Larnaka Salt Lake
Larnaka Salt Lake
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- DarconLondon, United Kingdom261 contributionsFlamingos and pink salt!The salt lake is best viewed in December ad that's when most of the salt crystals are replenished and visible. Also the flamingos are abundant in this month and its alot cooler with less crowds too, so I recommend visiting in December. There's a walking trail around the lake which you can use to get back to the main city and also see more greenery. The viewing location to see the flamingos was opposite the airport and diagonal to the aqueduct for the best views. The salt itself was very interesting with different colours, white,sandy,pink and some black looking tar underneath a section also.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 19, 2023
- Maria NathalieNorway1,202 contributionsMust seeTook some time to walk here, but it was so much to see on the way. Such beautiful landscape here, we did not see the flamingos close by since they were far away, but we were lucky we saw them closer when we took the taxi from the airport to the hotel. Highly reccomendVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 24, 2023
- Sasha Marie2,021 contributionsLovely walkLovely lake to walk around, especially when the sun reflects off the water. We came here in March 2023 and had a lovely day, though would advise comfy shoes as the terrain can become uneven. Did not see any flamingos though aside from when we got off the plane! Definitely worth a visit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten June 3, 2024
- Gints KRiga, Latvia213 contributionsNo flamingos in summerYou can bicycle around Larnaka Salt Lake and visit Hala Sultan Tekke and aqueduct. In summer there are no flamingos, but it looks so white and very impressive. Total distance around Salt Lake is close to 10km so bring water as there are no places to refill or buy.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten June 24, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,416 reviews
Excellent
594
Very good
468
Average
271
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64
Terrible
19
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Mariia
Kyiv, Ukraine11 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
At first we went there for a walk, but then realized that it would be much better to take bicycles (took them in sunny cycles rental not far from the lake). On bikes went to the mosque, then in opposite direction to the aqueduct. Road was good, partially covered by bike path. Also we saw many flamingos in the lake during the ride
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura L
Saint Cloud, MN28 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We are staying near the Salt Lake area and have enjoyed going for walks on the many natural and man made paths through the woods around the large lake area. It has been nice hearing all the different types of birds in the park area. It is clean and would be nice for families.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dominic M
1 contribution
Mar 2020
A beautiful natural amenity. Unfortunately the local authority do very little to keep the area clean. Walking from the airport side in the direction - and beyond - the mosque, one is taken aback by the amount of rubbish one sees discarded. A bathtub in the lake, builders waste materials elsewhere, and the final insult - two sofas, boxes of rotten fruit and miscellaneous other items deposited also.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
md1mm
Sheffield, UK1,630 contributions
Feb 2020
It is worth visiting in February to see the hundreds of pink flamingoes which make the lake their home in the Winter. If you have binoculars you will enjoy your visit a lot more.
In the edge of the North Lake is the picturesque Halal Teke mosque.
In the edge of the North Lake is the picturesque Halal Teke mosque.
Written March 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darcon
London, UK261 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The salt lake is best viewed in December ad that's when most of the salt crystals are replenished and visible. Also the flamingos are abundant in this month and its alot cooler with less crowds too, so I recommend visiting in December.
There's a walking trail around the lake which you can use to get back to the main city and also see more greenery.
The viewing location to see the flamingos was opposite the airport and diagonal to the aqueduct for the best views.
The salt itself was very interesting with different colours, white,sandy,pink and some black looking tar underneath a section also.
There's a walking trail around the lake which you can use to get back to the main city and also see more greenery.
The viewing location to see the flamingos was opposite the airport and diagonal to the aqueduct for the best views.
The salt itself was very interesting with different colours, white,sandy,pink and some black looking tar underneath a section also.
Written December 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rdella
Princes Risborough, UK1,912 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Loniker salt lake is situated about 2 miles from the airport. What is quite remarkable is that at certain times of year roughly December through to March they could be up to 20,000 flamingos on the lake. You’ll find very little information on the net about it and there are no signposts but if you drive round the lake you will spot them and you can walk down to the shore side to get a better view.
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin Dominic
Funchal, Portugal17 contributions
May 2020 • Couples
What should be a beautiful area is often spoiled by the amount of illegal dumping which takes place. Despite promises by the local authority to rectify the matter it continues to be used a dumping ground. One shouldn't be surprised really, Larnaca City itself is - apart from one or two historic buildings - a decaying mess of unsightly, decrepit buildings that should never have been allowed in the first place.
