✓ Accommodations ✓ Flights ✓ Rental Cars ✓ Tours & Activities
Did you know Moldova is home to the world’s largest wine cellar? Mileștii Mici holds a staggering 2 million bottles in its 200km of underground tunnels, earning it a Guinness World Record. This hidden gem in Eastern Europe offers travelers a unique blend of wine culture, Soviet history, and untouched countryside that few tourists have discovered.
Sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova remains one of Europe’s least-visited countries, making it perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from crowded tourist destinations. From the vibrant capital of Chișinău to ancient monasteries and world-class wineries, Moldova packs surprising diversity into its modest borders.
Getting to Moldova
Chișinău International Airport serves as Moldova’s main gateway
Chișinău International Airport (KIV) is Moldova’s main gateway, with direct flights from major European cities including London, Rome, Paris, Istanbul, and Moscow. Flight times from most European capitals range from 2-3 hours, making Moldova surprisingly accessible.
Alternatively, you can reach Moldova by train from Bucharest (overnight service) or by bus from neighboring Romanian cities like Iași. For those driving, border crossings from Romania are straightforward, though rental car companies may have restrictions on cross-border travel.
Ready to explore Moldova?
Find the best flight deals to Chișinău from major European cities.
Best Time to Visit Moldova
Moldova enjoys a continental climate with distinct seasons. The best times to visit are spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when temperatures are pleasant and the countryside is at its most beautiful.
Autumn is particularly special as it coincides with the grape harvest and wine festivals. The National Wine Day, held annually on the first weekend of October in Chișinău, transforms the capital into a celebration of Moldovan winemaking traditions with tastings, folk music, and cultural performances.
Summer (July-August) can be quite hot with temperatures occasionally exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winters (November-March) are cold with occasional snowfall that can make rural travel challenging.
Getting Around Moldova
Moldova is a compact country, making it relatively easy to explore. The distance from north to south is only about 350km (217 miles), and many attractions are within day-trip distance of Chișinău.
Public Transportation
Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) connect most towns and villages, offering an affordable if sometimes cramped way to travel. Services are frequent between major destinations but may be limited to rural areas. Chișinău has an extensive network of trolleybuses, buses, and minibuses covering the city.
Trains in Moldova are limited and generally slower than road transport, though the Chișinău-Odesa and Chișinău-Bucharest routes can be interesting experiences for railway enthusiasts.
Rental Cars
Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore Moldova’s countryside and remote attractions at your own pace. Roads are generally decent on main routes, though rural roads may have potholes. Traffic is light outside Chișinău, making driving relatively stress-free for experienced drivers.
International driving permits are recommended alongside your regular license, and it’s advisable to book your rental in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore Moldova at your own pace
Find the best rental car deals for your Moldovan adventure.
Where to Stay in Moldova
Moldova offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. In Chișinău, you’ll find international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and budget-friendly hostels, with most concentrated in the city center near attractions and restaurants.
For a more authentic experience, consider staying at a rural guesthouse or agritourism complex in the countryside. These family-run establishments often include home-cooked meals featuring local specialties and wine from nearby vineyards.
Several wineries, including Château Purcari and Castel Mimi, offer on-site accommodation in beautiful settings among the vineyards, combining comfortable rooms with wine tasting opportunities.
Find your perfect stay in Moldova
Browse hotels, guesthouses, and unique accommodations across Moldova.
Moldova’s Best Things to Do and See
Explore Chișinău’s Parks and Museums
Moldova’s capital is a green city with tree-lined boulevards and numerous parks. Start at the central Cathedral Park (Parcul Catedralei) with its 19th-century Nativity Cathedral and bell tower. Nearby, you’ll find the Triumphal Arch and the statue of Stephen the Great, Moldova’s national hero.
The National Museum of History and Archaeology offers insights into Moldova’s complex past, while the National Museum of Art showcases both traditional and contemporary Moldovan artists. For a unique experience, visit the Pushkin Museum, housed in the cottage where the famous Russian poet lived during his exile.
Discover Underground Wine Kingdoms
Moldova’s wine culture dates back thousands of years, and its underground wine cellars are truly extraordinary. Mileștii Mici holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection, with 2 million bottles stored in 200km of limestone tunnels. Visitors tour these subterranean streets by car, stopping for tastings along the way.
Cricova, another remarkable winery, features 120km of underground galleries where visitors travel in electric trains through “streets” named after different wines. The cellars maintain perfect natural conditions for aging wine and include tasting rooms and dining halls carved from limestone.
