“Moldova Your Next Travel Destination: An authentic, safe, and surprisingly welcoming experience”

Everything we need to know about Moldova as an unexplored tourist destination, we discover today from Mrs. Natalia Bantu?-Gurduza, spouse of the Consul General of the Republic of Moldova in Istanbul. She shares why Moldova deserves a place on every traveler’s priority list.

WHAT IS THE GENERAL “VIBE” OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA FOR A FIRST-TIME VISITOR?

Answer: Moldova is defined by simplicity, warmth, and authenticity. It is a country where time seems to move more slowly in rural areas, while the capital, Chi?inau, pulses with lively urban energy. Visitors often feel more like honored guests than ordinary tourists. Moldova is the kind of cozy destination where you can relax in a modern wine bar or enjoy dinner in the courtyard of a rural family home, with both experiences feeling equally genuine.

SO WHY SHOULD TOURISTS FROM TURKEY CHOOSE MOLDOVA FOR THEİR NEXT VACATION?

Answer: Moldova offers a unique blend of history, nature, culture, and personalized experiences. It is a destination that has not yet been discovered by mass tourism, which helps preserve its peaceful atmosphere and attentive service. Whether visitors want to explore dynamic Chi?inau, with its modern restaurants and green parks, or escape to authentic rural guesthouses, Moldova offers memorable experiences in every season.

HOW ACCESSIBLE IS MOLDOVA FOR TRAVELERS COMING FROM TURKEY? IS A VISA REQUIRED?

Answer: Accessibility is one of Moldova’s strongest advantages. Turkish citizens can travel to the Republic of Moldova using only their ID card, or kimlik, or their passport. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days. These travel facilities make Moldova an ideal option even for spontaneous getaways or weekend trips.

HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAVEL TO MOLDOVA, AND HOW WELL-DEVELOPED IS THE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE?

Answer: Moldova is very well connected to Turkey. There are many direct flights to Chi?inau, as well as seasonal or regular flights from cities such as Antalya and İzmir. From Istanbul, numerous direct flights are operated daily by airlines including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, AJet, FlyOne, and HiSky.

In less than two hours — approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes — travelers can arrive in the heart of Moldova. Once there, the airport is located close to the capital, and both public and private transportation networks are accessible and modern. For example, visitors can travel from the airport to the center of Chi?inau by direct trolleybus for only 7 MDL, around €0.35.

ARE THERE ANY POINTS IN COMMON OR CULTURAL TIES BETWEEN MOLDOVA AND TURKEY?

Answer: Absolutely. Moldova is a multi-ethnic and diverse country that values mutual respect and cultural coexistence. One of the strongest cultural bridges between Moldova and Turkey is the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia, also known as Gagauz-Yeri. There, Gagauz traditions and language offer Turkish visitors a familiar sense of home.

Turkish tourists may be surprised to discover traditions that resonate with their own culture and to hear a language that feels familiar, as the Gagauz language is historically related to Turkish and is considered very close to modern Turkish.

The city of Comrat and the surrounding Gagauz villages offer a unique ethno-tourism experience. Local hospitality, traditional cuisine, and dishes such as pîntez and shurpa create an immediate connection between visitors and their hosts.

MOLDOVA IS FAMOUS FOR ITS WINES. WHAT CAN TOURISTS EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA?

Answer: You’re right — wine is Moldova’s national pride, and the country is considered one of the world’s top wine destinations. Moldova also holds a remarkable distinction for the high density of vineyards in relation to its surface area, and it is home to some of the largest underground wine cellars in the world.

The underground “wine cities” of Cricova and Mile?tii Mici are world-class attractions. Cricova is a true underground city, covering around 53 hectares, with more than 120 kilometers of tunnels and galleries at a depth of 60–70 meters. Its underground streets are even named after wine varieties. Mile?tii Mici, meanwhile, is recognized by Guinness World Records for having the world’s largest wine collection.

These are not simply storage spaces, but spectacular underground galleries with elegant tasting rooms that have welcomed celebrities and distinguished guests from around the world. Visiting them is an unforgettable experience, even for refined sommeliers and wine experts.

In addition, Moldova’s Wine Road tourist route is part of the European cultural route Iter Vitis, offering visitors winery tours, tastings, and even accommodation within vineyards and wine estates.

IN A FEW WORDS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE MOLDOVAN GASTRONOMY AND RURAL EXPERIENCES?

