“The engine is the agrotourism pensions”. What the tourism from the Republic of Moldova has to offer

The number of foreign tourists who visited the Republic of Moldova in 2024 was almost 70,000 people, over 50% more than in the previous year, shows the official data. What can foreigners do who choose to spend their vacation in Moldova? The hotnews correspondence in Chisinau has documented several destinations on the spot.

• “In the last two years we are witnessing an expansion of aviation routes that facilitate the arrival of foreign tourists in the Republic of Moldova, says economic expert Stas Madan.

From Bucharest to Chisinau it can fly during this period and with prices of 20-30 euros per person, with a low-cost company. Also, the average distance of 450 kilometers between the two capitals can be traveled in 9-10 hours by personal car.

The Republic of Moldova has become more accessible to Romanians lately, with the improvement of the transport infrastructure that connects the two countries. This is also the reason why many choose to spend a few days of holiday in this country. Only in the first three months of 2025 the number of tourists increased by 6.4% compared to last year.

The hotnews correspondence in the Republic of Moldova has documented several on -site destinations, guidelines, for those who want to go on vacation there, in addition to the “classic” underground galleries in Cricova and Mileștii Mici, which should not be missing from any tourist route.

The wines from Gagauziafrom 1897

At almost 100 kilometers from Chisinau and 380 kilometers from Bucharest, Comrat is located, the Administrative Center of Gagauze Autonomy, in which about 20,000 Gagauz lives. About two kilometers from the city center there is the “Comrat wines” tourist complex, founded in 1897. The complex is decorated with traditional objects that can be found through the Gagauze villages.

A complex tour, in which visitors can find out about the history and culture of Gagauz, but about the manufacture of wines here, costs 200 Moldovan lei, the equivalent of 50 Romanian lei. Also, there are tours with wine tasting. The local kitchen combines traditional Moldovan dishes with the Turkish ones (the Gagauz people are related to the Turkish one).

For example, a lunch that contains a lentil soup, chicken frying, muffin, a Turkish kebab and a drink will cost around 500 Moldovan lei, or 130 Romanian lei.

Mimi Castle, called “Versailles de Moldova”

Another important destination for tourists would be Castel Mimi, from the village of Bulboaca, just 40 kilometers from Chisinau and 490 kilometers from Bucharest. The winery is founded by one of the most important winemakers of the twentieth century, Constantin Mimi. Those who come here can visit historical cellars, built 130 years ago. The castle was named by The Telegraph “Versailles de Moldova”.

The tourist complex also offers accommodation services in a five-star hotel. The price per night for two people starts from 150 euros, with breakfast included. The complex is visited by over 30,000 people every year, according to its site.

For those passionate about politics, we also say that at Castel Mimi was organized in 2023, a meeting attended by 50 European leaders, along with President Maia Sandu.

Aqua Park in Chisinau

Even in Chisinau there is an Aqua Park, which presents itself as the largest waves in Europe. The complex has a pool, 90 meters of artificial beach and many fun for children. During the weekends, part of the area turns into an area of partitions with DJ-I. The entrance price is on average from 450 Moldovan lei, ie 115 RON.

Morilor Valley, Park – resort in Chisinau

The capital of the Republic of Moldova has a lot to offer for visitors. In the center of Chisinau there are several museums, theaters, exhibitions, but masterclasses are organized. Those who are passionate about local cuisine can opt for several recommendations on the “Visit Chisinau” website.

In Valea Morilor Park, there is a beach, but also more cafes and restaurants. The price of a lunch can reach 500 Moldovan lei, ie 130 RON. The area looks like a city-station.

“From an investment point of view, there is still this restraint caused by security problems”

Economic expert Stas Madan, from the “Expert-Grup” analytical center, argues that the tendency in the tourist sector in the Republic of Moldova is growing due to the interest of individual tourists towards the Republic of Moldova, not of large investors.

“The sector of the hospitality industry in our country actually reinvented after the pandemic, with a much higher level. And this shows all the figures, including the weight in GDP, which has almost doubled, from below 1%, to about 1.8%, as it is today.

Especially in the last two years, we are witnessing an extension of the aviation routes that facilitate the arrival in our country.

From an investment point of view, however, there is still this restraint caused by security issues. When you come as a person, for a few days, this does not involve great risks, but a long -term presence, with large amounts invested, changes a bit of risk analysis.

If we talk about the tourism market, one of the main engines of this market was the development of agrotourism pensions. If in 2019, they received about 17 thousand people, last year its tripled number – almost 52 thousand ”, explained the economic expert.