Inside Europe’s second ‘poorest’ country that’s also one of its least visited

Located between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Nonetheless, there is still some division in the country, especially when it comes to the breakaway region of Transnistria.

Transnistria declared independence in 1990 with Russian troops still stationed there, and this complicates Moldova’s path to EU membership.

When it comes to tourism, the country has plenty to offer. Its capital, Chișinău, has a mix of Soviet-era architecture with modern developments.

While only 319,000 tourists visited Moldova in 2023, making it one of the least visited nations in Europe, the country’s beauty, history and welcoming locals leave a lasting impression on those who do.

Markets like the Chișinău Central Market sell everything from fresh produce to Soviet souvenirs, while local vendors have cheap street food.

The country is also known for its wine. Milestii Mici, the world’s largest underground wine cellar, holds over two million bottles.

There, tourists can visit huge limestone caves and taste Moldova’s famous wines.

Meanwhile, the previously mentioned Transnistria feels like a Soviet time capsule, with Lenin statues and Russian flags still visible in its capital, Tiraspol.