Visit Moldova Europe's Poorest & Least Visited Country

Welcome to a journey through Moldova, one of Europe’s best-kept secrets. Often overlooked, this small landlocked country nestled between Romania and Ukraine offers a wealth of history, culture, and hidden treasures – if you know where to look.

In this video, we take you beyond the headlines of "Europe’s poorest country" and into the heart of Moldova’s charm, resilience, and beauty. From ancient monasteries and crumbling Soviet relics to vibrant street life and warm-hearted locals – Moldova is a place that surprises and inspires.

???? What to Expect in This Video: ???? A walking tour of Chișinău, Moldova’s capital
???? A visit to the Cricova Wine Cellars – the world’s largest wine cellar, with over 120km of underground tunnels
???? Moldova’s Soviet past and present-day struggles
???? Local markets, street food, and village life
???? Honest travel advice: Is it safe? Is it worth visiting?
???? A glimpse into life in one of Europe’s most misunderstood countries

???? Cricova – The Underground Wine City
Moldova is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, and Cricova Winery is its crown jewel. With over 1.3 million bottles stored in a vast labyrinth of tunnels that stretch 120 kilometers underground, Cricova isn’t just a wine cellar – it’s an underground city complete with street names, tasting rooms, and even a cinema.

You'll get a firsthand look at:

The underground wine highway (yes, you actually drive inside!)

Vintage collections, including bottles from the personal stash of Vladimir Putin and Yuri Gagarin

Cricova's traditional sparkling wine production using the Methode Champenoise

Fascinating facts, quirky stories, and unforgettable visuals

Whether you’re a wine lover or just curious about this hidden marvel beneath Moldova, this section alone is worth the watch.

???? Why Visit Moldova?
Moldova receives fewer than 200,000 tourists a year – and that’s part of its charm. It’s raw, real, and untouched by mass tourism. If you love:

Off-the-beaten-path destinations

Authentic travel experiences

Post-Soviet history and architecture

Affordable travel (Moldova is very budget-friendly)

Meeting kind, welcoming locals

…then Moldova should be on your radar.

Yes, Moldova is statistically the poorest country in Europe, but what it lacks in GDP, it makes up for in authenticity and soul. It’s a country in transition – between East and West, past and future – and you’ll feel that energy as you explore.

✈️ Getting There: Fly into Chișinău International Airport. You can also enter overland from Romania or Ukraine.
???? Visa: Most Western countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
???? Currency: Moldovan Leu (MDL). Cash is king in many places.
???? Transport: Inexpensive buses, trolleybuses, and taxis.
???? Language: Romanian is the official language; Russian is widely spoken. English is limited, but people are helpful.
???? Connectivity: Cheap SIM cards and fast 4G.
???? Food: Try mămăligă (cornmeal porridge), placinte (savory pastries), and of course, Moldovan wine.
☀️ Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October) when the vineyards are alive and the weather is mild.

⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Why Visit Moldova?
1:55 – Walking through Chișinău
6:30 – Local Market & Daily Life
10:10 – Cricova Wine Cellars Tour
19:45 – Moldova’s Soviet Past
25:00 – Is Moldova Safe? Honest Travel Tips