Pink Lake in Crimea: features and location

On the territory of the Kerch Peninsula between Kerch and Feodosia, Koyashsky Lake, better known as Pink, extends. The rumor about him quickly spread throughout the country - it is believed that it is so bright and saturated in color that it can easily be seen even from an airplane. Let's try to figure out if this is so.

Among Crimean sights, you can find many unique natural phenomena that you will not find in other parts of our planet. Without a doubt, one of such places was Koyashskoe lake, which is popularly called Pink. Tourists from all over the world come to see its beauty - this is not surprising, because the area is very picturesque, the salt and mud of the lake have pronounced healing properties, in addition, the cost of visiting the recreation area is very affordable.

In previous years, a large mud volcano was located on the site of a modern lake, above it were the waters of the Red Sea. For thousands of years, the surf has formed a sand embankment in the sea - a small strip of land with a length of 3 km and a width of about 100 m, which has turned a small bay into a completely independent lake with salt waters.

A microscopic alga called Dunaliella salina actively grows and propagates in it. - it differs in that it produces a special pigment in huge quantities, the coloring components of which give the same unique pink tint to water. The water is very salty - the salt concentration reaches 35 ppm - which means that 1 g of water contains 35 g of salt.

In ancient times, people lived near the lake, as evidenced by archaeological excavations. So, at the beginning of the last century, not far from Mount Opuk, the ruins of the ancient site of Kimmerik, allegedly built in the 5th century, were discovered. BC e. For a long time it was the capital of the Cimmerian state, and later became the main stronghold of the Bosporus kingdom and for many years defended the country's borders from raids by the Scythians.

In the 90s. of the last century, a stele streaked by ancient runes was discovered here, now it is stored in the Tauride Museum in Simferopol. This unique archaeological site dates back to the 6th century. n e., at that time the Goths, who worshiped Odin, had just begun to populate the territory of Crimea. Historians have estimated that this place was their main sanctuary.

Obviously, an unusual lake in the Crimea has always filled antiquities with the sacred meaning that its waters, painted in an unusual shade, contained in themselves. However, salt crystals themselves were no less valuable. For centuries, they were the only spice known to people, and therefore priced quite expensive. And the salt of Koyashsky Lake, which also had healing properties, was completely priceless, so it was delivered directly to the Russian Imperial Court.

In 1998, the reservoir and the adjacent land with a total area of ​​1,592 hectares were included in the Opuk reserve, which includes the steppe, as well as coastal and partially marine zones. Many of the most unique plants grow on the territory of the natural monument, and about 20 of them are now listed in the Red Book. Under the protection of the state there are also about 60 species of birds and more than 30 rare animals.

Koyashsky lake is literally strewn with small stone islands on which salt crystals form intricate patterns and sculptures, they flicker in the sun and reflect in the water, which makes the picture truly bewitching. The best time to visit is considered the second half of spring. - at this time, the water acquires its unique hue, with the arrival of summer heat it evaporates, and the shores of the pink lake are covered with a yellow border.

A truly spectacular place looks at sunset. The scarlet rays of the setting sun illuminate the surface of the water with crimson colors, which gives it a fantastic and much surreal look - this watch is ideal for taking beautiful photos as a keepsake.

In addition to the lake itself, its surroundings are of great interest: not far from the shore you can see cliffs-sailboats, which in appearance resemble the outlines of ships, and 16 km from the shore at the bottom lies a real ship, which sank in ancient times and rests there under a fragment of rock.

The land near the lake in the summer is a scorched desert, but in the spring it is filled with dozens and even hundreds of flowers of the most unusual colors - this picture is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent.

Hundreds and even thousands of tourists annually come to Koyashsky Lake in an effort to enjoy its pink color. This is not surprising, because the photographs presented in magazines and on the Internet are truly impressive - flamingo shade lake, lime isthmus and turquoise sea.

There are other equally impressive shots: ugly driftwood of trees protrude from the soft raspberry-colored water with salty growths growing on them like huge mushrooms. And, of course, hands scooping up a handful of pink salt. How not to break loose and not come to such a heavenly place?

However, most of the tourists leave disappointed - the lake actually turns out to be gray, the salt dried up on the coastline is dirty brown, and there are no salt growths on the trees, and the trees and shrubs growing here are far from the pictures. The smell is not happy either: instead of the violet aroma, tourists inhale the smell of rotten cabbage mixed with sulfuric ointment.

