Moldova. Probably not the first country that comes to mind when planning a holiday in Europe – and that’s exactly what makes it so special. This small and charming country, nestled between Romania and Ukraine, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. From impressive wine cellars to medieval monasteries and a landscape of rolling hills – Moldova offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and warm hospitality.
Moldova is still largely undiscovered, pure, and authentic. You won’t find mass tourism here – but you will find friendly locals, surprisingly good wines, and affordable adventures. The country is safe, peaceful, and perfect for travellers looking to explore the real Eastern Europe. Whithout the crowds you often see elsewhere.
While tourism in Moldova is still in its early stages, it’s slowly but surely growing. The government is actively investing in tourism infrastructure, and there are more and more efforts to put the country on the international map. Large events, like the annual Wine Festival in October, are gaining attention and helping to build Moldova’s image as an up-and-coming destination.
Tourism in Moldova is all about meaningful and sustainable travel.
Anyone visiting Moldova today will find a country in transition. Ancient traditions are still alive in the countryside, while modern influences are gradually finding their place in the capital, Chișinău.
Moldova may be small, but it’s packed with unique places you won’t find anywhere else in Europe. From the laid-back charm of the capital Chișinău to ancient rock monasteries and vast underground wine cellars. You’ll discover not only historical and cultural treasures, but also the unspoiled character of a country still untouched by mass tourism.
Below, we’ll highlight some popular destinations and must-see sights.
Chișinău might not be as well-known as other European capitals, but that’s exactly what makes it such an interesting place to explore. The city blends Soviet-era influences with modern developments and a good dose of Moldovan charm. You’ll find wide boulevards, plenty of green spaces, and a relaxed vibe that invites you to wander around without any rush. The city center is full of surprises, from the Orthodox Cathedral and the Triumphal Arch to the Stefan cel Mare park, where locals gather to walk, talk, or play chess.
Chișinău is also a great place for food lovers, with trendy restaurants and wine bars serving local dishes and regional wines. The nightlife is lively too, with clubs, pubs, and live music venues scattered throughout the city. It’s also the perfect base for day trips to nearby wineries, monasteries, or nature reserves. While Chișinău may not impress at first glance, it’s the kind of place you grow to appreciate — thanks to its atmosphere, hospitality, and everyday charm.
Just an hour’s drive from the capital lies Orheiul Vechi – without a doubt one of Moldova’s most remarkable sites. This archaeological and religious complex sits in a deep valley carved by the Răut River and offers breathtaking views over the Moldovan countryside. The rock formations, cave dwellings, and monasteries carved into the limestone cliffs date back to the Middle Ages – some even earlier.
The most famous structure is the cave monastery, which is still home to a handful of monks. The peace and silence you feel here make it a place of reflection and wonder. From the cliffs, you can look out over rolling fields, old churches, and traditional villages that seem frozen in time.
A trip to Moldova isn’t complete without visiting its legendary wine cellars. Wine is deeply rooted in Moldovan identity and culture, and the country is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world – with winemaking traditions dating back to 3,000 BC. Thanks to its fertile soil and mild continental climate, Moldova is perfectly suited for viticulture, and you can taste that in the quality of the local wines. The most famous wineries are without a doubt Cricova and Milestii Mici, both located just a short drive from Chișinău.
Cricova is famous for its underground wine city – a labyrinth of over 120 kilometers of tunnels, partly used for storage, and partly set up as a museum and tasting area. Millions of bottles are aging here under ideal conditions. During a guided tour (by electric cart), you’ll learn all about the winemaking process and, of course, get the chance to taste some wines for yourself.
Milestii Mici is even more impressive: with over 200 kilometers of tunnels – more than 55 kilometers of which are in use – it officially holds the title of the largest wine cellar in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The collection includes some of the rarest wines in Europe, and the atmosphere in the deep, cool corridors is almost otherworldly.
Located in northern Moldova on the banks of the Dnjestr River, Soroca is a city with a rich history and a unique cultural vibe. It’s best known for its impressive fortress — a 15th-century stronghold built by Stephen the Great to defend the land from invasions. Today, the fortress is beautifully restored and offers stunning views over the river and neighboring Ukraine.
What truly sets Soroca apart is its large Roma (Gypsy) community. In a suburb of the city, you’ll find an entire neighborhood filled with extravagant, imaginative villas built by Roma families — sometimes shaped like castles, temples, or topped with golden domes. This area offers a rare and fascinating glimpse into a culture that often remains hidden elsewhere.
In southern Moldova lies an intriguing region that feels quite different from the rest of the country: Gagauzia. This autonomous area is home to the Gagauz people, a Turkic-speaking Orthodox Christian minority with their own distinct culture, language, and identity. For travelers interested in lesser-known communities and cultural diversity, Gagauzia is a true hidden gem.
