Plizio Visual Lab
This traditional shepherd dish made of cornmeal cooked in sour cream is best found at local mountain huts (stâne).
A potent sheep cheese aged in fir bark or leather pouches, available directly from local producers.
A hearty meat stew prepared in the traditional shepherd style, excellent after a mountain hike.
Buy hand-knitted socks, vests, or rugs made from local sheep wool at the town market.
Look for natural syrups made from forest fruits (blueberries, raspberries) produced by locals.
The banks of the Gilort river on the outskirts provide cool and shady spots for a picnic.
Walk the first few kilometers of trails above the town for peace away from the Transalpina crowds.
Water temperature…
A new agro-food market, financed by the National Investment Company with two million euros, is being inaugurated in Novaci. The modern facility provides local producers with a dedicated space for selling goods and enhances the regional economy.
Novaci is a characterful town in Gorj County, widely known as the southern gateway to the Transalpina, Romania's highest paved road. Tucked away at the foothills of the Parâng Mountains along the Gilort River, the town features a rich history deeply intertwined with pastoralism and the tradition of transhumance. Many of its residents are descendants of 'Ungureni' shepherds, ethnic Romanians from Transylvania who crossed the mountains centuries ago to settle on the southern slopes. This heritage is still palpable in the town's culture, especially during the annual festival marking the departure of sheep to the high mountain pastures. In recent years, Novaci has transitioned into a significant tourism hub, serving as a primary base for travelers exploring the Southern Carpathians. The town provides a variety of mountain-style guesthouses and is a vital supply point for those heading towards the high-altitude resort of Rânca. Despite its modern role in regional tourism, Novaci remains a quiet, authentic community where traditional agricultural practices coexist with modern services, offering visitors a blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 41 | 48 | 56 | 87 | 98 | 86 | 61 | 58 | 64 | 54 | 53 |
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