Where is Ukraine and Why Should I Go?

Monday, July 16, 2018

So, where is Ukraineinfo-icon? Well, Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europeinfo-icon, and it covers an area of more than 600,000 km2, with a population of about 42,5 million. 

The capital of Ukraine is Kiev, which is also the largest city in the country. Ukraine borders seven nations, Russiainfo-icon to the east and northeast, Belarusinfo-icon to the northwest, Polandinfo-icon, Hungaryinfo-icon and Slovakiainfo-icon to the west, Romaniainfo-icon and Moldovainfo-icon to the southwest and the Black and Azov Sea to the south and southeast. 

It’s a country which has some of the most unique history as well as some of the most amazing natural beauty. It’s truly a place which resembles nowhere else, and a real treat for tourists. 

Now that we’ve answered the question where is Ukraine let’s talk about why you should visit this country.

Hike some of the most amazing mountains of Ukraine

Since Ukraine is a country that literary has it all, it also offers some of the most beautiful mountains. In the west of Ukraine are the Carpathian Mountains while in the south are the Crimean Mountains. 

With that being said, if you are a real nature lover who enjoys hiking, why not go up the highest point in all of Ukraine; the Mount Hoverla. Here you’ll be able to find some of the most amazing forests, meadows, rough rivers as well as some beautiful mountain lakes. 

The scenery is so breathtaking that people come from all over the world just to see it. With amazing greenery and fresh air, it’s the perfect place if you want to hike, walk, ride or mountain climb.

Other places that you can definitely visit are the Pip Ivan Chornohora with an elevation of about 6,634 feet above sea level and Petros with 6,630 feet above sea level. 

At the summit of Pip Ivan Chornohora, there are the ruins of an astronomical and meteorological observatory center, which are definitely worth the visit. From the top of both of these mountains, you will get one of a kind view of the fantastic scenery below.

So, where is Ukraine? It's located where the magnificent mountains are.

Enjoy the sun on some of Ukraine’s most famous beaches

Arcadia Beach or Odessa can get pretty crowded at the peak of the tourist season in the summer months.

Although Ukraine is not typically renowned for its beaches, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any amazing ones. Some of the most famous Ukrainian beaches are the so-called Crimea beaches. 

These beaches include the Gold Beach, the Beach Tzarskiy, the Tarkhankut Cape and the Beach Yashmovyy. All of these beaches are unique in their own way, offering some of the most crystal clear water as well as some of the most amazing landscapes.

However, a beach which is particularly famous for tourists is called Odessa, which can get really crowded during the peak summer periods. This beach on the Black Sea is famous for its bars and restaurants; therefore, it’s just as busy during the night as it’s during the day.

Another beach that you can visit includes Yalta beach, famous as the place where Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, and Franklin D. Roosevelt convened during WWII. Apart from these, you can also head on to Third Beach and Olenikava Beach, both offering clear blue waters.

So, where is Ukraine? Well, Ukraine is a place where you can enjoy the beach one day, and hike some of the most beautiful mountains another day.

Discover the history of Ukraine

There are Chernobyl Tours that will take you to see the impact of the nuclear catastrophe first-hand.

If you are a person that loves history, then Ukraine has some of the most intriguing historical sites. 

The most famous historical monument in all of Ukraine is the famous Saint Sophia Cathedral, located in the capital of Ukraine. This cathedral is known for its mosaics and frescoes which date back to the 11th century. You can also climb the bell tower, from where you can see the city of Kiev. 

Another place that you might like to visit is the city of Lviv where you can see the most famous building called the Black Stone House, which is famous for its architecture and the fact that the facade of the building is black. 

You can also visit the Odessa Catacombs which is the largest catacomb system in the world, or go through the tunnel of love, which is said to fulfill the wishes of lovers who visit it.

However, something that attracts more and more tourists to Ukraine is the city of Chernobyl or the Chernobyl disaster. The disaster that we are talking about is the catastrophic nuclear incident which happened in 1986, which resulted in the release of dangerous amounts of radioactive chemicals in the air, which caused people to evacuate this place and never return. 

Read more: What To Do in Ukraine

Nowadays, this place, especially the city of Pripyat attracts more and more tourists every year. To tour this town, you need to get a pass from the Ukraine government. 

Once you are there, you’ll be able to see a city that still lives in the past, since communist propaganda can still be found hanging on walls, as well as personal belongings scattered everywhere from people who had to leave their homes. It’s not a pretty place to visit, and definitely not one for the faint of heart.

Meet the people of Ukraine

Ukrainian people are warm, friendly and hospitable.

The largest ethnic groups living in Ukraine are the Ukrainians which constitute 73% of the population, followed by the Russian with 21% and Belarusians, Moldavians, Bulgarians and Poles making up the remaining 6%. 

Read more: The Ukrainian People

The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian with the second most spoken language being the Russian.

When talking about the people of Ukraine, they are warm and friendly and incredibly generous and hospitable. Therefore, if you even enter a Ukrainian household, you’ll undoubtedly be greeted with a drink and a lot of food.


With all of that being said, let’s go back to our initial questions, or where is Ukraine? Well, Ukraine is a country that has something to offer for everyone. From spectacular mountains to beautiful beaches and incredible history, Ukraine has it all. It’s a place where smiling faces will greet you. So, instead of asking where is Ukraine, it’s about time you book yourself a ticket and went to see it yourself.

Andriana Moskovska freelance travel writer at aSabbatical
Traveling is a learning experience that takes us out of our comfort zone and broadens our minds.