Moldova Travel Guide: Wine Country, Monasteries & Untouched Charm

Intro to Moldova Travel Guide

Landlocked between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is one of Europe’s least-explored treasures. Known for its endless vineyards, painted monasteries, and authentic rural traditions, the country rewards travelers with a sense of discovery. Whether you’re sipping rare vintages in underground wine cellars, wandering through Chişinău’s leafy boulevards, or exploring cave monasteries carved into limestone cliffs, Moldova offers a mix of old-world charm and warm hospitality.

This is a destination where time slows down. Villages still follow centuries-old customs, horse carts share the road with cars, and dinner often means homemade wine and farm-fresh produce. Start planning your journey with our Moldova Travel Guide — and discover how guided tours can bring its vineyards, monasteries, and culture to life.

Districts to Explore in Moldova

Anenii Noi | Basarabeasca | Briceni | Cahul | Cantemir | Călărași | Căușeni | Cimișlia | Criuleni | Dondușeni | Drochia | Dubăsari | Edineț | Fălești | Florești | Glodeni | Hîncești | Ialoveni | Leova | Nisporeni | Ocnița | Orhei | Rezina | Rîșcani | Sîngerei | Soroca | Strășeni | Șoldănești | Ștefan Vodă | Taraclia | Telenești | Ungheni

(Plus the autonomous territorial unit of Gagauzia, and the municipalities of Chișinău, Bălți, and Tighina.)

Moldova by Region – Where to Go

Central Moldova

• Chişinău – The capital city, blending Soviet-era architecture, leafy parks, lively cafes, and a growing arts scene.
• Cricova – Famous for its sprawling underground wine cellars, among the largest in the world.
• Orheiul Vechi – An open-air museum complex with cave monasteries and dramatic river valley views.

Northern Moldova

• Bălți – Moldova’s “second city,” with markets, cultural centers, and a gateway to northern villages.
• Soroca – Home to the 15th-century Soroca Fortress and Roma (Gypsy) Hill with ornate mansions.
• Rudi Monastery – Secluded religious site surrounded by forests.

Southern Moldova

• Comrat (Gagauzia) – The capital of the autonomous Gagauz region, known for its unique Turkic-Christian culture and hearty cuisine.
• Cahul – Spa town with mineral waters and access to southern vineyards.
• Palanca & Lower Dniester – Wetlands, birdwatching, and rural life on the Ukrainian border.

Eastern Moldova (Transnistria)

• Tiraspol – Capital of the self-declared breakaway republic, where Soviet nostalgia remains strong.
• Bender Fortress – Massive 16th-century fortification on the Dniester River.
• Dubăsari – Rural landscapes and river scenery.

Top Places to Visit in Moldova

• Chişinău – Parks, museums, Soviet architecture, and a vibrant cafe culture.
• Cricova Winery – Underground wine tunnels stretching 120 km, with guided tastings.
• Milestii Mici – The world’s largest wine cellar, holding nearly 2 million bottles.
• Orheiul Vechi Monastery Complex – Iconic cave monasteries overlooking the Răut River.
• Soroca Fortress – A perfectly preserved medieval fort guarding the Dniester.
• Capriana Monastery – Historic monastery once patronized by Moldavian rulers.
• Tiraspol – Transnistria’s Soviet-style city with monuments, markets, and Russian-language culture.
• Bender Fortress – Turkish-built citadel with centuries of battle history.
• Gagauzia (Comrat) – Distinct cultural identity, cuisine, and wine traditions.
• Cahul – Wellness spa hub with mineral springs.

Book immersive Moldova tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Moldova — from underground wine tastings and fortress explorations to monastery visits, village stays, and Soviet-era city tours.

How to Choose Where to Go

• For wine lovers – Cricova, Milestii Mici, and Comrat (Gagauzia) are essential stops.
• For history and heritage – Explore Orheiul Vechi, Soroca Fortress, and Capriana Monastery.
• For Soviet nostalgia – Spend a day in Tiraspol and Bender Fortress.
• For wellness – Visit Cahul’s mineral spas.
• For rural charm – Northern villages, Rudi Monastery, and homestays along the Dniester.

How to Get Around

Moldova’s transport system is basic but functional.

• Airports: Chişinău International Airport (KIV) is the main gateway.
• Trains: Slow but scenic connections to Ukraine and occasional services to Romania.
• Buses & minibuses (rutieras): The most common way to travel between cities and villages.
• Car rental: Recommended for reaching rural monasteries and vineyards. Roads vary in quality.
• Walking: Chişinău and small towns are compact and best explored on foot.

Travel Budget and Costs

Moldova is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations.

• Budget (€25–40/day): Hostel stays, local buses, street food.
• Mid-range (€50–100/day): Comfortable hotels, winery tours, guided excursions.
• Luxury (€120–200/day): Boutique stays, private wine tours, spa treatments.

Money-saving tips:

• Use minibuses for intercity travel.
• Join group tours of wineries to cut costs.
• Eat in local canteens (cantinas) for hearty, cheap meals.

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April–May): Blossoming orchards, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists.
• Summer (June–August): Warm weather (25–30°C), festivals, and vineyard visits.
• Autumn (September–October): Wine harvest season, golden landscapes, and ideal for tastings.
• Winter (November–February): Quiet season with snow-dusted monasteries; not ideal for hiking but cozy for city and wine tours.

