Odessa's beach, which actually is made up of several beaches running some 40 km or more, possesses a sea wall and small-scale eating and drinking establishments. During the summer, particularly the Lanzheron, Otrada, Delfin, Luzanovka, Fontan, Arkadia beaches are wall-to-wall people, but solitude seekers can find quiet by walking farther.

The cable car ride at the beaches is fun. Besides sunbathing and swimming, you can rent paddle boats or

rowboats. Arkadia beach is the largest and most developed. Arkadia and Luzanovka beaches are famous by large quantity of night clubs for any taste and pocket.

Check out the yacht club - open to the public - at the south end of Lanzheron beach where you can charter a boat with crew for $5-10 an hour. The best technique is to approach a likely-looking vessel and ask the young men how much they charge for their time. The steep hill dividing the beaches from the city is a green zone and usually closed to vehicle traffic. It is a favorite sight for picnics.