Swim, sunbathe, and explore: Top natural swimming spots in Ukraine

Bazaltove Lake

Location: Bazaltove village, Rivne region

Facilities: a wild recreation site, no infrastructure, suitable for photo shoots and camping

History: formed in an area of former basalt mining. The lake is surrounded by unique basalt columns that form natural amphitheaters. It's one of the most famous geological sites in Ukraine.

What's available: scenic landscapes, a "Love Island" in the middle of the lake, clean air, tranquility.

Swimming is prohibited. The Holovyne community has officially banned swimming in all its water bodies, including Bazaltove Lake, due to a lack of equipment and uninspected lakebeds. While vacationers are not forcibly removed, all responsibility is on them.

Cherepashyntsi Quarry

Location: Cherepashyntsi village, Vinnytsia region

Facilities: partially equipped swimming areas, beach, picnic zones

History: a flooded granite quarry that became popular among locals as an alternative to the sea. Depth reaches up to 100 meters in places.

What's available: turquoise, clear water, pine forests around, opportunities for tent camping, fishing, or sunbathing. Nicknamed the "Vinnytsia Hawaii."

Swimming is officially allowed. There are equipped areas with sandy beaches and water access. This is a popular spot for beach fans and "wild" recreation fans. There is some infrastructure (cafés, benches), and the water is clean and safely accessible for swimming.

Bazaltove quarry (photo: Wikipedia)

Radvanka Quarry

Location: outskirts of Uzhhorod, Zakarpattia region

Facilities: no official infrastructure, a place for wild recreation

History: a quarry formed after the extraction of volcanic rocks. The water here is clear, and the shores are lined with distinctive dark cliffs.

What's available: scenic views, photo zones, and coolness even in the heat. Suitable for those seeking peace and solitude.

Swimming is officially allowed, but there is no infrastructure. This is a wild location without equipped beaches with no official restrictions. Swimming is at your own risk.

Blue Lake (Lake Molodist)

Location: near Starychi village, Lviv region

Facilities: unofficial recreation spot, access points to the water, beaches, and the forest around

History: a flooded quarry with clean and cold water. Due to its color, it is called Blue Lake, and locals refer to it as Lake Molodist (Youth).

What's available: swimming, sunbathing, camping, and silence. Popular among Lviv residents for weekend relaxation.

Swimming is allowed. This flooded quarry has clean but cold water; locals frequently use it for swimming and leisure. No official restrictions exist.

Cherepashyntsi quarry (photo: Wikipedia)

Svitiaz

Location: Shatsk district, Volyn region

Facilities: one of the best-equipped water bodies in Ukraine — resorts, beaches, and boat rentals

History: the deepest and largest lake in Ukraine, part of the Shatsky National Nature Park. It is naturally formed and has a unique ecosystem.

What's available: swimming, water activities, family vacations, hiking, camping. Perfect for everyone from wild campers to tourists with suitcases.

Swimming is allowed. One of Ukraine's most well-equipped lakes, with official beaches, lifeguards, boats, and rental stations. The site is fully open for swimming.

Druzhba Quarry "Quartz"

Location: Druzhba village, Zhytomyr region

Facilities: none, suitable for wild recreation and photography

History: a former quartz extraction quarry. The water has a turquoise hue, and the shores are pale, resembling fine chalky sand.

What's available: swimming, sunbathing, and walking. Quiet, with no crowds.

Swimming is allowed, but unofficially. This is a flooded quarry without infrastructure; people swim at their own risk. No bans are in place, but caution is advised due to bank erosion.

Lake Svitiaz in Volyn (photo: Wikipedia)

Lake Sirka (Yavorivska Sirka)

Location: Yavoriv district, between Lviv and Krakovets — about an hour from Lviv

Facilities: official SIRKA CAMP complex with sandy beach, loungers, umbrellas, boat and SUP rentals, wakesurfing, flyboarding, hydrofoiling, comfortable dome-shaped glamping accommodations

History: a flooded sulfur mining quarry that filled with clean water. Previously used by locals, it is now a structured recreation site with fresh content and new attractions.

What's available: official swimming area with lifeguards, sunbathing on sandy beach, boat rental, water activities (catamarans, SUP, wake surfing, etc.), glamping in domes — a blend of comfort and eco-style.

Myhiia (radon water and rapids)

Location: Myhiia village, Pervomaiskyi district, Bug Gard National Nature Park, on the Southern Bug River, 10 km from Pervomaisk

Facilities: camping (tent hotels, showers, kitchen, grill, Wi-Fi), glamping options, and convenient water access, equipped camps for active recreation

History: former granite quarries on the Southern Bug filled with water, forming several flooded lakes — including the Radon Lake and "Black Lake." The name "Myhiia" (from Greek "emigeia", which is "my land") dates back to Herodotus

What's available: rafting on the Myhiia rapids of the Southern Bug, training for athletes, Radon Lake, a 454-meter zipline over water, SUP rentals, camping with showers, grills, Wi-Fi, meal preparation, hiking routes to the Skarzhynskyi water mill (1887) and canyon, rock climbing, trekking, and cycling.

Yavorivska Sirka (photo: Wikipedia)

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Sources: buvrtysa.gov.ua, The Culture Trip, dovkola.media, Big.travel, Odyssey‑Extreme, Pohod.org.ua, Lonely Planet