A country with picturesque landscapes, traditional villages and a distinct cultural heritage, Moldova is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway with a rental car. Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or explore new places with your loved one, Moldova offers a variety of destinations perfect for an unforgettable vacation. Here are 5 ideal places for a romantic trip with a rental car in Moldova:
1. Chisinau: more than a capital
Many tourists spend only a few hours in Chisinau before moving on. We locals know that our capital is full of romantic spots.
Start with a walk through Stefan cel Mare Park - it is especially beautiful here in the spring, when the chestnut trees bloom, or in the fall, with golden foliage. Find a secluded bench and just watch the slow life of the city.
In the evening, I recommend having dinner in the area of Pushkin Street - there are several atmospheric restaurants with terraces. For example, “La Taifas” - they cook amazing dishes from local products and serve excellent homemade wine.
And when it gets dark, take a ride through the evening city - illuminated buildings, fountains, live music in the squares... Don't worry about transport - there are enough parking spaces in the center.
2. Milestii Michi Winery: our national treasure
20 km from Chisinau there is something that we, Moldovans, are really proud of - the largest wineries in the world!
Be sure to take a tour of the cellars - this is a real underground city! The total length of the tunnels is about 200 km; you can drive through these “streets” in an electric car...
After the tour, don’t rush to leave - book a tasting on the terrace. In the warm season, tables are set right among the vineyards. Stay there until sunset, try different wines, taste the pies and enjoy life.
And yes, buy a few bottles as gifts for friends. I usually take Negra de Purcari, a dry red drink that even Angela Merkel praised.
3. Magpie: The Middle Ages and breathtaking views
Soroca is located approximately 160 km from Chisinau. The road is not bad, but there are potholes in places - be careful. Leave early so you can spend the whole day there.
The main attraction is, of course, the Soroca Fortress of the 15th century. The view of the Dniester from the fortress wall is something special! On a clear day you can even see the Ukrainian coast.
Local tip: after the fortress, go down to the river. There is a great picnic spot about 2 km downstream. We took with us a blanket, a basket of food and a bottle of wine from Milesti. Watching the sunset from there and returning to the city at dusk was magical!
4. Old Orhei: When nature meets history
“Something special, not touristy” - Old Orhei is a place that you immediately fall in love with.
A trip there will be a special pleasure if you love nature. Hills, vineyards, villages... It is better to take a car with good ground clearance, some areas are unpaved.
The rock monastery is the main attraction. Imagine: monks' cells carved right into a limestone rock, and from there you can see the bend of the Reut River... You can spend several hours there, sitting on a stone and just talking about everything in the world.
5. Transnistria: a journey into the past
This place is not for everyone, but if you are interested in an unusual experience, be sure to visit it! Formally, it is an unrecognized republic within Moldova with its own “border”, currency and government.
The first time I went there with some anxiety, but everything turned out to be as simple as shelling pears. At the “border”, passports are checked and temporary registration is issued - this will take about 15 minutes. Most importantly, don’t forget the documents for your car.
Tiraspol, the capital of Transnistria, looks like a frozen piece of the USSR. Wide avenues, monuments to Lenin, Soviet symbols are everywhere. Walk around the center, take photos at monuments and buy souvenirs, for example: Transnistrian rubles - unusual money with images of Suvorov.
If you get hungry, we recommend the cafe “Back in the USSR” - they serve excellent borscht and homemade cutlets at quite Soviet prices.
In conclusion, I want to say that renting a car in Moldova opens up a completely different level of travel! Especially for couples. The most interesting places are located far from main public transport routes and it is difficult to create a romantic atmosphere on a crowded bus.
And remember: the best memories are not made online, but on the road! Have a nice trip and unforgettable impressions!