Routes and locations
Kuialnytskyi NNP
Tourist routes and ecological trails in Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park are designed to highlight interesting natural and historical sites. Informational signs are installed along the routes to introduce visitors to the park’s features, its biodiversity, and the historical and cultural significance of the surrounding area.
Among cycling enthusiasts, the route around Kuialnyk Estuary is especially popular. These bike tours provide a comprehensive experience of the park’s natural ecosystems and offer a chance to relax away from daily routines.
What interesting sights can you see when visiting Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park?
Kuialnyk Estuary
The views of the estuary and the steppe slopes are attractive year-round. Picturesque panoramas open up from the slopes near the villages of Krasnosilka, Mizhlymanske, and Illinka.
Pirogov Clinical Sanatorium (Kuialnyk Resort)
One of the oldest mud resorts in Ukraine, located 13 km from the center of Odesa at the foot of Zhevakhova Hill on the right bank of Kuialnyk Estuary. The first wooden estuary hospital was built in 1833.
The resort was founded by doctor Erast Andriievskyi. Its rapid development took place in the 1870s and 1880s, when many private summer houses and boarding houses were established. In 1873, a railway line connected Odesa’s train station directly to the resort. In the 1970s and 1980s, the resort underwent significant reconstruction and modernization. The historic buildings that remain today are in need of restoration.
Within the territory of Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park, there are plans to create an ecological trail for walking near the Pirogov Clinical Sanatorium. The trail will cover open steppe areas, various water bodies, and sparse woodland with wild olive trees. Many bird species can be seen here year-round. From the upper terrace, there is a view of the southern part of Kuialnyk Estuary and the Peresyp district of Odesa city.
Salt mining near Korsuntsi village
For a long time, salt mining was the main occupation for many local residents on the shores of Kuialnyk Estuary. The earliest mention of salt extraction dates back to a treaty in 1540 between Polish King Sigismund II Augustus and Crimean Khan Sahib Giray. This industry was closely linked with the cultural phenomenon of the “Chumaks” — salt transporters who were an integral part of Ukrainian life. Salt mining operations continued here until 1931, when mining shifted to underground methods. Today, only remnants of the old salt production infrastructure remain as a reminder of this past.
Historical and Local Lore Museum in Illinka village
Opened in 2012, the museum houses hundreds of exhibits. Besides contributions from local archaeologists, residents of Illinka village have added to the collections. Exhibits are displayed in two exhibition halls, where visitors can learn about the history of the region and local ways of life.
The oldest pear tree in Ukraine near Adamivka village
This tree is about 15 meters tall and over 300 years old. It stands in a private yard in Adamivka village. The Odesa Regional Council granted this tree the status of a local botanical natural monument.
St. John the Theologian Church in Severynivka village
An Orthodox church whose construction began in 1800 on land owned by Count Severyn Potocki. Built in the classical style, it is a protected architectural monument of local significance.
Of course, this is not a complete list of interesting locations, and during your visit to Kuialnytskyi National Nature Park, you will discover many more fascinating places.
