Moldova is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, offering a unique blend of hospitality, charm and modernity.
Discover the top 10 unbeatable reasons why Moldova should be your next destination.
- Convenient location
- The charm of Chisinau
- Undeniable hospitality
- Ease of communication
- Heartwarming food
- The world of wine
- Cherished traditions
- Astonishing nature
- Historical remains
- Rural tourism
While Moldovans are known for their warm hospitality, few travellers realise just how advanced the country is in both tourism and technology.
For those seeking destinations off the beaten track, Moldova also offers an authentic and captivating experience that is increasingly rare in today’s world.
Photo by Max Cristalov
Convenient location
With an international airport in the capital, Moldova is a convenient destination. The airport mediates flights between western Europe, eastern Europe, and the Middle East with an average flight time of a couple of hours.
Photo source: Instagram
In addition, the city centre is located a mere 25-minute car ride away from the airport, so it’s easy to get to the city without spending too much time in traffic.
The charm of Chisinau
The Moldovan capital of Chisinau features a unique combination of green scenery, culture, and authenticity, all mixed with a dose of novelty. The city has a rich history dating back to the 15th century and has undergone Ottoman, Russian, and Soviet influence.
The city is constantly evolving, and in recent years it has founded a new art centre, built modern residential quarters, and upgraded several remains from the past.
Photo source: Facebook
Chisinau is also full of intriguing museums. For example, the National Museum of the History of Moldova tells the country’s story from ancient times to the present day, while the National Art Museum of Moldova is a must to explore the local art scene.
Photo source: Facebook
When the weather is nice, locals here enjoy the sun outside. Numerous parks are scattered throughout the city, with the most prominent being Ștefan cel Mare Park, which is named after Stephen the Great, the prince of Moldova in the 15th century and one of the founding fathers of the nation. On most weekends, locals gather there for a dance evening.
Photo source: Visit Chisinau
Undeniable hospitality
It’s impossible to meet an unfriendly Moldovan – they’ll invite you to their home, treat you with delicious treats from the cellar, and even give you an additional portion to bring home to your loved ones.
Welcoming guests is a sacred duty for people here, and this is especially evident in rural areas. If you visit a guest house, there’s a high chance that you’ll become best friends with the owner, taste their homemade wine, and meet half of their family.
Ease of communication
While generosity and smiling are universal languages and Moldovans are fluent in them, Moldova is a convenient destination thanks to the very minimal language barrier for travellers from most European countries.
The official language of Moldova is Romanian, but many locals also speak English, French, and/or Russian. Moldova’s population also includes speakers of Gagauz, Bulgarian, and Ukrainian, and this language mix ensures a unique blend of cultures.
Heartwarming food
Moldovan food is hearty, homegrown, and every hostess’ greatest pride.
Fans of pastries will love the delicious plăcintă, which can be savoury or sweet, with fillings such as cheese and potatoes, apples, cherries, and pumpkin.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Because Moldova is famous for its wine and a great variety of grapes, it should come as no surprise that sarmale, or grape leaves stuffed with meat, rice, and spices, are a beloved Moldovan snack.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
Every family also has its own recipe for zeama, a delicious chicken noodle soup made completely from scratch, with the methods for preparing the broth, the noodles, and even cutting the chicken being unique to each family.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
The world of wine
Wine is one of Moldova’s main export products, and almost every town has a winery to visit and explore. Therefore, a visit to Moldova must be accompanied by a wine tasting.
Photo source: Tripadvisor
As wine is one of the main pillars of the Moldovan lifestyle, every October the capital of Chisinau turns into a wine festival. Wine tastings, tours, cultural performances, cheerful people – the city has it all.
This year the festival will take place on October 5 and 6. Find out more – Wine of Moldova.
Cherished traditions
The people of Moldova actively cultivate their traditions and are more than happy to share their joy of them with guests. Moldovans nurture their folklore and craftsmanship.
For example, the richly embroidered traditional blouse known as the ie is a significant symbol of Moldovan and Romanian cultural heritage and is a statement piece in every Moldovan’s wardrobe as well as a unique souvenir.
Photo source: Visit Chisinau
This pride in local culture also extends to experiences and celebrations. On March 1, people in Moldova celebrate the arrival of spring and give each other small red-and-white mărțișor in the form of flowers.
When they see their first blooming tree, they tie the mărțișor around a branch on the tree to welcome the warm season.
Photo source: Facebook
Astonishing nature
Moldova provides a fairytale-like green landscape, with luscious meadows, accessible forests, beautiful rivers, and limestone cliffs.
Photo source: Visit Moldova
Moldovan ancestors treasured this stunning natural environment, so accordingly, certain hills and forests hide charming churches and monasteries, making every visit a sacred and breathtaking one.
Photo source: Unsplash
Historical remains
The rural town of Orheiul Vechi is a calm wonder in the middle of Moldova that features a peaceful landscape of green hills, rivers, meadows, and even ruins from the Ottoman Empire and ancient bathhouses.
Photo source: Visit Moldova
The town is well-preserved in its historical state to reflect how people lived back in the day, including colourful wells, small family houses, and narrow streets that overlook the valleys.
Photo source: Visit Moldova
Nearby is a hilltop monastery to visit.
Rural tourism
To fully explore Moldova, one should head beyond the main cities and wander through the small villages. Agro-tourism is experiencing a renaissance here.
Stay overnight at an eco-resort and learn about organic farming, go hiking, and enjoy a nature tour.
Photo source: Visit Moldova
Many resorts also offer traditional cooking classes, folk dance practices, and birdwatching.
Photo source: Visit Moldova
With a smile, gratitude, and heartfelt care for their guests, the local families invite visitors to their homes to share their favourite home-cooked food and even rituals.