Wine Country (Cricova, Mileștii Mici)
Underground cities and electric trains 🍇
Just a short drive from the capital, Moldova's Wine Country offers an experience unlike typical vineyard visits. The standout attractions are the massive underground cellars at Cricova and Mileștii Mici. These are not merely basements but entire subterranean cities carved into limestone, with streets named after grape varieties and traffic rules. The sheer scale—dozens of kilometres of tunnels—is fascinating for children and adults alike.
At Cricova, families typically tour the galleries via red electric trains (similar to golf buggies with trailers). This ride through the cool, dimly lit tunnels adds an element of adventure for kids. The tour includes stops at underground cinemas and tasting halls, and while the wine is for adults, the experience of being deep underground is the main draw. Mileștii Mici, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest wine collection, allows visitors to explore the tunnels in their own vehicle or a tour van, passing waterfalls and secret rooms built into the rock.
Nearby, Castel Mimi offers a different experience with a beautifully restored mansion and open courtyards featuring musical fountains. It provides a more surface-level, relaxing environment where parents can taste local vintages while children enjoy the light shows and spacious grounds. Tours in this region must usually be booked in advance, especially for the underground galleries.
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Activities & Best Times
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides a sophisticated learning experience regarding massive-scale limestone excavation and the science of traditional European winemaking. The experience is best during the warmer months when the full cycle of the vineyard and the expansive underground libraries are most accessible to international families.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Moldova's National Wine Day, while authentic and growing, does not meet 'excellent' international calibration. Compare to Bordeaux Fête le Vin, Mendoza Vendimia, or Oktoberfest which draw hundreds of thousands of international visitors. Wine Day is primarily a domestic/regional event. 'Very_good' reflects its authentic character while maintaining international standards.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
This region has no significant cities - the 'cultural' draw is underground wine cellars which are industrial/agricultural heritage. While remarkable, rating wine cellars as 'very_good' city & cultural misapplies the category. The cellars are better reflected through educational (already very_good) and festivals_seasonal classifications.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Scenic drives through the rolling hills of the Codru region connect world-class wine estates with the capital. Peak conditions offer lush landscapes and dry roads, whereas winter months bring visibility issues, mud, and sub-zero temperatures that detract from the scenic experience.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Walking through temperature-controlled underground wine cellars and gentle vineyard walks do not constitute 'good' adventure & nature tourism by international standards. Compare to actual hiking, wildlife viewing, or wilderness exploration. The cellar experience is educational, not adventurous. Scenic walks through vineyards are pleasant but secondary.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
'High-end wine-themed wellness' is aspirational rather than established reality. Moldova's wine tourism infrastructure is still developing. There are no internationally recognized spa/wellness facilities in the region. Boutique wine stays exist but do not meet 'good' international wellness standards (compare: Tuscany, Provence, Napa Valley wellness retreats).
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers cycling and interactive farm visits that appeal to families seeking structured activity amidst the rolling hills. Mild spring and early autumn months provide the most comfortable climate for outdoor exercise compared to the summer heat or freezing winter temperatures.
Attractions (39 total)
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Castel Mimi
Bulboaca
A magnificent 19th-century neoclassical palace and winery, recognized as one of the most beautiful architectural masterpieces in the region.
Visit website →Cricova Winery
Cricova
An immense underground historic site featuring 120 kilometers of limestone galleries and the national wine collection in a subterranean city.
Visit website →Mileștii Mici
Mileștii Mici
The world's largest underground wine cellar complex, a historic limestone city with over 200 kilometers of tunnels and a Guinness World Record collection.
Visit website →Orheiul Vechi Archaeological Complex
Trebujeni
A spectacular historic and natural site featuring ancient cave monasteries carved into white limestone cliffs overlooking the Răut River valley.
Manuc Bey Mansion
Hîncești
An elegant 19th-century French-style palace complex including a manor house, hunting lodge, and watchtower set within a historic park.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Central Wine Route (Codru Wine Route)
Chișinău
A 150km paved loop (1-2 days) through the heart of Moldova's wine country. The route is entirely paved and easily navigable by standard vehicles. Key highlights include the underground limestone galleries of Cricova and Mileștii Mici (the world's largest wine cellar), the rolling hills of the Codru forest, and the religious heritage of the Curchi Monastery.
Visit website →Southeastern Wine Route (Stefan Voda Wine Way)
Chișinău
Approximately 160km paved route (1-2 days) leading from the capital toward the Dniester River. This well-maintained road trip features the majestic Castel Mimi in Bulboaca—a restored 19th-century wine castle—and continues through the sun-drenched steppe toward the historic Purcari Estate. The drive offers expansive views of river valleys and agricultural landscapes.
Visit website →Orheiul Vechi Scenic Loop
Circular
A 120km paved circular route (1 day) that combines wine heritage with dramatic natural scenery. Starting from Chișinău, the route heads north to the Cricova wine tunnels before continuing to the Orheiul Vechi archaeological complex. The drive offers the most dramatic scenery in the region, featuring limestone cliffs overlooking the winding Răut River valley.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Chișinău Zoo
Chișinău
Moldova's primary municipal zoo featuring a wide variety of global wildlife, including lions, tigers, and a large collection of exotic birds in a forested park.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Cricova Underground City
Cricova
This massive underground wine city features 120 kilometers of limestone streets and galleries that families can explore via a unique electric train tour.
Visit website →Mileștii Mici Underground City
Mileștii Mici
Recognized as home to the world's largest wine collection, this underground labyrinth offers driving tours through limestone tunnels and features beautiful stone wine fountains.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Cricova Underground Galleries
Cricova
A vast network of underground limestone tunnels and streets forming a subterranean city that houses one of the world's largest wine collections.
