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Sport in Ukraine
Ukraine is a country that offers very good possibilities for many types of active holidays. It has vast endless plains, gentle hills and beautiful mountains that are a wonderful setting for hiking and cycling in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter. The big rivers and long coastline provide watersport lovers with a range of leisure activities. All this means that your active holiday in Ukraine will certainly be an unforgettable experience, especially if you combine it with exploring the unique culture and enjoying the hospitality of local people.
Cycling
Cycling is a very popular activity in Ukraine. The diverse landscapes, wild fields and plenty of attractions will keep boredom at bay while you cross the country on two wheels. Most cycling trails include less used roads between charming traditional villages, where you will feel close to nature and local people. Numerous tourist attractions, monuments, bike shops and accommodation of different kinds guarantee you the perfect cycling trip. The best place for fit and experienced bikers is in the Carpathian Mountains with its steep slopes that are perfect for mountain biking. Local travel agencies offer all types of tours – from short mountain-bike descents to 400 kilometre-long guided tours through the countryside that last more than a week.
Hiking
Ukraine is a hiking destination that suits all tastes and abilities. The most prominent places for hiking are in the Carpathian Mountains to the west and the unique Crimean Mountains to the south. The full pleasure of hiking, apart from physical exercise, also includes the magnificent scenery and the abundance of wildlife roaming in the countryside. Hiking trails in Ukraine are not always well marked, and occasionally you will find yourself without a fixed path to walk on, but this adds to the authenticity of the experience. Many tour operators and adventure travel companies in Ukraine offer a variety of hiking packages and you can always find one that suites your needs and skills. The best season for hiking in Ukraine is from late May through early June and September through October.
Skiing
Ukraine is still relatively unknown as a skiing destination worldwide. Nevertheless, many resorts were renovated and now offer first-class facilities and accommodation. There is a great advantage in its relative unfamiliarity as general prices are still regarded quite low in comparison to European standards. The most famous ski resorts are Dragobrat and Bukovel, and special attention belongs to Slavsko - which has an abundance of small ski areas surrounded by quaint villages and towns and is practically untouched by modern civilisation. Plenty of cross-country skiing trails cross the whole country from one end to another, offering a salubrious and pleasant way to spend your holiday in Ukraine. The main ski season begins in January and ends in early March.
Swimming
Ukraine enjoys warm and pleasant summers and offers great opportunities for swimming at the seaside. There are plenty of beaches along the coasts of the Black Sea and the Azov Sea and modern resorts offer various attractions for a more extensive summer holiday. Good swimming, however, is not associated only with the seaside, as Ukraine has a large number of big rivers like Dnepr. They are lined with sandy beaches and are a favourite place for both local citizens and visitors. In the cities many public swimming pools offer fun and recreation for everyone.