Top Kyiv beaches for fun in the sun

Thousands of locals partake in the refreshing coolness of rivers and lakes during the summer heat, sometimes overlooking the warnings of health inspectors.

This year, inspectors have given their stamp of approval to the water and sand at many of the city’s beaches, but municipal authorities have expressed concerns about foreign visitors exposing themselves to danger if they decide to swim with a bellyful of cheap Ukrainian alcohol.

But for the confident and adventurous souls, here are some of the most popular spots in the city to enjoy the sun, swim or at least paddle in the ancient Dnipro River.

Central Beach on Trukhaniv Island

This is one of the city’s most popular beach destinations. You can get there by crossing the Pedestrian Bridge from centrally located Poshtova. A good chunk of the beach will become a camping site for Swedish fans, but a section on the left of the bridge will remain accessible to anyone.

Dovbychka, or the Nudist Beach

This place is the best reachable by bicycle or a long 45-minute walk through the depths of Trukhaniv Island. The beach has no infrastructure to offer; beachgoers are expected to ditch swimsuits on arrival.

Hydropark, a heaving heaven

Hydropark is a convenient island reachable by the metro stop by the same name. It is full of beaches, cafes and other amusement park activities. Among the beaches: Youth Beach, Children’s Beach and Venice Beach that is favored by bodybuilders for its free workout gear. There are public and private beaches. This is one of the most popular and accessible places for tourists unfamiliar with the river.

Extreme Sports at Chortoriy in People’s Friendship Park

This beach is best accessible by car or minibus from Petrivka metro station. Disembark after passing Moscovskiy Bridge. After a short walk, you will end up in a place that offers an impressive range of sports like water sking, paragliding and kayaking. The place is also great for riding a bicycle, and discovering small private beaches, restaurants and yachting clubs.

The most glamorous: Obolon embankment

Easy reachable by metro from Obolon or Minska stations, this place attracts with modern amenities. The actual swimming area is tiny, but it’s somewhat compensated for by a long embankment shaded by lush greenery and perfect for strolling at staring at the amazing concrete jungle constructed for rich Ukrainians.