Widely popular as a balnear and sky resort, Sinaia, nicknamed ôThe Pearl of the Carpathians,ö has a privileged geographical position: it lies on the upper Prahova Valley, about 120 km from Bucharest. Sinaia lies at a relatively low altitude (between 800 and 1200 m), at the foot of Mount Furnica, but the cable car service makes it possible for tourists to reach the 2000 m peaks such as VΓrful cu Dor, Furnica, Baiu Mare, Piatra Mare, and Omul. On the slopes of these mountains, sky and bobsleigh runs have been constructed, some extending for more than 15 km. The flowery meadows, the fir tree forests and caves (such as the Ialomicioara cave and the one at the Scropoasa Lake) contribute to one of the most pleasant natural landscapes in Europe. The mild humid climate is compensated by the ozone rich-air maintained by the coniferous woods that stretch down into the very town. Several hotels (the Palace, the Caraiman, the Pπltini║, the Sinaia, the Montana, the International, and the AlpinûCota 1400) and numerous villas and chalets welcome tourists all through the year.
