Cyprus lies on the migration route of birds travelling between Europe, Africa and Asia. During the winter months, the island becomes a popular overwintering spot for migratory birds. Flamingos, among others, have found their way to Cyprus, drawn by the island’s large salt lakes. In summer, these lakes often dry up, but in winter, they fill with water, creating ideal conditions for feeding. The salty, shallow waters become rich in algae and brine shrimp; true delicacies for flamingos! There are several places in Cyprus where you can spot flamingos between roughly November and March. If you’re visiting Cyprus in autumn, be sure to check one of these spots to see if they’ve already arrived.
Larnaca Salt Lake
One of the most popular places in Cyprus to spot flamingos is Larnaca Salt Lake. If you’re flying into Larnaca in winter, you might even catch a glimpse of flamingos from the plane, as the salt lake is located right next to the airport. Larnaca Salt Lake is made up of four smaller lakes that together form the second largest salt lake in Cyprus. Combined, they cover an area of around 15 km². It’s no surprise that there are several great viewing points around the lakes where you can see large flocks of overwintering flamingos.
Part of the Larnaca Salt Lake is lined with a walking path called the Salt Lake Hiking Trail, which is clearly marked on Google Maps. Many people consider this the best spot at Larnaca Salt Lake for flamingo watching. Another good spot is near the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque. There’s free parking here and it’s just a short walk to the edge of the lake.
Limassol Salt Lake / Akrotiri Salt Lake
Limassol Salt Lake, also known as Akrotiri Salt Lake, is another large salt lake on Cyprus where you can spot flamingos during the winter months. It is the largest salt lake on the island, and reportedly, it’s home to the largest flocks of flamingos. There are several places around the lake where you can park your car and walk towards the water’s edge.
Another option is to visit the Akrotiri Environmental Education Centre, located on the southern side of the Limassol salt lake. At this nature center, you can learn more about flamingos and other migratory birds. There are binoculars set up, allowing you to observe the flamingos from a distance. Entry is free, but keep in mind that the center is only open in the mornings on weekdays.
We parked our car not far from the Akrotiri center, along the edge of the lake. We had to walk a bit towards the water’s edge, squeezing through the bushes. The ground is quite clayey, so don’t wear your best shoes. The low bushes, which are submerged under water for much of the winter, have tough branches and can be sharp. They could easily scratch your legs! If you’re not up for this, the aforementioned nature center or the Larnaca Salt Lake with its walking paths might be a better choice for flamingo spotting in Cyprus.
