The Republic of Moldova

33,800 km² between the Prut and the Dniester, a language shared with Romania and a wine culture thousands of years old. Everything you need to know before a first visit.

Capital

Chișinău

Official language

Romanian

Independence

27 August 1991

Population

~2.6 million *

Overview

The Republic of Moldova is a country in Eastern Europe, between Romania and Ukraine, between the rivers Prut (to the west) and Dniester (to the east). It has a strong cultural identity bound up with the Romanian language, its traditions, history, winemaking and cooking, and a hospitality that makes you feel at home.

With an area of roughly 33,800 km² and a population of about 2.6 million, Moldova is one of the smallest countries in Europe, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in character, human warmth and landscapes that seem to have stopped in time.

Why visit Moldova

Moldova is not a mass-tourism destination — and that is exactly what sets it apart. Here tourism comes with authenticity rather than crowds. You can visit underground cellars that run for tens of kilometres, eat a chicken zeamă made to a grandmother’s recipe and find cave monasteries centuries old, all without the queues and inflated prices of mainstream destinations.

What sets Moldova apart

World-class wines — Moldova has the highest density of vineyards in the world, and wineries such as Cricova, Mileștii Mici and Purcari are known internationally.
Authentic cooking — A generous cuisine with Romanian, Turkish, Ukrainian and Russian influences, built on local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Striking monasteries — More than 40 monasteries and hermitages, including some of the oldest cave monasteries in Eastern Europe.
Absorbing history — From Ștefan cel Mare to Bessarabia, from the Soviet period to independence — a history that helps you make sense of Eastern Europe.
Genuine hospitality — Moldovans are known for the warmth with which they receive guests, with a full table and a glass of wine that never stays empty.
Affordable prices — A full weekend in Moldova, with accommodation, meals and a wine tour, can cost under €200.

Geography

Moldova lies in south-eastern Europe, landlocked, with a gentle relief of hills, plateaus, slopes and valleys. The river Prut forms the natural border with Romania to the west, while the Dniester crosses the country from north to south.

The climate is temperate continental, with warm summers (ideal for vineyards) and moderate winters. The best times to visit are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), especially during the wine harvest.

Currency and costs

The official currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL). Bank cards are accepted in most restaurants, hotels and shops in Chișinău, but it is worth carrying cash for markets, public transport and smaller places.