If you decided to venture off to Ukraine for your well-earned holiday, you will
most likely get a few surprised questions from whoever hears your news. The country
is definitely not on the most popular list of tourism destinations and is relatively
unknown to the mass traveler.
Nevertheless, it is precisely the fact of Ukraine being among the most unspoiled
tourist routes that will make your vacation in our country refreshing, surprising,
and most authentic.
Whether you are looking for a relaxed and calm holiday, or would like to treat yourself
to adventure and a doze of adrenaline, Ukraine is large and diverse enough to offer
plenty of options for the most demanding traveler. Despite being off-the-beaten
track, Ukrainian tourism sector is developing at a high speed, in the view of Euro
2012.
In order to help you make the most out of your holiday in Ukraine we have put together
this page, which hosts selection of country’s top adventure activities, gives you
good insight into local Dos and Don’ts and provides you with the necessary travel
tips for a safe and comfortable stay in Ukraine.
BEFORE YOU GO...
Ukraine has a rich and vivid culture and still holds on to its ancient traditions.
While cities are more prone to be Western-like, people in the villages live pretty
much same as they did 200 years ago.
Due to its particular location Ukraine exhibits both Eastern and Western influences.
Today, the country is somewhat culturally divided with the western regions bearing
a stronger European influence and the eastern regions showing a strong Russian influence.
While Ukraine is considered a European country, culturally it is often similar to
the East and constitutes a wonderful blend of both traditions.
Read more on People, Customs and Traditions in Ukraine on our blog.
Ukrainians celebrate a range of religious and state holidays. If holiday falls on
a weekend, the following working day is added as an official day off as well.
Public holidays
January 1 - New Year’s Eve
January 7 - Christmas
March 8 - International Women’s Day
March/April - Easter
May/June - Holy Trinity Day (Orthodox Pentecost)
May 1 & 2 - Labor Days
May 9 - Victory Day
June 28 - Constitution Day
August 24 - Independence Day
The dominant religion in Ukraine is Eastern Orthodox Christianity; a distant second
by the number of the followers is the Eastern Rite Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church.
Additionally, Roman Catholics group forms some 2.19 percent of the population and
consists mainly of ethnic Poles and Hungarians, who live predominantly in the western
regions of the country. There are an estimated 500,000 Muslims in Ukraine, and about
250,000 of them are Crimean Tatars.
Ethnic Ukrainians make up 77.8% of the population. Other significant ethnic groups
are Russians (17.3%), Belarusians (0.6%), Moldovans (0.5%), Crimean Tatars (0.5%),
Bulgarians (0.4%), Hungarians (0.3%), Romanians (0.3%), Poles (0.3%), Jews (0.2%),
Armenians (0.2%), Greeks (0.2%) and Tatars (0.2%).
Languages
According to the Constitution, the state language of Ukraine is Ukrainian. Russian,
which was the de facto official language of the Soviet Union, is widely spoken,
especially in eastern and southern Ukraine. According to the 2001 census, 67.5 percent
of the population declared Ukrainian as their native language and 29.6 percent declared
Russian. Most native Ukrainian speakers know Russian as a second language.
English is not widely spoken in Ukraine, however, in large cities you can always
approach young people who most likely will be able to converse with you in English.
Outside of the cities do not expect English, or even Latin alphabet signs. It is
highly advised to carry English-Ukrainian or English-Russian phrasebook.
Working Hours
Official weekday working hours are 9am (09:00) to 5pm (17:00) or 10am (10:00) to
6pm (18:00). Some banks close for the day at 4.30pm. Bigger shops, especially in
Kyiv, tend to stay open later, until 8pm or 9pm (Sunday closing is increasingly
rare).
Time Zones
GMT +2 ~ Summer time(GMT +3)
International dialing code
+38
Population: 46 mln
Area: 603,700 sq.m
With barely unspoiled by mass tourism countryside and landscapes Ukraine is no
doubt a perfect place for travelers who wish to have a true off-beaten track experience.
