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Cricova — 15 km from Chisinau
An underground wine city in former limestone quarries. The tunnels stretch 120 km and reach depths of up to 80 m. More than 1.5 million bottles of wine are stored here—including Putin’s personal collection (now confiscated) and wines from Goebbels’ cellars, seized by Soviet troops. The temperature inside remains a steady +12°C.
A guided tour is required and must be booked in advance. Visitors are seated in a convertible or minibus and driven along “streets” named after wine varieties. The tour concludes with a tasting in an underground banquet hall.
Distance: 15 km (20 min by car)
Advance reservation: required — cricova.md
Tour price: starting at 250 MDL per person
Duration: 2–3 hours
Mileștii Mici — 20 km from Chișinău
Guinness World Records: the world’s largest underground wine cellar. The tunnels stretch over 200 km—and there’s actual car traffic inside them. The “streets” have names: Cabernet, Riesling, Fetyaska. About 2 million bottles are stored here.
Unlike Cricova, this is a more intimate and authentic place. Less touristy, more authentic. They mainly produce everyday table wines here, but there are also some exclusive selections.
Distance: 20 km (25 min by car)
Advance reservation: required — milesteii-mici.md
Price: starting at 150 MDL per person
Tip: It pairs well with a day trip to Krikova (both are north of Chisinau).
Orhei Vechi (Old Orhei) — 50 km
One of Moldova’s most impressive landscapes. An archaeological and natural complex featuring cliffs with cave monasteries, the bends of the Reut River, and an ancient settlement. An Orthodox monastery has stood here since the 14th century—and monks still live and serve there today.
The walk to the cliffs takes 30–40 minutes. The view from the top is well worth the effort. All around are Moldovan villages where time seems to have stood still.
Distance: 50 km (45 min by car)
Admission: fee required (a small nominal fee)
Duration: 3–4 hours
Important: shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, water, and a hat in the summer
Sakharnă Monastery — 110 km
One of Moldova’s most beautiful Orthodox monasteries—nestled in a narrow gorge between cliffs, featuring a waterfall and buildings spread across several levels. Nearby is the Dniester River Canyon with cliffs over 30 m high.
A pilgrimage site—it gets crowded here in the summer and during major holidays. On weekdays, it’s quiet and peaceful, surrounded by nature.
Distance: 110 km (1 hr 20 min by car)
Admission: free
Duration: 3–5 hours
How to get there: only by private car or on an organized tour from Chisinau
Codru Nature Reserve — 70 km
Moldova’s only nature reserve—oak and hornbeam forests, rolling hills, and tranquility. Some of the trees are over 300 years old. For those who’ve had their fill of wine and just want to enjoy nature, Codru is the perfect destination.
Tourist access to the reserve is limited—items must be arranged in advance. There are several vacation resorts near the reserve.
Distance: 70 km (1 hour by car)
Tiraspol and Transnistria — 75 km
An unrecognized republic where the Soviet Union never ended: Lenin statues in the squares, Soviet rubles (Transnistrian) in circulation, and an army with tanks and the Soviet flag. At the same time, it’s a relatively safe place for tourists.
You’ll need a passport to cross the “border.” Moldovan cars are allowed through, but inspections are possible. Fill out the form at the entrance and keep it until you leave.
Distance: 75 km (1 hour by car)
Documents: passport (not an ID card)
Currency: Transnistrian ruble and USD/EUR in some places
What to see: Tiraspol’s central square, monuments of Soviet architecture, the “Quint” factory (brandy)
Tip: Check the current situation on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before traveling.
Soroki (Soroka) — 150 km
A city on the Dniester River with a medieval Genoese fortress. One of the few well-preserved fortifications in Moldova. It is also home to a large Romani community and is known for its distinctive large houses.
Distance: 150 km (2 hours by car)
For whom: lovers of medieval architecture and unique towns
How to plan your trip
A rental car is the most convenient option. It gives you freedom to plan your own route; you can combine a visit to Cricova and Milesti in one day, or Orhei and Codru.
Organized tours from Chisinau are available on Airbnb Experiences, Viator, and through local tour operators. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to drive and would like a guide.
Minibuses —there are direct routes to Tiraspol and some other cities. Getting to Orhei and Saharna is trickier; you’ll need to transfer. Travel time is twice as long as by car.
Bolt / taxi —suitable for trips to Krikov and Milesti (15–20 km), but the driver will have to wait—agree on the waiting fee in advance.
FAQ
Which is better: Krikova or Milesti Mici?
Krikova is better known and more touristy. Milesti Mici is more authentic, quieter, and holds a Guinness World Record. If you have time, visit both in one day.
Is it dangerous to travel to Transnistria?
For tourists with an EU or other Western passport, it’s usually safe in peacetime. But check the latest recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before your trip.
Where can I find a guide for trips from Chisinau?
Airbnb Experiences, Viator, or the Chisinau Tourist Office (visit.chisinau.md). Local guides are often better than agency-organized tours.
Is it possible to combine several attractions in one day?
Yes: Cricova + Milesti (~3–4 hours combined). Or Orhei Vechi + Codru (if you leave early). Saharna usually requires a separate day.