Best summer destinations in Ukraine
“In order to appreciate cultures of another nation, one needs to go there, know the people and mingle with the culture of that country. “
David Rockefeller
Beautiful throughout the year, the months from May to September however are the best time for a visit to Ukraine.
Popular summer vacation destinations in Ukraine often include coastal beaches of Crimea and Odessa region also the capital of Ukraine- Kiev – the city that is popular all year round. Crimea used to be one of the most famous resorts in Russian-Soviet empires since the 18th century. Many fascinating palaces were built there for Russian Tsars as a summer residence because of the wonderful climate and amazing landscape. Crimea still remains a favorite resort of Ukrainians and Russians because of its warm sea, fresh clean air and bright sun. Lately it has also become a rather popular summer destination for foreigners. Crimea is a peninsula that is situated in the southern part of Ukraine between the Black Sea and Azov Sea and it is divided into two parts. The landscape of Crimea is various depending on the geographical location-One part is steppe area, with huge open spaces and a dry, hot summer while the other is the coast, which has a subtropical climate. The natural boundary between the areas is the attention-grabbing Crimean Mountains, which contains an inactive volcano called Kara-Dag.
To many people a beach vacation seems ideal on hot sunny days so if you also like the idea of a beach vacation you can visit Yalta, Alushta or Alupka and enjoy wonderful beaches and the warm Black sea. Besides sunbathing and swimming you can visit some famous historical places such as “Lastochkino Gnezdo” (Swallow’s Nest), “Polyana Skazok” (Meadow of Fairy Tales), Palace of Livadiya, Genoese Fortress of Sudak and Noviy Svet, Nikitskiy Botanical Garden, as well as many others. There are English speaking guides and excursions to each of the places and you will be greatly impressed by their beauty and rich history.
The best way to get to Crimea is by train or plane to Simferopol and from there to the coastal area by bus of by car. Among the most exciting destinations are the following:
YALTA
YALTA
Yalta landscape
Yalta – The settlement named Yalita dates from prehistoric times, it was inhabited by Greeks just like some other parts of Crimea but it fell under Turkey’s control in 1475 and in 1783 Yalta became Russian. Modern Yalta developed only in the early 19th century, becoming a town in 1838. Yalta started developing as a health resort in the 1860s due to its favorable climate with mild winters and its scenic location between sea and mountain. Such a landscape makes Yalta city one of the most popular resorts of Ukraine, with many hotels and health resorts. In February 1945, during the World War II the three chief Allied leaders met during Yalta Conference in Livadiya Palace to plan the final defeat and occupation of Nazi Germany. You can visit Livadiya palace as a tourist and listen to the fascinating story of the Conference.
Livadiya palace
1945 Yalta conference
ALUSHTA
Alushta is situated in the southern part of Crimean peninsula. Current name of the city is similar to original Greek name – Alouston. Aluston fortress was founded in the 6th century by the order of Emperor Justinian. Alushta city area is notable for its rocky terrain. There are also remains of Byzantine castle tower and Genoese fortress of 15th century. In Byzantine Empire the city had name Aluston. During the Genoese rule it was called Lusta.
Genoese fortress tower
Alushta coastal area
Sevastopol
Sevastopol is a city and seaport in the southwestern Crimean Peninsula on the southern shore of the long, narrow Akhtiarskaya Bay, which forms a magnificent natural harbor.
The central part of Sevastopol city is located in a mountainous area with large number of deep sea, well protected bays. The most valued component of the city is its almost subtropical climate, large number of sandy and pebble beaches, picturesque landscapes and warm clear sea.
Sevastopol city was founded on the territory of antique Chersonese, where in 988 Kievan prince Volodymyr was converted to Christianity, Sevastopol. You can visit the remains of the ancient Chersonese while visiting Sevastopol.
The remains of Chersonese in Sevastopol
Russian fleet in Sevastopol
Currently Russian Black Sea fleet is being based here and you can see lots of military ships by just visiting the embankment in center of Sevastopol.
ODESSA
The other famous summer destination in Ukraine is Odessa. Odessa is situated at the Black sea coast and has lots of diverse recreation and resort abilities: favorable climate, sea, medicinal mud and brine of estuaries, sandy beaches, mineral waters, historical and cultural values. Besides being a popular tourist destination it is also the biggest sea port and business center of the Southern Ukraine. Odessa location at the Black Sea makes Odessa very attractive for tourists from all over the world and among the attractions of Odessa are Catacombs and Museum of Partisan Glory , Odessa Opera and Ballet Theater, Deribasovskaja street and Primorskiy bulvar and of course beautiful sandy beaches. You can walk along the streets of Odessa daytime or at night enjoying the beauty of architecture of old buildings. The Deribasovskaja street – a symbol of Odessa, and one of the biggest attractions. Being one of the most popular tourist destinations – Odessa has many comfortable hotels.
Odessa Opera House
Odessa-“Black Sea Pearl”
Sandy beaches of Odessa
It’s always interesting to discover new things, different ways of life, to meet different people, to taste different cuisine, to listen to different music. You can do all of the above and more by visiting Ukraine and its most popular destinations alone or with your friends or your beloved. Whether you choose picturesque landscapes of Crimea with its pebble beach and historical places, or full of people and adventures Odessa area, be sure you will enjoy it and the impressions you get there will be the ones you will never forget!
