Moldova - a truly hidden gem in Europe
Venice, Cinque Terre, Barcelona, Mallorca, London, Dubrovnik (which seems not to appreciate the fame brought by Game of Thrones), Santorini, Amsterdam, Lisbon or Iceland are just a few of the European destinations dear to everyone, but which became victims of their own success' and negatively feel the pressure of the millions of tourists who visit them annually.
And it's not just Europe, destinations from all over the world (a good example being Thailand) that are on every traveler's bucket list face similar problems: who wouldn't want to go there at least once in their life?
Expectations vs reality: Maya Bay (the beach from the movie The Beach), Thailand
As it turns out, there is a lot more to see in Europe than just Italy’s Romanesque monuments, Spain’s sandy beaches, and Turkey All-Inclusive packages, and if you’re looking for a true hidden gem – truly one of Europe’s last – then maybe you should add a new travel destination on your map - Republic of Moldova - Europe’s Least-Visited Country.
Indeed, many travelers and explorers consider Moldova a hidden gem in Europe. While it may not receive as much attention as some of its more popular neighbors, Moldova has unique charms and attractions that make it a special destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Here are some reasons why Moldova is often regarded as a hidden gem:
- Authentic rural life: Moldova is known for its picturesque countryside, dotted with charming villages, vineyards, and rolling hills. Visitors can experience traditional rural life and get a glimpse of a more authentic, less touristy side of Europe.
- Wine tourism: Moldova boasts one of the largest vineyard areas per capita in the world. Wine enthusiasts can explore numerous wineries and taste a variety of wines, including some rare and ancient grape varieties.
- Unique cultural heritage: The country's history and cultural heritage are a blend of Romanian, Soviet, and other influences. Visitors can explore historic sites, monasteries, and traditional Moldovan crafts.
- Transnistria: An unrecognised breakaway state in eastern Moldova, Transnistria has a distinct Soviet-era atmosphere, and its capital, Tiraspol, offers a glimpse into a bygone era.
- Warm hospitality: Moldovan people are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. Visitors often have memorable interactions with locals, making their trip even more rewarding.
- Unspoiled nature: Moldova offers beautiful natural landscapes, including the Codru Forest, lakes, and the Dniester River, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and outdoor activities.
- Cost-effective travel: Compared to many other European countries, Moldova can be a budget-friendly destination, offering affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
It's important to note that tourism trends can change over time, and efforts to improve tourism infrastructure, promotion, and political stability could lead to an increase in visitors to Moldova in the future.
While Moldova may not receive the same level of tourist traffic as other European countries, these qualities contribute to its allure as a hidden gem. As travelers seek more unique and authentic experiences, Moldova's appeal as an off-the-beaten-path destination is likely to grow over time.
Moldova Tours is Moldova’s incoming travel operator, and great tours and deals can be found
here.
Despite the economic and political situation in the country, Moldova hosts the most diverse festivals every year. It is a new habit for us, which is turning into a beautiful cultural tradition. Below you will find a top 10 festivals that you can attend during the year 2025. 1. Classical Music Festival "DescOPERA" – June 20th - 22th The first edition of the festival took place last weekend at Orheiul Vechi. What makes this festival special is the opportunity to enjoy classical music in the open air. Renowned orchestra conductors perform at the event. Spectators can savor the distinguished atmosphere alongside people who appreciate culture and art. 2. Street Food & Wine Festival – Gastronomic Festival Date: June 13–15 Location: Great National Assembly Square, Chișinău Participants will be able to enjoy a variety of culinary delights, wines from local producers, and performances by artists such as Subcarpați, Adriana Ochisanu, Gabriel Nebunu, and Adrian Ursu & Orchestra. Entry to the festival is free. 3. IA MANIA – Arts Festival Born from Tradition Date: July 6 Location: Holercani village, Dubăsari district Launched in 2013, IA MANIA is a festival dedicated to promoting the traditional embroidered blouse (ia) and folk crafts from Moldova. The event brings together local artisans, chefs who prepare traditional recipes, musicians, and dancers in an authentic and vibrant atmosphere. 4. Noaptea Sânzienelor – Festival of Music and Traditions Date: July 5 Location: Castel Mimi Wine Resort, Bulboaca village, Anenii Noi district. The Night of the Saints (Noaptea de Sânziene) is a traditional Romanian festival celebrated on the night of June 23 to 24. At Castel Mimi, the event features music, dance, cultural traditions, and a special program filled with surprises. 5. Festivalul Lupilor – Festival of Music and Traditions Date: August 8–10, 2025 Location: Trebujeni village, Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve, Republic of Moldova Festivalul Lupilor 2025 will take place from August 8 to 10 in the village of Trebujeni, located within the Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve. The event is known for its authentic atmosphere, combining folk, rock, and ethno music with ancestral traditions and the stunning natural landscapes of the region. 