Visit website →Mileștii Mici Underground Galleries
Mileștii Mici
Recognized by Guinness World Records, these massive limestone tunnels represent the largest underground wine complex in the world.
Visit website →Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reservation
Trebujeni
A dramatic limestone cliff formation overlooking the Răut River, featuring a 13th-century cave monastery and panoramic scenic views.
Visit website →Codru Natural Reserve
Lozova
Moldova's oldest scientific reserve, protecting a vast area of hilly terrain, ancient oak and beech forests, and diverse wildlife.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
National Botanical Garden Alexandru Ciubotaru
Chișinău
A vast 104-hectare park featuring themed sections, greenhouses, and a large lake, perfect for family walks and exploring diverse flora.
Visit website →Castel Mimi Formal Gardens
Bulboaca
The elegant grounds of this historic wine castle feature formal geometric gardens, a musical fountain, and manicured lawns surrounding the restored chateau.
Visit website →Dendrarium Park
Chișinău
A beautifully landscaped arboretum with paved paths, rose gardens, and scenic ponds, offering a peaceful escape for families in the heart of the city.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History
Chișinău
As Moldova's oldest museum, it houses a rare complete Deinotherium skeleton and offers extensive exhibits on the region's geological and biological heritage.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
National Museum of Fine Arts of Moldova
Chișinău
Moldova's premier art institution, featuring an extensive collection of European, Russian, and local fine art in a beautifully restored neoclassical mansion.
Visit website →Constantin Brancusi Exhibition Centre
Chișinău
A notable public gallery hosting a dynamic range of contemporary exhibitions, sculptures, and works by leading members of the Union of Plastic Artists of Moldova.
Castel Mimi Art Gallery
Bulboaca
An architectural landmark and cultural hub that houses a permanent collection of modern art and hosts rotating fine art exhibitions alongside its famous winery.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Old Orhei Cultural-Natural Reserve
Butuceni
A spectacular archaeological and natural complex where ancient cave monasteries are carved into white limestone cliffs overlooking a winding river valley.
Visit website →Tipova Nature Reserve
Tipova
A dramatic landscape reserve on the banks of the Dniester River, featuring one of the largest cave monastery complexes in Europe and scenic waterfalls.
Codru Scientific Reserve
Lozova
Moldova's oldest nature reserve, protecting a vast expanse of ancient oak and beech forests with diverse wildlife and scenic hiking paths.
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Old Orhei Ridge Trail
Butuceni
5.5km moderate hiking loop, 2 hours duration, with 180m elevation gain. This trail follows the limestone ridge overlooking the Răut River, passing the 13th-century cave monasteries and the iconic white bell tower. It is the most famous hiking route in the central wine region. Bike rental available in Butuceni village.
Visit website →Via Basarabia (Central Codru Segment)
Curchi
12km moderate hiking trail, approximately 4 hours duration, with 310m elevation gain. This is part of Moldova's first long-distance national trail project. It traverses the historical Codru forests and connects the Curchi Monastery with the village of Donici. Features include dense woodland and scenic hilltop vistas.
Visit website →Chișinău to Cricova Cycling Route
Chișinău
18km easy cycling route, 1.5-2 hours duration, with 140m elevation gain. This documented route leads from the Râșcani district of the capital to the world-famous Cricova winery. It primarily follows local roads and agricultural paths through vineyards. Bike rental: Velopoint (velopoint.md).
Visit website →Chișinău to Mileștii Mici Cycling Route
Chișinău
22km moderate cycling route, 2-2.5 hours duration, with 190m elevation gain. This trail heads south from Chișinău toward the village of Mileștii Mici, home to the world's largest wine cellar. The route passes through traditional Moldovan villages and sunflower fields. Bike rental: Velopoint (velopoint.md).
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
OrheiLand
Orhei
Moldova's largest family amusement park and activity center featuring high-quality rides, water slides, and seasonal attractions with free entry.
Visit website →Sparta Equestrian Club
Budești
A professional outdoor activity center near the wine regions offering horseback riding lessons and guided trail rides through the Moldovan countryside.
Visit website →Aventura Parc
Chișinău
An outdoor rope park located in the scenic Valea Morilor forest, offering various climbing courses and zip lines for different age and skill levels.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Valea Morilor Beach
Chișinău
A scenic urban lake offering a managed sandy beach, a long promenade for cycling, and a massive park area perfect for family strolls.
Vadul lui Vodă Beach
Vadul lui Vodă
Moldova's primary riverfront resort area on the Nistru River, offering wide sandy banks, shaded park areas, and seasonal boat rentals.
Orhei Lake Beach
Orhei
A modern lakeside recreation area within Orhei Land, featuring a clean sandy beach, sunshades, and various family-oriented water activities in a safe environment.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Vara Vara Rest & Relax
Chișinău
A world-class, modern water park featuring high-speed slides and wave pools, located just a short drive from the Cricova wine cellars.
Visit website →Aqua Magic
Sociteni
The first large-scale water park in Moldova, offering multiple pools and slides in the immediate vicinity of the Mileștii Mici winery.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Zoo Club
Bardar
A premier family-oriented petting zoo featuring ostriches, kangaroos, and ponies in a rustic rural environment near Mileștii Mici.
Visit website →Kozy City (Orașul Caprelor)
Pohrebea
A whimsical thematic farm designed as a 'city' for goats, offering interactive animal encounters and traditional snacks overlooking the Dniester River.
Visit website →