Moldova

Warm, inviting, winey.

A mysterious country with a rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes and luxurious wineries! Traveling to Moldova is a wonderful option for a budget, but unforgettable and eventful vacation. The heart of Eastern Europe welcomes tourists with friendly people, green hills, distinctive cuisine and colorful traditional festivals.

Guide to Moldova

Basic Information

Moldova is located in Eastern Europe and borders Romania and Ukraine. The largest city and cultural center is the capital Chisinau, which is the best place to start exploring the country. It is also home to the international airport, which has repeatedly received awards for the quality of service and speed of development. The main branch of economy is agriculture and food industry. Not surprisingly, the country is famous for its wines and cuisine. It is also famous for its traditions, music and dances.

Photos of Moldova

Over Chisinau at sunset. Chisinau - the capital of the Republic of Moldova

Sucevica Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox monastery

Landscape with the central square in Iasi, Moldavia

Parliament Building, Republic of Moldova, Chisinau

Government House of the Republic of Moldova - photo

Milestii Mici Wines Indus winery complex

Triumphal Arch in Chisinau - Moldova - photo

Capital

Chisinau

Language

Romanian

Currency

Moldovan leu

Time zone

GMT+2 , in summer GMT+3

Territory

33 846 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Mamalyga — A traditional corn porridge, served as a main course or in place of bread.

Sarma — stuffed cabbage leaves with meat and spices.

Halva — A dessert made of sesame seeds and sugar, sometimes with dried fruits and nuts.

Moldavian borscht — is prepared with the addition of kvass and fresh vegetables.

Placinda — a pie with a filling, usually potatoes, cabbage or cheese.

Things to do in to Moldova

Try local delicacies at the Central Market of Chisinau.
Visit the wine cellars of Cricova or Mileštije Michi, the largest in the world.
Take a walk along the bank of the Dniester and enjoy the picturesque views.
Participate in master classes on traditional crafts.
Go on a hike in one of the nature reserves.

Tips

Change money in banks or official money exchangers, but avoid street exchangers, even if the exchange rate seems more favorable. This will help you avoid scammers and other problems.

It is not obligatory to tip in restaurants, but you can tip at your discretion. On average, leave about 10% of the check - more than enough. It will not really affect how much a trip to Moldova costs, but it will be very polite.

Many hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, so be sure to ask about it. You can conveniently plan your day and itinerary or search for necessary information over a cup of coffee.

Sights

Moldova is rich in history and culture. There are so many interesting places in Kishinev alone that it is better to walk around it with a guidebook. For example, the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, the Pushkin Museum, the botanical garden, the arboretum or the Valea Morilor Park. The ancient monasteries impress with their grandeur and calm, peaceful atmosphere. The male Kapriyansky monastery is one of the oldest in Bessarabia. And what is the unique historical and archaeological complex "Old Orhei" with traces of different civilizations!

National Museum of History of Moldova

It is divided into several parts dedicated to ancient, medieval, Bessarabian and modern history. There are expositions with treasures and archaeological finds.

Stefan cel Mare Park

The oldest park in Moldova, founded in 1818. Even a few trees older than 160 years have been preserved! In the center is a monument to Pushkin, who loved to rest here.

Soroka Fortress

A unique fortification from the 15th century in the town of Soroki. It has five towers and is still in good condition, which makes it interesting for tourists.

Tours to Moldova

Moldova is a small but very diverse country. The local wine culture is world famous and dates back more than 6000 years. The country is famous for its own grape varieties with unique characteristics, such as Feteasca Negre, Feteasca Albae, Rara Neuge and Cabernet Sauvignon. Moldovan wines began to receive high marks at international competitions and exhibitions. Therefore, wine tours to Moldova with tastings are becoming more and more popular.
Fans of hiking can go to the mountains. The cells of a hermit monk, where he preached his sermons, are still preserved in Bekirova Mountain. The Red Mountain resembles a giant porous wall of all shades of red - from soft pink to scarlet. There is a discovery for speleologists here - a karst fault 500 meters long. Stroenetsky Yar boasts fabulous views and a series of waterfalls. Sokolsky geological profile is a real paleontological monument.
Fans of mysticism will be interested to know the legend behind the "Cave of the Dead" in the north of the country. Behind the monastery of Hirciauca in the beech forest there is a healing spring of youth. Moldova is also home to the largest rock monastery in Central Europe. And Soldanesti underground 13-storey bunker impresses with its scope and monumentality.

