The most beautiful natural sites to discover Moldova

The gorges are located southwest of the village of Trinca and are crossed by the river Draghiște, which dug these limestone rocks. They extend over 58.3 ha and form a valley 500 m long, 200 m wide and 40 m deep. The places will delight the amateurs of walks in an exceptional setting. The slopes of the gorges shelter caves that were used by Neanderthal hunters. Several hundred animal bones have been found there, including about fifteen bears. The site was placed under state protection in 1975 and this status was renewed in 1998. The site is of great scientific interest to archaeologists and geologists, but it is threatened by the uncontrolled extraction of limestone. Trinca Lime is renowned in the country but the quarry from which its raw material was extracted has been exhausted. This activity and the production of lime have caused environmental damage. In recent years, Moldovan parliamentarians have taken an interest in this problem and measures have been taken to safeguard this important natural heritage.

From the top of the cliffs, you can enjoy a superb panorama. Herds of goats can sometimes be seen coming from farms in the surrounding area. At the bottom of the canyon, the banks of the Draghiște are lined with trees and offer a charming spot for a cool picnic in the summer. It is a beautiful and exotic place. In Trinca as in other natural sites, don't forget to respect the environment!

The nature reserve at Fetești is also called "Little Switzerland" because of the relief of its landscapes. Located about ten kilometres from the Prut in the west and the river Racovăț in the east, it covers 563 ha and is under the protection of the local authorities. The reserve is made up of many varieties of trees, such as hornbeams growing on rocky slopes, oaks, ash, cherry, hazelnut and hawthorn. There are also about 160 plant species. Going down 5 km to the south, you can see the parade of Burlănești. It covers 10 ha and is protected by the state. The river Draghiște crosses this area in long meanders surrounding rocky promontories and small limestone plateaux. The Grandfather's rock (stânca lui Bunic) can be seen here. The gorge is 140 m deep and has caves. The area is of archaeological value: fossils of ectoproteins, prehistoric animal bones and flint tools from the Paleolithic period have been found here. Following the river Draghiște, we reach the Buzdugeni and Brînzeni gorges. South of the village of Gordinești you can admire a gorge in the middle of the forest called the Castle (la Castel). Finally, between Fetești and Gordinești, there is a quarry with impressive rock formations.

The nature reserve of Fetești and its surroundings are perfect for long hikes in the middle of nature, in a magnificent setting.