PARC NATIONAL DE SEMENIC-CHEILE CARAŞULUI

The highest point in the Banat mountain range, with the Piatra Goznei peak at 1,447 m, the Semenic Mountains are perfect for hikes accessible to all. The Semenic-Caraș Gorges National Park covers an area of 36,624 ha. It is characterized by vast beech and fir forests distributed between modest river valleys and peaks over 1,200 m in altitude, peaks, dolines, gorges, plateaus, but also orchards and pastures. The altitude is therefore quite low, and Mediterranean influences are evident. There are 1,086 species of Mediterranean and Balkan plants living side by side. Invertebrates include 56 endemic species and 45 rare species. Vertebrate species include the horned viper, Europe's most venomous species, and birds of prey such as the short-toed eagle and the spotted eagle. Ten mammal species have been counted, including wolf, Carpathian deer and lynx. The park also boasts numerous caves, home to many endemic species. Interesting sites include the beautiful beech forest of the Izvoarele Nerei reserve and the Comarnic cave. The latter is located to the north of the Anina Mountains, on the left side of the Comarnic Valley, at 440 m altitude. It is the longest cave in the region (4,040 m). Its galleries are large and rich in stalagmites, the spectacle of which never fails to delight visitors.