Let's see if this Koyashsky lake turns pink someday? Of course! Maybe they add a bit of juiciness to the images, but not so much as to pass this jelly for a bright rose, and there is reddish salt here.

The alga Dunaliella salina develops at the bottom of the reservoir due to its volcanic origin. During active flowering, which occurs for the last decade of April – the first half of May a coloring pigment begins to be produced that stains water and salt. It is this plant that spreads around a pleasant floral aroma.

Artemia crustaceans live in colonies and contribute to improving the shade of the reservoir. By themselves, they can not significantly color the water, but they cope with the role of additives perfectly, giving the desired shade to the water at the most unusual time, for example, at the end of summer.

Koyashsky lake is located, as already mentioned, on the Kerch Peninsula. However, old-timers say that this is a forgotten place by God, and it is rather difficult to find a more poorly located territory in the Crimea. If you look at the map, you will notice that the village closest to the reserve is called Maryevka, Borisovka and Yakovenkovo ​​are located a little further, but their names will tell little to tourists. Nevertheless, it is better to use Maryevka as a guide, since the barrier of the reserve is located precisely on its side.

From the bus station of the city of Kerch to the destination you can get on a minibus number 78, the road will take about an hour and a half. Keep in mind that there are only 3 flights a day in the direction of the reserve - the first leaves at about 5 a.m., the second one at 1 p.m. and the last at about 5 p.m. when it makes no sense to go to Pink Lake.

Best to pick an early flight. Getting out of the bus is best. in Yakovenkovo ​​and along the coastal line go through the reserve. The fact is that the minibus does not move along the main highway. You can go out and in Maryevka - but this is a stop later. You can go by car, but only to the territory of the conservation area.

It’s best to book an organized excursion, all the more so no one will allow you to drive through the protected area without an escort. If you wish, you can order a bus, you only need a driver’s license and a driving experience of more than three years. Such a trip will cost 2-2.5 thousand rubles, for a small company of 4-5 people this is a pretty reasonable decision.

So, let's move on to the main question - when is it better to go to Rose Lake. If you want to enjoy its unusual shade, then it is better to make a trip from mid-April to early June, it is during this period that algae blooms. By the way, the first spring flowers bloom during this period, therefore, not far from the reserve in the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, festivals of tulips, irises and, of course, lilacs constantly take place. Lovers of beautiful flowers go to the Opuk reserve from all parts of Crimea to take a picture of the famous Schrenka tulip - and at that moment Koyashsky Lake is already pink.

And the most inappropriate time for visiting is considered to be the middle of summer. The fact is that the lake itself is quite shallow, about 1 meter deep, so by July it will completely dry out under the hot rays of the sun, and strong winds begin to spread salt crystals in the adjacent territories. That is why in the summer tours are not carried out, renewing only in September, when the heating of the air approaches parameters comfortable for a person.

However, the pinkish color during this period can no longer be found, and visitors will only have to admire the reserve, as well as the Cimmerian fortress and cliffs resembling a ship. In winter, especially in February, as in March, the lake also does not represent any tourist value.

Koyashsky lake is appreciated not only for its beauty, but also for the beneficial properties of its water. Due to the increased concentration of sea salt and in combination with muddy sediments, therapeutic mud forms here, which in its chemical composition is close to the products of the famous balneological resort of Saki.

The beta-carotene enzyme contained in water has powerful antioxidant properties, participates in the body's immune processes, and also stimulates adaptation mechanisms.

Due to the action of antioxidants, fat breakdown and neutralization of dangerous free radicals occur, which significantly reduces the risk of neurological and cardiovascular pathologies, including such as deficient conditions, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease.

If you intend to visit Pink Lake, then you need to prepare for such a trip. The main thing is to wear comfortable shoes, since you will have to walk a distance of about 6 km on the territory of the reserve. Be sure to bring hats with you - the hot scorching sun and the absence of a shadow often lead to a sunstroke, and you can get it in literally half an hour.

If you want to run along the bottom of the lake and take beautiful photos, be sure to purchase rubber shoes for the beach or special slippers to protect against sea urchins. Ordinary slates are also suitable, but it is important that they fit snugly on the foot: if you fall into a muddy area, you will pull your foot out of there, but the shoes may remain in the quagmire.

Given that the trip will take a lot of time, do not forget to take a snack with you.

According to travelers, the most beautiful photographs were taken at sunset. That is why it is best to come to the lake at about noon: take a walk, admire the shade of the pond, then go to the beach, explore the surrounding sights, the cape, and return to the lake closer to sunset.

Video review of the pink lake, see below.