Some say the answer lies in the place’s celebrated cosmopolitan mix of nationalities, which has historically seen large Jewish, Greek, Russian, Moldovan and Ukrainian populations mixing freely with any number of sailors and visitors from around the world. Fashions and foreign goods have always been more plentiful in Odessa than elsewhere in the Slavic world, and this has helped foster something of an “Odessite” identity among locals. The very real communal spirit was generated by the fact that almost ninety percent of the adult population have historically been employed in some shape or form at the port, which spreads its tentacles out through Odessa and links Odessites in some way. They even have created their very own distinctive local accent and dialect, something that very few cities in the former Soviet Union could claim!

In the nineteenth century while the rest of the Russian Empire trundled on under a backward and oppressive administration, Odessa always played the role of colorful “window to the world”, and the city has maintained an air of freedom about it to this day. Even the town’s first governor was a Frenchman, and until the revolution Odessa attracted its fair share of European aristocrats as well as a healthy mix of playboys and international scoundrels…

Odessa also went through the same Soviet experience as everyone else, but it seems to have come out far less “damaged” than the rest of Ukraine. No other city in Ukraine can boast of anything like the pulling power of Odessa, the Black Sea port city that dominates the country’s embryonic international tourist trade. With a reputation for big city adventure, sunshine, laughter and sophistication, it’s no wonder that when it comes to summer city breaks you can’t beat Odessa. Luxurious hotels, cozy private apartments, first rate restaurants and clubs, and, certainly, magnificent sunny beaches await you in Odessa!

Ukraine is a fun filled and exciting country that is situated in Europe. Many families now go on holiday to the Ukraine and stay in holiday villas and self catering apartments. It shares borders with Russia to the east Poland to the west, Romania and Moldova to the south west, Belarus to the north and the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea to the north. It is the ideal place to spend a relaxing and exciting vacation with your family in a holiday home rental. The capital Kiev has become has a famous tourist attraction and offers you with the most informative journey back into time. Many people come to Kiev on short breaks or long weekend breaks and stay in one of the many self catering apartments that are available to rent from their owners. While staying in a holiday apartment rental in Kiev, they are able to experience the true culture of a self catering holiday in the Ukraine.

When you are tired of walking you can take a boat ride and go sightseeing. You would be able to see a number of sights while enjoying a couple of drinks and absorb extravagant views of the city. Ukraine is famous for theatre which is better known as opera. Watch their performances in Lviv where there are a number of opera companies that perform. The opera house of Ivan Franko is a fine example of the superb local architecture with the building being a source of pride to the locals. You can also taste wine in Crimea where the vineyards produce very high quality wine and can it can be bought quite cheaply. Another famous activity that is enjoyed by the tourist as well the locals is ski or snowboarding in the Carpathian Mountains which situated in the west. There are some great Ski chalets in this region to rent as holiday homes. It is also very popular with walkers and hikers in the spring.