Odessa sits on cliffs above the Black Sea, and the cable car (funikulyor) provides a pleasingly eccentric way to descend from the upper city to Otrada beach below. Built in the Soviet era, it still runs on its original gondolas and covers the 90-metre drop in a few minutes. The view from the car — over the sea, the beaches, and the freight port — is the best you will get of Odessa's relationship with the water.
The lower station puts you directly on the beach promenade. From there it is a short walk to the main beach area. The cable car runs seasonally and may be closed in winter or for maintenance; check locally before making it a centrepiece of your plans.