6. LAPOIANA – Festival of Music and Traditions Date: August 9–10 Location: Glinjeni village, Fălești district The festival offers a wide range of musical genres, from techno and house to pop, rap, and folk, performed by local and international artists. The main stage and the retro stage will host electrifying performances, accompanied by visual installations and a customized light show, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. 7. HODINA – Festival of Music and Traditions Date: August 17 Location: Pohrebea village, Dubăsari district Hodina Fest is an annual festival that brings together the traditions, culture, and natural beauty of the Republic of Moldova. The event takes place on Sunday, August 18, in Pohrebea village, Coșnița commune, Dubăsari district. Hodina Fest is more than just a festival – it’s a unique experience that combines music, traditional crafts, local gastronomy, and outdoor activities. 8. Summer Fest 2025 Date: August 23–24, 2025 Location: Botanical Garden, Chișinău, Republic of Moldova Now in its eighth edition, Summer Fest 2025 promises to be the most spectacular festival of the summer, bringing together music lovers, fun seekers, and fans of a vibrant atmosphere. 9. VinOpera Date: September 5 Location: Castel Mimi Wine Resort, Bulboaca village, Anenii Noi district. VinOpera at Castel Mimi is a special event that blends the art of opera with fine wine tasting, offering a cultural and gastronomic experience in a spectacular setting. Held outdoors, VinOpera features opera and classical music artists performing famous arias, while guests enjoy the award-winning wines of the castle. The VinOpera concept aims to create a refined atmosphere where music, wine, and architectural ambiance merge into a unique and unforgettable experience. 10. Chișinău Marathon Date: September 27–28 Location: Great National Assembly Square, Chișinău. The Chisinau International Marathon is a landmark sporting event and the largest running competition in Moldova.
Check out the calendar of cultural and tourist events in the Republic of Moldova for the 2025 season
We present to you the cultural-tourism Agenda "Tree of Life", 2025—a comprehensive plan that includes 40 national and international events aimed at highlighting the authentic traditions and customs of the Republic of Moldova. The "Tree of Life" Agenda offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, including music and theater festivals, exhibitions, classical music concerts, craft workshops, and gastronomic events. These events provide a valuable opportunity to deepen knowledge of Moldova's authentic culture and traditions. Moreover, the agenda helps identify the best times to visit the country, serving as a useful tool both for first-time tourists and for diaspora members eager to rediscover Moldova’s cultural heritage. Creating a well-organized event calendar can significantly enhance the region's visibility, transforming it into a cultural destination of national and international interest. Moldova Tours team invites you to explore the complete agenda and plan your vacation based on the events and experiences that interest you during your trip to the Republic of Moldova.
If you're willing to brave the cold and expand your travel experiences, visiting Moldova during the winter months (December to March) can also be an affordable option. This time our Moldovans go for what they have the best: rural tourism, wine tourism and culinary experiences, being once again to the liking of those who prefer outdoor activities, but also those who are looking for authentic gastronomy and wines of very good quality. In the past, winters in Moldova came with fairy tale-like snow and cold weather, with cloudy skies and sometimes very low temperatures. But in these past few decades, with the climate changing, it’s difficult to predict what will be. Last time, during the winter time, the weather is moderately cold and dry. Winter temperatures in Moldova may vary from -1 degree Celsius to -5 degree.
The village of Văleni in Cahul district, among 'The Best Tourist Villages in the World' for 2023: 260 localities from 60 countries entered the competition.
About 16,500 foreign tourists visited the Republic of Moldova through travel agencies in the period of January-June 2023, an increase of over 58% compared to the same period last year. The majority of tourists were from Romania, accounting for 34.7% of the total tourists received in the Republic of Moldova. Following them are tourists from Italy (16.8%), Ukraine (13.7%), Germany (9.4%), and France (6.6%)."
Tourism in Moldova is on the rise and is rather niche, targeting tourists in search of picturesque, authentic places, and stunning natural landscapes. For this category, we have created the article. For tourists seeking places with cultural significance, various activities, and a hospitable environment. Moldova will enchant you with the beauty of nature, traditional dishes, incredible wine, and also with hospitality. Certainly, Moldova might not be as well-known as some other travel destinations, but it still offers a unique and charming atmosphere that can be wonderful for photography. Here are some places you might consider visiting:
