Odessa Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Excursions

So, Odessa, you know, it’s this pretty neat spot on the Black Sea, and it’s got, like, all this interesting stuff right nearby that, actually, you might miss if you just, kind of, stick around in the city the whole time. But, frankly, that won’t happen because after reading this guide of the most popular 5 tours nearby, you’ll extend your travel plans to fit at least one tour! Actually, this is almost your trusty guide that takes you on a brief tour of some, well, rather great day trips that show you what this part of Ukraine is really all about. We are talking about exploring old fortresses, wandering through unique wineries, or chilling out in nature, actually, it is all pretty doable as day excursions from Odessa.

1. Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Fortress: A Step Back in Time

Okay, so Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Fortress, or Akkerman Fortress as some people call it, this is probably one of those places near Odessa that really does have some stories to tell; in some respects, its location makes it pretty spectacular, because it is on the shore of the Dniester Estuary. At the very least, it will make your photos much better. Built way back in the Middle Ages, actually, the walls have seen a lot, and you could be forgiven for thinking they might start talking anytime, if they could. By the way, walking around there, just a little, kind of, makes you feel like you have gone back in time; it’s almost as if you’re imagining knights and all sorts of goings-on from way back then. You can, typically, wander around the fortress, explore its towers, and get really amazing views of the estuary. First, it is a, rather great, history lesson and a spot for some photos that are perfect for Instagram; it feels like two birds, one stone.

Read our full review: Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Fortress Full Review and Details.

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2. Shabo Wine Culture Center: Tasting the Terroir

Now, if you like wine, like your average human, it’s worth pointing out that the Shabo Wine Culture Center, actually, it’s an interesting day trip. More or less, you’re taking a trip that’s just outside of Odessa, where you can tour the vineyards, see the cellars, and, of course, taste the wine. Anyway, the cool thing about Shabo, by the way, is that it is not just some winery, in fact, it’s this place with a big history. So, winemaking there goes back a long time. Seemingly, the tour tells you all about the process of how they do things, from grape to bottle. After that, is that you get to sample some of their wines, but do remember to stay sober!

Read our full review: Shabo Wine Culture Center Full Review and Details.

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3. Odessa Catacombs: Underground Exploration

Right, so the Odessa Catacombs, that is, it’s a complete contrast from the sunny beaches, could be. They are this huge underground system of tunnels that stretches for kilometers, basically. Frankly, that is all really under the city; still, it’s, usually, something to see. They came about, you see, from stone mining over many years. Then, at the end, during the Second World War, they turned into shelters for partisans. You, like your average tourist, can take a tour and check out a section of the catacombs. Honestly, it’s almost eerie down there, actually, and a bit claustrophobic, arguably. First, if you are into history and like exploring unusual places, actually, this is a must.

Read our full review: Odessa Catacombs Full Review and Details.

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4. Vylkove: The Ukrainian Venice

Okay, Vylkove, this is just a little town in the Danube Delta, sometimes known as the “Ukrainian Venice”, very original. It earned its name from, obviously, channels, basically, instead of streets, where you travel by boat. First, getting there is a bit of a trek from Odessa, that, by the way, it makes for a full day adventure; I mean, you’re going to want to go there and get an experienced guide. Plus, it means, in fact, you will get to see the Danube Delta, which is a rather unique environment full of birdlife and greenery. By the way, it’s an excellent spot for, just a little, disconnecting from city life, too.

Read our full review: Vylkove Ukrainian Venice Full Review and Details.

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5. Kinburn Spit: Nature and Relaxation

First, Kinburn Spit, it is a sandy stretch that’s actually part of a protected natural park, actually, it’s further afield, like it takes a bit more to get there. More or less, it’s actually where the Dnipro River meets the Black Sea; similarly to other natural reserves it offers really clean beaches, pretty lakes, and lots of chances to see nature, pretty great for bird watching and relaxing away from any sort of crowd. You’ve, usually, got to, sort of, take a boat to get there, though; however, arguably, that’s actually part of the adventure. Oh, by the way, it’s probably best to check if tours are running, especially depending on the time of the year.

Read our full review: Kinburn Spit Ukraine Full Review and Details.

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In conclusion, Odessa offers tons of nearby destinations that may greatly expand your travel horizons and impress your peers back home!