We always look for beaches on summer holidays in fact, even on ordinary days, the beach can be a comfort zone to anyone wanting the aura of openness, of a distance unknown, of tranquil waves and sandy shores to calm us down. Some trod the beach for the salty water to caress their skin and the buoyancy to bounce their bodies in open water.Odessa Beaches can fulfill ones heart’s desire whatever the weather is. Here are some selected beaches for you to consider as there are hundreds if not more for your enjoyment within Odessa’s proximity.

ARCADIA

The largest and most developed beach and the mother of all Odessa’s beaches, Arkadia is only 15 minutes cab ride from main town. Upon entering, you will notice the two pillars holding an Arkadia sign and right behind this sign are rows of entertainment venues ranging from karaoke, horse back riding, to cart riding. You will also come across cafés, kiosks and restaurants not to mention night entertainment like discos, pubs and bars that could satisfy even the most needy tourists. Famous among them is the nightclub Ibiza which is located just besides the beach and about 200 meter walk from the entrance.

From Ibiza, you can go downstairs to the main Arkadia beach turn left or right and get your lazy feet walking on long stretches of sandy beach. You can stroll in early mornings before the sun comes up, jogging is a good exercise to many residents. You can also pass by people doing different exercises along the shore. Join early aerobics if you would like or perhaps stretch your legs and arms with tai chi fanatics.

On the left, you will find large water slides if you enjoy spinning down the waters and splashing your body on the water basin. For those wanting to get a sun tan, lying chairs are available or simply spread a towel on the sand and enjoy the natural tanning effect of the sun. Make sure though that you apply UV protection lotions so you do not get itchy and have burnt skin once you go home.

Along the shore, there are restaurants and bars even kiosks which offer thirst quenching liquids for your drying mouth. Some will even provide soft music that can entertain you while reading your favorite novels or pocket books.

You can also find changing rooms and showers which can be free if you order something from a restaurant that has these amenities or you can pay a little fee should you only require a shower.

Jet Skis and other water sports are also available for your pleasure. Massage services are available from wonderful masseuses for a special price. Sometimes these masseuses offer their services in the privacy of your room so it is up to you to make a deal.

OTRADA

A cable car for $1 will save your breath on Odessa’s Otrada beach. These cable cars went all the way down the beach during their construction in Soviet Times. So get a taste of history once you ride them plus the spectacular scenery once you go downhill. Be careful exiting the cars though as technology is limited on these classic machines.

Otrada has many beaches. You can take a walk along the water to see which beach you like most. Riviera and Treasure islands are the most popular but all of the beaches will have shower rooms, changing rooms, waiter services, child play rooms, and other amenities you can find on any beach resort.

For 3 dollars on entrance, you get a chair and are able to use all facilities. You can also enter for free but you may not be able to access some facilities.

Windsurfing and Jet Skis are fun and you can rent these babies for $20 per 10 minutes. Just make sure you are healthy enough to enjoy these rigorous beach hobbies and bring first aid with you as you do not know what can happen anytime.

LANZHERON

One of the popular Odessa beaches among the tourist and locals is the Lanzheron. The warm black sea water is inviting for a dip and the greenery view at Park Schevchenko nearby completes the whole natural scenery of this beach. Lanzheron is also close to Odessa’s historical site and in as 15 minutes walk, you can reach the Opera Theater.

This beach covers miles of sand stretches and as you walk along, there are different views segmented in parts which truly reveal the beauty of Odessa. Some parts are equipped for holidays while some are left for visitors and locals to appreciate the wonders of nature.

A large aquarium is also available for those who are bored and there are times when you are allowed to swim with the dolphins. This can be a truly fun experience especially for the kids, as well as enjoying water slides during the day. Other water sports like speed boat rides are also available.

DELPHIN

Located south of Lanzheron and Otrada beaches are the Delphin and Delphin VIP beaches. You can know The Delphin VIP beach by a big sign overhanging on Frantsuzky Boulevard while you drive. Further down the steep stairs, you will find the Delphin beach.

The Delphin VIP beach is of course much better and with a 3 dollar entrance; you get a chair and umbrella. You also get access to waiter services and a nearby bar for those wanting a pina colada when your mouth starts drying specially on hot summer days. The beach sand at Delphin VIP seems to be the best among all the other beaches in Odessa

CHKALOVO

Chkalovo is the official nude beach in Odessa. It is named after the famous Russian test pilot. The Soviet Hero never would have thought this place to be honored in his name. Both nude and clothed visitors enjoy this open beach and most of the time, male visitors will be fully nude.

Luzanovka and Chaika are also popular for their own beauty and good food. They also serve visitors with standard amenities like the other beaches and one can simply do a beach hoping on these beaches to suit your own taste for the right sand and ocean.

