Road Trips in Moldova

Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, is a true city of contrasts where old damaged buildings stand next to large and opulent government edifices. While sauntering around its streets, you'll come across a number of interesting highlights, including thematic museums, religious buildings, and scenic parks and gardens. During a sightseeing trip around the city, it's worth visiting the National Archaeology and History Museum, checking out the Pushkin Museum, and taking a walk around Stephen the Great Park or the Alley of Classics. 

In order to see the most popular wineries in Moldova, you should definitely travel to Orhei and Cricova. The one that can be found here can boast wine cellars that extend for 120 kilometres. Its chambers store more than one million wine bottles that have been prepared for wine tasting for the visiting tourists. If you want to take a tour around Moldova's landmarks, direct your steps to Soroca, where you'll find a stone fortress dating back to 1489. The cities of Calarasi, Tiraspol, and Balti, known as the "northern capital", are also worth your attention. 

As a relatively small country, Moldova doesn't have many well-known road trips, but it does offer some beautiful routes that are worth exploring. Here are three of the best road trips in Moldova:

• Wine Route - Moldova is famous for its wine, and the Wine Route is the perfect way to experience the country's viticulture. The route winds through picturesque vineyards and quaint towns, including Cricova, the second-largest underground wine cellar in the world. Along the way, visitors can sample some of Moldova's best wines and learn about the country's wine-making traditions.

• Monasteries Route - Moldova has a rich religious history, and the Monasteries Route takes visitors on a journey through some of the country's most important spiritual sites. The route passes through several picturesque villages, including Orheiul Vechi, where visitors can explore an ancient cave monastery. The road trip also includes stops at several other notable monasteries, such as Capriana and Saharna.

• Codrii Forest Route - The Codrii Forest is one of the largest and most beautiful forests in Moldova, and the Codrii Forest Route is the perfect way to experience its natural beauty. The route winds through the forest and passes by several quaint villages, including Hancu and Lalova. Visitors can stop at several scenic viewpoints along the way and enjoy a picnic in the forest.

These three road trips showcase some of the best that Moldova has to offer, from its wine and religious traditions to its stunning natural beauty. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, there's something for everyone on these scenic routes.

Residents and tourists travelling around Moldova will have at their disposal buses, taxis, and trains that travel between larger cities. While using public transport, try to stay watchful as you can fall prey to pickpockets, especially in crowded trolleybuses and microbuses. 

If you enjoy freedom and independence, it's best to opt for a rental car, for example, one of the vehicles available at the Chisinau Airport. However, you should bear in mind that travelling in a car around Moldova isn't always that simple and pleasant. That is due to the dire state of roads that are unlit and lack adequate road marking – especially the roads running outside larger cities. Additional threats, mostly at night, are unlit vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. 

Remember that motorists and passengers should have fastened seatbelts. During the trip, you shouldn't exceed the speed limits, which are 60 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h outside built-up areas. You mustn't forget about carrying appropriate documents, including your ID or passport, driver's licence, vehicle inspection certificate, liability insurance, Green Card, and appropriate statement provided by the owner of the vehicle. Refuel your car only at large and reliable petrol stations. 

If you are travelling with children, you should definitely take care of their safety. Children younger than 12 years of age should travel only in special child seats. Driving and talking on your mobile phone is strictly forbidden so equip yourself with a hands-free set. You shouldn't drive even after drinking a tiny bit of alcohol. Otherwise, you can face high fines. The worst case scenario is losing your driver's licence. 

If you're planning a road trip in Moldova, it's important to be aware of certain things to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here are some bullet points to keep in mind:

• Road conditions: Some roads in Moldova are poorly maintained and can be bumpy and uneven, especially in rural areas. It's important to have a reliable vehicle with good suspension and to be aware of road conditions to avoid accidents or damage to the vehicle.

• Traffic rules: Moldova follows European traffic rules, but it's important to be aware of local driving customs and habits. The speed limit is 90 km/h on highways and 50 km/h in urban areas, and seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.

• Police checkpoints: Police checkpoints are common in Moldova, especially near the border. Make sure you have all necessary documentation, such as your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance papers, readily available.

• Navigation: While Moldova is a small country, it's easy to get lost in some areas, especially if you're not familiar with the language. It's a good idea to have a reliable GPS or map with you at all times.

• Weather: Moldova has hot summers and cold winters, so it's important to be prepared for all weather conditions. In the winter, some roads may be icy and slippery, so make sure you have appropriate tires and drive carefully.

• Safety: As with any travel, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe. Avoid leaving items in plain sight in your car and be cautious when stopping in unfamiliar areas.

By keeping these points in mind, you can have a safe and enjoyable road trip in Moldova.

The best time to take a road trip in Moldova is during the summer months, from June to September. During this time, the weather is warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-20s °C (70s °F) and minimal rainfall. This makes it perfect for exploring the countryside and enjoying outdoor activities.

It is worth noting that the months of July and August can be particularly busy with tourists, especially around popular destinations such as wineries and monasteries. If you prefer a quieter road trip, it may be best to plan your trip for the shoulder months of June or September.

During the winter months, from December to February, the weather in Moldova can be harsh with snowfall and freezing temperatures. This can make driving conditions difficult, especially in rural areas where the roads may not be well-maintained. If you plan to take a road trip during this time, be sure to check weather conditions and road closures before heading out.

In the spring and fall months, the weather in Moldova can be unpredictable with occasional rainfall and cooler temperatures. However, these seasons can offer beautiful scenery with blooming flowers in the spring and vibrant fall foliage in the autumn. Just be prepared for changing weather conditions and pack accordingly.

Overall, the best time to take a road trip in Moldova is during the summer months when the weather is warm and pleasant.

The cost of a road trip in Moldova can vary depending on your travel style, accommodation, and food preferences. Here's an approximate breakdown of the cost:

• Accommodation: Budget accommodation can cost between 10-30 EUR per night, while mid-range options can be around 50-70 EUR per night.

• Food: Eating out at local restaurants and cafes can cost around 10-20 EUR per meal, while cooking your meals in self-catered accommodation or buying food from local markets can be cheaper.

• Gasoline: The price of gasoline in Moldova is relatively low, and it can cost around 1 EUR per liter.

• Car rental: Renting a car in Moldova can cost around 25-40 EUR per day for a basic economy car.

Overall, you can expect to spend around 50-70 EUR per day for a budget road trip in Moldova, including accommodation, food, and transportation. However, if you prefer a more luxurious trip with high-end hotels and fancy restaurants, the cost can easily go up to 100-150 EUR per day.

It's worth noting that many tourist attractions and historical sites in Moldova are free or have a low entrance fee, so you can enjoy the local culture and heritage without breaking the bank. Additionally, bargaining at markets is a common practice in Moldova, so you can negotiate the prices of souvenirs and other goods.

Overall, a road trip in Moldova can be an affordable way to explore the country's beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and traditional culture.

There are several guidebooks and road maps available for a road trip in Moldova. Here are some recommendations:

• Lonely Planet Romania & Bulgaria: This guidebook covers Moldova along with its neighboring countries and provides valuable insights into the region's history, culture, and attractions.

• Moldova Road Map by Cartographia: This detailed map provides an overview of Moldova's roads, cities, and attractions, making it easy to plan your route.

• Moldova (Bradt Travel Guide): This guidebook provides in-depth coverage of Moldova's history, culture, and attractions, including detailed information on the country's wine industry and rural tourism.

• Moldova (National Geographic Adventure Map): This map provides detailed topographical information, along with points of interest, national parks, and more, making it a great tool for outdoor enthusiasts.