Flooring Tile - Tiling Cement Patio

Hi,

I live in a garden level condo (which means I'm half way below ground like a basement). I have an outdoor patio that is all concrete and has walls that go up about 5 feet until your level with the outside grass and ground. The floor of the patio has a slight grade to it as there is a drain in the middle of the floor.

I find the finish to be bland and would like to perhaps tile the floor and walls, but I've read that tiling on an un-level surface will cause problems (cracking). Plus, I'm not sure what is required material wise to sustain the elements (cold Chicago winters and hot humid summers).

I was hoping someone could chime in and give me an idea on the type of materials that would be ok for something like this. I'm open to whatever, tile, epoxy, etc... Just something that will make it look less like a prison cell.

Thanks