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26 Sep. 2024

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Incredible Bakota: what is this place, what can you see there and how to get there?

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Incredible Bakota: what is this place, what can you see there and how to get there?

The fascinating and unusual Bakot Bay attracts thousands of tourists every year - not only from Ukraine but also from all over the world. It is unique - as a tourist, hydrological and geographical site. Find out what is the history of the ancient city, how it ‘lives’ now, what you can see there and how you can get there

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Bakota Bay has been known as a tourist destination for quite some time. Every year, hundreds or even thousands of people come here to see the sunrises and sunsets, the endless water, just to relax and enjoy the scenery. However, not everyone knows the history of the ancient city, and not all the objects that can be found here. For some people, it's the route to Bakota that matters, and for others, it's the places to stay and the places to eat. Find out more about Bakota, its unique features and lifestyle in Visit Ukraine's new section ‘Explore Ukraine’.

Photo: Visit


The tragic story of the magical Bakota


Bakota, an incredible tourist destination, was not always like this. Until 1981, it was an ordinary settlement - albeit an ancient one. The first mention of Bakota as the capital of the Ponizia region can be found in chronicles dating back to 1240. However, on 27 October 1981, Bakota ceased to exist as a town, according to the decision of the regional executive committee. The reason for this was the construction of the Dniester hydroelectric power station, and the settlement was completely submerged.

Archaeologists say that people have lived here since pre-Christian times, as many pagan shrines and temples, mounds and women's burials have been found on the banks of the Dniester. As mentioned earlier, the city was first mentioned in the chronicles of the Galicia-Volyn state in 1240. At that time, it was a fairly large town, covering an area of about 10 hectares of land with a population of about 2,500 people. In the chronicles, Bakota is mentioned as a political and administrative centre.

People here have always lived faithfully to their faith and honour. The chronicles also indicate this. When the city was attacked by the Mongol-Tatars in 1255, people hid in the tunnels under the local monastery. The Mongols persuaded them for a long time to surrender and accept another faith, but the Bakottsi were unyielding. The Horde stoned the entrance to the dungeon and buried almost the entire population alive...

In the 15th century, Bakota was revived and became the centre of the Bakota volost. However, the peace did not last long. In 1430, the locals rose up against the landlords who had seized all the land and proclaimed Bakota an independent town. The authorities brutally suppressed the rebellion, and the town's status was lost forever.

The town existed until 1981: as a result of the construction of the Novodnistrovska hydroelectric power station, Bakota, Studenytsia, Kalyus and Ushytsia were flooded. The population had been warned 8 years before, and after the flooding, they were resettled in neighbouring settlements. Former Bakota residents still gather on the village day at the place where their houses once stood, and now there is a wide expanse of water.



Фото: TourBaza


A little bit about the uniqueness of Bakota and the features that you should consider before your trip


First of all, it is worth mentioning that Bakota is located in a hollow - high cliffs and primeval forests reliably protect the place from cold winds. So the climate here is always warm.

Bakota is a part of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park and, accordingly, is included in the list of the Seven Natural Wonders of Ukraine (although the origin of the Bakota Bay is not natural).

The best time to visit Bakota is in June and July. In August, there is often a ‘water bloom’, and mid-August is also the day of the village, when former city residents who were forced to leave their homes gather on the bay.

One of the main problems in Bakota is the roads, so make sure your car is ready for the difficult journey.

Bakota also offers its services to gastro-tourism enthusiasts. You may be interested in the following locations:

- join a tea ceremony or create your own tea blend (Prudyvus Family Production, Stara Ushytsia village);

- Taste wines and listen to a lecture by Bohdan Pavlii, a winemaker with vast experience.

- try craft sheep cheeses without lactose and casein from the Lacon farm.



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Where can you visit during your trip to Bakota?


‘The Ukrainian Atlantis is located 50 km from Kamianets-Podilskyi and annually breaks records for tourist visits. The main reason for this popularity is the comfortable climate and water temperature. However, this is not the only thing Bakota is rich in. The small area has its own cultural and spiritual heritage, which also attracts tourists.

