A bay to the west of the Azov Sea, Sivash separates the Crimean Peninsula from the mainland. Sivash means mud in the Crimean Tatar language. It consists of 11 salt and bitter bays. During a certain time of year, the salt turns bright pink. The water and mud have therapeutic properties. People come here to improve their health, especially if they have problems with the musculoskeletal system. The bay covers about 2,560 sq km.