Trying Villages
In a world of urban hustle and bustle, the villages of Banat area offer an oasis of peace and authenticity, a return to the roots and to a rhythm of life amidst nature and traditions.
Daniel Onea, 30.10.2025, 14:00
In a world of urban hustle and bustle, the villages of Banat area offer an oasis of peace and authenticity, a return to the roots and to a rhythm of life amidst nature and traditions. This region of Romania, rich in culture and landscapes, reveals its beauty to those willing to explore it beyond conventional tourist routes. Here, every village tells a story, every lane preserves memories, and every host is ready to share a piece of the soul of the place. Diversity is perhaps the word that best describes the rural Banat experience. From the hilly landscapes of the Făget Country to the endless expanses of steppe in western Timiș County, Banat surprises with its contrasts.
This variety is reflected not only in the landscape, but also in the culture, gastronomy and the range of activities. The ‘My Banat’ Association, led by Delia Sescu Barbu, has taken on the mission of promoting this heritage, creating bridges between travelers and local communities. One of the association’s core projects, “Trying Villages”, invites tourists to live authentic experiences, stay in local households and discover lesser-known, but charming places. It is an invitation to see beyond the established tourist attractions and to experience some of the charm of rural life.
Delia Sescu Barbu: “Diversity is the key word. Here, in Banat, the experience differs depending on where you stop. For example, in Margina, a commune in Făget Country, in eastern Timiș County, you can enjoy rides in horse-drawn carriages, explore a route of wooden churches or relish a traditional breakfast. It is a completely different world from what you will find in the west, in the steppe area, close to the Serbian border. There, in Otelec, we organize picnics in the magical landscape of the vast plain. You can reach Otelec either by boat on the Bega canal, a unique experience for a plain area, or by bike on the longest paved track in Romania, which connects Timișoara to Serbia. Here you will enjoy the hospitality of the Hungarian and Serbian communities and their specific gastronomy. No matter where you go, you will discover another side of Banat.”
Therefore, tourism in the Banat villages is a harmonious blend of relaxation, culture and adventure. And gastronomy plays a central role, being a vector of cultural identity. Projects such as “Banat Brunch” or thematic picnics bring to the fore old recipes, carefully preserved and prepared with ingredients from the locals’ own households. It is a sincere cuisine, which reflects the multiculturalism specific to the area, with Serbian, Hungarian and, of course, Romanian influences.
Delia Sescu Barbu: “Craftsmen are an integral part of each of our projects, whether we are talking about local gastronomic events or large-scale projects. One such project is the “Attractive Romania” gastronomic route, through which we connect craftsmen. They are part of the living heritage of each place. For example, at the picnic in the steppe area, we had young wood sculptors from LUN Design with us, who carry forward this craft. In Făget Country, in Margina, we have teacher Ciprian Mert, who not only makes opinci – in English peasant’s sandals, but also teaches children the Călușari dance. Thus, he passes on an essential part of the local heritage. Crafts represent an element of great interest for visitors. They are an essential component of the experience we offer.”
For those looking for unique experiences, rural Banat is full of surprises. One example is a home in Țara Făgetului, a place where hospitality takes on a new meaning. Here, the owners open not only their home, but also their hearts, offering visitors an authentic insight into rural life. These initiatives, says Delia Sescu Barbu, president of My Banat, are essential for the development of sustainable tourism, which supports local communities and preserves the charm of these places:
“It’s a special place, especially because in Banat people are usually more reluctant to open their homes to tourists, apart from conventional guesthouses. The house in Făget Country is a wonderful exception. It’s a beautiful story, with extraordinary hosts. At this location, which is actively promoted on social media, the owners offer guests various authentic experiences. It’s worth a try if you ever find yourselves in the area, especially since Făget Country is a region offering countless nature-related activities.”
The villages of Banat preserve their charm even in the colder seasons. The winter holidays, for example, are a wonderful opportunity to discover the local traditions. Christmas fairs held in historic locations, such as the Mocioni Manor, revive the atmosphere of old, with carols and home-made food. It’s the time of the year when the community comes together and shares the joy of the holidays with its guests, offering a warm and authentic alternative to the commercial hustle and bustle of the city.
“A great time to visit is the end of November and the beginning of December. In the village of Foeni, we will host here, at the Mocioni Manor, which was recently restored by the Timiș County Council, an event called Winter Holidays at the Mocioni Manor. Between November 28 and December 2, we will organise a Christmas fair where craftspeople from the area, including from the Serbian villages near the border, will hold interactive workshops and sell their products. Local holiday dishes will be made and the festive atmosphere will be complemented by carols sung by famous choirs from the region. It will be a time of authentic celebration in the west of Timiș county. We look forward to seeing you in Banat, especially during the winter holidays, which bring with it a warm atmosphere of closeness and kindness. It’s an excellent time for a visit. Timișoara has an airport, so access is easy from anywhere in the world. Whether you the flat land or the mountains, you will definitely find something to do here. Follow the My Banat association, and we will keep you updated with all the events and activities you can experience here, in addition to the rich cultural offer of the city.”
In conclusion, a visit to the villages of Banat is more than a simple holiday. It’s a foray into a rich cultural universe, a lesson in history and tradition, and an opportunity to support communities struggling to preserve their identity, as well as an invitation to rediscover authentic Romania, starting from the heart of Banat. (LS, CM)