Bakota Rock Monastery


Yes, this is the very monastery where the indomitable Bakotians hid from the Mongol invaders in the dungeons. It is almost impossible to determine when the monastery was actually founded. The chronicles mention the 11th century, and some say that even St Anthony, who founded the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, visited the monastery. In fact, the rocky monastery is the only place that remained above the water surface after the flooding. It is currently not functioning, but the caves are not in disrepair, so tourists can explore them. Inside, you can see many icons that believers hid here when the Soviet government pursued an anti-church policy, and, going up, you can reach the White Mountain observation deck. You will definitely like it here!

Just below the monastery, there are three springs with healing water, as the locals say: North, South and South. No one can say for sure whether the water is really healing, but the flow of pilgrims to the springs does not stop.

Stone Head Rock


Also known as the ‘Kurnik Rock’, it has an interesting shape and offers extraordinary views of the Dniester.

Active and extreme holidays in Bakota


- Bakota sightseeing on ATVs - a mini-tour (2 hours, 1200 UAH/person) or a full-fledged ‘quad day’ (5-6 hours, 2600 UAH/person) - do not worry about your own safety, because the instructors are experienced and attentive);

- jeep tours in Bakota - the tour is organised for groups of 10 people (about 1000 UAH per tour);

- SUP-surfing in Bakota - mini-tour (2 hours, 500 UAH/person) or ‘SUP-day’ (4-5 hours of surfing + swimming + picnic + romantic coffee + guide services - 1000 UAH/person);

- rent a boat, catamaran and yacht (rent can be arranged in the village of Dnistrovka - about 5 km from the rock monastery; the Bakota Tourist Information Centre also offers boat trips (group of up to 4 people) and a tour of the Podilski Tovtry National Park (1300 UAH/person);

- diving (prices depend on the season);

- paragliding (10-20 minutes, 1200 UAH/person - safety equipment + flight video);

- Cycling route from Kamianets-Podilskyi (about 110 km by mountain road)

Hiking routes in Bakota


1) Ancient Bakota: 24 km, 8 hours (Hruska village - Teremets mountain - quarry - children's summer health camp - Bakota rock monastery

2) Bakotska Bay Springs: 3 km, 3 hours (Bila Hora - Springs near the monastery - Children's health camp - Grafski Springs - Healing Spring.

There are many interesting historical and cultural sights near Bakota. You can see them on a tour developed by Visit Ukraine.

Photo: Visit

How to get to Bakota?


We have already mentioned that it will be quite difficult to get there by car if the car is not designed for travelling on mountain roads. In addition, be careful when planning your route: there is another Bakota in Ukraine, but it is located more than 200 km away from the one you need.

There is public transport to Bakota, but you should warn the driver that you need to be dropped off at the turn to Bakota - there is no such bus stop in general.

From Kamianets-Podilskyi:


- on platform 12 of the bus station (19, Knyaziv Koriatovychiv St.), take the Stara Ushytsia minibus: get off near the village of Hruska or near the village of Horaivka (inform the driver in advance!)

From Kyiv:


- train ‘Kyiv - Kamianets-Podilskyi’ departs from the Kyiv railway station at 23:32 and arrives at 8:36; from Kamianets to Bakota you can get there by public transport;

- buses ‘Kyiv - Kamianets-Podilskyi’ run regularly, but the schedule and prices should be checked with the carriers.

From Lviv:


- The train ‘Lviv - Kamianets-Podilskyi’ departs from Lviv railway station at 22:50 and arrives at 8:36; from Kamianets to Bakota you can get there by public transport;

- buses to Kamianets run regularly from the central and railway bus stations in Lviv; the current schedule can be found on the websites of the bus stations.

Visit Ukraine can organise a trip to suit every taste for the most demanding customers. For more information, travel arrangements, hotel reservations, or to arrange the necessary insurance, please contact our specialists (Telegram | WhatsApp). We guarantee speed and quality of work!

And find one of the most interesting tours in Bacota here.

Photo: Detector Media


Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.



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Frequantly

asked questions

When was Bakota flooded?

On 27 October 1981, Bakota ceased to exist as a town, according to the decision of the regional executive committee. The reason for this was the construction of the Dniester hydroelectric power station, and the settlement was completely submerged.

When was Bakota first mentioned in history?

When did Bakota lose its status as a city?

What is the climate in Bakota?

When is the best time to visit Bacota?

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