A 1981 tourist postcard featuring a view of the central beach in the Arcadia resort district of Odesa.
What is shown on the postcard
The image captures the shoreline of Arcadia Beach crowded with holidaymakers. A red rescue boat labeled ‘СПАСАТЕЛЬНАЯ’ (Rescue) is visible in the lower left corner. In the foreground and middle ground, people are swimming and standing near the water’s edge. The background features a green sloping hill covered with trees, coastal protection retaining walls, and a rescue station. The top right corner features the inscription ‘ОДЕССА’.
Historical note
Arcadia is the oldest resort district in Odesa, named after the mountainous region in Greece. Unlike most of Odesa’s other beaches, Arcadia is accessed via a natural gentle slope (a ravine), making it a popular bathing destination since the late 19th century. During the Soviet era, a large-scale resort infrastructure was developed here, including health resorts, clinics, and hydrotherapy facilities. Major coastal protection and sand-replenishment projects were carried out in the 1960s and 1970s.
Present day
In the modern era, Arcadia’s appearance has changed dramatically. The former green ravine has been transformed into a pedestrian avenue lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The beach area has been partially developed with night clubs and wooden platforms, significantly altering the historical landscape captured on the 1981 postcard.
Location (map)
Address: Arcadia Beach, Odesa, Odesa Oblast, Ukraine
Coordinates: 46.427700, 30.765100
(Google Maps)
Coordinate source: Coordinates of Arcadia Beach in Odesa.
Questions and answers
- What is depicted on the postcard? The postcard shows Arcadia Beach in Odesa in 1981 with numerous beachgoers, a red rescue boat, and a green coastal slope.
- Why did Arcadia become a popular resort? The area’s popularity is due to its natural gentle slope leading to the sea, unlike other parts of the city with steep cliffs.
- How has the beach changed today? The natural green slope and open sandy beach of the Soviet era have been partially replaced by modern commercial buildings, clubs, and concrete platforms.
See also
The «Old Postcards» archive includes other views of Odesa from 1981.
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