Madei Gorge
Cheile Madei Comuna Balșa HD
VISITING HOURS:
Daily: Non-Stop
Just a few kilometers from Geoagiu, in the heart of the village of Mada, lies a hidden gem: the Madei Gorge – a spectacular and little-traveled area where nature has carved its mark into stone and water. Spanning 10 hectares in the southeastern Metaliferi Mountains, this gorge is part of a nationally protected area and is best explored during dry seasons, when access is easier.
The trail often follows the course of the Balsa Valley, winding between towering limestone walls and cold, fast-flowing waters. The scenery is both wild and poetic: time-sculpted rock faces, quiet little grottos formed by water, and a unique mineral spring bubbling straight from the stone, naturally sparkling, refreshing, and slightly tangy. Climb toward the edge of the gorge and you’ll discover Pestera Zidita ("The Walled Cave"), home to bats and stunning formations of stalagmites and stalactites. Nearby cliffs reveal what locals call "casoaiele" – small, natural shelters carved into the rock face, resembling a forgotten amphitheater.
It’s the perfect place for a light adventure, a cool break in nature, and a moment of peaceful reflection. Just remember to leave it exactly as you found it.