- Moldova is a wine country first, so plan around cellar tours
- Direct flights to Chișinău run from London, and prices on the ground are very low
- The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Transnistria
- Most sights are an easy day trip from Chișinău
- Airports
- Chișinău International (KIV)
- Flight time
- about 3h15 from London to Chișinău direct
- Best time to go
- May-June and September-October, especially early October for the National Wine Day festival
- Currency
- Moldovan leu (MDL)
Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine, is one of the least-visited countries in Europe, and that is exactly why curious travellers go. It has a winemaking tradition stretching back thousands of years, underground cellars so large you tour them by car, a cave monastery cut into a limestone cliff and a leafy capital with Soviet-era boulevards and a growing café and restaurant scene. Prices are among the lowest on the continent.
Moldova is two hours ahead of the UK, cars drive on the right and plugs are the two-pin European type. Romanian is the official language; Russian is also widely spoken, and English is common among younger people in Chișinău. This Europe guide covers where to go, when to visit and what to budget in 2026.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can usually visit Moldova visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least three months after you leave. The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the breakaway region of Transnistria, which is not controlled by the Moldovan government and where consular help is very limited; travel insurance may also be invalid there. Because of the war in neighbouring Ukraine, do not attempt to cross into Ukraine, and keep an eye on the news. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Where to go in Moldova
Chișinău
The capital is green and relaxed, with wide boulevards, large parks such as Ștefan cel Mare Park and the Valea Morilor lake, the Nativity Cathedral and its triumphal arch, and a lively central market. The National Museum of History and the Ethnographic Museum give good background, and the restaurant and wine bar scene punches above its weight.
Cricova
Just north of Chișinău, Cricova's cellars form a vast underground city of more than 100 kilometres of tunnels, with streets named after grape varieties. Tours run by electric train or car and end with a tasting; book ahead, especially at weekends.
Mileștii Mici
South of the capital, Mileștii Mici holds a huge wine collection recognised by Guinness World Records, stored in some 200 kilometres of galleries. Visits are usually by car, so you will need a driver or tour.
Orheiul Vechi
About an hour from Chișinău, this open-air archaeological complex sits on a dramatic loop of the Răut river. The highlight is a cave monastery carved into the cliff, with a small monk-tended chapel, and the village of Butuceni has traditional guesthouses serving home cooking.
Wineries and monasteries
Castel Mimi, Purcari and Château Vartely are among the best-known estates for tastings, meals and stays. Capriana, Hâncu, Curchi and Saharna monasteries are set in quiet countryside and pair well with a winery visit. In the south, Gagauzia, an autonomous Turkic-speaking region, has its own food and culture.
Best time to visit Moldova
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (April-June) | Mild and green, good for countryside trips and wineries |
| Summer (July-August) | Hot, often 30 °C+, quiet in the city; long evenings on terraces |
| Autumn (September-October) | Harvest season and the National Wine Day festival in early October; the best time to visit |
| Winter (November-March) | Cold, often below freezing with snow; cellar tours still run year-round |
Getting to Moldova from the UK
Chișinău International Airport (KIV) is the main airport. Low-cost airlines have operated direct flights from London Luton, taking around three hours 15 minutes, though routes change, so check the latest schedules. Otherwise, connect via Istanbul, Vienna, Warsaw, Frankfurt or Bucharest. Some travellers fly to Iași in Romania and continue by road, or combine Moldova with Romania by overnight train or bus from Bucharest.
Getting around
Chișinău is compact and walkable, with cheap trolleybuses and minibuses (maxi-taxis); ride-hailing apps such as Yandex Go and Bolt operate. For the wineries and Orheiul Vechi, a private driver or guided tour is usually easiest, especially as tastings and driving don't mix. Minibuses run to most towns from Chișinău's bus stations. Car hire is possible, but rural roads can be rough.
Money and costs
The Moldovan leu (MDL) is the currency. Cards are widely accepted in Chișinău, but carry cash in the countryside. Moldova is excellent value: a good dinner with local wine might cost 300-500 lei (roughly £13-22), and a comfortable central hotel about £40-80 a night. Budget around £45-80 per person per day for a mid-range trip, plus winery tours, which typically cost more than other sights.
Wine tours at Cricova and Mileștii Mici need booking, and some only run in groups at set times, so reserve a few days ahead and arrange a driver.
Frequently asked questions
Is Moldova safe to visit?
Most visits to Chișinău and the countryside are trouble-free, but Moldova borders Ukraine, and the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Transnistria. Check current advice before booking and monitor the news while you are there.
Do I need a visa for Moldova?
British passport holders can usually stay up to 90 days in any 180 days without a visa. Check GOV.UK for the latest rules.
How many days do you need in Moldova?
Three or four days is enough for Chișinău, one big cellar, Orheiul Vechi and a winery estate. A week lets you slow down and explore the countryside.
What is Moldova famous for?
Wine above all: it has one of the highest densities of vineyards in the world, and its underground cellars at Cricova and Mileștii Mici are the main sights.
Written by
Anna Beach, family & practical travel editor
Anna knows which beach has shade at 3pm and which car hire excess is a rip-off. She covers sun, islands, family trips and practical travel tips.
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