Your full Wanderlust guide to
Moldova
Sharing borders with Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south, Moldova – the Land of Vineyards is one of the world’s top wine producers per capita with an impressive variety of local wines.
The capital, Chisinau, is a good point to start-off your exploration, with an old-meets-new Bernardazzi architecture from Soviet times. Triumphal Arch from the Russian Empire is surrounded by Stefan cel Mare Central Park, and Nativity Cathedral showcases a distinctive blend of neoclassical and Byzantine architecture.
Fifty minutes away from the city centre, Orheiul Vechi along the Raut River features cave monasteries, churches and natural rock formations. A day trip to the 120km long Cricova Winery for its extensive underground wine cellars. Alternatively, take a day tour in the breakaway region, Transnistria, to learn the country’s Soviet past – remember to bring your passport with you.
In central Moldova, Have a taste of Chateau Vartely, the local winery with a the traditional pastry placinte, corn-based mamaliga with salted cheese branza and pork roast, and beef-filled sarmale after kayaking on the Nistru River and rock climbing at Orheiul Vechi.
The south is home to Gagauzia – experience the group’s Turkic roots with gozleme, shurpa or lamb rotis which goes best with a glass of good wine. Balanesti Hill in the north with the highest point in Moldova offers incredible views for nature-lovers, while Criva Caves being one of the world’s largest caves suit for adventurers.
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When to go to Moldova
Moldova has a moderate continental climate: summertime (June-September) temperatures have been known to soar to mid-30°C in recent years and can sink as low as a chilly -10°C in winter (November-March).
The best time to visit Moldova is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, and the countryside is lush.
The annual Wine Festival in early October is one of the country’s calendar highlights.
International airports
Chisinau International Airport (KIV) is 13km southeast of the city centre.
Getting around in Moldova
Trolleybus is a common mode of transportation for intercity travel. Trains connect major cities and towns but may have limited schedules. Minibuses and taxis are readily available to get around the city quickly. Renting a car is also an option for exploring the countryside.
Health & safety
Take precautions from insects and ticks to prevent tick-borne encephalitis. Avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS. Only drink boiled or bottled water.
Go to gov.uk for more.
