Salt Lake Aliki. Salt lake of Larnaca in Cyprus: flamingo lake. Where is it located and how to get there
The inhabitants of Cyprus call this lake Aliki Larnakas. Speaking quite accurately, in fact, four lakes are united by one name at once. Three of them are connected by ducts, and the fourth is located separately. But all this is considered one body of water, officially called the Salt Lake, located very close to Larnaca in Cyprus and covers an area of just over two kilometers.
Such an abundance of various birds feed here that Aliki Larnakas is protected by the Ramsar Convention (this is an international organization that protects the unique habitats of waterfowl).
One of these species that attracts the most attention to the Salt Lake is the flamingo. Unfortunately, they appear on it only in autumn, when the rainy season begins, and the reservoir, completely dried up from the summer heat, is again filled with life-giving moisture.
October 20 is the earliest date when flamingos arrive at the lake. If the autumn turns out to be as dry as the summer, the birds will of course ignore Aliki Larnakas. Because at such a time, the surface of the lake is a salty crust ten centimeters thick, which can withstand even a person walking on it. So tourists who come to Cyprus during the hottest time of the year are unlikely to be able to see the most beautiful birds of those that live on the Salt Lake.
Cypriot birds belong to the red flamingo species, but there is nothing red in them. There is pink - a beak and paws. Also painted in intense pink. inner part their wings.
Most of the area around the Salt Lake is well equipped - there are paved paths for those who love hiking. And if you want to see flamingos, be quiet. Hide, hide among the greenery. Your reward will be a wonderful sight - magnificent, white and pink birds against the background of the blue expanse of Aliki Larnakas.
I was very happy that I was in season to see the big pink flamingos on the Salt Lake.
Flamingos on the Salt Lake in Larnaca: when?
When does that most cherished time come and flamingos arrive at the lake in Larnaca? Exactly when it is off-season for swimming in Cyprus - in winter. Flamingos arrive in December and leave somewhere in late February - March. By the way, the Salt Lake near the airport in Larnaca is not the only place where you can see them, it’s just more famous, and it’s easier to get there, and there are several lakes where flamingos winter in Cyprus.Is there any secret about the time of day? I don't think so. I have been to the Salt Lake several times, and the birds have always behaved differently: they were either closer, then further from the shore, then on one side of the lake, then on the other.
How to get to the Salt Lake, and where to look for flamingos
If there is no car, then the lake can be reached on foot from the nearby area (Rock or Mackenzie Beach), or by bus that goes to the airport (424, 425), it will pass next to the lake. If you do not want to stomp for a long time on foot, it is better to take a taxi.It is impossible to guess exactly where the flamingos will be, so it does not matter from which side of the lake you approach / drive up. In general, if there is a very strong desire to see them, then it is better to stay in a hotel closer to the lake in order to be able to return again or even several times if the birds are too far from the shore.
How close can you get to a flamingo?
Flamingos in Cyprus are protected and are strictly forbidden to be disturbed. In practice, this only means that you can not climb into the lake or try to walk on the pebbles to get closer to the birds.Don't be afraid to disturb the flamingos by getting too close to them while on the shore of the lake. Firstly, it is almost impossible, birds always keep a certain distance. Secondly, Larnaca flamingos are accustomed to noise - there is a busy road and an airport nearby, so they are not afraid of the sounds of steps and people's voices, you can even talk at the top of your voice.
And here I am on the Salt Lake, admiring the flamingos ...
Well, now I have told all the secrets about how to see flamingos in Larnaca, and you can get to the point: when you surf the Internet or look at booklets in a hotel, flamingos are big, bright and numerous, and when you come to the Salt Lake, to finally to see this miracle of nature, everything is different.This is what flamingos look like on the Salt Lake in Larnaca if you have a semi-professional zoom camera:
And this is what flamingos look like when you look at them with your own eyes:
A flying flamingo accidentally fell into the frame - a popular topic for advertising sites and booklets (of course, with a telescopic zoom, not like mine). It seems that it is worth coming to the Salt Lake, and flamingos will cut back and forth, flapping their pink wings. I have only seen flying flamingos twice.
