Southern Ukraine Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Southern Ukraine with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and how to get around in Southern Ukraine.


Introduction to Southern Ukraine

Southern Ukraine is a picturesque region located in the eastern part of Europe. The region boasts of stunning landscapes, beautiful historic architecture, and vast stretches of coastline. Southern Ukraine is home to many enchanting cities, each with their unique charm and history.

List of Places to Visit in Southern Ukraine

Whether you are interested in culture, history, or nature, Southern Ukraine has many attractions to offer. Here is a list of places you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Southern Ukraine:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Odessa National Museum of Art
  • Kherson Museum of Local Lore
  • Pervomaiskii Museum of Local Lore and Battle Glory
  • Oles Honchar Museum in Kryvyi Rih
  • Nikolaev’s Fine Arts Museum

Natural Attractions of Southern Ukraine: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve
  • Cape Tarkhankut
  • Sofiyivka Park, Uman
  • Dzharylhach Island
  • Svitiaz Lake

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern Ukraine

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, Southern Ukraine has a lot to offer. Here are some excellent hiking and biking trails that you can explore:

  • Kryvyi Rih City Park
  • Valery Lobanovskyi Dynamo Stadium, Kiev
  • Tarkhankut Cape Trail
  • Bilik-kamen Mountain Trail
  • Kherson Regional Landscape Park

Best Things to Do in Southern Ukraine: Activities and Tours

From trying out traditional Ukrainian food to exploring the local art scene, here are the best things to do in Southern Ukraine:

  • Try traditional Ukrainian food like borscht and varenyky at local restaurants.
  • Attend a performance at the famous Odessa Opera and Ballet Theatre.
  • Visit the wineries in the Black Sea region and sample some of the best Ukrainian wines.
  • Take an ATV tour of the Ukrainian steppes.
  • Explore the street art scene in Odessa.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern Ukraine

If you have a week to explore Southern Ukraine, follow this itinerary to see the region’s top attractions:

  • Day 1: Explore the historic Old Town of Lviv
  • Day 2: Travel to Kherson and visit the Kherson Museum of Local Lore. In the evening, take a walk along the Dnieper River.
  • Day 3: Visit the Askania-Nova Biosphere Reserve and go on a safari.
  • Day 4: Go for a scenic drive through the Crimean Mountains and visit the Cave Monastery of Chufut-Kale.
  • Day 5: Visit the beautiful city of Odessa and explore its many historical sites and museums.
  • Day 6: Take a boat tour of the Danube Delta and spot some of the local wildlife.
  • Day 7: Relax on the beaches of Odesa and soak in the sun.

Food and Drink Scene of Southern Ukraine

Southern Ukraine is known for its delicious and hearty cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Borscht – A soup made with beets, beef, and cabbage.
  • Varenyky – Dumplings stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or cabbage.
  • Chicken Kyiv – Breaded chicken fillet stuffed with garlic butter.
  • Deruny – Potato pancakes served with sour cream.

Local Beverages

  • Horilka – A traditional Ukrainian alcoholic beverage made from grain or potatoes.
  • Kefir – A fermented milk drink that is both refreshing and healthy.
  • Ukrainian wine – Southern Ukraine is home to several vineyards that produce excellent wines.

Where to Stay in Southern Ukraine: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern Ukraine has various accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences. Here are some places to stay:

  • Premier Palace Hotel, Odessa
  • Taurus Hotel, Kherson
  • Tavria Hotel, Melitopol
  • Yedinstvo Hotel, Kryvyi Rih
  • Hostel Vshokoladi, Lviv

What to Buy in Southern Ukraine: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are many unique souvenirs and local products to bring back home from Southern Ukraine. Here are some ideas:

  • Traditional Ukrainian embroidery clothing or textiles
  • Ceramic pottery from the village of Petrykivka
  • Local honey from Kherson
  • Handmade jewelry crafted by local artisans
  • Ukrainian Easter eggs (Pysanky)

Local Culture and Customs of Southern Ukraine

Ukrainian traditions and customs are deeply rooted in the region’s culture. Some common customs in Southern Ukraine include:

  • Greeting strangers with a kiss on the cheek
  • Removing your shoes before entering someone’s home
  • Celebrating Orthodox Christian holidays such as Easter and Christmas
  • Observing traditions such as the harvest festival and the summer solstice

Best Time to Visit Southern Ukraine

The best time to visit Southern Ukraine is during the summer months of June to September. The weather is warm and pleasant, and the beaches are open. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder season of May or October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern Ukraine

Here are some things to do and not to do during your trip to Southern Ukraine:

Do:

  • Learn a few phrases in Ukrainian or Russian to communicate with the locals.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches and other religious sites.
  • Try authentic local food and drinks.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Don’t:

  • Display excessive wealth or valuables in public areas.
  • Take photographs of military or government buildings without permission.
  • Bring up the topic of politics.
  • Drink tap water.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern Ukraine

Southern Ukraine is a relatively safe destination for tourists. However, as with any trip, you should take some precautions to ensure your safety. Here are some safety tips:

  • Keep your valuables in a safe place.
  • Avoid walking alone in deserted areas at night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of strangers.
  • Stay informed about local news and developments.

Health in Southern Ukraine

Make sure you have adequate health insurance before your trip to Southern Ukraine. It’s advisable to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies. It’s also important to protect yourself against mosquito bites, especially during the summer months.

Getting to Southern Ukraine: Transportation Options and Logistics

Southern Ukraine is well-connected by air, rail, and road. Here are some transportation options to reach Southern Ukraine:

Airports Near Southern Ukraine

  • Boryspil International Airport (KBP)
  • Odessa International Airport (ODS)
  • Kherson International Airport (KHE)

Bus Stations Near Southern Ukraine

  • Przemyshl, Poland – From here, you can take a bus to Lviv or Kiev.
  • Krakow, Poland – From here, you can take a bus to Lviv or Kiev.
  • Vilnius, Lithuania – From here, you can take a bus to Kiev.

Other Options

  • Train – Ukrainian Railways operate trains that connect Southern Ukraine to other parts of the country.
  • Car – You can rent a car and drive to Southern Ukraine. However, be aware of the road conditions, traffic, and navigation.
  • Taxi – Taxis are readily available in major cities, and ride-sharing services such as Uber are also popular.

How to Get Around in Southern Ukraine

Getting around Southern Ukraine is relatively easy, thanks to its well-developed transportation network. Here are some options:

  • Bus – Regional and intercity buses are an affordable and convenient mode of transportation.
  • Taxi – Taxis are readily available in major cities such as Odessa and Lviv.
  • Train – Ukrainian Railways operate trains that connect Southern Ukraine to other parts of the country.

Where to Go Next from Southern Ukraine: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time, consider visiting these nearby destinations:

  • Kiev – The capital city of Ukraine, known for its historic and cultural attractions.
  • Lviv – A charming city in western Ukraine with a rich cultural heritage.
  • Crimea – A peninsula in the Black Sea region with stunning landscapes and historical sites.

Conclusion

Southern Ukraine is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and history. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Southern Ukraine has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan a memorable trip to Southern Ukraine that you’ll cherish forever.

Przewalski's Horses at the Askania Nova reserve Przewalski's Horses at the Askania Nova reserve


    Izmail
    Kherson
    Mykolayiv
    Ochakiv
    Odesa