Picturesque canyons of Ukraine: five ideas for unforgettable trips to nature

Ukrainian canyons are places where nature shows its power and beauty in the most impressive way. They combine ancient history, unique landscapes, and amazing routes for travellers. Learn more about the most picturesque canyons of Ukraine and their features

Choose a tour in Ukraine for any taste

CHOOSE A TOUR

Ukraine can impress even the most discerning traveller with its natural wonders. Among them, canyons occupy a special place – majestic creations of nature that have been formed over millions of years. These incredible formations, created by the tireless work of water and wind, are no less impressive in their beauty than the famous canyons of America.

Where to find Ukrainian ‘grand canyons’ and what interesting things can be seen there – we will tell you more in this article.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Ukraine can be found here:

– Travel to Ukraine for tourism.

– Employment in Ukraine.

– Immigration to Ukraine.

– Studying in Ukraine.

– Travelling to Ukraine by car.

– Popular destinations in Ukraine.

– Support Ukraine.

Dniester Canyon – the largest in Ukraine and Europe

Dniester Canyon is impressive in its scale: its length reaches 250 kilometres, making it one of the largest not only in Ukraine but also in Europe. This natural creation is located on the border of four western regions: Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Chernivtsi, and Khmelnytskyi. The ‘stone’ banks of the Dniester stretch from the village of Nyzhniiv to the village of Trubchyn, creating picturesque landscapes that have been named one of the seven wonders of Ukraine for their beauty.

Paragliders can often be seen above the canyon, enjoying the incredible views from above. Most rafting trips on the Dniester take place within the canyon, and tourists who enjoy hiking will appreciate the numerous trails along the river and historical sites located in the surrounding villages. This place is ideal for both active recreation and peaceful contemplation of nature.

Smotrych Canyon – the heart of Kamianets-Podilskyi

Smotrych Canyon is a deep, narrow valley of the Smotrych River with steep slopes up to 50 metres high, running directly through Kamianets-Podilskyi. As if specially carved by nature to protect the ancient city, this 9-kilometre-long canyon has become a natural monument of national importance. Unique plants grow on the rocky slopes that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, including Shiverikia podolska, a relict plant of global significance.

In the canyon, you can see natural waterfalls, historic powder magazines, and most importantly, the famous Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress, which is included in the list of the seven wonders of Ukraine. Before the war, a hot air balloon festival was held above its walls, which added a special atmosphere to this place. This is the perfect destination for those who want to combine nature with history and architecture.

Aktovsky Canyon – Ukraine's ‘Grand Canyon’

Aktovsky Canyon in the Mykolaiv region is called the ‘Ukrainian Grand Canyon’ because of its incredible similarity to American canyons. This mystical and historical place is located in the valley of the Mertvovid River and is a unique ecosystem combining forest, water and cliffs up to 60-100 metres high. The canyon belongs to the Buzky Gard National Nature Park and is part of the huge Granite-Steppe Pobuzhzhya Landscape Park.

Visitors note the amazing cleanliness of the Aktovsky Canyon. Within its boundaries is the mystical ‘Devil's Valley’ tract, about which there are many legends – in ancient times, Scythian kings were buried here and magical rituals were performed. The canyon is especially attractive to rock climbers and photographers who hunt for incredible shots among the granite rocks and picturesque landscapes.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Arbuzyansky Canyon – ‘Little Aktovsky’

Arbuzinsky Canyon, located near Aktovsky, got its name ‘Little Aktovsky’ because of its slightly smaller size. However, it is here that the highest rock in the area is located, with the funny name ‘Navel of the Earth’, from which a magnificent view of both canyons opens up. From above, the Arbuzinsky Canyon resembles a labyrinth of giant rounded granite boulders formed after a volcanic eruption more than four billion years ago.

The name of the canyon comes from the Arbuzinka River, which flows through the gorge. Interestingly, the name is not of Russian origin, but is derived from the phrase ‘gar buzyny’ — elderberries burnt by the sun that grew along the shore. This is a great place for those seeking peace and unity with nature, as there are significantly fewer tourists here than in more popular locations.

Buky Canyon – the granite pearl of Cherkasy region

Buky Canyon in Cherkasy region is a picturesque granite canyon cut through by the Girs'kyi Tikych River in the village of Buky, just 180 kilometres from Kyiv. The gorge is 30 metres deep and 2.5 kilometres long. The granite rocks here are about two billion years old and create fantastic landscapes that attract both ordinary tourists and extreme sports enthusiasts.

Water sports enthusiasts come here to kayak, and rock climbers use the cliffs for training. Although the place is not really suited for mass tourism and does not have any special amenities, this is what gives it a special authenticity and allows you to enjoy nature in its pristine form. Its proximity to the capital makes the Butsky Canyon an ideal option for weekend trips.

Discover the beauty of Ukraine with Visit Ukraine!

Want to see the incredible locations of Ukraine with your own eyes? The Visit Ukraine portal offers a large number of different interesting tours that will allow you to get acquainted with the most beautiful corners of our country. From one-day excursions to multi-day adventures, there is something for everyone here.

Choose your tour and set off on an adventure!

Our experienced guides will show you the best routes, tell you interesting stories and help you create unforgettable memories.

Reminder! Lviv is a city of ancient architecture, flavours, aromas and emotions that captivate you from the very first step. Here, every trip turns into an impressive story: with a glass of craft beer, a cup of coffee or an evening stroll under the light of lanterns. Read about unique tours of Lviv here.

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

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

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

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.