Odesa or Carpathians: Where Ukrainians Plan to Go in 2026
If you are already thinking about a summer vacation in Ukraine, the choice in 2026 is quite telling: some are drawn to the sea and the atmosphere of Odesa, while others prefer the mountains, coolness, and country estates. According to a survey by Ribas Hotels Group, 69.8% of Ukrainians plan to vacation within the country, with the main destinations being the Odesa coast and the Carpathians.
Odesa Again in the Lead
Odesa and its coast took first place among domestic destinations: this option was chosen by 69.8% of respondents. For the city, this means not only beach vacations but also short weekend trips, walks by the sea, restaurants, and the familiar Odesa change of pace — where there’s no rush to go anywhere.
At the same time, a trip to the coast requires careful attention to current safety rules and the accessibility of certain areas. So, Odesa is best suited for those who want a seaside mood but are ready to plan their vacation flexibly.
Carpathians — A Reliable Alternative to the Sea
The Carpathians took second place: they were chosen by 52.8% of respondents. The popularity of the mountains is explained by a combination of nature, a wide selection of accommodations, railway connections, and the opportunity to combine walks, active recreation, and wellness.
Among the destinations most often chosen by tourists are Yaremche, Vorokhta, Verkhovyna, Mykulychyn, Tatariv, Kosiv, Slavske, Pylypets, and resorts near Bukovel. If you crave silence, forest trails, and cooler air, the Carpathians may prove to be a more comfortable option than a trip to the sea.
There Are Other Options
Kyiv region took third place in the ranking — it is considered for summer vacations by 9.4% of Ukrainians. Other popular destinations include Transcarpathia, Shatsky Lakes, Bakota, Lviv region, Bukovina, Podillia, and Cherkasy region.
According to experts, a comfortable seven-day vacation in Ukraine can cost around 14,000 hryvnias per person on average. The final amount will depend on the region, the duration of the trip, the type of accommodation, and whether you plan active entertainment or just want to change the scenery.
If you need the sea, urban energy, and short weekend getaways — take a look at Odesa. If you want nature, trails, and a calmer pace, the Carpathians look just as convincing. So, this summer, would you choose the Odesa coast or the mountain air?
