Odesa Oblast

Odesa Oblast is an administrative region in southwestern Ukraine that runs along the Black Sea and covers both coastal areas and wide steppe plains. The territory includes eight seaports and several of the largest lakes in the country, all connected by the river that cuts through the flat landscape.

The area went through several territorial shifts during the 19th century before being officially set up as a region on February 27, 1932, under Soviet rule. Its borders were adjusted several times in the following decades, while it continued to serve as a center for farming and trade.

The name comes from the port city that serves as the regional center, a place shaped by its mix of ethnic groups and maritime connections. Orthodox churches mark many towns across the area, while markets near the coast offer local wine, fish, and vegetables that reflect the traditions of farming and fishing communities.

The best time to visit runs from spring through autumn when temperatures stay mild and the coast remains accessible. Public transport connects the main towns along the coast and inland, while roads reach most vineyards and smaller settlements across the flat terrain.

The region holds thousands of hectares of vineyards scattered between the coast and the interior, making it the main wine-producing area in the country. Some estates offer tastings where visitors can sample local grape varieties that have been grown here for generations.

Location: Ukraine

Inception: February 9, 1932

Capital city: Odesa

Elevation above the sea: 281 m

Reference: ОДЕ

Shares border with: Vinnytsia Oblast, Kirovohrad Oblast, Mykolaiv Oblast, Tulcea County, Cahul District, Gagauzia, Taraclia District, Basarabeasca District, Cimișlia District, Căușeni District, Ștefan Vodă District, Administrative-Territorial Units of the Left Bank of the Dniester

Website: https://oda.od.gov.ua

GPS coordinates: 47.00000,30.00000

Latest update: December 15, 2025 00:55