Hidden gems of Ukraine: places worth visiting for tourists

Ukraine is not just Kyiv, Lviv or Odesa. Hidden in different corners of the country are authentic and impressive places that remain untouched by mass tourism. Here you can find the tranquillity of mountain villages, the charm of ancient towns and the beauty of unspoilt nature. Learn more about the hidden gems of Ukraine that are worth seeing with your own eyes

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Ukraine is famous for its iconic tourist centres — from colourful Lviv to historic Kyiv and charming Odesa. But beyond the popular routes lie real treasures — unique locations that can impress even experienced travellers.

These ‘hidden gems’ offer an authentic experience, incredible views, and the opportunity to touch the true soul of Ukraine.

In this article, we will reveal the most interesting little-known places in the country and help you plan an unforgettable trip to Ukraine.

What hidden treasures are there in Ukraine?

‘Hidden gems’ are unique tourist locations that have not yet become popular destinations but possess incredible beauty, historical value or cultural authenticity. These can be small villages with centuries-old traditions, nature reserves with rare species of flora and fauna, ancient castles surrounded by legends, or waterfalls known only to locals.

Why choose non-touristy places to travel to? Firstly, you will avoid crowds of tourists and be able to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. Secondly, it is in such locations that you can best experience the authentic culture of the region — local traditions, cuisine and crafts have remained unchanged for centuries. Thirdly, you will get unique shots for social media, as these places have not yet been ‘exposed’ in millions of photos.

The advantages of travelling to hidden gems are obvious: fewer people means more peace and opportunities for meditative relaxation, authenticity allows you to deepen your understanding of Ukrainian culture, and unique locations guarantee unforgettable experiences and original photos.

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The best hidden gems of Ukraine that are worth visiting

Western Ukraine: Carpathian villages, castles, waterfalls

The Carpathian region of Ukraine hides many real treasures. Here, among the picturesque mountains, there are authentic villages where time seems to have stopped, ancient castles preserve the legends of past eras, and crystal-clear waterfalls impress with their pristine beauty.

The village of Sheshory in the Ivano-Frankivsk region is a real Hutsul gem, where the traditions of the ancestors still live on. Here you can see authentic 18th-century wooden churches, visit the workshops of carvers and weavers, and taste real Hutsul banush and brynza.

The castle in Zolochiv in the Lviv region is one of the best-preserved defensive complexes of the 16th-17th centuries. This Renaissance castle impresses with its architecture and contains unique frescoes, and its towers offer a magnificent view of the surrounding area.

The Shipit Waterfall in Zakarpattia is the highest waterfall in Ukraine (14 metres), falling from a stone wall in the middle of a beech forest. It is especially impressive in spring during the snowmelt, when powerful jets of water create a true natural wonder.

The village of Kryvorivnia in Hutsulshchyna is famous as the literary capital of the region, where Ivan Franko, Lesya Ukrainka and other prominent writers created their works. The atmosphere of creative inspiration has been preserved here among the Carpathian landscapes.

Central Ukraine: ancient towns, little-known museums

Central Ukraine impresses with its variety of historical monuments and cultural treasures. Here you will find ancient towns with streets that remember the times of the Cossacks, unique museums with rare exhibits, and architectural masterpieces from different eras.

Medzhybizh in the Khmelnytskyi region is a town with a powerful 14th-century fortress and a unique history. The Hasidic movement was born here, and the castle on a rock above the Southern Bug River is considered one of the most beautiful in Ukraine.

Korsun-Shevchenkivskyi in the Cherkasy region is famous for its arboretum with rare trees from all over the world and the palace of the Lopukhins-Demidovs princes. The park is especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves take on golden hues.

Poltava is home not only to the battlefield of 1709, but also to the unique Museum of Ukrainian Pottery in the village of Opishnia, where the traditions of ceramic art have been passed down from generation to generation for over a thousand years.

Southern Ukraine: coastline, national parks

Southern Ukraine is famous not only for the Black Sea, but also for its unique natural locations, protected steppes and historical gems. Odessa, a city with a unique atmosphere, architecture and culture, gives the region a special charm.

Odessa's courtyards are the true heart of the city, where every building has its own history. The courtyard-well on Gavanaya Street, the mysterious courtyard on Deribasovskaya Street with mosaic panels, and the romantic courtyard of the Museum of Literature are just some of Odessa's hidden treasures, which are revealed only to those who know where to look.

The Odessa Catacombs are the largest underground system in the world, stretching over 2,500 kilometres. These labyrinths preserve stories from the days of limestone mining in the 19th century to the events of World War II, when partisan detachments operated here.

The Belgorod-Dniester Fortress is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. This grandiose complex from the 13th-15th centuries on the banks of the Dniester Estuary is impressive in its scale and preservation.

Northern Ukraine: ancient Chernihiv region

The Chernihiv region impresses with its natural beauty, ancient architecture and rich history. Chernihiv is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine, preserving monuments from different eras, from the times of Kievan Rus to the present day.

However, due to its proximity to the borders with Russia and Belarus, travelling in this region requires special caution and professional guidance. Visit Ukraine offers a special tour, ‘Escort to Chernihiv’, which provides a safe introduction to this unique region.

How to plan a visit to the hidden gems of Ukraine?

– Transport. To visit lesser-known locations, renting a car is the best option — it gives you maximum freedom of movement and the opportunity to stop at any place of interest. An alternative is to take the train to the nearest large cities and then use local transport or taxis. For remote locations, consider organised tours with transfers.

– Accommodation. The choice of where to stay depends on the nature of your trip. Hotels and sanatoriums are suitable for a comfortable stay, glamping and eco-estates for a romantic adventure, and private estates with local residents for an authentic experience. Many hidden gems are located in rural areas, where the hospitality of the hosts will be a pleasant bonus to your trip.

– Best time to visit. Each season has its advantages: spring is ideal for visiting botanical gardens and nature reserves, summer is for active tourism and swimming, autumn offers incredible colours for photo shoots, and winter creates a fairy-tale atmosphere in the mountainous regions. It is worth planning your trip taking into account the specifics of your chosen locations.

– Safety and preparation. Be sure to take out insurance, download offline maps to your phone, and make sure you have stable mobile coverage. For remote regions, it is recommended to travel with a guide or as part of an organised group. Always inform your loved ones of your itinerary and return time.

Additional services for an unforgettable trip to Ukraine from the Visit Ukraine portal

Visit Ukraine offers comprehensive services for organising an unforgettable trip to the hidden gems of Ukraine:

– Online booking of tours and guides to unique locations with the possibility of an individual approach to each client and the creation of personalised itineraries.

– Medical insurance covering war risks, providing peace of mind while travelling and guaranteeing qualified assistance if needed.

– Booking tickets for buses and trains, renting cars for independent travel.

– Booking hotels and apartments in various price categories, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Don't miss the opportunity to become an explorer of Ukrainian treasures!

Take advantage of Visit Ukraine's professional services to organise a safe, comfortable and eventful trip. Our experts will help you create the perfect itinerary that will reveal the most beautiful and interesting corners of Ukraine.

Start your adventure today — choose one of the suggested tours or create your own individual itinerary!

Reminder! Ukraine impresses with its wealth of medieval castles scattered throughout the country — from the mysterious strongholds of Transcarpathia to the impregnable fortresses of Podillia. Each of these architectural gems preserves unique stories about the times of knights, princely dynasties, and heroic battles for independence. Read about the most impressive castles in Ukraine that every traveller should see here.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

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