Beat the heat: Ten cool places near Bucharest to escape the city's stifling summer days

Living in Bucharest may be more than a bit suffocating and unpleasant during hot summer days, when temperatures can go up to 37 degrees Celsius. That is why most Bucharesters choose to go out of the capital during summer holidays, or just for a few days during weekends. The seaside and the mountains may be the perfect places to refresh during summer months. However, if you only have a day or two to relax and want to spend less than an hour on the road, we’ve made a list of pools and touristic complexes located near Bucharest. Blueberry Pool by Ambasad’Or Events is a luxury alternative to the public pool complexes in Bucharest. Located in Otopeni, near Bucharest, the pool offers several facilities such as Jacuzzi, sun beds, leather sofas, hammocks, and cold drinks. The pool also hosts parties and other events. It stays open daily between 10:00 and 22:00. Ambasad’Or Events also offers a wide range of locations for private and business events, such as the New York, Monte Carlo, and Broadway ballrooms, the Ambasad’Or Garden and the Little Paris Restaurant. The complex also hosts weddings. Snagov Club is some 40-km from Romania’s capital, a 25-minute drive from the city. It might be a great choice for hot summer days due to its pool bar with palm trees, its Spa center, and the garden near the Snagov lake. If you plan to stay an entire weekend outside Bucharest, you can book a room at the club’s hotel. , don’t worry about the food as the complex has no less than three restaurants. During your stay at Snagov Club, you can stay inside and play rummy, bridge, and checkers with your friends in the Game Lounge, or go outside for a fun game of mini golf. You can also ride a boat on Snagov Lake, or rent a kayak or a bike. You can reach Snagov Club from Bucuresti- Ploiesti road (DN1 – E60). At km 33, take the road to Snagov Sat (DC2) for another 10 km, and follow the road signs saying Snagov Club. Greaca Domain is a 40-minute drive from Bucharest. Located in Giurgiu county, in a quiet area near Greaca village, the resort stretches over 32 hectares. It has a pool with two bars, Jacuzzi and outdoor fitness, two tennis courts, restaurants, and accommodation facilities. You can also ride an ATV, fish and hunt, or make a trip to the touristic objectives near the domain. If you plan to spend a weekend there with your family, don’t worry about the kids as the domain also has a special playground arranged for them. Saftica Resort is located just 5 km north of the Otopeni Airport, in Saftica village. Its Aqua del Mar pool, made of three circles with different facilities, might be a great choice for hot days. The pool’s first circle, with a depth of 80 cm, has a sofa in the water, while the second circle, with a depth of 150 cm, hosts the bar. The third circle is perfect for those who want to swim. The pool is open between 10:00 and 21:00 from Monday to Friday, and between 10:00 and 18:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost RON 20 per person Monday to Friday, and RON 40 in weekends. The resort also includes a hotel, a restaurant, and a wedding saloon.