Why Kuyalnik is called Ukraine's Dead Sea: Seven reasons to visit this unique resort
Seven reasons to visit the Kuyalnik resort in 2025 (photo: Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/Getty Images)
Kuyalnik is not just another seaside health resort. It is a place with a powerful history, a unique climate, and healing properties that were being studied as early as the 19th century. Here, natural silence, healing brine, mud, and total reset for the body and nervous system come together.
RBK-Ukraine has gathered 7 reasons why this resort is worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.
History of Kuyalnik resort
The Kuyalnik Estuary is located near Odesa. In 1834, the first sanatorium opened here - at the time, it was called a "clinic for the poor."
Already by the mid-19th century, the resort became popular among the military, scientists, and even the nobility. Kuyalnik's mud was studied by leading doctors of the USSR.
The resort's main treasure is the brine (saltwater) and sulfide-silt mud, which have powerful anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and analgesic effects.
And although in recent years the sanatorium infrastructure has somewhat declined, the estuary itself and the surrounding nature remain just as healing as they were 150 years ago.
Kuyalnik still welcomes tourists (photo: Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/Getty Images)
Seven reasons to go to Kuyalnik
Unique therapeutic mud
Kuyalnik mud is used to treat the musculoskeletal system, women's health, skin diseases, and chronic inflammation. The effect is scientifically confirmed.
Healing estuary brine
The water is so salty that the body does not sink. Bathing in the brine stimulates circulation, reduces joint pain, and improves sleep.
Absolute silence and no crowds
Kuyalnik is unlike standard tourist spots. It's a place where you can rest mentally, with no noise, lines, or noisy youth.
Close proximity to Odesa
You can reach the estuary by minibus in just about half an hour from central Odesa. It's a perfect location for a day of relaxation or a short weekend getaway.
Kuyalnik heals not just the body, but the soul (photo: Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/Getty Images)
An ideal place for digital detox
Unstable mobile connection and nearly total lack of internet make Kuyalnik an unexpectedly effective zone for taking a break from social media.
Pleasant climate
The combination of steppe and sea air creates a "gentle inhaler" effect. It's easy to breathe here, even for people with chronic respiratory issues.
Atmosphere with hint of nostalgia
Kuyalnik is retro-Ukraine, with old buildings, empty alleys, the smell of hydrogen sulfide, and grandmas pushing carts with footbaths. And while this resort is all about healing and has no pretentiousness, it's still a very pleasant place to be.
Kuyalnik is the true Dead Sea of Ukraine (photo: Nina Liashonok/Ukrinform/Getty Images)
What's important to know before your trip
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Best time to visit: June-September;
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Bring a hat, water, mat, towel, and sunscreen;
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Entrance to the estuary is free; you can undergo treatment independently, but with caution;
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If you have chronic illnesses, consult your doctor;
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There is infrastructure, but it is very basic. Expect minimal comforts, not a luxury hotel.
Read also about Ukraine's Maldives and how to visit them for a rest.
Earlier, we wrote about Ukraine's secret waterfalls, which are an untouched beauty that tourists rarely visit.
Sources: Institute of Balneology and Medical Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, historical documents of the Odesa City Council, publications on ScienceDirect, PubMed resources regarding sulfide muds.
