Retezat, the oldest National Park in Romania, has recently been designated a PAN Park, together with 4 other European National Parks, and in 2000 was declared an Important Bird Area and Prime Butterfly Area for Europe.

The Retezat flora consists of over 1300 important species and covers a third of the entire Romanian flora. The list of plants and flowers to be seen is extensive but should include Epipactis, Orchis and Dactylorhiza Orchids, Hawkweeds, Ox-Tongue, Balsam species, Cottonsedge, Houseleek, Stonecrops, Saxifrage, Alpine Clematis, Brukentalia, Rattle species, Clover and Pea family, Iris genus, Gladiolus, Forget-me-nots, Ox-eye daisy, Millworts, Mezereon, Pinks, Transylvanian Hepatica, Rockcress, Spurges, Violet Flowers, Avens, John's Wort species, Cinqufoils, Speedwell species, Leek and Wild Garlic species and ferns such as Hart's Tongue and Lycopodium. In the alpine fields of Retezatul Mic there are over 30 species of butterfly and 100 species of moth. Butterfly likely to be seen include Clouded Apollo, Dark Green Fritillary and Blues such as Chequered, Swallowtail, Russian and Pearly Heaths. Accommodation in Cheile Butii hotel. Bird species inhabiting these high areas include Ring Ouzel, Gold and Fire Crests, Grey Headed and Spotted Woodpeckers, Grey and White Wagtails, Buzzards, Red-breasted Flycatcher, Scarlet Rosefinch and Crag Martin. We might also see Golden Eagles, Pergrine Falcon, European Eagle Owl, Tegman Owl and Pigmy Owl. Also inhabiting the mountains are various species of amphibians and reptiles such as Alpine, Common and Montandon Newt, Common and Yellow Bellied Toad, species of Frog and if lucky a Fire Salamander. Reptiles include Sand and Wall Lizard and Grass Snake.