The little-known European country you can travel to on a budget: a treasure trove of things to explore near Romania
France, Spain and Italy, In that order, these are the most visited countries in Europe. Millions of tourists from around the world travel to these nations to discover the world-famous wonders , such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, or the Colosseum in Rome. However, the reality is that the "Old Continent" hides many more treasures. There are countless European places that are not usually taken into account when planning trips, although the truth is that they are exciting destinations that hide incredible gems.
Some European countries receive few visitors throughout the year, but tourists don't know they're missing out on absolute treasures. That list includes nations like Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, San Marino... and even Moldova. This young nation in Eastern Europe often flies under travelers' radar, but within its small size (it's only a few kilometers larger than Catalonia), you can find countless architectural and natural wonders, and it's also one of the cheapest destinations you can travel to.
This is Moldova: a very cheap European gem
Moldova is one of the many republics that emerged from the fall of the Soviet Union (USSR). Nestled between Romania and Ukraine, the Romanian influence in the country can be felt in virtually every corner, although its proximity to Russia means that the idiosyncrasy of the "Tricolor Bear" is very present in Moldovan territory.
In its capital, Chisinau (the only city in the country with more than 150,000 inhabitants), almost a quarter of the country's population lives, and despite having almost no notable monuments, it is still an experience to discover a most curious historical clash : the oldest sites such as the Cathedral of the Nativity are combined with brutalist buildings that serve as a reminder of the Soviet era.
Of course, there's no place more nostalgic for the USSR than Transnistria, an unrecognized independent state located between the Dniester River and Ukraine, where the figures of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, and Joseph Stalin are still venerated. Entering its bars, its buildings, and strolling its streets is like traveling back in time to the era of the Iron Curtain, something that will remain tremendously unique in the year 2025.
Far from the country's big cities, in rural Moldova, lie true gems like the Orheil Vechi Monastery, arguably the nation's greatest treasure, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Moldovan nature is undoubtedly one of the most underrated in all of Europe. In addition to rugged mountains, vast meadows, and the Dniester, you can also see immense vineyards, as winemaking is a significant force throughout the region.
Discovering all of Moldova's treasures can be an incredible alternative to more well-known European destinations, but the best part is that doing so can be very affordable: Moldova is one of the cheapest countries on the entire continent, with ridiculously low prices for both accommodation and food. Therefore, it's a great option for a trip without having to spend a lot of money.
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