Attractions in Wine Country (Cricova, Mileștii Mici)
Explore the world's largest underground wine cities 🍷
Showing 27 attractions · Sorted by importance
Cricova Winery
📍 Cricova
🏰 CastleAn immense underground historic site featuring 120 kilometers of limestone galleries and the national wine collection in a subterranean city.
Mileștii Mici
📍 Mileștii Mici
🏰 CastleThe world's largest underground wine cellar complex, a historic limestone city with over 200 kilometers of tunnels and a Guinness World Record collection.
National Museum of Fine Arts of Moldova
📍 Chișinău
🖼 Art GalleryMoldova's premier art institution, featuring an extensive collection of European, Russian, and local fine art in a beautifully restored neoclassical mansion.
Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reservation
📍 Trebujeni
🏔 Scenic ViewA dramatic limestone cliff formation overlooking the Răut River, featuring a 15th-century cave monastery and panoramic scenic views.
Central Wine Route (Codru Wine Route)
📍 Chișinău
🚗 Road TripA 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.
National Botanical Garden Alexandru Ciubotaru
📍 Chișinău
🌿 GardenA vast 104-hectare park featuring themed sections, greenhouses, and a large lake, perfect for family walks and exploring diverse flora.
Old Orhei Ridge Trail
📍 Butuceni
🥾 Hiking & Cycling5.5km 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.
OrheiLand
📍 Orhei
🧗 AdventureMoldova's largest family amusement park and activity center featuring high-quality rides, water slides, and seasonal attractions with free entry.
Southeastern Wine Route (Stefan Voda Wine Way)
📍 Chișinău
🚗 Road TripApproximately 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.
Vara Vara Rest & Relax
📍 Chișinău
🌊 Water ParkA world-class, modern water park featuring high-speed slides and wave pools, located in Chișinău with the largest wave pool in Moldova.
Zoo Club
📍 Bardar
🐄 FarmA premier family-oriented petting zoo featuring ostriches, kangaroos, and ponies in a rustic rural environment near Mileștii Mici.
Manuc Bey Mansion
📍 Hîncești
🏰 CastleAn elegant 19th-century French-style palace complex including a manor house, hunting lodge, and watchtower set within a historic park.
Aventura Parc
📍 Chișinău
🧗 AdventureAn outdoor rope park located in the scenic Valea Morilor forest, offering various climbing courses and zip lines for different age and skill levels.
Castel Mimi Art Gallery
📍 Bulboaca
🖼 Art GalleryAn architectural landmark and cultural hub that houses a permanent collection of modern art and hosts rotating fine art exhibitions alongside its famous winery.
Castel Mimi Formal Gardens
📍 Bulboaca
🌿 GardenThe elegant grounds of this historic wine castle feature formal geometric gardens, a musical fountain, and manicured lawns surrounding the restored chateau.
Chișinău to Cricova Cycling Route
📍 Chișinău
🥾 Hiking & Cycling18km 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).
Chișinău to Mileștii Mici Cycling Route
📍 Chișinău
🥾 Hiking & Cycling22km 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).
Codru Scientific Reserve
📍 Lozova
🌲 NatureMoldova's oldest nature reserve, protecting a vast expanse of ancient oak and beech forests with diverse wildlife and scenic hiking paths.
Dendrarium Park
📍 Chișinău
🌿 GardenA beautifully landscaped arboretum with paved paths, rose gardens, and scenic ponds, offering a peaceful escape for families in the heart of the city.
Kozy City (Orașul Caprelor)
📍 Pohrebea
🐄 FarmA whimsical thematic farm designed as a 'city' for goats, offering interactive animal encounters and traditional snacks overlooking the Dniester River.
Orhei Lake Beach
📍 Orhei
🏔 Scenic ViewA modern lakeside recreation area within Orhei Land, featuring a clean sandy beach, sunshades, and various family-oriented water activities in a safe environment.
Orheiul Vechi Scenic Loop
📍 Circular
🚗 Road TripA 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.
