Odessa

Odesa, in southwestern Ukraine, has a fascinating history, which is told through its numerous great museums. It was first held by the Greeks, then by the Ottomans, and ultimately by the Russians. Odessa is now a modern metropolis with breathtaking Art Nouveau buildings, charming people-watching cafes, and beautiful beaches. The 'Pearl of the Black Sea,' as it is known, is situated on the Black Sea's northwestern shore.

In Arcadia, Odessa has a booming nightlife culture, with nightclubs that rival those on Ibiza, amazing shopping, and fantastic vineyards. When you combine all of these factors, you have the ideal summer vacation spot — without the hordes of international visitors.

Odessa offers a diverse range of activities for your trip. Relax at one of the many beach club pools, attend a theater performance, or take a stroll along the beachfront promenade. It's not just what's on the surface that draws visitors to Odessa: the city also has a labyrinth of fascinating underground catacombs that stretch for thousands of kilometers beneath the city!

The Catacombs, one of the world's largest urban labyrinths, with over 1,600 miles of tunnels, are a must-see for anybody interested in seeing Odessa from a different perspective. These subterranean tunnels, which were created by mining a soft off-white limestone called coquina, are said to be larger than Rome's and Paris' underground passageways.

Location: Odessa, Ukraine
Highlights: Odessa Catacombs, Odessa Opera and Ballet, Exploring the cafés along Derybasivska Street, Party at Arcadia, Sunbathing at Lanzheron beach, the Vorontsov Palace, ...
Best time to visit: April 23rd to July 15th, or August 13th to October 7th