Planning July getaway? Here are the best summer vacation spots in Ukraine
Original ways to relax in Ukraine this summer (photo: Freepik)
Tourist season is in full swing, and July is a great time to discover new leisure. More Ukrainians are seeking not just beautiful scenery, but ways to restore energy, change their daily rhythm, and become closer to themselves. Here are several ideas for those who want to spend July in a meaningful, conscious, and enjoyable way.
Eco-friendly vacation in the Carpathians
The Carpathians are not just about mountains and views; they are also about an eco-lifestyle. You can stay in a village house, learn traditional crafts, pick herbs or berries, and listen to the sound of mountain streams.
In eco-style trips, people appreciate simplicity, natural products, and connecting with nature, and no excessive comfort. These journeys often include hiking, workshops, outdoor yoga, or dawn walks.
It's a way to reboot and rethink your daily routine. Perfect for those seeking quiet and ecological balance.
Active movement: hiking, biking, water sports
July is an ideal month for active outdoor movement. Popular options include kayaking on the Dniester, hiking trails in the Carpathians, bike routes in the Khmelnytskyi region, and jeep treks in Zakarpattia.
Ukraine offers many marked routes, so even a one-day trip with a backpack is enough to start. Natural trails, fresh air, and moving are a perfect combination for physical and mental health.
More and more Ukrainians are discovering the "slow travel" format, an unhurried immersion into a route without the rush. It's also a way to discover new places, not noisy tourist spots.
Summer is the perfect time for a cycling trip (photo: Freepik)
Wellness retreats for body and soul
In July, many people seek recovery after an intense spring, and that's where wellness programs come in.
In mountainous areas, Polissia, or in central Ukraine, you can find peaceful locations offering herbal baths, breathing practices, and organic food. Meditation sessions, aromatherapy, and relaxing massages with local oils are becoming increasingly popular.
People go to have rest and release both their bodies and minds. More often, such practices also include sessions with a psychologist or coach. It's not an escape – it's a return to yourself.
Hot tubs and thermal springs
This type of rest isn't only for winter. After an active day, there's nothing better than soaking in hot water with Carpathian herbs. Hot tubs or thermal springs deeply relax the body, improve blood circulation, and relieve muscle tension.
It's pleasant against the backdrop of cool mountain air. Often, hot tubs are combined with herbal berry tea or forest walks. It is a great natural alternative to a spa for those seeking peace and authenticity.
Summer soaks in hot tubs are even better than in winter (photo: Freepik)
Forest silence and sensory relaxation
One of the new practices is "forest therapy" or shinrin-yoku, a concept from Japan. The idea is to be among the trees, walk slowly, listen to nature, touch the bark, and breathe in the forest scents.
It isn't a physical exercise, but a stress-relieving, calm walk. Ukrainian forests ideal for such practices are in Polissia, the Cherkasy region, and Podillia. Here, you can feel fully present, reduce anxiety, and find inner peace.
Previously, we shared the 7 best places in Ukraine for water recreation.
Sources: materials from Visit Ukraine and "Navkolo UA" websites.