In the photo - maximum close quarters to which they can be approached.
What's the point?
Despite the fact that you can’t see flamingos up close, and even through the zoom they are not very big, it is still interesting to watch them in nature. This is completely different from seeing flamingos in a zoo, even if it is an imitation of the natural environment. Therefore, the Salt Lake in Larnaca is a special place.It was only here that I learned that flamingos talk all day, and their conversation sometimes looks like grunting, and sometimes like croaking. It's especially cool in the dark when you can't see them, but you know by the sounds which way they are. It looks like a hunt.
Most of the day, flamingos spend their heads in the water - they collect some kind of fat crustaceans, from which they turn pink.
Very young flamingos are gray and white, like this one:
On the opposite side of the lake from Larnaca is the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. For Muslims it has importance, because it contains the ashes of Mohammed's nurse, who died in Cyprus. Surrounded by flamingos, it looks very romantic, especially at sunset:
Is it possible to swim in the lake with flamingos in Larnaca?
No. The lake is shallow, where flamingos walk at most knee-deep in water, and be deeper, it is unattractive for swimming. Here in Aruba you can swim with flamingos, they walk there in clear sea water.
I was very happy that I was in season to see the big pink flamingos on the Salt Lake.
Flamingos on the Salt Lake in Larnaca: when?
When does that most cherished time come and flamingos arrive at the lake in Larnaca? Exactly when it is off-season for swimming in Cyprus - in winter. Flamingos arrive in December and leave somewhere in late February - March. By the way, the Salt Lake near the airport in Larnaca is not the only place where you can see them, it’s just more famous, and it’s easier to get there, and there are several lakes where flamingos winter in Cyprus.Is there any secret about the time of day? I don't think so. I have been to the Salt Lake several times, and the birds have always behaved differently: they were either closer, then further from the shore, then on one side of the lake, then on the other.
How to get to the Salt Lake, and where to look for flamingos
If there is no car, then the lake can be reached on foot from the nearby area (Rock or Mackenzie Beach), or by bus that goes to the airport (424, 425), it will pass next to the lake. If you do not want to stomp for a long time on foot, it is better to take a taxi.It is impossible to guess exactly where the flamingos will be, so it does not matter from which side of the lake you approach / drive up. In general, if there is a very strong desire to see them, then it is better to stay in a hotel closer to the lake in order to be able to return again or even several times if the birds are too far from the shore.
How close can you get to a flamingo?
Flamingos in Cyprus are protected and are strictly forbidden to be disturbed. In practice, this only means that you can not climb into the lake or try to walk on the pebbles to get closer to the birds.Don't be afraid to disturb the flamingos by getting too close to them while on the shore of the lake. Firstly, it is almost impossible, birds always keep a certain distance. Secondly, Larnaca flamingos are accustomed to noise - there is a busy road and an airport nearby, so they are not afraid of the sounds of steps and people's voices, you can even talk at the top of your voice.
And here I am on the Salt Lake, admiring the flamingos ...
Well, now I have told all the secrets about how to see flamingos in Larnaca, and you can get to the point: when you surf the Internet or look at booklets in a hotel, flamingos are big, bright and numerous, and when you come to the Salt Lake, to finally to see this miracle of nature, everything is different.This is what flamingos look like on the Salt Lake in Larnaca if you have a semi-professional zoom camera:
And this is what flamingos look like when you look at them with your own eyes:
A flying flamingo accidentally fell into the frame - a popular topic for advertising sites and booklets (of course, with a telescopic zoom, not like mine). It seems that it is worth coming to the Salt Lake, and flamingos will cut back and forth, flapping their pink wings. I have only seen flying flamingos twice.
In the photo - the closest distance at which you can approach them.
What's the point?
