Top 12 alternatives to the sea: where to relax in Ukraine by the water?

Ukraine is home to a variety of unique beaches, lakes, and bodies of water, from tranquil forest retreats to active resorts. Learn about the best places to relax by the water this summer, their infrastructure, features, and who they're best for

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Ukraine has many bodies of water where you can relax no worse than at sea - from wild quarries with turquoise water to equipped resorts with sun loungers, entertainment and mountain landscapes. If you are looking for inspiration for your vacation, here is a selection of the best beaches, lakes and reservoirs that are worth visiting this summer.

Shatsk Lakes, Volyn

If you dream of peace in the midst of nature, then Shatsk Lakes is the place to stop. This unique corner of Polissya is known for its clean reservoirs, forests and coziness. The most popular here is Lake Svityaz, up to 58 m deep, with clear water and a sandy bottom.

- Beaches and swimming: Gentle entry into the water, clean beaches, cozy areas for swimming even with children.

- Infrastructure: Recreation centers, private estates, rental of catamarans, boats, campsites.

- Features: The territory is divided into zones for youth and quiet relaxation.

- How to get there: By train to Kovel, then by minibus to Shatsk or Svityaz.

- Who will suit it: Families with children, couples, lovers of nature and silence.

Bakota, Khmelnytskyi region

A real place of power is Bakota. The hidden pearl of the Dniester Canyon enchants not only with its views, but also with a feeling of silence and detachment from the hustle and bustle. People come here for peace, natural beauty and unforgettable sunsets.

Fabulous panoramas of the Dniester, places for tents, boat trips, a rock monastery. A real unplugged feeling.

- Beaches: Covered with natural shade, quiet water without waves.

- Infrastructure: Tent camps, recreation centers, boat rentals.

- Features: Ideal for camping, yoga tours, rafting.

- Who is suitable for: Couples, companies, active travelers.

Sataniv, Khmelnytskyi Region

Among forests and ancient walls is Sataniv, one of the most famous health resorts in the region. It combines healing springs, history and comfort, which attracts tourists seeking recovery and harmony.

- Beaches: Lakes, swimming pools at sanatoriums, river areas.

- Infrastructure: Sanatoriums, hotels, eco-trails, gastronomy.

- Features: A resort for health, peace and recovery.

- Who is suitable for: The older generation, connoisseurs of health tourism.

Lake Molodosti, Bukovel

Want to combine beach relaxation and mountain air? Lake Molodosti in the heart of Bukovel is an alternative to the sea for those who value active and comfortable recreation in the Carpathians.

Warm, clean water, SUP board and catamaran rental, embankment, cafe. All surrounded by mountains and resort infrastructure.

- Beaches: Equipped areas with sun loungers, water temperature - up to +22°C.

- Infrastructure: Water activities, go-karting, bars, aquapark.

- Features: All-inclusive resort, easy to get to.

- Who is it for: Sports enthusiasts, families with children, groups of friends.

Kiev Sea (reservoir)

Just 30–40 minutes from the capital - and you are already at the "sea". The Kiev Reservoir impresses with its scale, views and the opportunity to escape from the city noise just on a Friday evening.

Long sandy beaches, pine forests, yachts, fishing, barbecue areas. Accessible even without a car.

- Beaches: Water temperature – up to +28°C, sandy beaches with comfort.

- Infrastructure: Hotels, campsites, sun loungers, cafes.

- Features: Ideal for short weekends near Kyiv.

- Who will suit: Residents of the capital, families, tourists with a car.

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Blue Lake in Pidhirtsi, Kyiv Region

Another unexpected gem near Kyiv is a blue lake in the middle of a pine forest. People come here both by car and by public transport to simply relax for a day or two and soak up the sun.

Turquoise water, pine forest, wild and equipped beaches, picnic areas. Suitable for one-day relaxation.

- Beaches: Sandy beach, shallow bottom, warm water.

- Infrastructure: Free and paid areas, changing rooms, benches.

- Features: Lots of people on weekends, easy to get to.

- Who is it for: For a spontaneous one-day getaway.

