Six unexpected places in Ukraine for an August vacation

In August, most tourists go either to the Carpathians or to the south. But these destinations have long been overcrowded, and accommodation prices are steep. If you want to relax in Ukraine but without the sea, mountains, and crowds, there are still many interesting and picturesque places to visit.
RBC-Ukraine tells you where in Ukraine you can go for a vacation in August besides the Carpathians and the sea.
Buky canyon, Cherkasy region
A mini version of the Carpathians in the heart of Ukraine. Tall cliffs, the Hirskyi Tikych River, and the mystical Vyr waterfall — all of this looks like scenes from a movie.
Here, you can swim, kayak, wander among the granite rocks, and spend the night under the stars. And the best part — there are fewer tourists than in the mountains.
Buky canyon (photo: Wikipedia)
Opishnia, Poltava region
A town of potters with incredible energy. In August, festivals, workshops, and fairs take place here. Nearby are the Pottery Museum, panoramas of Dykanka (a picturesque village, located 30 km from Poltava - ed.), and even giant clay jugs in the fields. Perfect for a soulful reset without the hustle and bustle.
In August, Opishnia hosts many interesting festivals (photo: Wikipedia)
Bakota, Khmelnytskyi region
A flooded village with a view of the Dniester River. There used to be a monastery on the cliff, and now it offers the most beautiful landscape of Podillia. In August, the water is warmest, the starry sky shines, and the scent of steppe herbs fills the air. There are few tourists, and the silence is absolute.
Bakota — a true gem of Podillia (photo: Wikipedia)
Ostroh, Rivne region
An ancient city with a rich history and deep tranquility. Castles, monasteries, museums, and authentic architecture — all within walking distance. Nearby are the Mezhyritsky Monastery and Tarakaniv Fort. There’s no noise here, but there is fascinating Ukrainian history.
Ostroh — an ancient area (photo: Wikipedia)
Myhiia, Mykolaiv region
Although it is in the Mykolaiv region, Myhiia itself is located far from the southern front line. It features the Southern Bug River, granite cliffs, rafting, and ecotourism. One of the best options for those who want an interesting nature that combines mountains and water.
Myhiia will give you memories to last a lifetime (photo: Wikipedia)
Korostyshiv, Zhytomyr region
This city was once known as the Granite Capital. Today, its lakes, cliffs, and forests offer a great alternative to mountain vacations. You can swim, cliff jump, and walk the trails around the water bodies. Perfect for picnics and short getaways.
Korostyshiv canyon — one of the most beautiful in Ukraine (photo: Wikipedia)
Tips for tourists
Overnight stay
Choose guesthouses or homestays. Sometimes they offer conditions cheaper than hotels.
How to get there
Most locations are accessible by train and bus. So these vacation spots are ideal for those who don’t have a car or prefer to leave their "iron horse" at home.
Booking
Start searching for accommodation and exploring the area now, since August is considered high season and in places with limited options, everything might be fully booked.
Food
Find out if there are places to eat where you’re staying. Ask whether there are nearby stores, markets, or cafes. Check reviews from other tourists.
You might be interested in:
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Where the Ukrainian Maldives are located and why you should visit them.
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Incredible tourist spots where famous Ukrainian films were shot.
Sources: opishne-museum.gov.ua, ukrainaincognita.com, discover.ua, igotoworld.com.ua, bakota.info .