Ukraine is home to tremendous natural treasures of European and even global significance.
The primeval beech forests of Ukrainian Carpathians are listed on the UNESCO
list of World Heritage, as is the Danube Delta which Ukraine shares with Romania.
Over 3.7 mln ha of protected areas which include 6 biosphere reserves and over 40
national reserves and parks host serene landscapes, untouched nature and exciting
wildlife.
From bird watching at Danube Delta and cave exploring at the shores of Black Sea
to mountain biking in Ukrainian Carpathians, Ukraine has an adventure experience for everyone.
Read more on wildlife and nature reserve in Ukraine on our Blog
Ukrainian Carpathians are rightfully considered the pearl of Ukraine. Their gentle peaks,
rising as high as 2061 m (Mt. Hoverla), showcase deep forests, fast rivers and highland
lakes, curative mineral sources, and unique culture of local villagers, offering
both the adventure and peaceful one-on-one with nature.
Ukrainian Carpathians are relatively unexplored by foreign tourists, thus allowing you to
hike/trek/bike for hours without seeing people. Tiny villages and shepherds huts
scattered in the valleys bring you the lost feeling of old Europe, where bread is
still baked in wooden ovens, people travel on horse carriages and berry picking
remains the traditional summer pastime. Unique folklore, traditions and handcrafts
of Carpathian villagers will captivate you with their simplicity and richness, leaving
a feeling of an old, welcoming and warm home.
The charm of Ukraine – Crimea. Long beaches, blue sea and gentle slopes of Crimean
Mountains. Ukrainian part of Black Sea shore stretches for kilometers, with almost
all northern part of Black Sea belonging to Ukraine. Climate here is drier and warmer
than in the rest of the country, with a Mediterranean feel in the southern coast
of Crimean Peninsula.
Ukrainian shore of Black Sea hosts many wonderful nature spots – UNESCO World Heritage
List Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, string of coastal lakes around Odessa, magnificent
caves, Swan Islands ornithological reserve, pristine untouched foothills of Crimean
mountains, unique volcanic nature reserve of Karadag, and shallow warm Azov Sea.
A lot of people considered Crimea their rightful and beautiful home. This exciting
mix of cultures left Crimea with numerous historical places, scattered around the
peninsula – mysterious cave cities of Chufut-Kale, palaces and mosques of Crimean
Tatars, Genoese Fortresses, ruins of ancient Greeks, and many other places worth
exploring.
Our selection of top treats for you!
- Hike Crimean Mountains - the Chatyr Dag plateau for breath taking views of the Black Sea or trek around
the puzzling ruins of Chufut Kale.
- Plunge underground and enjoy the spectacular sight of stalactites and stalagmites
in one of the most beautiful caves of Eastern Europe – 'Marble Cave'.
- Go scuba diving and explore fascinating natural features, sunken ships, hidden treasures
and even the ruins of city.
- Discover numerous canyons of Crimea or check out rock climbing places, suitable
both for sport climbers and mountaineers.
- Go cycling in Crimea - enjoy a trip along Europe's longest wild beach – Arabat Spit, and visit
mud volcanoes of Kerch peninsula.
Steppe – an endless sea of grassland. Though large part of Ukraine steppe has been
used for agricultural purposes, a number of set up protected areas are still able
show you the magnificence of steppe. Natural Reserve 'Askaniya Nova' can take you
into the times of Cossacks and show the largest remaining natural steppe in Europe.
Established way back in the 19th century Askaniya Nova is the oldest protected area
in Ukraine and one of country's six UNESCO biosphere reserves.
Afterwards, go to the north, for a moment of peace and tranquility in Ukrainian
wooded North. Tucked in the vast territory bordering with Belarus, covered with
lush forests and abundant with rivers, streams, and swamps, is the Polissya Natural
Reserve. Enjoy untouched 'jungles' of trees and long serene walks in this least
populated area of Ukraine!
