If you’re planning a holiday to Larnaca, one of the top tourist destinations in Cyprus, then you’ll want to stop and visit the iconic Larnaca Salt Lake first-hand. Located right outside the city center, this shallow saltwater lake is a marvel of nature that attracts thousands of visitors each year. From birdwatching to breathtaking sunsets, there’s something for everyone at this stunning local landmark. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Larnaca Salt Lake, including interesting facts, information, and top travel tips to help you plan your next holiday. Get ready to enjoy the beauty and peace that Larnaca has to offer!
Table of Contents
1. Larnaca Salt Lake is the largest coastal salt lake in Cyprus.
2. It is the most important wetland of Cyprus, as it is the nesting home for hundreds of flamingos every year.
3. The lake acts as an important stopover for migrating birds, making it a popular bird-watching site.
4. Because of its high salinity, the lake does not freeze in cold winters, making it an important refuge for fish and aquatic life.
5. The lake, which is 35 square kilometers in size, is one of the two natural salt lakes in Cyprus, the other one being the lower Asprokremmos.
6. The lake is surrounded by agriculture and busy tourist areas, and it can be seen from the cities of Larnaca and Nicosia.
7. The lake was recognized as a Nature Reserve in 1996, becoming the largest conservation area in the country.
8. It is the source of many of the country’s most important industries, including salt production and seafood production.
Larnaca Salt Lake (or Larnaka Salt Lake as it is also known) is a salt lake located in the city of Larnaca, Cyprus and is the largest saltwater lake on the island. It is an important site for migrating birds, and it is also a protected area. The lake is a shallow depression on the south-east coast of the island, situated between the villages of Oroklini and Aradippou.
The lake was formed during the Holocene era, when sea levels were much higher than they are today and the Mediterranean Sea inundated most of what is now the Mosaik Plain. The water slowly receded as the climate changed, leaving behind the lake bed. Over the centuries, the water evaporated leaving only salt behind.
Today, the lake is an important stop-over for migrating birds from the eastern and western Palearctic eco-region. Up to 30.000 birds have been recorded in the area during the peak of migration in autumn and spring. The most common species are Eurasian teal, Eurasian wigeon, great white pelican, grey heron, little egret and the common coot. Other species, like greater flamingo, glossy ibis, little stint, little ringed plover and northern shoveller, have also been recorded in the area. There has also been reports of sightings of rare species like the marbled teal and the common spoonbill.
Due to its importance for nature, Larnaca Salt Lake has been declared a Special Wildlife Protection Area since 1985. This protection covers 4.1 km2 of the lake area and its surrounding lands. The Special Protection Area was extended in 2005 and it now covers a 6.3 km2 area. There are several restrictions on what activities can take place in the protected area, and the lake is managed by a local NGO – the Larnaca Salt Lake Conservation Group – in cooperation with government authorities.
Larnaca Salt Lake (also known as Aliki Salt Lake) is a unique natural salt lake in the city of Larnaca, on the beautiful island of Cyprus. The lake is a designated conservation area, and it’s habitat to a variety of migratory birds that make it an internationally-important nature reserve. It’s a beautiful spot to learn about the wildlife and birdlife that populate the lake – you could even do a boat tour or take a walk around the lake’s edge.
If you’re looking for something special, then consider hiring out Larnaca Salt Lake boat for a unique sailing experience. You can take a private tour around the lake, watching for its diverse wildlife as you float across the water. You can also visit the nearby Cypriot village of Akaki to learn more about traditional Cypriot culture.
If you’d like to experience a more urban area around the lake, head to Larnaca Marina. It’s home to plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, so you’ll find something to occupy your time. There are also plenty of water-based activities to take part in here too, such as paragliding and boat trips around the harbor.
For those looking to make the most of Larnaca Salt Lake’s natural beauty, there are numerous parks that are currently open to the public. The whole family can get involved with up cycling activities, bird watching, and nature walks around the conservation area. You can also try out activities such as camping and rock climbing at Crawling Rocks, a stunning spot to appreciate the area’s natural beauty.
Finally, don’t miss out on trying some of the delicious Cypriot food that the region has to offer. Head to Faneromeni Square to sample some local delicacies and seafood dishes. If you’ve got an appetite for something sweeter, then make sure you try the kolokasi, which is mashed taro root mixed with honey and pistachio.
No matter what your interests are, Larnaca Salt Lake offers plenty of opportunities to explore and to learn about the history of the region – so why not visit and discover this breathtaking area for yourself!
Q: What is the Larnaca Salt Lake?
A: The Larnaca Salt Lake is a large shallow salty lake located in the city of Larnaca on the southern coast of Cyprus. It is a protected Ramsar site and one of the important wetlands in the Mediterranean region due to the variety of migratory and nesting birds that visit the lake every year.
Q: How large is the Larnaca Salt Lake?
A: The lake covers an area of 37 km2 /14 sq mi.
Q: What wildlife can be found at the Larnaca Salt Lake?
A: The lake is home to numerous species of water birds such as flamingos, avocets, wild ducks, grebes, seagulls and herons. The lake is also home to a variety of fish species, and is an important breeding ground for sea turtles.
Q: Are there any activities available at the Larnaca Salt Lake?
A: Visitors can enjoy birdwatching from the numerous hides located around the lake, or take a leisurely stroll along the nature trails. Visitors can also take a boat trip from the lake to the surrounding islands.
4 Mar, 2024
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024