Breathtaking itinerary along Southern Bessarabia: what to do in winter by the sea in Ukraine

People who grew up by the sea convinced that winter gives seaside resort towns a special charm. With the onset of cold weather, the population literally shrinks, the only sounds that are left are those of the water and the chatter of seagulls, and prices stabilize after the seasonal frenzy. By the way, you don't have to monitor the train tickets a month in advance either. If you still think that there is nothing to do by the sea in winter, let us refute this stereotype.

Where the Southern Bessarabia is located

This is definitely Ukraine. To be more precise, the Odesa region. Even more precisely, Snake Island on the one hand and the Moldovan-Romanian border on the other, which is HERE.

The Southern Bessarabia includes such interesting cities as:

• Izmail - the center of Ukrainian Bessarabia;
• Tatarbunary - an atmospheric resort town;
• Vylkove - a city on water (like Venice) and the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve;
• Bolhrad - a historic city full of legends;
• Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi - a center of ancient history and winemaking;
• Kiliia - one of oldest cities in Ukraine.

Your departure point to Bessarabia will be Odesa. A little more than 2 hours on the road with a ticket price of 200-300 UAH ($5-7) and you are in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi. You can also ride a minibus №560, which runs from the Odesa Cental Bus Station ("Pryvoz") to the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi railway station. You can choose either one city or make a route of several interesting locations. A little advice: plan to stay by the winter sea for at least 3 days to see incredible storms (if you're lucky), take pictures of the unique sunset and enjoy the atmosphere that touches the depths of your soul.

What to see in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi

The city on the Dniester Estuary impresses with its ancient buildings and a long history left on their many walls. The Akkerman Fortress with 24 towers looks exactly like the Genoese fortress in Sudak (Crimea), except that it is not located on a rocky cliff, but right by the water. The castle's walls and temples date back to the 13th-19th centuries. In sunny, calm weather (which is quite common in winter, considering it is located by the sea), you can walk here for hours. The therapeutic panoramas of the Dniester and the touch of history will be etched in your memory forever. A pleasant moment will be the lack of crowds at the ticket office at the entrance to the fortress. You can choose the time to take a picture of the sunset right from the fortress tower.

The ancient city of Tira, located near the fortress, will be the next impression and historical shock. It is known that the walls of the round tower date back to the 5th century BC. Take a good look at the amphorae, coins, and jewelry that belonged to people who lived on earth thousands of years ago. Go down dozens of stairs underground to see the 15th-century underground church - the Church of Saint John Suchavsky. Light enters the cells only through two windows located in the eastern wing. There is a healing spring in the church, the waters of which have been supplying the baths for 20 years.

You can leave Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi only when you have:

• have seen the mentioned architectural monuments;
• tasted Bessarabian dishes in the best cafes;
• had a wine tasting at the SHABO Wine Culture Center;
• enjoyed cheese at the European Cheese Factory;
• drank coffee in the city's parks.

What to see in Vylkove and Kiliia in winter

The already well-known and popular town of Ukraine, which resembles Venice, can provide an equally impressive winter vacation. The city can be reached directly from the capital by buses running on the Kyiv-Kiliia route. There are even more transportation options from Odesa. To rent a house in winter, it is better to consider hotels, the cost of which is pleasantly surprising in the cold season. There are also hostels in Vylkove for travelers on a budget. Needless to say, the tourist infrastructure in Vylkove allows you to stay there even for a car camping (the conditions are very comfortable). Staying in a hotel, you will solve another important issue of rest in Vylkove in winter - food. Some hotel complexes are equipped with barbecue areas for a winter dinner by the fire. To explore the old part of the town effectively and interestingly, it is better to book a tour. Do not forget to wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes to enjoy the walk longer.

The tour may include:

• walking along the canal streets;
• a visit to Lypovan churches;
• fishing;
• Oleksandr Sharonov Local Lore Museum.

You can enjoy the sights of Vylkove in one day, and then go to the neighboring town of Kiliia, which is recognized as one of the oldest cities in Ukraine. Start the walk around the town with the winter pine forest, especially if you have children with you. This therapeutic session can compete with a spa. In Kiliia, there is a lot to discover about the culture of the Bessarabians. For example, you can visit the Kiliia Museum. St. Nicholas Church will be an interesting location for believers.

Seaside towns - what to do in winter

To spend great time by the winter sea, you can go to the shores of southern Bessarabia. Wherever you stay, the atmosphere will be as exciting as possible, and the mood will rise as you watch the powerful waves. By giving preference to such already popular resorts as Zatoka, Lebedivka, and Prymorske, you can cover more modern entertainment and services.

A hotel complex, a room with a view of the waves (preferably with a terrace), and a favorite book can be the perfect winter vacation by the sea. You can also choose a spa hotel.

What to do in winter by the sea:

• walking along the promenade and the beach;

• collecting shells;
• watching sunrises and sunsets;
• surfing;
• feeding cheeky seagulls;
• tasting wine and seafood;
• learning about local traditions and customs.