Our selection of top treats for you!
- Go on a safari tour in a vast plain, where Przhevalsky horses peacefully graze together
with droves of black bison, Grevy's zebras, blue antelopes and Turkmenian koulans.
Enjoy "…a parched, isolated, sprawling, yellow expanse - this is what the Ukraine
of the Cossacks looked like" (Lonely Planet).
- See the largest captive breeding program for Przewalski's horses – the only remaining
truly wild "horse" in the world and may be the closest living wild relative of the
domesticated horse.
- Go cycling along trails of Northern Ukraine, visit sparkling clean lakes, water-full
streams and endless forests, and plunge into the world of silence and calm.
Over 23,000 rivers and lakes are real landscape pearl of Ukraine. About 160 of them
are more than 100 km long. The beautiful slow flowing largest river of Ukraine –
the Dnipro, majestic canyons of Ukraine's cleanest river – the Dniester, narrow
and fast rivers of the Carpathians - all give you wonderful opportunities for boating,
canoeing, fishing, swimming, sailing, white water or flat water rafting.
Enjoy the 250 km-stretch of Dniester Canyon in the Western Ukraine. Raft along steep
rocky or wooden banks with the heights to 200 m (650 ft), unique travertine rocks
and geological exfoliation, caves and grottoes with signs of human settlement upon
them, waterfalls, picturesque islands, monuments of nature, history, architecture,
ethnography – all these can be seen miles and miles.
Visit one of the last true wetlands remaining in Europe. National park consists
of over 20 crystal clear Shatsky lakes, dense forests, hundreds of small streams
and rivers, and scattered swamps along Ukraine – Belarus borders. The jewel of the
National park is Svityaz, Ukraine's largest and deepest lake. Swim in its deep waters,
breathe in fresh air from pine forests, go berry or mushroom picking and experience
the magical power of Svityaz.
230 km of passages make up Eurasia's longest cave, and world's longest gypsum cave
- Optymistychna. It is one of the hundreds of underground labyrinths in Ukraine.
Crimea region is particularly rich in caves which do not require any special speleological
knowledge or any special training. Marmurova cave offers stunning sights of its
stalactites and stalagmites which look like fanciful creations of human hands rather
than a whimsy of nature. On another hand, Emine-Bair-Khosar cave boasts crystal-clear
underground lakes, just like Ozerna cave in the Western region of Ukraine.
Check out our stories on caving in Ukraine.
Ukraine has wide selection of quality bird, plant or wildlife sanctuary.
Currently the country hosts 17 nature reserves, 12 national parks and 4 biosphere reserves which are of global importance.
The geographical location, the climate and physiographical setting all contributed to a wide diversity of Ukraine’s flora and fauna.
You can still find bears, wolves, and wild mountain sheeps in Ukrainian Carpathians and Crimea, while Askania Nova Biosphere Reserve is homeland
to unique animal populations that once roamed vast steppes of Southern Ukraine.
Ukraine’s birdlife is plentiful, and bird lovers will be surprised by the species they can observe here.
Crimean wetlands, Danube and Dniester River deltas are birdwatcher’s paradise, with areas being an important
migration stop and nesting place for hundreds of species. Other worthwhile areas are the least inhabited forest
areas in the North of Ukraine.
Explore Dnister Delta National Park during our Kiev and Odessa Holiday in Ukraine
With over 500 cities in Ukraine founded more than 900 years ago the country is one
of the oldest and exciting places for visit in Europe. Ukraine is a combination
of traditional European lifestyle and architecture in the West, and remnants of
industrial-communist era in the East.
