Odesa tourism persists as daily missile strikes threaten beaches

Odesa, Ukraine's most popular seaside resort, continues to attract visitors despite the ongoing war with Russia. Tourists report high costs – around US$1,000 for a three‑day stay for two people, a typical dinner costs about US$50, and a round‑trip drive from Kyiv costs roughly US$130 in fuel. The highway from Kyiv to Odesa has been repaired and is in good condition, but fuel prices remain elevated.

The city endures frequent air‑raid sirens, sounding four to six times a day, and missile attacks have caused civilian casualties: a strike on 19 July near the port killed ten people, and another bombing on 20 July killed three. Yet beach crowds remain, and many tourists show indifference to the danger, continuing to dine and sunbathe while alerts sound. The juxtaposition of luxury‑level prices with the constant threat of missiles underscores the stark contrast between Odesa's touristic appeal and the war's daily reality.