Odessa sea port is located on the Black Sea coast in the Gulf of Odessa. It is a major trading port of international importance; it has one of the largest passenger terminals in Europe and is regarded as the main cruise port in Ukraine. Port includes more than 6 harbors, and in the Russian Empire Odessa port was the second of traffic.

1794 is the year of the start of construction of Odessa port. The first draft of the port was developed by De Volan. Being reconstructed the port acquired its present appearance by 1850.

During the Crimean War in 1854 and the Great Patriotic War in 1941 Odessa sea port has played the significant role in protecting the city. The port greatly facilitated the delivery of munitions and equipment in the city, the evacuation of urban residents and wounded was carried out through the very port. After the Second World War the port was badly damaged: there were burned storehouses and warehouses. Less than six months the Herculean efforts of Odessa citizens have brought fruit: in early October 1944 the port received and unloaded the first ships, and by 1946 the port of Odessa has exceeded its pre-war turnover.

The first post-passenger steamship on the route between Odessa, Evpatoria and Yalta, appeared in 1828. A year later there appeared another one, and in 1833 there was created joint-stock company “Black Sea Society of Steamships”, which owned three ships. After 11 years, there was formed a new society, "Expedition of steamship communications", which possessed 12 ships. By June 1846 there began a permanent ferry service between the ports of the Danube River and Odessa, and a year later there took place the foundation of the society "Russian Society of Steamship line and Trade", which later became powerful and famous.

In 1872 in the port there was built the overpass. It corresponded as a railroad overpass with the length of 4 km, which stretched across the port. The decks were made of thick wooden boards, planks and logs. During the June fire in 1905 the overpass was destroyed in flames, but several years later it was rebuilt, supplied with the latest technology. Winter 1920 was the last time for the overpass: due to the lack of heating Odessa citizens had to dismantle it and burn.

The port warehouses experienced the same tragic fate. They were burned and looted in 1905 similar to the overpass, then rebuilt and again looted by the French interventionists.

Today, Odessa seaport can boast berths, length 8 km, the reconstructed sea station, the hotel “Odessa”, standing in the sea, harbor tugs, floating cranes, large vessels, etc. Odessa is the largest city and the most important port in the whole of the Black Sea coast. It is the region's economic and cultural centre. With 1.2 million inhabitants, the city stretches along almost 30 miles of the bay that bears its name. It is a strange mixture of Industrial port and seaside resort. Over the summer season, from mid-June to the end of September, the port attracts a fair number of holiday-makers looking for sunshine. Odessa takes its name from an ancient Greek colony, Odessos. Aware of the Port's strategic importance within the Black Sea, Queen Catherine of Russia built a maritime port there in 1794.

Cosmopolitan, and run by a noble frenchman (The Duke of Richelieu), the city became famed for its freedom of spirit and for being a gateway to the West. It was the scene for the bloody events of the 1905 revolution, with the Potemkine Battleship mutiny. Access to the famous Potemkin stair on the Prymorsky boulevard is via the Port, where Eisensetein filmed the famous scene of a cradle hurtling down the 192 steps.

The Prymorsky boulevard offers a fantastic view over the port and over the sea. Further south, on Lastotchkine Street, is the impressive Opera building, combining baroque and renaissance styles. The city's main street, Deribassivka St, is very pleasant due to its atmosphere and various buildings. In the town centre, seven museums built in the 19th century bear witness to the city's cultural tradition. We particularly reccommend the Archeological museum, displaying interesting artefacts from the Black Sea civilisations. To the North-West of Odessa, near the village of Neroubaïskoïe, a veritable labyrinth of underground catacoumbs carved into the sandstone are well worth a visit. Odessa also offers some 25 miles of beaches stretching along the coast of the Black Sea, as well as hot springs and mud baths.

The mother of all Odessa's beaches is Arcadia. About a 15 minute cab ride from the center brings you to the largest and most developed beach of Odessa Ukraine. The main entrance is clearly labeled by two pillars holding an Arkadia sign. Behind the sign is a long, shaded boulevard which boasts dozens of entertainment options ranging from karaoke while on a horse to go cart riding. Along this path, you will also notice dozens of cafes, restaurants and kiosks. After about a 200 meter walk you will see a nightclub Ibiza which sits slights before the entrance to the beach. From here you can choose to either go downstairs onto the main Arkadia beach or take a left or a right and choose numerous surrounding stretches of sand that all fall within Arkadia's premises. It is our personal recommendation to walk left until you see large water slides. Here is a full serviced part of Odessa's Arkadia beach, which offers umbrellas and lying chairs for 15hr. There is a bar on this part of the beach, soft music and waiter service. Changing rooms and showers are all included with the price. Other activities you can do on this beach range from Jet Skiing to relaxing massages from wondering masseuses.

Steep walk downhill is required to access most of Odessa beaches. However, this is not the case with Odessa's Otrada which is known for its Soviet Time constructed cable cars. Save yourself the walk and for $1 take one of these cable cars down to the water. Enjoy the beautiful view of coast from atop of the ride. Careful exiting the cars, as they were not built with safety as number one priority. Otrada consists of numerous beaches - almost all of which are fully equipped with bars, waiter service, changing rooms, showers, kid play rooms and various other facilities. Take a walk along the water and see which beach appeals to you most. Some of the more popular beaches here are Riviera and Treasure Island. Both are fully equipped and for $3 you will gain an entrance fee, beach chair and access to all the facilities. It is also possible to gain free access; however, you may not be able to use all the facilities on that basis. This is one of our personal favorite beaches of Odessa. Here you can also try out Wind Surfing or Jet Skiing. Numerous places along Otrada's waters will rent these out as in most other Odessa's beaches. Usual cost of a Jet Ski is $20 for 10 minutes.