In this article, we offer a detailed road trip itinerary that will forever change your perception of Moldovan landscapes.
Why Go by Car?
Northern Moldova is rich in locations scattered at significant distances from each other. Public transport exists, but it will tie you to a rigid schedule and deprive you of the chance to see hidden gems.
- Freedom: You decide how much time to spend by a waterfall or atop a cliff.
- Comfort: The roads in the north (main highways R14, M5) have improved significantly in recent years, making driving enjoyable.
- Scenery: The most beautiful views open up right from the road—serpentines along the Dniester River and panoramas of the Edinet district.
Trip Preparation: What You Need to Know
- Duration: It is recommended to allocate at least 2-3 days. Trying to fit everything into one day will turn relaxation into a race.
- The Car: Any sedan in good condition is suitable for this route, but if you plan to go down to the very bank of the Dniester or drive deep into reserves (e.g., in Naslavcea), a crossover or SUV will be an advantage.
- Season: The ideal time is from May to October. In spring, everything blooms here, and in autumn, the forests dress in gold, creating an incredible contrast with the white limestone cliffs.
Day 1: History and the Grandeur of the Dniester
Route: Chisinau — Curchi — Soroca — Cosauti
Stop 1: Curchi Monastery
Leaving Chisinau towards Orhei, make your first stop at the Curchi Monastery complex. This is one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles in the country. The main Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin, built in the Baroque style based on Rastrelli’s designs, impresses with its grandeur and bright red color, contrasting with the greenery of the surrounding forest and the calm lake. It’s the perfect place for morning coffee and setting a calm tone for the trip.
Stop 2: Soroca Fortress (Cetatea Soroca)
Next, the path leads straight north to the city of Soroca—the unofficial Roma capital and guardian of history. The main goal is the medieval fortress built by Stephen the Great. Unlike many other fortifications, it is perfectly preserved. Round towers, thick walls, views of the Dniester and the Ukrainian bank on the other side—you can physically feel the breath of history here. Be sure to go inside: the acoustics in the fortress courtyard are unique.
Stop 3: The Candle of Gratitude (Lumânarea Recunoștinței)
On the outskirts of Soroca, on a high cliff, stands the “Candle of Gratitude” monument. More than 600 steps lead up to it. The climb may seem tiring, but it is worth it. From the observation deck at the base of the “Candle,” one of the best panoramas in Moldova opens up: the bend of the Dniester, endless forests, and the city in the palm of your hand.
Stop 4: Gypsy Hill
You cannot visit Soroca without driving through the famous “Gypsy Hill.” This is a residential area built up with palaces of the local Roma elite. Here you can see houses copying the Capitol in Washington, the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, ancient temples, and eastern pagodas. It is a surreal sight, best viewed from the window of a slowly moving car.
Overnight: We recommend staying in Soroca or at a tourist complex in the village of Cosauti.
Day 2: Stone Jungles and the Heart of Moldova
Route: Soroca — Rudi — Naslavcea — Edinet
Stop 1: Rudi Monastery and the Struve Geodetic Arc
In the morning, head to the village of Rudi. The road there is picturesque and winds through forests. Two important sights are located here:
- Rudi Monastery: Hidden deep in a gorge, within the forest. It is one of the oldest monasteries, retaining its authenticity.
- Struve Arc: On the outskirts of the village stands a seemingly inconspicuous obelisk, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a point of the geodetic arc used in the 19th century to accurately measure the shape and size of the Earth for the first time.
Stop 2: Naslavcea — “The Heart of Moldova”
This is the northernmost point of the country. It is here that the Dniester enters Moldovan territory. The place is famous for its stunning view of a heart-shaped island in the middle of the river. In Naslavcea, you will see real mountains (Sarmatian limestones), a flooded quarry with turquoise water, and picturesque ravines. It is a paradise for photographers.
Stop 3: Fetesti and “Little Switzerland”
Next, we head west to the Edinet district. The Fetesti Nature Reserve is often called “Moldovan Switzerland.” The Draghiște River has cut deep canyons here through ancient limestone reefs. Huge cliffs hang over the valley, creating an amphitheater of incredible beauty. The landscape here is so unique that it feels like you are somewhere in the foothills of the Carpathians.
Overnight: The city of Edinet offers good accommodation options.
Day 3: Ancient Reefs and the “Moldovan Sea”
Route: Edinet — Duruitoarea Veche — Costesti — Chisinau
Stop 1: Taul Park
Not far from Donduseni lies the largest park in Moldova—Taul, created around the manor of landowner Pommer. The park is divided into an ornamental upper zone and a lower forest-park zone. A walk along the park’s alleys will give you a sense of noble comfort from the early 20th century.
Stop 2: Duruitoarea Veche
Here you will find the famous Duruitoarea Grotto—one of the oldest settlements of primitive humans in Europe. The cave is huge, featuring three “halls.” The gorge itself is formed by ancient coral reefs (Tolters). The village’s name comes from the sound (“duruie”) that the water makes falling from cascades during rain.
Stop 3: Costesti-Stanca (“The Moldovan Sea”)
End your journey on the banks of the Costesti-Stanca reservoir on the Prut River. This is the second-largest body of water in Moldova, often called a sea due to its size and the turquoise color of the water. Here you can relax on the beach, rent a boat, or simply enjoy the sunset looking at the huge hydroelectric dam connecting Moldova and Romania.
Gastronomy: The Taste of the North
A car trip is also about food tourism. Northern cuisine differs from the south:
- Placinte: In the north, they are special—often very thin, layered, and pan-fried. Be sure to try them with potatoes or seasonal greens.
- Baba Neagra: A traditional northern dessert. It is a porous, elastic sweet cake of dark brown color (without cocoa!), cooked using a special slow technique.
- Fish dishes: Proximity to the Dniester and Prut rivers guarantees excellent fish soup (zama) and fried carp with polenta (mamaliga) and garlic sauce (mujdei).
Tips for the Driver
- Road Quality: Main highways are in good condition. However, access roads to natural sights (Naslavcea, Fetesti) may be gravel. Be prepared for dust.
- Fuel: When going deep into rural areas, it is better to have a full tank.
- Connectivity: Mobile signal may drop in the lowlands of canyons. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Waze) in advance.
- Respect Nature: Please do not leave trash behind and do not drive your car onto the grassy cover of the cliffs.
Need help choosing a car for this trip?For a trip to the north (especially if Naslavcea and gorges are in the plan), we recommend choosing crossovers with all-wheel drive or comfortable sedans with reliable suspension. Check tire pressure and oil levels—adventures love the prepared!