Learn more about People, Traditions and Customs in Ukraine with our special stories and videos on our Blog
Start with Kiev, country's mother of cities, its capital. While being a rather contemporary
and cosmopolitan city, Kyiv still boasts a number of fine older attractions, dating
back to the 11th century, the times of Kievan Rus. Go cruising on Dnipro River,
visit one of the architectural landmarks of the capital, and enjoy a classic evening
in city's National Opera. No matter what your choice will be, Kyiv has something
to offer for everyone!
Traveling to Kiev soon?
Check out our 10 Awesome Things to do in Kiev, or discover 5 Ways to Explore Kiev like a local
Read more stories about Kiev on our blog
MiniLook Kiev from threeshot on Vimeo.
POPULAR KIEV CITY TOURS
Day Trips
Weekend Trips and Holidays in Kiev
Then, head straight to south, for majestic Crimean Peninsula. Jewel at the sea,
Odessa, is country's largest and most famous port. City's architecture has been significantly
influenced by French and Italian styles. Add warm beaches, great weather, myriads
of well shaded streets and squares, dozens of cultural festivals and you will have
a fancy mix of entertainment, fun and relaxation.
Traveling to Odessa?
Check out our 10 Awesome Things to Do in Odessa
Read more stories about Odessa on our blog
POPULAR ODESSA CITY TOURS
Weekend Trips and Holidays in Odessa
Further into peninsula you can visit Yalta, country's most famous resort. Situated
on a shore strip between Black Sea and green slopes of Crimean Mountains, Yalta
boasts numerous historical attractions – from the famous Livadia Palace, where Roosvelt,
Churchil and Stalin supposedly planned the division of Europe after World War II,
to charming and idyllic Nikita Botanical Garden, one of the world's oldest operating
scientific botanical gardens, and finally to majestic Massandra Palace. Besides
vineyards and orchards, Yalta also has lush green areas and rugged beaches. Smaller
towns around Yalta and further into the mountains offer more secluded spots for
enjoying Crimean nature and unique cultural mix of Tatar, Russian and Ukrainian.
Traveling to Crimea soon?
Read stories about Crimea on our blog
POPULAR CRIMEA TOURS
Weekend Trips and Holidays in Crimea
One of the most inspiring cities in the West of Ukraine is the famous Lviv. The
city reminds of smaller European towns of Austria and Poland, albeit less spoiled
by mass tourism. Lviv offers you the world of ancient legends, cosy coffeeshops,
numerous cultural festivals, live music performances and art galleries, as well
as a magnetic feel of an old aristocratic town, with its own unique atmosphere.
Once a part of Austro-Hungarian empire, Lviv is no doubt a cultural capital of Ukraine,
and a must visit for travelers. Go off-the-beaten track and cycle around Lviv region,
exploring its fortresses and castles, tiny traditional villages and beautiful landscapes
of rural Ukraine.
Traveling to Lviv soon?
Discover 10 Things to Do in Lviv under 10 Euros
Read stories about Lviv on our blog
POPULAR LVIV TOURS
Day Trips in Lviv
Weekend Trips and Holidays in Lviv
Every year Ukraine boasts dozens of festivals across the country - from musical, theater or sports festivals,
to even such unlikely ones as Humor festival in Odesa and Chocolate festival in Lviv.
Below you can find the list of most popular festivals listed by month.
January is a month of New Year and Christmas celebrations. Ukrainian Christmas falls on 7th of January, and its traditions are quite
different from those in Western Europe.
Visit Lviv for most authentic Christmas experience, or go to villages in Carpathians to get the taste of this holiday.
With last weeks of April and beginning of May, when the grass is green and the weather is finally welcoming,
dozens of spring festivals are held in big cities, small towns or even villages!
Most famous ones are:
Summer is traditionally full of ethno-, folk festivals around the country, where you can learn more about Ukrainian music, dance, and crafts. Most well known are:
In case you are spending your summer vacation in Crimea you would have an opportunity to enjoy great contemporary jazz and world
music players at Koktebel International Jazz Festival
or take out your wild dancing shoes at the famous electronic music festival KaZantip Republic
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