Snake Island

A small island in the Black Sea, which will in future be associated with many heroic legends — Zmiinyi Island. It was here in the first days of the 2022 war that Ukrainian sailors showed the truly unbroken spirit of the nation and showed the Russian invaders that neither powerful weapons nor numbers can frighten a free Ukrainian people, or break its faith and its desire for a peaceful and free life. A vivid proof of this is the liberation of Zmiinyi Island from the Russian occupiers, who, as a “gesture of goodwill,” left it on 7 July 2022.

Zmiinyi Island is a border territory of Ukraine, so it is not easy to get here, but, according to visitors, the trip is worth attention. Its area is 18 hectares. Yet even its small size makes it unique in its distinctive beauty. This place resembles a small settlement, where its own provincial life unfolds in conditions unusual for most people. There is a shop and a post office, several beaches, splendid sea views, as well as cozy houses for those who want to withdraw from civilization.

The island's names

The island’s name is first mentioned in chronicles of the 17th century, when they describe the locality called “Bilyi” — this is the name of the settlement that occupies the entire territory of the island. The island’s population at different times ranged from 50 to 80 people. Unfortunately, full-time living on the island is impossible because of the lack of fresh water. Installing a separate source of fresh water is impossible because of the high cost of its further purification for use.
The modern name of the island, “Zmiinyi,” is associated with its unusual shape, although there is a version that in the 19th-20th centuries a strong Danube current carried many grass snakes to the shore, which became the reason for the name. Since July 2022, the island has jokingly been called the Russians’ “Achilles’ heel,” as they fled from it with their heels to the wind, leaving behind part of their “precious” military equipment.

History of the island

The origin of Zmiinyi Island is associated with a mythical story that says the goddess Thetis raised it from the seabed for her son Achilles. That is why the island once had a temple of Achilles Pontarchus, which has not survived to this day.  
The island is the only tectonic uplift in the Black Sea, and its highest point reaches 41,3 m. In the 8th-6th centuries BC, it played an important role for sailors, who not only stopped here on their way, but also paid tribute to the sea gods. That is why it is still said that treasures may be hidden on the island, which sailors offered so that good weather and luck would always be on their route.

What is interesting on Zmiinyi Island?

All conditions for summer recreation have been created on Zmiinyi Island. There are houses with different levels of service, numbers of amenities and living conditions. There is an opportunity to test your hardiness and stay here in tents.
Along the island’s coast there are many grottoes. Remains of various household items and weapons from ancient times are still found here, and they constantly add to the collections of Ukrainian museums.
Strong winds of the steppe zone do not allow trees to be grown on the island, but local residents can create conditions in greenhouses for the full cultivation of fruits and vegetables.
The island’s main architectural landmark is an octagonal lighthouse with a glass lantern installed in it. It is said that remains of the Temple of Achilles, discovered in 1843, were used for its construction. The architect of the project was Charles Ackroyd.

Interesting facts:

·        The annual maintenance of Zmiinyi Island costs the state 500 thousand UAH.
·        The island is a strategic site that makes it possible to control water territories for several hundred kilometers, providing cover for the airspace.
·        Oil and gas deposits were found on the shelf around the island, but Chornomornaftogaz decided that they had no economic value.
·        The sea depth near the southern and northern shores reaches from 5 to 23 m.
·        At various times the island was owned by the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire, the Principality of Moldavia, Romania, and the USSR.
·        Since 1991, the island has belonged to Ukraine.

The island is not the only place in Ukraine that can impress you, so we suggest familiarizing yourself with other notable places in Ukraine here