Answer: Fresh, organic, and generous. Visitors should definitely try Moldovan chicken soup, known as zeama, as well as mamaliga, a traditional polenta served with cheese and sour cream. Another must-try is placinte, warm handmade pies filled with cheese, potatoes, pumpkin, or other delicious ingredients. Moldovan sarmale, or stuffed cabbage rolls, are also an essential part of the local culinary experience.

The taste of the vegetables and fruits in Moldova is deeply authentic — the kind of flavor many people have forgotten in large cities. At rural guesthouses, tourists can learn how to prepare traditional dishes using family recipes, or visit pottery workshops along local craft routes.

It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the authentic spirit of Moldova and the legendary hospitality of its people.

WHAT EXPERIENCES DOES MOLDOVA OFFER FOR NATURE AND ADVENTURE LOVERS?

Answer: Moldova offers memorable experiences for nature lovers and active travelers. One of the country’s most impressive sites is the Orheiul Vechi Cultural and Natural Reserve, an archaeological gem featuring cave monasteries carved into the rock and spectacular views over the Raut River.

For travelers seeking adventure, Moldova offers kayaking routes on the Dniester River, cycling trails through the ancient Codri forests, and hot-air balloon rides with panoramic views over endless vineyards and rolling landscapes.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS TOURISTS CAN ATTEND?

Answer: Moldova hosts more than 40 festivals every year. Among the most highly recommended is National Wine Day, held on the first weekend of October, when the entire capital turns into a celebration of wine, culture, and tradition.

Another remarkable event is DescOPERA, an open-air opera festival held in the spectacular natural amphitheater of Orheiul Vechi. The full event calendar is available through the official tourism platform of Moldova.

I’VE HEARD THAT MOLDOVA IS ALSO EXCELLING İN MEDICAL TOURISM. WHY SHOULD A TURKISH CITIZEN CONSIDER THIS SECTOR?

Answer: In addition to cultural and wine tourism, Moldova is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for medical tourism. Medical standards in Moldova are aligned with European norms, while costs remain much more competitive compared with many other European countries.

Dental clinics, in vitro fertilization centers, and cosmetic surgery clinics in Chi?inau attract thousands of foreign visitors every year, thanks to internationally certified specialists, modern services, and more reasonable prices.

WHAT ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE? ARE THERE ANY LUXURY CHOICES?

Answer: Moldova offers a wide range of accommodation options. Visitors can choose from five-star hotels in the heart of Chi?inau, luxury wine chateaus where they can wake up surrounded by vineyards, and authentic rural guesthouses that offer a more traditional experience.

For those seeking something truly rustic, some guesthouses even offer the chance to sleep on a lejanca, a traditional heated oven bed, creating a memorable connection with Moldovan rural life.

WHAT CAN TOURISTS VISIT IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF CHI?INAU?

Answer: Chi?inau is the perfect starting point for any Moldovan adventure. The capital is known for its wide green spaces, numerous lakes, and large parks, as well as museums, churches, open-air markets, historical monuments, theaters, and many other attractions.

As visitors explore the streets of Chi?inau, they will discover a diverse architectural landscape, from 19th-century buildings and grand old structures built from white limestone to modern urban design.

The city also offers a wide selection of restaurants, hotels, wine bars, local fashion brands, breweries, and shopping centers. With prices often lower than in many other European capitals, Chi?inau is an excellent choice for a relaxed, enjoyable, and diverse city break.

The official Visit Chi?inau website provides useful information on what to see and do in the city, including audio guides for major tourist attractions.

HOW SAFE IS MOLDOVA FOR TOURISTS?

Answer: Moldova is considered one of the safest countries in Europe for visitors. Respect for guests is a fundamental value and is deeply rooted in the local culture. Tourists can explore cities and villages with confidence at any time of day.

All in all, Moldova is not just a place to visit or a destination on a map — it is an experience to be enjoyed. It is a country where every traveler can find something familiar, something surprising, and something that makes them want to return.

Moldova is a destination where tradition and modernity coexist naturally, where the rhythm of life allows visitors to reconnect, and where every guest is welcomed like a close friend.

Dear Turkish friends — #BeOurGuest in Moldova!

We invite you to discover Moldova: a safe, surprisingly welcoming destination full of hidden tourist treasures.

For more details and itinerary planning, including tourist attractions, interactive maps, sightseeing routes, events, accommodation, restaurants, travel operators, licensed tour guides, and up-to-date information about Moldova, visitors can explore the official tourism websites of Moldova, Chi?inau, and Gagauzia.

Author: Dr. Sümeyra Teymur CEO - Haberler&SonDakika

Dilşad Özcan

Haberler.com