Planning trip to Ukraine? Here are 5 affordable summer destinations
5 affordable locations in Ukraine that can be an alternative to the sea (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
The standard vacation option—going to the sea—is currently unavailable for Ukrainians for various reasons. However, you don't need to travel to distant coastal areas to enjoy a relaxing time near the water. Ukrainian travel bloggers Olia Manko and Max Uzol shared destinations in Ukraine where you can go for vacation if the sea isn't an option.
Shatsk Lakes
This is a group of over 30 lakes in the Volyn region. Tourists mostly visit Lake Svitiaz, the deepest lake in the area and in Ukraine. However, according to Olia Manko, the depth is not dangerous.
"To reach the real depth, you must walk about 500 meters. Families with children love to vacation here," she says.
The water in Svitiaz is considered healing and clean, as there are no sources of pollution nearby. The water, rich in glycerin and silver, makes the skin feel soft and silky.
You can rent a boat or a pedal boat on the lake and reach a wild island in the middle of the water where various birds nest. The couple also recommends trying the local Shatsk donuts, especially with blueberries, as locals pick the berries themselves.
Lake Svitiaz (photo: vsn.ua)
Druzhbivskyi Quarry
This location is in the Zhytomyr region. Previously, sandstone was extracted at the lake's site, but the quarry was later filled with water, which turned turquoise due to chemical reactions. The main highlight of the reservoir is its white relief cliffs, which are actually production waste.
"Since the place has become quite popular recently, it gets pretty crowded. Many people come with tents because it's a 3.5-hour drive from Kyiv. So it's better to plan an overnight stay," advises Max Uzol.
There are other lesser-known quarries in the Zhytomyr region: Sokolivskyi, Korostyshivskyi, and the Kaliuzha quarry.
Druzhbivskyi quarry (photo: zhzh.com.ua)
Cherepashyntsi Quarry
This is a lake in the village of Cherepashyntsi, which formed in the 1990s at the site of granite and white clay mining. After the extraction stopped, underground springs flooded the quarry.
The lake is surrounded by pine forests, which make summer rest particularly pleasant due to the fresh and cool air from the trees. Locals have set up cafes and houses on the lake shore for rent.
The beaches and water entrances are not equipped. One should be cautious, as large pieces of granite stick out of the water in some places.
Cherepashyntsi quarry (photo: goldfishnet.in.ua)
Cherkasy beaches
"Although the city is not among Ukraine's top tourist destinations, we went there and were surprised at how much of a resort vibe it has in summer," says Max Uzol.
Since Cherkasy is located near a reservoir, there are many well-maintained beaches. In some places, free sun loungers and umbrellas are available.
The bloggers recommend visiting these beaches in Cherkasy: Kazbetskyi, Sosnivskyi, Wake Park, and beach "Zhyvchyk".
In addition to beaches, Cherkasy offers the largest and only Buddhist temple in Ukraine, the "White Lotus," and the "Angkor Wat" greenhouse.
Yavoriv Sea, or Sirko's Lake
Another name for this location is the Yavoriv quarry, where sulfur was once extracted. Today, it's the deepest and largest artificial lake in Ukraine in terms of water volume.
Several housing complexes have opened there, offering accommodation on the lakeshore. Visitors can also enjoy various water activities such as paddleboarding and flyboarding.
"The lake itself is really huge, gigantic. In some places, you can't even see the opposite shore. It's a great place, quite close to Lviv, and it already has infrastructure so that the rest will be comfortable," summarizes Olia Manko.
Sirko's Lake (photo: instagram.com/sirka.sport)
Earlier, we advised destinations to go in summer 2025, depending on your zodiac sign.
