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.