Craiova

As of June 2026, Craiova, Târgu Jiu, Drobeta-Turnu Severin have 250 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 16% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Craiova generates lei27K per year. High-performing properties earn lei61K/year, while low-performing properties earn lei9K/year. This wide disparity suggests that market returns are highly sensitive to specific listing attributes rather than broad market trends, as top-tier earners capture significantly more value despite the current 13% decline in overall revenue.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Craiova. Average annual revenue is lei27K with 23% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to lei61K/year. The gap between average and high-performing revenue indicates that while the broader market faces a revenue contraction, select listings maintain strong performance, likely due to localized demand capture.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Craiova is 23%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of lei346, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of lei60 per day.

2-bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Craiova, with annual revenue of lei34K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Craiova market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Craiova area. Craiova: Lenient. No specific STR regulations, general tourism registration exists but rarely enforced. Most hosts operate informally. Târgu Jiu: Lenient. Minimal oversight, tourism permits theoretically required but seldom checked. Informal operations common. Drobeta-Turnu Severin: Lenient. Limited STR activity, basic business registration suggested but enforcement minimal. Hosts operate with little oversight. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Craiova Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing oversaturated conditions. Supply has grown 16% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 13%. This indicates supply growth outpacing demand, pressuring returns. The rising inventory levels suggest that new hosts are entering a tightening environment where market share is becoming increasingly difficult to acquire.

Launch around September, 2-3 months before peak fall season (December peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 29% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (May-February) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Craiova listings include: Tv (99%), Kitchen (97%), Air Conditioning (91%), Washing Machine (87%), Heating (80%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Air Conditioning, Pets Allowed, Ev Charger, with Air Conditioning properties earning approximately 55% more (lei55K/year vs lei35K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Craiova over the last 12 months: May: lei1K, June: lei1K, July: lei1K, August: lei2K, September: lei2K, October: lei2K, November: lei3K, December: lei5K, January: lei1K, February: lei727, March: lei841, April: lei2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Craiova is lei346, up 24% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average lei324/night, 2-bedroom properties average lei439/night, 3-bedroom properties average lei283/night, 4+ bedroom properties average lei272/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Craiova book an average of 17 days in advance, down 29% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 16 days, 2-bedroom: 22 days, 3-bedroom: 9 days, 4+ bedroom: 14 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Craiova Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 16%, revenue per listing decreased 13%, occupancy fell 17%, average nightly rates increased 24%, and lead time decreased 29%. These shifts reflect a transition toward short-notice bookings and price sensitivity, signaling a more reactive rather than proactive market environment for hosts.

In Craiova, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Saturday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 38% higher occupancy than weekdays.