Despite the fact that you can’t see flamingos up close, and even through the zoom they are not very big, it is still interesting to watch them in nature. This is completely different from seeing flamingos in a zoo, even if it is an imitation of the natural environment. Therefore, the Salt Lake in Larnaca is a special place.It was only here that I learned that flamingos talk all day, and their conversation sometimes looks like grunting, and sometimes like croaking. It's especially cool in the dark when you can't see them, but you know by the sounds which way they are. It looks like a hunt.
Most of the day, flamingos spend their heads in the water - they collect some kind of fat crustaceans, from which they turn pink.
Very young flamingos are gray and white, like this one:
On the opposite side of the lake from Larnaca is the Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque. For Muslims, it is important, because. it contains the ashes of Mohammed's nurse, who died in Cyprus. Surrounded by flamingos, it looks very romantic, especially at sunset:
Is it possible to swim in the lake with flamingos in Larnaca?
No. The lake is shallow, where flamingos walk at most knee-deep in water, and be deeper, it is unattractive for swimming. Here in Aruba you can swim with flamingos, they walk there in clear sea water.
Tourists go to Cyprus to have a good rest. For this, there are comfortable beaches and hotels, delicious Cypriot cuisine, and a good climate. But also in Cyprus, travelers are attracted wonderful nature. The island has many unique plants, picturesque mountain slopes, bays with the purest water. There is another interesting place here that should be included in your tourist itinerary for every guest of Cyprus - Salt Lake.
Where is it located and how to get there?
The salt lake is located about 5 km from the popular resort town of Larnaca, towards the airport of the same name. You can get there in different ways:
- by shuttle bus,
- by taxi,
- in a rented car
- with an organized tour.
The bus is the cheapest mode of transport that will take you to your destination. But most often they go to the Salt Lake, Larnaca (Cyprus) with a tour, so you can learn a lot of interesting things about it. In addition, an excursion to the lake is usually combined with a visit to other attractions. No less often, independent tourists drive a rented car to the Salt Lake. There are many in Cyprus interesting places, and renting a car is very simple, so this way of transportation will be optimal.
When you get to the place by any transport, the walking route will begin. It is about 4 km long and it will be very pleasant to walk along the lake. There are benches along the way to rest and viewing platforms where you can admire the beautiful views and take a photo.
History and legends of the Salt Lake
There are several picturesque lakes in Cyprus, but Salt is the most outstanding. Even the history of its appearance is shrouded in legends. It is believed that a long time ago there were vineyards in this place. They actively fruited, and the locals cooked from them delicious wines. And somehow he walked past Saint Lazarus (one of the most revered saints in Cyprus and in the world). And he asked a local woman for water. But the woman refused him, so rudely that Lazar cursed this place in his hearts. And since then it has not grown here anymore vine, and stretched almost lifeless salt lake.
Be that as it may, the salt lake (Larnaca) really was a long time ago. Salt mining was organized on it. The scale was such that salt was not only provided for the needs of Cyprus, but also sent for export. However, in the 70s, well-known political events took place on the island, Cyprus was divided into two states (only the Republic of Cyprus is recognized in the world), and salt mining was eventually stopped. Now the lake remains only a beautiful tourist attraction.
The most important inhabitants of the lake
Finally, it's time to talk about why most tourists want to get here. Flamingos living here have made the Salt Lake in Larnaca popular. Moreover, on the lake you can meet the most beautiful representatives of this species - pink flamingos. Although there are many other waterfowl here.
Flamingos on the lake in Larnaca can only be found in late autumn and winter. The fact is that in summer the reservoir dries up, becomes covered with a layer of salt, and the birds cannot stay there. In autumn, the rainy season begins, the lake is filled with water, its depth reaches a meter by winter. Then flamingos and other birds come here again. Sometimes they are located closer to the shore, and they can be easily seen. But more often the birds are in the middle of the Salt Lake, so it's better to stock up on some kind of optics to watch them.
