The beaches of the Shatsk Lakes are sandy, with a gentle slope into the water and a pine forest behind. Most of them are on Svityaz, the largest and deepest lake in Ukraine: the width of the beaches here ranges from a few to fifty meters, and the shoreline stretches over 30 kilometers. There are also good swimming spots on Pisochne, Pulemetske, and smaller lakes. All of them lie within the Shatsk National Nature Park, so the rules of the protected area apply on the beaches.
Central Beach in the Village of Svityaz
The most equipped beach of the Shatsk Lakes is the central one in the village of Svityaz. It has been renovated: there is a promenade, green lawns, changing cabins, wooden paths to the water, and sun umbrellas, with cafes and playgrounds nearby. The bottom is sandy and shallow; to go deeper, you need to walk several dozen meters. During the season, a lifeguard post operates on the beach.
In summer, this is the busiest place at the lake, especially during the day in July and August. Those who want to swim in peace come in the morning or closer to evening.
The Hryada tract is on the eastern shore of Svityaz, within Shatsk. It is the most popular recreation area on the lake: over 28 hectares, most of which are occupied by resorts. The beaches stretch along the entire shore—mostly near the resorts, but there is also a public sandy beach with benches, changing rooms, and swings. Here you can rent catamarans, boats, and SUP boards; cafes operate. It is crowded and noisy, but everything is at hand. It takes about ten minutes by car from the village of Svityaz to Hryada.
Hushove
The Hushove tract on the southern shore of Svityaz is the largest recreation area of the lake, over 50 hectares. The sandy beaches here transition into a pine forest, the shallows are long, and there are noticeably fewer people than at Hryada. This is one of the best places on Svityaz for families with children.
Pulmo and the North of Svityaz
The village of Pulmo lies between Svityaz and Pulemetske Lake, so from here you can go swimming in both. There are fewer resorts here than at Hryada, and the beaches are quieter. Pulmo is in the border zone, so keep your documents with you.
Pisochne
Pisochne Lake near the village of Melnyky is known for having the clearest water among the Shatsk lakes. The shores are low and sandy, the bottom is clean, the entry into the water is gentle, and there are no big waves here. Pines, resorts, and the park’s tent camp are on the shore. There are fewer people than at Svityaz, so families with small children often come to Pisochne. The warmest water here is in August.
Pulemetske
Pulemetske Lake is the second largest among the Shatsk lakes. The most convenient shores for swimming are the southern and northwestern banks: sandy, elevated five to six meters above the water. The bottom is even and sandy. The lake is open to winds, so waves occur here more often than at Svityaz. Some shores are part of the hydrological reserve “Pulemetsky,” where special caution is required. This is a border zone — do not come here without documents.
Smaller lakes
On the southwestern outskirts of Shatsk, there is a small beach on Velyke Chorne Lake — it is accessible by an ecological trail from the settlement. Near Melnyky, locals have long bathed in Krymne Lake. Peremut lies within the park’s protected zone — it is a place for nature observation, not for beach recreation.
Wild beaches
The shores far from villages are often completely deserted, but there are no lifeguards, toilets, or trash bins there. When swimming at wild beaches, remember that the shallow area at Svityaz can suddenly change into a karst sinkhole, and it is better not to let children into the water in such places. Take your trash with you, and light fires only in designated areas.
With a tent
Shatsk Park is a protected area, and the administration asks to pitch tents only in officially approved tent camps. The park has two of its own. One is in the forest on the shore of Svityaz, covering 17 hectares: with toilets, shower cabins, gazebos, water, trash bins, and its own beach with changing rooms and umbrellas. The other is on the shore of Pisochne, with gazebos, fire pits, water, and electricity. Some resorts also accept tourists with tents.
For a day picnic, there are recreational points of the park near forest roads, including near Peremut: with gazebos, fire pits, trash bins, and playgrounds. Pitching tents in the forest or on the shore outside these places is not allowed.
Where to leave your car
Driving a car to the water in the national park is prohibited. Cars are left at the parking lots of resorts, recreational points, and villages, and then visitors go on foot. In July and August, parking near the most popular beaches can be tight, so it is better to arrive in the morning. It is more convenient to go to Pulm and Pulemetske from Shatsk — it takes about 20 minutes.
When to go
The beach season at the Shatsky Lakes is from June to mid-September, with the peak in July and August. In June and early September, there are far fewer people, and the water is still warm. During the season, documents may be checked at the entrance to Shatsk, so men should have their military registration document. About traveling with little children — in the article “Shatsky Lakes with children”, and about accommodation options — “Where to stay at the Shatsky Lakes”.
More about the trip — in the guide Shatsky Lakes, as well as how to get to the Shatsky Lakes and when is the best time to go to the Shatsky Lakes.
