Having long been a forgotten tourist destination of Eastern Europe, Moldova is flourishing with an off-the-beaten-path feel. The rolling hills are home to a world-renowned wine industry, while rich soil produces soybeans and corn that is exported far and wide. In the streets, it is possible to notice a diverse heritage that has distinct influences from both the Ottoman Empire and Soviet Union.
Located in the heart of Chisinau, the parks spans 17 acres with over 50 species of plants and several flowing water fountains.
The mystifying archaeological city dates back to between the 6th and 1st fortress BC and has remnants of the Stone, Copper, and Iron Ages.
Cahul is situated in the southwestern corner of Moldova and is well-known for producing sweet red wines. Some of the most popular vineyards are Comrat, Ciumai, and Taraclia.
The medieval stronghold was commissioned by Stephen the Great and has been immaculately preserved to demonstrate its military purposes.
The lush vegetation creates an enchanting feeling upon entering, with towering trees and picturesque lakes to admire.
The climate peaks between May and August as summer brings moderate temperatures (72-82°F) and low humidity. It's during this period that streets turn into festivals and parks come to life.
Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, Turkey, and South Korea, among others, can visit for a maximum period of 90 days without a visa. Nationals of countries that do not have visa exemption must obtain a visa prior to arriving.
Chisinau International Airport receives all international flights, with direct services common from Bucharest, Istanbul, and Moscow. Carriers such as Air Moldova and Turkish Airlines offer direct 1h 30m flights from Istanbul for around 2,100-2,450 MDL (120-140 USD). Non-stop services are also possible from London, Rome, Berlin, and Barcelona with Wizz Air.
The smooth, reliable railways are a fantastic travel option and direct lines lead from Bucharest in Romania (14h) as well as Odessa (14h) and Kiev in Ukraine (26h). It's possible to travel from Bucharest on an overnight service that costs approximately 700 MDL (40 USD).
Traveling from Ukraine can be more complicated in the Transnistria region, thus most tourists cross the border on the H10 Highway from Chernivtsi. All vehicles are required to pay roughly 80 MDL (4.50 USD) upon entering.
A cheap and popular option, many visitors arrive from Kiev (12h), Odessa (5h), Moscow (30h), and Brasov (12h). Ticket fares for shorter routes hover around 300-500 MDL (17-29 USD).
Chisinau is predominantly orientated towards top-end accommodation and has luxurious hotels, such as the Radisson Blue Leogrand and Club Royal park. Hostels and budget-friendly alternatives are also possible, while regional destinations like Tipova and Saharna have charismatic bed and breakfast lodges.
Public buses and private minibuses are the most commonly used modes of transport within cities. The minibuses must be actively hailed down, so make sure to wave when seeing one approaching. A trolleybus network exists in Chisinau and has 24 routes across the city. Major destinations, such as the central railway station and airport, are linked for single-ride fares of approximately 2 MDL (0.10 USD).
An extensive system spreads across Moldova to reach Comrat, Cahul, Balti, and Bendery, in addition to smaller towns. Tickets can be purchased online or at the station for between around 260-350 MDL (15-20 USD).
There is an extensive network of buses to cities, such as Tiraspol, Balti, and Tighina, from three transport hubs in Chisinau. Minibuses known as "rutierele" also operate these routes and travel a little quicker, with tickets available for roughly 40 MDL (2.30 USD).
In addition to other cars, roads are often occupied by horse carriages, cyclists, and wild animals. Winter tires are compulsory between December and March, while comprehensive rental insurance is recommended for the many potholes.
A sit-down meal at a standard restaurant costs roughly 200 MDL (11.50 USD) and beer can be bought for around 20-30 MDL (1.20-1.70 USD). Taxis, cafes, and public buses only accept cash, however, the use of credit cards is increasing.