As far as traveling is concerned, most travelers would imagine such places as Paris, Rome or Barcelona. But Moldova is an untellable secret, because it is hardly subjected to mass tourism, and is filled with genuine experiences to be explored. It is a charming country, a small Eastern European country, which presents beautiful villages, old monasteries, subterranean wine cities, and natural landscapes that are a miracle, which not many guidebooks talk about. Moldova is a place of exploration to those who are willing to go outside the box and visit a country that is a little out of the mainstream. The travelers who are pre-planning their trip may decide to go to Moldova and apply for Moldova visa before traveling to have the privilege to explore one of the most underrated traveling destinations in Europe.

Orheiul Vechi Beyond the Crowds.

Although Orheiul Vechi is the most popular attraction site in Moldova, there is little that one knows outside the main sight points. Buried only a few feet away lie cozy caves hewn out of limestone cliffs, in which monks used to meditate. These caves look at the Rau river and provide the feeling of silence that is timeless. Mornings and evenings walks provide the golden light that spreads across the valley, which creates some spiritual mood that hardly finds its way into tourist pictures. There is also the presence of local shepherds who can be observed leading their flocks in the area which makes the whole experience more authentic.

Nunnery and its Back Door.

Tipova Monastery is recognized by people, but lots of tourists only pass by the entrance. The actual treasure is the path that goes through the thin forest paths around the monastery complex. The directions take us into secret falls, natural springs, and places where one can see the river Dniester. The monastery is sunk into rocky cliffs and it is perfectly blended into landscape. In contrast to the more frequented religious locations in Europe, Tipova is peaceful and unpopulated, which means that the visitor is unlikely to be distracted by people or the scenery.

Saharna’s Quiet Corners

Saharan Monastery is the site of the largest waterfall that attracts visitors, yet people barely venture into the minor ones, which are located around the hills. There are stone steps which lead to the isolated prayer areas, and there are secret paths that will bring you to the places which the locals believe in giving luck. There is also one unknown rock formation which is claimed to have the footprint of Saint Mary, but it remains silent as it does not attract commotion. These quiet places are the time to be in contact with the spiritual traditions of Moldova and its interior.

Cobani Village and the Hundred Hills.

The landscape concealed by Northern Moldavia surprises not a few: it is rounded off by the erosion of centuries, forming rolling hills. Not far away, on the outskirts of the village of Cobani, there is a tract of land, to which the villagers give the name of the Hundred Hills, in which the smooth green mounds are endless in series as they run off to the horizon. This is a place that is nearly surreal and it is perfect when one wants to walk slowly, capture images and those who enjoy the nature and want to be alone. The village itself is friendly, and people are willing to offer homemade wine and the stories that have been transmitted throughout generations.

Old Orhei Town Ruins

The ruins of Old Orhei, an ancient trading village that used to link great trade routes, are not far away in the proximity to modern Orhei. The ruins are quite untouched unlike much restored historical sites in other parts of Europe. The crumbling old stone walls, remains of ancient roads, and archeological evidence gives a clear image of the history of Moldova. Visiting this site is like entering an outdoor museum where the past can be heard but not yelled.

Rudi-Arionesti Natural Reserve

The Rudi-Arionesti Natural Reserve to the north of Moldova is a nature reserve that many people who travel to the country fail to see, yet this reserve is the heaven of nature lovers. Thick forests, stone cliffs, and various animals provide an environment that is ideal to do hiking and peaceful sightseeing. The adjacent Rudi Monastery is standing in a dramatic position above the river with breathtaking panoramas. It is especially a beautiful place during spring and autumn when colors can turn the scenery into the living picture.

Tunnels in Lesser-Known Miliestii Mici.

Milestii Mici has gigantic underground wine cellars, and it is not a secret among most visitors that certain parts of them do not lie along the regular tourist path. These are the unknown tunnels with rare vintages and family collections of decades. Even guided tours given by locals can feature tales of the wine culture in Moldova that rarely come around to brochures. The wander in these silent streets explains why Moldovan identity is steeped in wine.

The Hidden Gardens of Curchi Monastery.

Curchi Monastery is a beautiful structure that is a marvel in its architecture but not all people know about its secret gardens. These gardens are found behind the main buildings, where there are secluded paths, mini fountains and shaded seats with flowers. These gardens are mostly kept by the monks who keep tradition of simplicity and contemplation. Spending some time here gives one a better insight into the spiritual life in Moldova beyond the religious ceremonies.

Gagauz Villages and Living Traditions

The Gagauz people are a unique Turkic speaking people who live in Southern Moldova and have their own customs, cuisine and traditions. There are places such as Beșalma which gives visitors an opportunity to taste the cultural festivals, traditional music and handmade crafts. Such communities are hospitable to visitors who they tend to invite to their homes, where they eat and talk about various things. Going to Gagauz villages is not a tourism experience, but a cultural experience.

Trebujeni’s Rural Charm

The village of Trebujeni near Orheiul Vechi is still almost unaffected by the contemporary tourism. The life here appears in the form of stone houses, silent streets, and guesthouses owned by families. Spending the night means that the travelers can enjoy the rural pace of Moldova, home-cooked food, and skies with stars, as well as mornings full of birds. It is a perfect destination of people who want to experience certain local culture and not some glamorous places.

The importance of Hidden Gems in Moldova.

Moldova is a country of simplicity and authenticity. These secret places provide the tourist the opportunity to take his time and get in touch with nature and get acquainted with the traditions of people that have been passed down the ages. Moldova offers visitors the opportunity to see Europe in an un-glamorous and un-commercialized sense, without needless masses of people basking in the sun and without the overcommercialization of the attractions. Every village, monastery and landscape has its story that is influenced by the elements of persistence and cultural pride.

Final Thoughts

Travelling in Moldova is a destination with soul, history and serene beauty, to be explored out of the guide books. Whether you are visiting the secret monasteries, the forgotten ruins or the friendly villages and the sceneries that have never been spoilt, Moldova pays off to those who are prepared to look further. Traveling is an enjoyable experience to do in your own time, and it is always better to plan your trip so that the period is not troublesome and that you have a pleasant experience. As a tourist in the UAE, getting a Moldova visa in Dubai via Go Kite Travel is a sure way of starting to explore some of the most interesting hidden secret destinations in Europe.