Odessa Travel Guide
With a cultural history shaped by everything from the Ottoman Empire to the Soviet Union, Odessa has long been an important warm-water port on the Black Sea. The city was founded during the reign of Catherine the Great in the late 1700s, and ever since, it's drawn immigrants from all over Europe.
These days, Odessa is one of Ukraine's top spots for a beach holiday, thanks to its sunny climate, sandy coastline, and walkable city centre. The old town is generally clean and safe, though some parts still show signs of wear from the Soviet era. Wide, leafy streets such as Primorsky Boulevard and Deribasovskaya Street are lined with beautiful old buildings, including the Odessa Opera House and Panteleimonivsky Church. Gogolya Street is another favourite for anyone into architecture or photography.
Most of Odessa's coastline, apart from the working port area, is made up of beaches. Arcadia is the best-known one, and is packed with restaurants, nightclubs and other tourist-friendly spots. Malibu is another popular option, and nearby Chkalov Beach is known for being nudist-friendly.
One of the more unusual things to do in Odessa is explore the catacombs beneath the city. Originally carved out as stone quarries, this enormous network of tunnels stretches over 1,242 miles (2,000km), and was used by resistance fighters during the Nazi occupation in World War II. Today, some sections are open to visitors on guided tours.
Whether travellers are into history, beaches or just hanging out in a lively city, Odessa makes a great addition to any trip to Ukraine. The centre is full of museums, cafes, bars and restaurants, and the mix of grand architecture and laid-back atmosphere gives the place a charm that a lot of travellers remember long after they've left.