The region is made up of quiet villages, rolling farmland, and small towns like Comrat — the informal capital. The atmosphere here is noticeably different: people speak Turkish (written in Cyrillic), serve traditional Gagauz dishes, and celebrate colorful festivals that mix Turkish folklore with Christian traditions. Local markets, churches, and small museums give insight into this unique community that has preserved its traditions for centuries.
While Moldova is often associated with vineyards and cultural heritage sites, its natural beauty is just as impressive. The country is home to vast forests, river valleys, limestone cliffs, and protected nature reserves where rare plants and animals thrive. Much of the landscape remains untouched, making Moldova a paradise for hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking peace and quiet in nature.
One of the best-known and oldest natural areas in Moldova is the Codru Forest, located west of Chișinău. This ancient woodland is home to rich biodiversity and is considered one of the most ecologically valuable regions in the country.
You’ll find centuries-old deciduous trees, hiking trails that wind through densely wooded valleys, and a wide variety of bird species. It’s the kind of place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, far away from traffic noise or crowds.
Another impressive natural area is the “Padurea Domneasca” National Park, located in the west of the country near the Romanian border. This park is known for its ancient oak trees — some over 500 years old — and its diverse ecosystems along the Prut River.
Here, you might spot beavers, observe pelicans and herons, or simply enjoy the silence and slow rhythm of nature.
If you’re planning to visit Moldova, it’s a good idea to prepare a little in advance. While the country is welcoming and easy to navigate, there are a few practical things that can make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.
Moldova offers surprisingly charming places to stay — from comfortable hotels in Chișinău to countryside guesthouses surrounded by vineyards.
Dit 4-sterrenhotel in Orhei ligt in de wijnstreek Château Vartely en biedt een restaurant met wijnkelder en kamers met balkon.
Castel Mimi Wine Resort heeft een seizoensgebonden buitenzwembad, een tuin, een terras en een restaurant in Bulboaca.
Crama Mircesti heeft een gedeelde lounge, een terras, een restaurant en een bar in Mirceşti.
Wine Hotel Chisinau biedt accommodatie in Chisinau. In de eigen bar kunt u genieten van nationale wijnen.
If you enjoy hearty, homemade meals and authentic flavors, you’ll feel right at home in Moldova. Moldovan cuisine is a warm mix of Eastern European influences, full of comfort food made with local, seasonal ingredients. One typical dish you’ll find almost everywhere is mămăligă – a traditional cornmeal porridge often served with soft sheep cheese and sour cream. It’s simple, but surprisingly tasty and very filling – especially after a day outdoors or during a wine tour.
Another must-try dish is sarmale. These stuffed cabbage rolls, seasoned with herbs and filled with a mix of rice and minced meat, are often slowly cooked in tomato sauce. They’re usually served during holidays, family gatherings, or as part of a traditional Moldovan dinner. You’ll also come across placinta – a beloved classic. These savory (or sometimes sweet) pastries are either baked or fried and filled with cheese, potato, pumpkin, or apple. Served warm, they’re a popular snack or light lunch.
All of these dishes, of course, go best with a good glass of Moldovan wine. The local wines range from fresh whites to bold reds and pair perfectly with the country’s rich cuisine. Moldovan brandy, known locally as divin, is also worth trying – especially after a good meal or as a warming nightcap on a chilly evening.
Dining in Moldova is about more than just food: it’s a social experience centered on hospitality, tradition, and taking your time to enjoy.
Moldova is one of those rare European destinations where you still feel like a true explorer. At a time when many places are flooded with tourists and every corner feels planned out, Moldova offers the opposite: peace, space, and authenticity. It’s not a country that overwhelms you with flashy attractions. Instead, it reveals itself slowly – in a spontaneous chat with a winemaker, in a quiet monastery on a hilltop, or during a walk through a sleepy village where time seems to stand still.
Precisely because Moldova is still relatively unknown, you can enjoy unique and unfiltered experiences. You won’t be surrounded by crowds of tourists – instead, you’ll be greeted with genuine curiosity and warm hospitality. There are no scripted tours or artificial experiences here; what you see is real. And that’s what makes traveling in Moldova so special. It’s a perfect destination for adventurous travelers who enjoy going off the beaten path, for lovers of slow travel who want to really connect with nature and culture, and for anyone seeking a place that hasn’t been polished for social media.
At the same time, Moldova is developing rapidly. The infrastructure is improving, and more charming accommodations and small-scale initiatives in ecotourism, wine experiences, and cultural exchange are emerging. And yet, the country has managed to preserve its character: honest, pure, and untouched. Traveling in Moldova feels like going back to the essence of travel – discovering, connecting, and being genuinely surprised.
Those who travel to Moldova now are witnessing a country in transition. You’re not just a visitor; you become part of a story that’s still unfolding. And that makes it not just a destination, but an experience that stays with you. So if you’re looking for something new, something real, and something you won’t have to share with the masses — now is the perfect time to discover Moldova.
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