Must See

Benderi

Benderi (Tighina) is one of the oldest towns in Moldova. It is controlled by the authorities of Transnistria, the breakaway region of Moldova, although geographically on the right bank of the river Dniester. Its beautiful 17th-century fortress, as well as the town itself, were seriously damaged during the fighting in 1992.

Cahul

Located in the south of the country, the town of Cahul is famous for its thermal spas and mud treatments. It also has a good local theatre. Hirjauca is a renowned spa in the area.

Chisinau

Pretty tree-lined avenues, fine museums and a buzzing nightlife are the trademarks of the Moldovan capital. Yet this city on the banks of the River Byk exhibits a stark contrast between poverty and post-Soviet era wealth. Sports cars line up outside posh restaurants, while fashionably-dressed youngsters throng the many boutiques - but it remains one of Europe's poorest states. Even so, the city's joie de vivre seems to transcend the poverty line.

Visitors can learn about Moldova's history in the History and Regional Lore Museum, presented in a beautiful Turkish-style complex, whilst the Monument of Stefan cel Mare (Stefan the Great) was the focal point of violent clashes between Moldova's Nationalists and pro-Soviet supporters in 1990-91. Visitors can also pay their respects at the two old cemeteries, the Jewish Cemetery and the Armenian Cemetery. The former is famous as the burial place for the victims of the Chisinau Pogrom in 1903.

The Fine Arts Museum houses good examples of Russian, West European and Moldovan paintings, applied arts and sculpture. The Pushkin House may also be visited - the place where the great Russian poet spent his days in exile and where he began working on his epic poem Eugene Onegin.

Alternatively, travellers may swim at the man-made Chisinau Lake where there's boats for hire and picturesque bathing beaches, or watch a performance at the Chekhov Drama Theatre, which is housed at the former Chisinau Choral Synagogue.

Cricova

Head underground for some serious wine-tasting. In a series of tunnels beneath the village of Cricova, lies a vast winery - a great place to try some of Moldova's well-regarded dry white Sauvignons and sparkling reds.

Lower Dniestr National Park

Hike and canoe in this area of wetlands, forest and farmland, dotted with vineyards and around 40 archaeological sites.

Orheiul Vechi

Take a trip to this striking 13th-century monastery, carved into a remote limestone cliff face. The caves were dug by Orthodox monks.

Transdniestr

Like stepping back in time, this self-styled republic stretching along the east of the country is in many ways a living museum of the Soviet Union. After a blood civil war was fought in the early 1990s, the region proclaimed its independence, and has subsequently established its own currency, police force, army and borders. The Transdniestrans celebrate their own independence day on 2 September.