We will tell you about the popular beaches of Chisinau, where they are located and what entertainment awaits you.
Chisinau is not a coastal city, but you can spend a pleasant summer day by the water. There are beautiful and clean beaches of Chisinau on the city lakes and beaches on the banks of the Dniester in the vicinity of the capital.
General information about beach vacation in Chisinau
The city is located on the Bull River, a tributary of the Dniester, but the best beaches in Chisinau are organized on the city lakes, mainly on Lake Valea Morilor. Winds are usually light, water is calm, waves are practically absent, but bathing is possible only in officially authorized areas.
The surface is mainly sand, but in some places there are areas of grass and pebbles. The water in the lakes can be cloudy, but you can swim. In the Dniester the water is more transparent, but this applies to the suburban beaches.
The season lasts from the end of May to the beginning of September and depends on the weather. The average water temperature in summer is about 20-22 degrees. Of course, there are no official eco-standards like the Blue Flag, but the municipal beaches in Chisinau are kept in good condition, so you can choose which one is the cleanest.
The most popular beaches
We tell you where to swim in Chisinau and share the top beaches so that everyone can choose the best option!
Valea Morilor Beach
This is definitely the best beach in Chisinau. It looks like an oasis in the very center. In the heat it is so nice to immerse yourself in the greenery, stroll along the water and relieve stress after the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach is located in the park by the lake Valea Morilor, about 3-4 km from the center, 10 km from the airport and 15 minutes walk from the train station.
The beach stretches along the northern shore of the lake for 600 m and the sandy area is about 20-30 m wide. The covering is sand with rare grassy areas. The bottom is shallow and flat, suitable for children. There is a basic infrastructure - benches, trash cans, kiosks with drinks and mini-cafes, toilets in the park and Wi-Fi. But there are no shower stalls. The entrance is free.
There are plenty of activities - you can rent a boat or kayak, ride catamarans, walk along the promenade, ride a bike or rollerblade. Valea Morilor Beach is suitable for families, couples and those who like a serene vacation. The main attraction nearby is the park itself.
Vadul lui Vodă
The beach on the Dniester near Chisinau is famous for its clean river and countryside atmosphere. A great place to relax in nature and fresh air. It is located in the suburbs of Chisinau, about 20 km on the road to the Dniester. The road by car takes about half an hour.
The 500-meter long beach is covered with golden sand. The width of the beach is up to 30 meters, and the bottom is sandy and with a smooth descent. There are cafes and restaurants, several areas with sunbeds, toilets, as well as a camping area and guesthouses nearby. Wi-Fi is not very good here.
Activities available include boat trips, fishing, sapa rides and excursions to nearby vineyards. Vadul lui Vodă beach is suitable for families, companies and those who want more greenery and river recreation. Some areas are paid, because they belong to boarding houses. You can get there by shuttle bus from Chisinau or by cab.
Plaja Centrală
Another beach near the city, popular with families and those who want to relax away from the noise. It is located in the suburb of Trușeni, about 6-7 km from the center of Chisinau. It can be reached by car or by minibus. The length is about 200 meters of sandy shore, width about 15-20 meters. The bottom is mostly sandy.
Infrastructure is simple, but everything you need is available. In the season there are sun beds, umbrellas, toilets and showers, and there are several cafes and canteens nearby. There are areas for organizing a picnic. But there are practically no additional entertainments - it is exclusively recreation in nature.
Ghidighici Reservoir
A lake beach and at the same time one of the most popular places for bathing and outdoor recreation. It is located about 10-12 km northwest of Chisinau. You can take a shuttle bus to Ghidighici, and then you can walk 10 minutes. The coast is sandy, the length of the beach is about 400-500 meters, and the width is up to 30 meters. The bottom is soft and the entrance to the water is comfortable - suitable for families. Boat trips, fishing, saps and picnics are available.
Plaja Nistru Speia
This beach is famous for its view of the Dniester and the atmosphere of the Baltic coastline away from the city - an unusual experience within Moldova. It is located in the village of Speia, on the banks of the Dniester in Transnistria, about 40 km from Chisinau. You'll have to travel by car, but it's worth it.
The sand is soft and golden, the bottom is mostly sandy, and the river water is clear. There are areas for rest, tables, cafes, toilets, rental of sun beds, showers in some campsites, but there is almost no Wi-Fi. From the activities - swimming, fishing, boating and camping. Nearby are wineries and picturesque green areas. Suitable for those who want privacy and nature.
Tips for tourists
When you have already chosen which is the best beach in Chisinau you want to visit, we advise you to arrive before 11:00 am, when the air and water are still pleasant, and there are fewer people. The peak hour is from 13:00 to 16:00, especially on weekends. The most aggressive sun is between 12:00 and 15:00 in July and August, so don't forget a sunscreen of at least SPF 30.
It is recommended to bring a towel, a change of clothes, water and snacks, sunglasses, a hat, beach slippers and a garbage bag. Cash will be useful for shopping at local outlets on the lakes.
In Chisinau it is forbidden to swim outside the official zones, especially in the Dniester River. The same applies to barbecues - a fine may be imposed for violations. Otherwise, no problems!
