atmosphere for your visit.