Written May 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sue R
Hastings, UK62 contributions
Sept 2021
I had a hire car so the lake was fairly easy to get to. It's huge! Visit the peaceful mosque Hala Sultan Tekke (remember to dress respectfully as it is a place of worship) on the shores of the lake. We went in late September so there was no water to be seen and the flamingos had not arrived but I still found it interesting. You are not allowed to walk on the lake itself but there is a path on the shore, take a stroll along from the mosque and see the different salt tolerant plants and their insects on the way. The lake is not dazzling white as the salt seems to be mixed with sand.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jole F
Lucca, Toscana, Italy924 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We went at the end of August, at a time when part of the lake had dried up, creating a surreal scenario. It feels like you're on a lake of snow/ice when in reality it's all salt. I recommend you go and visit it at sunset, the scenery is lunar-like and truly magical!
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boa_63
St. Petersburg, Russia1,239 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
The Larnaca Salt Lake is a network of four salt lakes. The largest lake is Lake Aliki, then Lake Orfani, Soros and Spiro. They form the second largest salt lake in Cyprus after Limassol.
The lake is home to 85 species of waterfowl whose migratory route passes through Cyprus.
The flamingos spend the winter months here eating shrimp.
In the winter months, the lake fills with water, and in summer the water evaporates, leaving a crust of salt and a haze of grey dust. According to legend, the salinity of the lake stems from Saint Lazarus' request to an elderly woman for food and drink. She refused, stating that her vines had dried up, to which Lazarus replied: "May your vines be dry and remain a salt lake forever."
Realistically, salt water penetrates through the porous rock between the lake and the sea.
Salt extracted here used to be one of the island's main exports.
PS, due to the cost of mining, stopped exporting salt in 1986.
The lake is home to 85 species of waterfowl whose migratory route passes through Cyprus.
The flamingos spend the winter months here eating shrimp.
In the winter months, the lake fills with water, and in summer the water evaporates, leaving a crust of salt and a haze of grey dust. According to legend, the salinity of the lake stems from Saint Lazarus' request to an elderly woman for food and drink. She refused, stating that her vines had dried up, to which Lazarus replied: "May your vines be dry and remain a salt lake forever."
Realistically, salt water penetrates through the porous rock between the lake and the sea.
Salt extracted here used to be one of the island's main exports.
PS, due to the cost of mining, stopped exporting salt in 1986.
Automatically translated
Written August 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI, We will be visiting at the end of October- are there any birds then to see? will the lake be dry?
Written October 3, 2022
Hi, is there any chance to see flamings now? What is the best time in a day to see them, in the morning?
Written November 10, 2019
Dejan M
Volkovo, Republic of North Macedonia
Currently im in Cyprus, so is there any chance to see the flamingos these days in Larnaka lake? has anyone been there recently?
Written October 29, 2019
Well, I actually saw them, with my son (so it was not a vision) It is obvious no1 should litter anywhere.
We have'nt seen much litter there luckily....
Shame I cannot post photo's of the flamingo's here, but you can look for my blog with the first part of my name.
Beautiful lake, hope it'll stay there long, and not be taken by ''developpers''.................
Written October 12, 2020
Are the flamingos likely to be there end Feb?
Written February 1, 2019
It depends if there is enough water there are still a few.Try late January early February
Written March 9, 2019
Are the flamingos likely to be there end Feb?
Written February 1, 2019
I think they should be as it is winter which is supposed to provide the rain to refold the salt lake!
Written February 15, 2019
No flamingos since the lake is empty during the summer! Birds in general seem to favor Larnaka but not sure about their presence in the lake in the summertime.
Written October 7, 2018
Where you can park the car nearby the salt lake?
Written January 8, 2018
There is small areas between road and lake where you can park your car.
Written February 6, 2018
Is the Lake dry in the end of september?
Written September 16, 2017
Is there any chance to see flamingos at the beginning of April? Whats the best spot for observation? I ll be greatful for any advice :)
Written March 22, 2017
Hi Anna, the best time to see Flamingos at the salt lake is late November to mid March. Last year we only had a few hundred but the year before was at least two thousand plus. There are many places to see the Flamingos try the airport side or the mosque area. Hope you get to see these awesome birds on your next visit. Glenn & Dawn (Larnaca)
Written July 30, 2017
Hello, we will be in Larnaka in the end of November. I wondering is there will be any flamingos and how to get to the lake without a car. Is there any public tranport or we can walk to there? Is it raining at the end of November? Regards,Teddy
Written October 29, 2016
Hi. As elena c said above you can walk to the lake if your hotel is near. Until now the weather is hot and no rain. I read that it will rain in a few days. Usually the weather in november is a bit cold and sometimes it rains. Not all days.... i fon t know if this is helpful.... long sleeves tshirts is a must. And hoodies. As far as the flamingos are concern i want to believe that they show up in november as usual. ALmost every year in november and on we are with our cameras ready for the best captures!!!! There is public transport. You can ask at your hotel reception. Have a nice trip. Hope you enjoy it!!!!
Written October 29, 2016
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