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Larnaca Salt Lake

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Landmark
—°9
Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)

Weather…

The Larnaca Salt Lake is a complex network of four salt lakes with a total surface area of approximately 2.2 square kilometres. It is the second-largest wetland in Cyprus after the Limassol Salt Lake and holds the status of a Ramsar site of international importance. During the winter, the lake fills with rainwater, providing a vital habitat for up to 12,000 flamingos that spend the season here. In the summer, the water evaporates completely, leaving behind a thick crust of salt that was historically a major source of revenue for the island. On the lake's shores stands the Hala Sultan Tekke, one of the holiest mosques in the Muslim world, built in 1816 over the tomb of Prophet Muhammad's aunt. The lake's ecological balance is currently challenged by the proximity of Larnaca Airport and urban expansion.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141416192327303028242016
Rain mm7242231392116153071

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Larnaca Salt Lake is a nature reserve that can be visited for free at any time. Especially in winter and spring, when flamingos rest, it is a popular destination.
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Typical hours
The lake has no fixed hours - it is accessible around the clock. The best viewing time is early morning or late afternoon when the birds are active.
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Photography
Photography is very popular here - flamingos against the salt crust make fantastic images. A telephoto lens is helpful to avoid disturbing the birds.
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Time needed
A visit lasts about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how long you spend birdwatching. A longer stay is worthwhile if you want to experience the sunset.
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Combine with
The lake is on the outskirts of Larnaca and can be combined with a visit to Hala Sultan Tekke mosque. The city center with its seafront promenade is also nearby.
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Getting there
The lake lies right on the road to Limassol and is easily accessible by car or bike. Parking is available along the shore streets; buses also run nearby.
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Insider tip
Bring binoculars to watch the flamingos up close without disturbing them. The wind can be strong, so hold onto your clothing and gear securely.

Geography

Coordinates
34.89000, 33.60000

Facts

  • The lake was officially designated as a Ramsar wetland site in 2001.
  • Commercial salt harvesting at the lake only ceased in 1986.
  • Between 2,000 and 12,000 flamingos migrate to the lake every winter.
  • The lake bed sits approximately 1.5 metres below sea level.
  • Archaeological evidence shows settlement on the shores since the Late Bronze Age.
  • Hala Sultan Tekke is regarded as the fourth holiest site in Islam.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Larnaca LowlandsLarnaca Lowlands<1 km · EExplore →
Hala Sultan TekkeHala Sultan Tekke1 km · NWExplore →
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)Larnaca International Airport (LCA)3 km · NWExplore →
Bio Land ProductsBio Land Products4 km · SEExplore →
The Land of DreamsThe Land of Dreams4 km · EExplore →
Larnaka Promenade PlaygroundLarnaka Promenade Playground4 km · NEExplore →
Panagia Angeloktisti ChurchPanagia Angeloktisti Church4 km · WExplore →
Lucky Star ParkLucky Star Park5 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Larnaca Salt Lake (9)

Hala Sultan Tekke Excavation Site

Hala Sultan Tekke Excavation Site is an archaeological ruin area near the salt lake.

Hala Sultan Tekke

The Hala Sultan Tekke complex includes a mosque, mausoleum, cemetery, and living quarters.

🕒 Nov-Apr 08:30-17:00; May-Oct 8:30-19:30🆓

Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque

Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque is an Islamic place of worship near Larnaca Salt Lake.

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Alykes Larnakas

Alykes Larnakas is a protected area in Cyprus, preserving salt marshes and birdlife.

Kamares (Bekir Pasha) Aqueduct

Kamares (Bekir Pasha) Aqueduct is a historic water supply system from the Ottoman period.

Larnaca Salt lake

Larnaca Salt Lake is a lake in Cyprus, known for flamingos and salt extraction.

Public Amphitheater of Dromolaksia

The Public Amphitheater of Dromolaksia is an open-air stage for events.

Salt Lake Viewpoint

Salt Lake Viewpoint provides a view over Larnaca Salt Lake and its surroundings.

Pattichion Amphitheater

Pattichion Amphitheater is an open-air theatre in Larnaca for cultural performances.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When can you see flamingos here?
Flamingos typically winter here from November to March, when the lake has sufficient water.
What happens to the lake in summer?
In summer, the water evaporates almost completely, leaving behind an impressive white salt crust.
Is walking on the salt lake allowed?
Yes, in summer the dry crust is walkable, though sturdy footwear is recommended.
Are there attractions nearby?
Directly on the shore lies the famous Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, an important Muslim pilgrimage site.
How can you reach the lake?
The lake is located right next to Larnaca Airport and is easily accessible by car or bus.
Larnaca Salt Lake: where is it located?
Larnaca Salt Lake is located in Cyprus.
Larnaca Salt Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hala Sultan Tekke Excavation Site, Hala Sultan Tekke, Hala Sultan Tekke Mosque.
Larnaca Salt Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Nov.
Larnaca Salt Lake: why is it worth visiting?
The Larnaca Salt Lake is a complex network of four salt lakes with a total surface area of approximately 2.2 square kilometres.
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Nearby cities

Larnaca — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Larnaca
A coastal city with a palm-lined promenade and the international airport.
Latsia — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Latsia
Latsia is a suburb in the southeast of Nicosia.

History & landmarks

Choirokoitia — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
A UNESCO-listed Neolithic settlement featuring reconstructed circular dwellings that showcase life 9,000 years ago.
Kataklysmos — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Kataklysmos
The Festival of the Flood, celebrated grandly in Larnaca with waterfront activities.
Larnaca Castle — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Larnaca Castle
A medieval castle located at the southern end of the Finikoudes promenade.
Zenobia Wreck — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Zenobia Wreck
One of the world's top diving sites, a sunken ferry located off the coast of Larnaca.
Zygi Coastal Cliff — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Zygi Coastal Cliff
The coastal cliff near Zygi is a distinctive geological formation on the southern coast of Cyprus.

More places

Hala Sultan Tekke — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Hala Sultan Tekke
A prominent Islamic pilgrimage site located on the Larnaca Salt Lake.
Church of Saint Lazarus — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Church of Saint Lazarus
A historical Byzantine church in the center of Larnaca.
Choirokoitia — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Choirokoitia
One of the most important prehistoric sites in the eastern Mediterranean (UNESCO).
Larnaca Lowlands — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Larnaca Lowlands
The Larnaca Lowlands encompass the coastal plain around the city of Larnaca.
Larnaca International Airport (LCA) — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Cyprus's main international gateway, located on the outskirts of Larnaca.
Bio Land Products — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Bio Land Products
An organic farm and shop in the Larnaca district, producing a wide range of organic vegetables and fruits.
The Land of Dreams — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
The Land of Dreams
A unique playground and activity center in Larnaca, built with natural materials.
Larnaka Promenade Playground — Larnaca Salt Lake (Cyprus)
Larnaka Promenade Playground
A public playground located on the Finikoudes promenade, right next to the sea.