Map of places in Moldova
The whole country fits into a day’s driving. Here are the landmarks, the real distances from Chișinău and every place we cover — grouped, so you can build your route.
The Republic of Moldova measures roughly 350 km from north to south and under 150 km across. In practice, nothing is more than three hours from Chișinău, and the best-known wineries are less than an hour away. That makes the capital the logical base for almost any route — sleep in one place and fan out each day.
The distances below are by road, not as the crow flies. The difference matters: Saharna is about 60 km in a straight line, but 97 km by road, because the route loops along the M2 national road through Orhei and Rezina. Plenty of guides publish the first figure and send people off with an hour less than they need.
Real distances
How far from Chișinău
Driving times without stops, rounded up. Check the traffic before you set off.
The full routes, with stops chained together and navigation, are in our itineraries. If you are coming from Romania, start with getting to Moldova.
Full index
Every place we cover
Each has its own page, with photographs, contact details and checked information.
Wineries (21)
Where to stay (109)
Where to eat (193)
Where to stay — compare on the map
Chișinău is the logical base for almost any route. Compare prices across Booking, Airbnb and the other platforms, right on the map.
Map provided by Stay22. Bookings are completed on the partner platforms.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about distances and routes
How big is the Republic of Moldova?
Roughly 350 km from north to south and under 150 km across. Nothing is more than three hours from Chișinău, and the best-known wineries are less than an hour away.
Do I need a car?
It helps a great deal. Public transport links the towns, but the cave monasteries and smaller wineries are hard to reach without one. The alternative is an organised tour with transport included — worth it anyway if you are going tasting.
How far is Orheiul Vechi from Chișinău?
About 52 km, roughly an hour on the M2 national road. There is a paid car park, and marked trails from 1 km to over 20 km.
Why do other sites give different distances for Saharna?
Many guides publish the straight-line distance of about 60 km. By road it is roughly 97 km, because the route loops through Orhei and Rezina. We use the road distance.
Where is best to base myself?
Chișinău, for almost any route. For a weekend built around Orheiul Vechi, a guesthouse in Butuceni or Trebujeni saves two long drives.
We will build your route
Tell us how many days you have and what you are after — wine, monasteries or countryside — and we will suggest an itinerary.
