the Travel Enthusiast
- 15 Sep
Mysterious Ukraine: top 5 travel destinations
Odessa
Eastern Europe is becoming a more and more popular tourist destination, and although the Balkans are now attracting a steady stream of tourists, there are parts of Europe that haven’t had yet a share in the limelight. Ukraine, the ‘borderland’ as its name says, is slowly shifting into something completely different, with improving economy and a more carefree attitude.
Ukraine is a cultural and historical patchwork , whose Slavic heritage is peppered with Scythian gold stuffed into museums, cave monasteries, Byzantine murals and Tatar stories. There are countless reasons for visiting this country, and here’s a taste of what awaits you in mysterious Ukraine: top 5 travel destinations.
Bahkchisaray, Crimea
In the old times when Crimea was part of the Tatar Empire, Bahkchisaray was the capital of the Crimean Khanate. For a long time the Tatar heritage of the city was repressed, but after the 1990 the former Tatar inhabitants of Bahkchisaray were allowed to return from Uzbekistan.
The khan’s saray and mosques in the city have been beautifully restored. Uspensky Cave Monastery and Chufut Kale are another two amazing sights near the city.
Kamianets-Podilskyi
Kamianets-Podilskyi, photo by Brian Dell
Kamianets-Podilskyi in Western Ukraine is one of the oldest towns in the country, dating back to the 11th century, but possibly much older. While the town is rather pleasant, what makes it such an interesting attraction is the ancient fortress of River Smotrych, built on the ruins of structures erected millennia ago.
Odessa
This bustling port city at the Black Sea was a key player throughout Ukrainian history, and it one of the best destinations in Ukraine if you are hunting for historical attractions and monuments, especially of the Soviet kind.
The most memorable site in Odessa is the Potemkin Steps, but a visit to the old town is also mandatory – it has old buildings that predate the Soviet take-over.
Yalta
Yalta, Swallow’s Nest, photo by Argenberg
As far as tourism goes in Ukraine, Yalta is one of its major hotspots, and it’s easy to see why. The city blends the leftovers of a 19th century resort town where the rich came to heal their ailments, Armenian churches, a magnificent tsar’s palace,, Soviet monuments and lovely beaches.
The city is exuberant and unapologetic, with striking sights like the clifftop neo-Gothic folly named Swallow’s Nest.
- Flights
- Hotels
- Packages
- Cars
- Cruises
travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)National Environmental Park “Podilski Tovtry”
This national park can be said to represent the very essence of Ukraine: amazing natural sights, several archaeological sites, botanical gardens and hundreds of historical monuments. The park is an excellent place for trekking and hiking, but wildlife watching too if you’re lucky or if you get a guide to show you around.
You might also like
© Copyright 2004 - 2024 Travelgrove, Inc.