White Lake, Rivne Region

White Lake is a true paradise for those who seek peace, wildlife and clean water. Here you can see ducks, beavers, dive into the clear water and forget about everything around.

Incredibly clear water, hydrominerals, noise isolation, ecozones, wild beaches. The best choice for camping.

- Beaches: A gentle sandy bottom, very clean water.

- Infrastructure: Recreation centers, fishing, camping.

- Features: An ideal place for ecotourism.

- Who is it suitable for: Families, fishermen, lovers of silence.

Lake Didovo (Dyida), Transcarpathia

One of the most popular reservoirs in Transcarpathia, where everyone is comfortable - from young people to families with children. Lake Didovo pleases not only with its views, but also with convenient infrastructure for a long vacation.

Clean warm water, infrastructure: hotels, cafes, rental. Popular among tourists from Hungary and Ukrainians.

- Beaches: Gentle entrances, depth up to 16 m.

- Infrastructure: Tent sites, sunbeds, awnings.

- Features: Comfort + nature, one of the most popular beaches in the region.

- Who is suitable for: Young people, families, companies.

Thermal waters of Transcarpathia

Healing open-air swimming, luxurious SPA and healing minerals. Thermal waters of Transcarpathia are a combination of relaxation, recovery and good mood at any time of the year.

Kosino, Berehove, Velyatino - open-air thermal baths, health complexes, SPA-relaxation zones.

- Beaches: Swimming pools +38–+42°C.

- Infrastructure: Hotels, restaurants, SPA-complexes.

- Features: For health and relaxation.

- Who is suitable for: Couples, people with chronic diseases.

Cherepashinsky quarry, Vinnytsia region

If you want to see the Ukrainian version of Croatia - come to Cherepashinsky quarry. Turquoise water, coniferous forests and rocks create an atmosphere of complete solitude.

- Turquoise mirror of water among pine forests, high banks, a popular place for photo shoots and beach holidays.

- Beaches: Clear water, clay, sand.

- Infrastructure: Minimal, there are places for tents.

- Features: Peace, photogenic.

- Who is suitable for: Young couples, Instagram travelers.

Synevyr, Transcarpathia

Synevyr is a legend among lakes. The largest high-mountain lake in Ukraine attracts tourists not for swimming, but for meditative walks and romantic moments among fabulous landscapes.

The most famous high-mountain lake in the country, a symbol of the Carpathians. Ideal for walks, picnics and peace of mind.

- Swimming is prohibited, but there are boats.

- Infrastructure: Hotels, kolybas, routes, museum.

- Features: A place of strength and aesthetics.

- Who is suitable for: Couples, introverted travelers.

Cherkasy Beaches - a resort on the Dnieper

Not everyone knows, but Cherkasy becomes a real beach resort in the summer. The city beaches here are well-groomed, the atmosphere is relaxed, and in the evenings - romantic walks along the Dnieper embankment.

- The best beaches: Kazbetsky, Sosnivsky, Wake Park, Zhivchyk.

- Additionally: Buddhist temple "White Lotus", greenhouse, sunsets.

- Ideal for: A combination of beach and unexpected discoveries.

Blue Lakes near Kamyanske

Blue Lakes near Kamyanske are an example of how a quarry can become a popular beach destination. People come here for the color of the water, the aroma of pine trees, and the comfort that you won’t always find even at sea.

- Depth – up to 20 m, clean, transparent water.

- Infrastructure: Sun loungers, cafes, gazebo rental, water activities.

- Entrance fee – 50–75 UAH.

- Ideal for: A quick nature vacation near a big city.

From the Carpathians to the Kyiv region, from wild quarries to thermal baths – Ukraine has many locations for relaxing by the water. Everyone will find something for themselves: peace and nature, adrenaline and entertainment, or health and relaxation.

Discover the most beautiful beach and lake destinations in Ukraine with comfort and without unnecessary worries.

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Let us remind you! The Carpathians are a whole world of diverse locations that will give you unforgettable impressions and inner harmony. We have already told you where to find the perfect place in the Carpathians for any type of vacation: from active mountain hikes, family entertainment and exciting routes to relaxation in thermal pools and luxurious SPA complexes.

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