Ukraine is a land of contrasts – monumental post-Soviet architecture meets golden Orthodox churches, the southern coast has a seaside vibe, and history is still very much alive here. Traveling by car lets you see far more than standard city breaks.
Route: Kyiv → Chernobyl → Odesa → Zatoka → Shabo → the Black Sea
Why Visit Ukraine?
- Striking architecture – from gold-covered churches and massive Soviet buildings to modern boutiques and galleries.
- Cuisine – vareniki with cherries are an absolute classic.
- Hospitality – stereotypes disappear quickly after the first conversations with locals.
Kyiv – A Monumental Capital
Kyiv is enormous – visually and spatially. Wide avenues, vast squares, and massive buildings contrast with Orthodox churches whose domes shine gold even on cloudy days.
The city combines:
- Soviet-era “imperial-scale” architecture,
- sacred splendor,
- modern fashion – many boutiques offer very original designs blending tradition with avant-garde style.
Chernobyl – A Difficult History Lesson
Entering the exclusion zone requires advance permission and a tour with a licensed guide. Long trousers, closed shoes, and strict adherence to safety rules are mandatory.
This is not a tourist attraction – it is a warning. Empty kindergartens, abandoned apartment blocks, and overgrown streets of Pripyat stay with you long after you leave.
Odesa – The Pearl of the Black Sea
Odesa has a touch of southern elegance – opera house, cafés, and classical façades. A walk through the center feels a bit like Sopot, but with an Eastern European soul.
Worth seeing:
- the Odesa Opera House,
- the Potemkin Stairs,
- Langeron Beach – perfect for a quick dip in the Black Sea.
Zatoka – Capital of Beach Parties
Zatoka is a typical holiday resort: loud, crowded, full of fast food and tourist attractions. For some – paradise, for others – chaos. If you’re looking for peace and local cuisine, you may feel unsatisfied.
Shabo Winery – Wine on an Industrial Scale
The Shabo winery is advertised as a romantic tasting spot, but in reality it feels more like a large production complex. Visiting without Ukrainian or Russian language skills can be difficult.
Moldova and Transnistria – A Regional Curiosity
Nearby lies Transnistria, an unrecognized state frozen in communist aesthetics. Unfortunately, entering with a rental car from Ukraine is usually not possible.
Travel Impressions
The roads turned out to be much better than stereotypes suggest. Apart from construction sections, the route was smooth, and the people we met were kind and helpful.
Ukraine is a country worth discovering without prejudice – a road trip gives you freedom and helps you understand the vast scale and diversity of its regions.
Sometimes it’s truly better to build long tables rather than high walls.
Malvina Dunder 
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