Visit the Ancient Cave Monastery at Orheiul Vechi
About 60km northeast of Chișinău lies Orheiul Vechi, Moldova’s most impressive historical and archaeological complex. This open-air museum features a 13th-century cave monastery carved into a massive limestone cliff overlooking the Răut River.
The monastery’s small chapel, still used by monks today, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The area also contains ruins from various civilizations that inhabited the region, including Dacian fortresses and remnants of a Tatar city.
Step Back in Time in Transnistria
For a truly unique experience, visit Transnistria, a self-declared republic that broke away from Moldova after the Soviet Union’s collapse. This narrow strip of land between the Dniester River and Ukrainian border feels like a living museum of Soviet times.
The capital, Tiraspol, features wide boulevards lined with Soviet monuments, including a prominent Lenin statue outside the government building. While political tensions exist, day trips from Chișinău are safe and offer fascinating insights into this unusual territory frozen in time.
Experience Moldova’s unique attractions
Book guided tours to Moldova’s top sights, including winery visits and Transnistria excursions.
Moldovan Cuisine and Wine
Moldovan cuisine reflects the country’s agricultural heritage and diverse cultural influences. Must-try dishes include mămăligă (cornmeal polenta often served with brânză sheep cheese and sour cream), sarmale (cabbage or grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat), and plăcinte (pastries filled with cheese, potatoes, or fruit).
Wine is central to Moldovan culture, with a winemaking tradition dating back 5,000 years. The country’s unique terroir and indigenous grape varieties produce distinctive wines that are gaining international recognition. White wines made from local Fetească Albă and Viorica grapes offer fresh, aromatic profiles, while reds from Rară Neagră and Fetească Neagră grapes deliver complex, fruity characteristics.
Wine Routes of Moldova
Moldova’s wine routes offer organized paths to explore the country’s viticultural heritage. The Codru route north of Chișinău features wineries in Moldova’s central forest region, while the Ștefan Vodă route in the southeast showcases estates producing robust reds. The Valul lui Traian route in the southwest includes some of Moldova’s oldest wineries.
Beyond the major underground complexes, smaller family wineries like Et Cetera, Fautor, and Château Vartely offer intimate tasting experiences and the chance to meet passionate winemakers continuing Moldova’s ancient traditions with modern techniques.
Outdoor Adventures in Moldova
Despite its small size, Moldova offers surprising opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Codru Forest Reserve, Moldova’s oldest protected area, features hiking trails through ancient oak forests home to diverse wildlife. The “Hundred Hills” landscape in the north provides scenic routes for both hiking and cycling.
The Dniester and Prut rivers offer kayaking and fishing opportunities, with organized tours available from Chișinău. Țipova Canyon, with its waterfalls and cliff-side monastery ruins, makes for an excellent day hike combining natural beauty and historical interest.
Birdwatchers should visit the wetlands of Lower Prut Scientific Reserve, where over 200 bird species can be observed, including rare herons and eagles. The best time for birdwatching is during spring and autumn migrations.
Practical Travel Tips for Moldova
Currency and Payments
Moldova’s currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL). ATMs are widely available in cities but may be limited in rural areas. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in Chișinău but carry cash for smaller establishments and villages. Prices are generally lower than in Western Europe, making Moldova an affordable destination.
Language
Romanian (officially called Moldovan) is the official language, while Russian is widely spoken as a second language. English proficiency varies, with younger people and those in the tourism industry more likely to speak some English. Learning a few basic Romanian phrases is appreciated by locals.
Safety and Health
Moldova is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. Standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas are advised. The healthcare system is developing, so comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. Tap water is generally safe in Chișinău but bottled water is preferable in rural areas.
Internet and Communication
Mobile coverage is good throughout most of Moldova, and local SIM cards are inexpensive and easily available. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes in urban areas offer free Wi-Fi. Note that when visiting Transnistria, your Moldovan SIM may not work, and you’ll need to purchase a local one.
Why Moldova Should Be Your Next Destination
Moldova may be Europe’s least-visited country, but that’s precisely what makes it special. Here, you’ll find authentic experiences untouched by mass tourism: underground wine kingdoms that rival any in the world, pristine countryside dotted with traditional villages, and a fascinating blend of cultures shaped by centuries at the crossroads of empires.
Whether you’re sipping exceptional wines directly from the source, exploring ancient monasteries carved into limestone cliffs, or simply enjoying the warm hospitality of local people, Moldova offers a refreshingly genuine European experience that larger destinations can no longer provide.
As Moldova continues its journey toward greater integration with Europe, now is the perfect time to discover this hidden gem before the secret gets out. Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to be surprised by the unexpected charms of this remarkable little country.
The above is subject to change.
Check back often to TRAVEL.COM for the latest travel tips and deals.
