Formerly part of the USS, Ukraine is now the largest country in Europe. As more budget airlines start to fly to Eastern Europe, countries like Ukraine are becoming increasingly popular with western tourists, despite many people associating the region with the Chernobyl disaster! In fact, huge parts of Ukraine were completely unaffected, and are home to beautiful natural scenery, interesting towns and cities and historical monuments and buildings. Whether you like to spend you holiday exploring the great outdoors or learning about culture, there will be somewhere in this vast and varied country that will appeal to you.
The capital city of Ukraine, Kyiv (or Kiev as it is often spelled in English), is a delightful mix of the old and the modern, with fin de siècle architecture and communist constructions standing side-by-side on medieval streets. There are several religious buildings within Kyiv, the most intriguing of which is probably Kievo-Pecherska Lavra. Set in a stunning garden location overlooking the city and the Dnipro River, this monastery is actually a collection of opulently decorated buildings. Don’t miss the underground tombs still filled with the mummified remains of past monks.
Enterprising Ukrainians have even managed to turn the Chernobyl disaster to their advantage, by creating tourist attractions based on the tragedy. You can take day trips from Kyiv to the site of the nuclear reactor, and the now abandoned towns that once surrounded it, for just over £100. Short exposure is perfectly safe, and you are accompanied at all times by a local guide. In Kyiv itself is the Chernobyl Museum, which tells the story of the day the nuclear reactor exploded and the aftermath and features exhibits about the men and women who lost their lives trying to prevent the disaster from happening.
Lviv is Ukraine’s most European city, with little evidence of the Soviet era still standing. It’s best to explore this quaint town on foot, wandering among the dozens of churches and climbing to the top of Castle Hill to enjoy the view over the city and visit the ruins of the 14th century fortress that give the area its name. For a tourist attraction with a difference, visit the oldest brewery in Europe, also home to the Lvivske Museum of Beer and Brewing. Naturally, you get a chance to taste the produce at the end!
The Crimea peninsula is famous for its military significance through the centuries, and many of the towns and cities in the region have their own museums and monuments to the important events that took place in their region. There are also several resorts in the shores of the Black Sea, and temperatures can get very warm in the summer months. Yalta, in particular, is a popular destination thanks to its stunning scenery and kitsch tourist attractions. Walk along the town promenade on an evening and marvel at the weird and wonderful collection of photo props that locals have set up to try and lure visitors into spending a few pounds!
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Ukraine? Then below is a selection of holiday villas in Ukraine and holiday apartments in Ukraine that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