Where to go to Moldova?

A trip to Moldova will be really bright and eventful. Visit historical and natural sights of Chisinau, Soroca and not only. Enjoy hiking, photo shoots and simply birdsong in the picturesque natural landscapes of nature reserves. Explore traditional Moldovan villages to immerse yourself in authentic culture and life. Relax on the beaches and enjoy water sports on the shores of the Dniester or Lake Cahul. Explore culture and art at the Art Museum. There are options for every taste!

Chisinau

When to go to Moldova

The climate in Moldova is temperate continental, with pronounced seasonality. Winters are mild and summers are hot and prolonged. Sometimes humid Mediterranean air brings heavy rains, and cold Arctic air brings cooling temperatures. Season affects the cost of travel to Moldova, because the bulk of tourists come here from late spring to early fall, when it is warm and dry enough for long walks and exciting excursions.

Moldova in spring

In the second half of spring, when everything is finally green and blooming, you can enjoy the natural beauty. Late spring is the best season for walks in cities, parks and wineries. And at the end of March, the ancient festival of Nauryz is celebrated.

Moldova in summer

The average summer temperature ranges from +15 to +25 degrees Celsius. This is the best season for outdoor activities and trips to the countryside. There are also festivals and events in summer, and the country celebrates Independence Day in August.

Moldova in the fall

Autumn is the time for gastronomic tourism. Fairs and festivals dedicated to local food and wine are held everywhere. It gradually gets cooler, so long trips become more comfortable. The average temperature is around +15 degrees Celsius.

Moldova in winter

Winter temperatures hardly ever fall below 0 degrees Celsius, but it can be wet and humid. It is rare to catch frosts as low as -16 degrees Celsius. But in winter it is Christmas and New Year's Eve, so there is a festive cozy atmosphere in the whole country. It is a great time for romantic and family vacations in Moldova.

Usefulness

To make a tourist trip to Moldova as pleasant as possible, study the key organizational points in advance. Otherwise, there will be no problems. The locals are famous for their friendliness and will gladly help to solve any difficulties.

Visa to Moldova

Citizens of Ukraine, the European Union and the United States do not need a visa to enter, exit or transit Moldova. Residents of Ukraine may stay in the country for 90 days out of a 180-day period. The passport must remain valid throughout this period.

Customs & Tax Free

It is possible to import goods up to 300 EUR into Moldova without paying duties. There are restrictions on alcohol, tobacco and the amount of cash, and it is prohibited to import some foodstuffs. Non-residents of the country can use the Tax Free service.

Travel by car

If you are planning a trip to Moldova on your own, consider renting a car. It is not necessary in small towns, but if you want to travel around the area, it is the most convenient option. The cost is from about 350 MDL.

Phrasebook for tourists

The Russian language is widespread in Moldova. But knowing at least a few phrases in Romanian will be very helpful in establishing contact with the locals. Tourists who respect traditions and culture are especially welcomed here.

Public transport and prices

In large cities such as Chisinau, public transportation is well developed, including buses and marshrutkas. Schedules may vary from day to day, so you should check locally. If you use cabs, use official services or services such as Yango or Bolt.

Events

The most colorful and unusual holiday is the Nauryz Spring Festival, which is celebrated vigorously in Moldova and other Central Asian countries. In early October there is the Wine Day, and in the fall there are many gastronomic festivals. A good option for romantic and family vacations is Christmas in the Western style.