Odessa Nightclubs - Summer Scene.

Odessa is famed for its laid back even hedonistic lifestyle.This is not confined solely to the summer months as with its relatively mild winter the town is lively all year round.However,the first thing you should be aware of is that the summer and winter scenes are quite different. Between about mid May and mid September the towns main night clubs close and their beach counterparts in Arcadia open for business.Some of these open air venues with their extensive floorspace and dining areas,panoramic seaviews,their classic Greek design and hordes of enthusiastic revellers rival the finest in Europe. Arcadia is a 15 minute taxi ride (about $5-$6) from the centre of Odessa.It is not difficult to find the different clubs mentioned as they are all within a few minutes walk of each other along the 1 km or so strip.Admission charges for the main clubs are around $8 at weekends and less during the week.$2.5 will cover the cost of a large Ukranian brewed beer.These are very good with Slavutich and Baltika being popular.A Scotch goes for about $4.Be wary when Natasha orders her cocktail as these can be quite expensive.Food is poor.However,the large platters of fresh fruits are not bad value and are guaranteed to restore some much needed vitamins.Best time to arrive is from about 11.30-12.30.Closing time is around 5am depending on the club.

Nightclubs.

1. Ibitza.
This club vies with Itaka for the accolade of the top club in Arcadia.Cleverly designed with alcovetype seating on tiered levels, this open air club with it`s whitewashed masonry has a touch of Bedrock about it).(What you`ve never watched the Flintstones?)The dance area is not so big so many prefer to sip a drink and view the eye candy (not least the visiting Americans and Europeans).
If you are escorting a young lady it is best to book a table prior as it is almost impossible to get one, particularily at weekends.Music is a combination of Tekno,Hip Hop and House.Live music and visiting international DJs on selected nights.

2. Assol.
If you follow the pathway to the right of Ibitza and suddenly come across a ship docked on dry land then you`ve found Assol.
Built like a replica of a sailing ship this venue is smaller and less hectic than some of it`s competitors.A good reason to visit is the live cabaret on busy nights.Something that`s a feature of Arcadia clubs is that they can be either packed and very lively or conversely sparsely attended and so lacking in atmosphere.This club often falls into the latter category.
However,it can be an appropriate option particularily if you are escorting a date.

3. Western Bar.
Just down from Itaka on the opposite side is the large elevated wodden structure of Western Bar.It`s got a cowboy theme though there is little evidence of this.Here drinks and admission are less expensive than the main two the music is more mainstream and the crowd is unpretentious.Food is available and there is also live cabaret.Can be worth a visit at weekends though at other times the place can be rather quiet.

4. Itaka.
Just down from Ibitza on the same side is what is for me Arcadia`s finest and best club namely Itaka.Built on two levels,the top floor has a small bar and seating for about 150.There are also various vantage points from where you can view the proceedings below or sip a drink and gaze out over the Black Sea and ponder the meaning of life.On the ground floor level there is a long rectangular bar and seating for about 250.The dance floor has a lofty stage, inspired by Classical Greek Architecture as a backdrop.The best seating areas are the tiered alcovetype that overlook the floor.
When the resident DJ is not doing his stuff there are live concerts (with dancing afterwards),live cabaret and visiting international DJs.Essentially,the difference between this club and Ibitza is that Itaka is much larger,the age group is slightly older and the music is more mainstream.A tip if you are undecided which one to visit is to pay the admission to both,get the obligitary wrist stamp and alternate between both.

5. Pago.
Pago located just past Itaka on the opposite side, was the first major night club to open in Arcadia. However, its fortunes have declined in recent years as Ibitza and Itaka have overtaken it to become the trend setters. Nowadays, it ranks in third spot and attracts a less affluent and less pretentious crowd than its main rivals. Those responsible for the creative and imaginative landscaping can be truly proud of their efforts. This open air club has been created within a green and lush embankment. From the entrance there is a steep climb up steps which takes you to the sprawling complex of some four different bars and two dance areas, spread over three undulating levels. Within this clever piece of landscaping the original trees and various rock formations are complimented by the timber framed bars and balconies. Prices for admission and drinks are lower than at the big two and there is always a lively atmosphere at weekends during the high season. The smaller dance area at the rear of the club plays eighties music and attracts a more mature following.