      There are many things that I like to do when I come to Odessa. Trying new restaurant is always the first thing on my list.  When we have a chance, we ask our guests what places they like more. We even compiled the list of our guests' favourites:

- Fanconi                          15/17 Ekaterininskaya  (8-0482) 34 66 66
- Yakitoria
- Kompot                           20 Deribasovskaya  (8-048) 728 77 75
- SteakHouse                   20 Deribasovskaya   (8-0482) 34 87 82
- Ukrayinska Lasunka  17 Deribasovskaya    (8-0482) 258 412 
                                          (This one I can blame for gaining extra 5 pounds, but well worth it!)
- Kumanec                      7 Gavannaya. +38 0482 37-69-46

Things to know:

     Worldwide cuisine is available in Odessa from different restaurants to small cafes. Normally it is expensive particularly if the ingredients used were from abroad but there are new restaurants opening now and then and there are becoming more choices for customers. In terms of billing, do not be surprised if they offer you gifts such as fruit baskets, bread or even butter cream as they may raise your bill so check with them if this is truly complimentary. There is also a 5-10% service charge which is not a tax so it is up to you to give additional tip if you are very satisfied with everything. Hryvnas is the only money officially accepted in Ukraine. Don’t rely on always using your credit card, some restaurants don’t accept them.

     Famous Restaurants are as follows: 

Le Duc 

   You can find a classic French restaurant in the famous Arcadia Plaza hotel. Le Duc is best for a leisurely dinner or business luncheon with its fine porcelain and crisp linen tables that creates an ambiance of pure elegance. The skillful blending of Mediterranean and Ukraine’s finest local produce is the outcome of its superb cuisine. An extensive collection of wine from its own cellar compliments each mouth-watering dish. The restaurant has a capacity for 120 people, with the “Rotunda” in the Big Hall sitting 20 people with it’s famous cozy hall. The “Rotunda” boasts of its privacy for unperturbed family or private parties. 

 Restaurant - Bar "Gallery"

 Care for a “greeny” restaurant? The Gallery reflects nature with it’s plants and natural aesthetics to give you the setting of freshness. The menu is the best of European and Ukrainian cuisines including a selection of exotic food from the East. Any connoisseur will be surprised with the list of wine and cocktails perfect to compliment any dish. Whether it is a romantic song for lovers or a sweet rhythm, making anyone’s body want to swing with the beat, the live band would complete your night out. 

Irish Pub "Mick O'Neill's" 

   Irish pubs decorate every popular street in the world and Odessa is not an exception. Mick O’Neill’s is a landmark in Odessa. This is one pub you will not want to miss and disappoints none. The inside creates a cozy environment for just drinking beer specially on happy hours and the perfect service creates a warm environment for everyone. The rich assortment of dishes will also give anyone needing fulfillment of an empty stomach a certain satisfaction. The Buffalo Chicken Wings are popular among visitors on any day of the week. There are also 7 different kinds of beer for the most demanding customer. Irish apple-pie, desktop tennis, billiards, and banquet halls are also available to complete the “pub-ness” of this place.  

Khutorok

   Any restaurant on a seaside attracts many customers. Not only does it create a feeling of closeness to nature but it gives an aura openness which only a seaside can provide. Khutork with its spectacular natural surrounding gives you oasis of healthy food and an unforgettable experience. The Black Sea can be seen from the summer terrace which is decorated in typical Ukraine style and the fireplace from the main hall will surely make you comfortable to the maximum. The Hunter’s Room is one of the private rooms which are decorated in different special themes and motif for larger groups. There are also rooms which reflects the good life in Ukraine such as the Forge or The Bourgeoisie Room. The exterior features live music with professional jazz, pop and folk artists perform every night. 

Japanese Restaurant "Seven Samurayev" (Hotel "Black Sea") 

   Every city should have a Japanese restaurant. This bold opinion can come from anyone who has travelled around many places or perhaps even around the world. Odessa is proud to have one and that is the Seven Samurayev. Open at any time of the day, this restaurant is an ideal place to visit. Sushi and sashimi are affordable and you can truly enjoy Japanese food with different varieties of this famous cuisine. The VIP zone contains a round sushi bar that rotates around hungry patrons. Also, this room provides comfort to guests as the tables and surroundings are made of exotic Japanese accessories. 

 Restaurant "Kumanets" 

   If you want an authentic Ukrainian restaurant, Kumanets is the place to be. Centrally located, this restaurant is popular among the locals and guests alike. You might say this is a home restaurant to a lot of people as the charisma of the Ukrainian village is present in its interior where masterpieces of the past centuries are displayed. These masterpieces include artifacts, and handy works from local artists.  The restaurant is proud of its original Ukrainian cuisine with recipes from old past centuries pass down in the hands of local chefs. The names written on the menu for these recipes also reflects the old Ukrainian cooking and one can savor the taste of original food served many centuries ago.

 Cafe - Club "Forsage" 

   A club or cafe that offers food and drinks but is also a restaurant in that you can eat and fill your stomach to the brim. Café – Cub Forsage is just that. This place is a melting pot. Locals and foreigners alike know each other due to frequency in visits and of course due to its popularity and again, which is due to its services. The holiday atmosphere makes one become friendly and unpretentious that is why there is a common bonding among the customers. Aside from different dishes, there are choices of drinks and cocktails to suit everyone. There is also a VIP service, and a playing complex for the kids so basically the whole family can chill out at any day of your choice!