Moldova is a small country that lies between Romania and Ukraine. Being small in size and lying between two big countries, it often gets ignored. But that does not at all mean that it is a country not worth visiting. Travelers who do go often return with stories about peace, hospitality, and most importantly, it being a home to the world’s largest wine cellar, with over 55 kilometers of underground tunnels and millions of bottles stored underground.
Chisinau, the capital, is usually the first stop. It’s a city of more than 600,000 people, yet many visitors are surprised by how few attractions it has. Some describe it as stuck in another era, with Soviet-style hotels and markets filled with Russian signs.
Locals are curious when they spot tourists, often stopping to chat or practice English. Backpackers and volunteers do show up, so you won’t be the only foreigner around, but this isn’t the place for a traditional city trip. Instead, most travelers find Moldova’s charm once they leave the capital and head into the countryside.
Wine, Wine, and More Wine
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If Moldova is known for anything, it’s wine. The country has been making it for thousands of years, and during Soviet times, it supplied much of the alcohol for the entire union. The Russian ban in 2006 forced Moldovan winemakers to improve quality, and today their bottles are internationally respected. Wineries like Milestii Mici and Cricova are destinations in their own right, with massive underground galleries that feel more like secret cities.
Smaller vineyards such as Château Purcari and Et Cetera host tastings along with guesthouses and restaurants, so a visit can turn into a weekend stay. The October Wine Festival draws enthusiasts from abroad, while projects like Castle Mimi are converting wineries into resorts with gardens, event halls, and wine spas. Moldova’s scale means that in less than a week, travelers can experience many of these highlights.
The Soviet Ghost Next Door
Travelers who want something out of the ordinary often head to Transnistria. It calls itself a republic, prints its own money, runs its own army, and has a government no UN member recognizes. A crossing into the capital, Tiraspol, feels like stepping back into the Soviet era.
Statues and memorials still stand, Russian is the language on every street, and soldiers guard checkpoints at the edge of the territory. Sheriff, a powerful company linked to a former KGB officer, controls supermarkets, gas stations, and the soccer club that bears its name. Life here runs on stricter rules than in Moldova, and visitors are told to use cameras carefully. For those willing to go, the region comes across as a preserved fragment of another time.
Hospitality Worth Visiting
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What stands out most to visitors is the way Moldovans treat their guests. Families invite travelers to their tables, setting out bread, meat, and wine. Even in simple hotels, staff find ways to help, whether it’s refilling a bottle with hot water or offering a bit of advice in passing.
The country doesn’t overwhelm with landmarks or dramatic scenery, yet it has its own appeal. Villages surrounded by sunflower fields and stone monasteries move at a gentler pace. Vineyards add both history and flavor to the journey, while Transnistria shows a side of Europe that still runs on Soviet rhythms. Moldova rewards travelers who prefer real encounters over polished attractions, and for those willing to linger, it remains one of Europe’s quiet discoveries.