Tucked away in the oft-overlooked ends of Eastern Europe, Ukraine has a long history as one of the most culturally significant countries on the European continent, with major world contributions in literature, architecture, music, and cinema.
Although it is sometimes overshadowed, both geographically and figuratively by its neighboring behemoth, Russia, Ukraine and its 41 million inhabitants offer its visitors a wide array of things to do, see, eat, and experience.
Ukraine is among the least wealthy countries in the region, so it relies a lot on its tourist appeal. Understanding the need to make it as simple as possible for visitors to apply for and receive permission to pass through its borders, Ukranian tourism officials have rolled out an electronic visa (eVisa).
As it currently stands, there are over 40 Ukraine eVisa eligible countries in the world. The first thing travelers must do before booking a trip to Ukraine is to find out if they are required to get a visa before entering. If so, the next step is to figure out if they are eligible for the Ukrainian eVisa.
Once a foreign passport holder has permission to go to Ukraine, they can focus on preparing to get the most out of this wonderful country.
Where to Begin a Journey in Ukraine
It is tempting when visiting a new country to begin your trip in the capital city and never stray too far off. In many cases, a capital city will be the most accessible to reach and also be the most culturally rich. Ukraine is a prime example where that both is and isn’t true.
Starting in Kiev
The country’s capital and largest city of Kiev (Kyiv) is a wonderful place to begin planning a trip to Ukraine. The city is home to stunning architecture and important cultural sites, such as the House with Chimaeras and Independence Square.
Don’t Miss Odessa
An urban exploration tour of Ukraine would not be complete without seeing Odessa as well as Kiev. Known as the “pearl of the Black Sea,” Odessa sits on the southern shore of Ukraine near the border with Moldova and functions as both a financially and culturally significant hub.
Due to its prime location and utility as a port city, Odessa has been under the control of the Ancient Greeks, Tatars, Grand Duchy of Lithuanians, Russians, and, of course, Ukrainians. Today, visitors are taken by that historical cityscape, specifically the Odessa catacombs where the ancient ruins of that cultural melting pot can be closely examined.
Ukraine, like Russia, is known for producing the world’s finest ballet dancers. There may be no finer place in the entire country to experience ballet than the over 200-year-old Odessa National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet.
Are There Beaches in Ukraine
Ukraine would not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about a European beach vacation, but it should absolutely make the list.
Odessa in particular has a warmer climate than other parts of Ukraine, and with an extensive coastline in the Black Sea, many sunbathers flock there during the summer months. Arcadia Beach and Otrada Beach are just two of the options in and around Odessa.
A Storybook Vacation to Ukraine
In addition to being a historically rich and significant part of the world, Ukraine also has several other charms. Most notably, is that its architecture has a penchant to resemble that of the style we use in the West to depict our fairy tales and children’s stories.
It isn’t that Ukrainian cities have a castle on every street corner and horse-driven wagons instead of cars, it’s that when they do build castles, such as the Swallow’s Nest near Yalta, they evoke the imagery we associate with the wonders of fairy tales.
While the Swallow’s Nest is the most picturesque example of this type of charm, it is far from the only place worth a visit for those seeking unique sites worthy of wonder. The entire town of Chernivtsi is one of the most underrated cities in Europe thanks to its magnificent architecture and beautiful setting.
Arriving to Ukraine
Due to its location in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is quite accessible from most major cities on the continent. Thanks in part to nearly 20 international airports, every area of the country can be reached by no more than two flights.
The largest and most used airport both for domestic and international flights is the Boryspil International Airport (KBP), which is the principal airport serving Kiev and the one that most foreigners will enter when flying into Ukraine.
Ukraine’s national airline is Ukraine International Airlines, which flies to over 80 destinations around the world, with the vast majority of those being in or around Europe.
