Introducing Moldova
Landlocked and bounded by Romania and Ukraine, with the ethnic divisions to prove it, Moldova has come a long way in a short time and is arguably more advanced than EU-friendly Romania in many respects. The tourism focus is indisputably the country’s wine industry, which produces staggeringly superb varietals and offers winery tours that will vanquish the stoutest of constitutions – try Cricova, not far from Chişinău. Less celebrated are the attractions between the vineyards: sunflower fields, enormous watermelons, bucolic pastoral lands and the amazingly friendly people. Soberer diversions include remote monasteries cut into limestone cliffs and a rural backdrop inhabited by welcoming villagers.
Advertisement
But it goes deeper. What could have been a fascinating ethnic mix went horribly wrong in the early 1990s. The Turkic Gagauzia and the Soviet-bent Transdniestr areas recognised the opportunity and declared their respective independences almost simultaneously, which culminated in a bloody civil war. Today, Gagauz maintains a calm truce with Moldova, while the alluringly bizarre Transdniestr region is on the brink of reopening old wounds.
While still in contention for the title of Poorest Country in Europe, Moldova’s prices (particularly for accommodation) are unexpectedly high. Coming from Romania, expect to pay about the same for almost everything.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Table for one, please. Yes, just one.
26 July 2010
Your average LP research trip is a protracted exercise in loneliness management. Sure, I have friends...
-
Top 10 Eastern European getaways
7 July 2010
For years Eastern Europe was the undiscovered half of the continent, where architectural gems, wonderful...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
Brothels
by cachinnate 150 replies, last post 29 July 2010
Prostitution is illegal in the UK, right? If you know or suspect where one is, should you call the police? It's obvious. There must…
-
Ladies / babushkas with komnaty / kvartiry - where are they still around?
by hnikolaus 0 replies, last post 29 July 2010
Ladies / babushkas with komnaty / kvartiry - where are they still around? Hi, I want to return to Moldova this summer and I am wondering…
-
Moldova Visa Letter of Invitation Help (New Zealand passport)
by vidaboa 3 replies, last post 28 July 2010
Hi fellow travelers, I know this topic has been thrashed ad nauseum here, but the only contact I could find who provides LOI assistance,…
Hotels & Hostels in Moldova
-
BUDAPEST HOTEL
Chisinau
Book now
-
ARUS HOTEL
Chisinau
Book now
-
CLUB ROYAL PARK
Chisinau
Book now
Advertisement
