Akrotiri Salt Lake

Akrotiri Salt Lake is a large seasonal salt lake on the Akrotiri Peninsula, south-west of Limassol, Cyprus, and it is one of the island's most important wetlands for birds. The lake fills with rainwater in winter and gradually dries to a white salt crust in summer. In the cooler months, usually from November to March, it attracts large flocks of greater flamingos, along with ducks, herons, avocets, waders and other migrants, making it a rewarding stop for bird watchers and photographers. The area is part of a wider wetland system that includes nearby habitats on the peninsula, and it lies on a major migration route between Europe, Asia and Africa. There is no entrance gate or fee, and the lake is usually viewed from the road and from informal viewpoints along its edge. A visit takes one to two hours, depending on how long visitors watch the birds. Binoculars or a telephoto lens help, because the flamingos often feed some distance from the shore. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times, as the light is soft and birds are most active, and the lake is generally quiet at any time of day. Visitors should keep a respectful distance and stay on tracks, since the area is a protected site and part of it lies within a military zone, so signs should be followed. In summer the lake is dry and flat, with a bright salt surface and few birds, so it is less rewarding. The lake is about 10 km south-west of Limassol by car or taxi, and there is no bus. It pairs naturally with the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos ton Gaton on the same peninsula.