Festivals and Cultural Events

• Wine Day (October) – Moldova’s most important celebration, with tastings and vineyard events nationwide.
• Martisor Festival (March 1) – Spring festival where red-and-white charms symbolize renewal.
• Chişinău City Day (October 14) – Parades, concerts, and cultural shows.
• Gagauzia Wine Festival (November) – Celebrating regional identity and wine traditions.
• Soroca Roma Festival (Summer) – Music, dance, and culture of the Roma community.

Must-See Experiences

• Touring underground wine cellars by car or bicycle in Cricova.
• Exploring Orheiul Vechi cave monasteries at sunset.
• Walking the leafy boulevards of Chişinău with cafe stops.
• Joining the Wine Day festival for tastings and concerts.
• Visiting Soroca Fortress for medieval military history.
• Taking a day trip to Tiraspol for a glimpse of Transnistria’s Soviet vibe.
• Relaxing in Cahul’s mineral baths.
• Staying in a rural homestay with traditional meals.

Adventure and Water Activities

• Hiking: Orheiul Vechi river valley, northern forests, and Rudi Monastery trails.
• Cycling: Chişinău to Cricova winery routes, or through southern villages.
• Birdwatching: Wetlands along the Lower Dniester.
• Kayaking: Occasional guided trips on the Dniester River.
• Horseback riding: Rural tours available near Orhei and northern villages.

National Parks and Outdoor Adventures

• Codru Forest Reserve – Old-growth forest, one of Europe’s oldest protected areas.
• Lower Dniester National Park – Wetlands, fishing, and migratory bird habitats.
• Orheiul Vechi Reserve – Archaeological and natural landscapes in a river valley.
• Padurea Domneasca Reserve – Bison reintroduction site with rich biodiversity.

History and Heritage

• Medieval principalities: Moldova’s roots trace to Moldavia, linked with Romanian history.
• Ottoman and Russian influences: Centuries of shifting rule left cultural imprints.
• Soviet era: Heavy industry, collective farming, and distinctive architecture shaped Chişinău.
• Independence (1991): Moldova gained sovereignty but retained strong cultural ties to Romania.
• Transnistria: A frozen conflict region since 1992, maintaining de facto independence.

Best Travel Itineraries

3-Day Highlights

Day 1: Explore Chişinău’s parks, museums, and markets.
Day 2: Cricova wine cellars and Orheiul Vechi cave monasteries.
Day 3: Day trip to Soroca Fortress or Tiraspol.

5-Day Explorer

Day 1: Chişinău sightseeing and dining.
Day 2: Wine tours at Cricova and Milestii Mici.
Day 3: Orheiul Vechi and nearby villages.
Day 4: Soroca Fortress and Roma Hill.
Day 5: Tiraspol and Bender Fortress.

7-Day Cultural Journey

Days 1–2: Chişinău and Cricova.
Days 3–4: Orheiul Vechi and rural stays.
Day 5: Soroca Fortress and monastery visit.
Day 6: Tiraspol, Bender Fortress.
Day 7: Cahul mineral spa and Gagauzia culture.

10-Day Immersion

Combine the above with deeper regional tours: Padurea Domneasca, Lower Dniester wetlands, and multiple winery stops.

Unique Stays & Accommodations

• Boutique hotels in Chişinău – Modern comfort with Moldovan design touches.
• Wine resorts at Cricova and Milestii Mici – Sleep surrounded by vineyards.
• Rural guesthouses near Orheiul Vechi – Authentic meals and traditions.
• Budget hostels in Chişinău – Affordable stays for backpackers.
• Spa hotels in Cahul – Mineral spring treatments and wellness.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

• Mămăligă – Cornmeal porridge served with sour cream, cheese, and meat.
• Sarmale – Cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and minced meat.
• Zeama – Chicken soup with homemade noodles and herbs.
• Placinte – Savory or sweet pastries stuffed with cheese, cabbage, or cherries.
• Wines – Moldova’s standout product, from Pinot Noir to indigenous Rara Neagră.
• Homemade brandy (divin) – Often shared in villages as a gesture of hospitality.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette

• Moldova is safe for travelers, though roads can be rough.
• Public transport is inexpensive but crowded.
• Learning a few Romanian phrases helps; Russian is widely spoken in the east.
• Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially in villages.
• Respect religious sites: modest dress is expected at monasteries.

Where to Go Next

• Romania – Cross the border to Iași, famous for churches and literary heritage.
• Turkey – Direct flights from Chişinău bring you to Istanbul’s cultural crossroads.
• Bulgaria – A short flight connects you to Sofia’s Orthodox cathedrals and Balkan charm, or Varna on the Black Sea coast for beaches and summer festivals.
• Poland – Reachable via regional flights, Warsaw and Kraków offer medieval squares, World War II history, and thriving arts and café cultures.

Final Planning Checklist

• Book flights into Chişinău International Airport.
• Reserve wine tours in advance, especially Cricova and Milestii Mici.
• Carry euros or Moldovan leu (MDL).
• Pack for mixed weather: summers hot, winters snowy.
• Download offline maps for rural travel.
• Arrange travel insurance, especially for excursions into Transnistria.
• Keep cash handy; many rural areas lack card facilities.

Moldova rewards the traveler who seeks authenticity. From endless wine cellars to river-carved monasteries, from bustling Chişinău boulevards to quiet village lanes, it’s a country where traditions remain alive.

Ready to discover Eastern Europe’s best-kept secret? Explore our Europe travel guides and tours to plan your Moldova adventure.