Moldova – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Republic of Moldova (Republica Moldova)
Area: ~33,800 km² – rolling hills, vineyards, and rivers
Population: ~2.5 million (2024)
Location: Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania and Ukraine
Form of government: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Maia Sandu
Head of Government: Prime Minister Dorin Recean
Capital city: Chișinău – ~650,000
Time zone: Eastern European Time (UTC+2 / +3 in summer)
Official language: Romanian
Currency: Moldovan leu (MDL)
EU member: No (partner country)
Schengen area: No
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Chișinău – ~650,000
- Tiraspol – ~130,000
- Bălți – ~120,000
- Bender (Tighina) – ~100,000
- Rîbnița – ~50,000
- Cahul – ~40,000
- Ungheni – ~35,000
- Soroca – ~30,000
- Orhei – ~25,000
- Comrat – ~20,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Chișinău: Parks, museums, Soviet-era architecture, and vibrant cafés.
- Orheiul Vechi: Archaeological site with monasteries carved into cliffs.
- Tipova Monastery: Scenic cliffside monastery overlooking the Dniester River.
- Cricova & Mileștii Mici: Legendary underground wine cellars — thousands of kilometers of wine!
- Soroca: Medieval fortress on the Dniester River.
- Transnistria: Quirky breakaway region with Soviet nostalgia.
Climate
Moderate continental: hot summers (25–35 °C), cold winters (–5 to 2 °C), and plenty of sun for vineyards. Pack layers if you plan to explore the hills and cities in one trip.
Culture & Daily Life
- Wine culture: Moldova is one of Europe’s hidden wine kingdoms — tastings are practically a must.
- Festivals: Folk music, dance, and wine festivals are abundant.
- Friendly locals: Hospitable, talkative, and proud of their traditions.
- Outdoor lifestyle: Vineyards, river valleys, and hills make hiking and cycling enjoyable.
Food & Drink
- Classic dishes: Mămăligă (cornmeal porridge), sarmale (stuffed cabbage), placinte (savory pies).
- Desserts: Covrigi (pretzel-style pastries), sweet pastries, and seasonal fruits.
- Beverages: Wine, divin (Moldovan brandy), and herbal teas.
- Street food: Quick bites of pies, grilled meats, and fresh bread.
Summary
Moldova is a small but charming Eastern European country of vineyards, monasteries, and rolling hills. Chișinău buzzes with cafés and parks, Orheiul Vechi impresses with cliffside monasteries, and Cricova and Mileștii Mici delight wine lovers with underground cellars. Friendly locals, hearty food, and scenic countryside make Moldova an under-the-radar European gem.