What else to see?
If you get to the Salt Lake in the summer, you will still be full of impressions. In place of the reservoir there will be a brilliant layer of salt of a white-pink hue, which in itself is a unique sight. Also around the lake there is a park with benches and viewing platforms.
The salt lake is located next to the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque. This is one of the main Muslim shrines, it is unique in that it was erected in honor of a woman. The mosque is open to tourists, you can see the main building and other buildings of the complex.
Also nearby is another architectural monument - an ancient aqueduct. It once supplied the city with water until a modern water pipe was laid in the 20th century. Tourists will certainly be interested in seeing the ancient structure that saved the population from the lack of imported water in the past.
You can visit the Salt Lake in Larnaca, as well as its surroundings, at any time of the year. But if you find yourself in Cyprus in winter, be sure to plan a visit here! After all, then you can catch on the lake its famous inhabitants - pink flamingos.
The salt lake of Larnaca is visited annually by thousands of tourists from all over the world. Why is this five-kilometer reservoir so attractive that many hours of flights are made for it? For starters, their origins.
The history of the lake
By far the most beautiful version dates back to the time of the first Christians. St. Lazarus, walking in the vicinity of a large vineyard on a hot day, met his owner, who was carrying bunches of grapes in baskets. Lazar asked for a small bunch of grapes to quench his thirst a little. The stingy woman lied to him, saying that there were very few grapes and only salt in the baskets. Angry at the obvious lie, the saint said that nothing would ever be born in this place except salt. Waking up the next morning, the inhabitants of the city saw a huge lake with salt water in place of a luxurious vineyard.
The scientific explanation for the origin of the lake is far from being "magical". Scientists believe that there used to be a sea in this place, but as a result of shifts in the tectonic plate, part of the sea sank, and part of the land rose. Archaeological excavations of the last century also speak in favor of this version, during which an ancient port city, many anchor chains, anchors and other metal parts of ships were found. Besides chemical composition The water in the lake is very similar to sea water.
The huge concentration of salt in the lake is due to its impressive deposits underground. But this is a “raw” version, which lacks scientifically based facts and evidence.
Wealth that lies on the surface
Legends are legends, and the enterprising inhabitants of Cyprus have benefited for centuries from the instructive curse of St. Lazarus. Salt was mined here, which was exported to many countries. The fact is that the lake is not always covered with water. In summer, it dries up and a salt crust 10 cm thick forms on its surface. Because of this unique feature of “disappearing”, the lake received another name - a ghost lake. Salt was mined by hand, using shovels. And until the end of the 20th century! Salt was transported ashore in baskets with the help of donkeys. Huge salt heaps rose on the shore, which "withstood" for at least a year. Only after that the salt was sent for sale.
What else is worth seeing
On the shores of the lake is one of the most famous shrines of the Muslim world -. It was erected on the site of the death of the aunt of the Prophet Muhammad, whose name was Umm Hammar. The mosque houses her ashes and the remains of the great-grandmother of King Hussein of Jordan. The mosque can be visited by anyone.
On the opposite shore of Lake Larnaca, an aqueduct, built back in 1745, has been preserved. This building functioned until the middle of the last century, supplying the inhabitants of the city with fresh water from a source located 6 km from the city.
Feathered "jewels" of Lake Larnaca
If you are not interested in legends, salt and historical sights, be sure to come to the lake in spring or autumn. At this time, it is filled with water and huge flocks of migratory birds gather on its banks: ducks, herons and swans.
However, the most spectacular feathered "tenants" are considered pink flamingos. Flocks of these birds make an incredible impression. Like a bright pink cloud moving on the surface of the lake, at times freezing in place. This sight is so mesmerizing that you can admire it for hours. Especially for this, benches are installed on the shore of the lake, so you can watch the birds and take pictures of them with all the convenience.
Lake Larnaca is an important tourist site in Cyprus and recently the authorities have developed a special environmental protection program for the area.