- Address: Artemidos Street, Larnaca, Cyprus
- Average depth: 1 m
- Area: 2.2 km²
We are surrounded by amazing places. Some of them are known from a historical point of view, others are interesting by their nature, others are of cultural value. A Larnaca salt lake corresponds to all three parameters. It is located next to the city of Larnaka and in Greek is called Aliki. You can see the Larnaca salt lake only for several months of the year. In hot weather, all the water evaporates, and the lake turns into layers of salt. At this time, Aliki is the only place in Cyprus where salt lies on the surface.
Origin of the lake
With the appearance of the lake an interesting legend is connected. It says that here, in Cyprus, lived Saint Lazarus. And in place of the lake in those days were lush vineyards. One day Lazar passed by them and, exhausted by thirst, asked the landlady for a bunch of grapes to quench his thirst. But the mean woman answered with a refusal, saying that she had not grapes in the basket, but salt. Enraged by the greed of the woman, Lazarus cursed this place. Since then, there is a salt lake of Larnaca.
By the way, scientists, although they do not take seriously this version of the origin of the lake, can not come to a common opinion on this matter. Some of them believe that on the site of the lake there used to be a sea bay, but later a part of the land rose and a salt lake formed. Others believe that under the lake there are huge reserves of salt, which, thanks to torrential rains, are washed out. And still others suggest that salt enters the lake through the underground waters from the Mediterranean.
Extraction of salt
The extraction of salt on this lake has long been a driving force for the economy of Cyprus. The Venetians, ruling on the island in the XV-XVI centuries, left behind a lot of documents, which testify that the sale of salt took on simply grandiose proportions. Each year more than seventy ships left the island, loaded with salt from Larnaka Lake.
The extraction of salt began in a dry time, when the water evaporated from the lake. Use at least some equipment for the extraction of salt did not allow the silt that surrounded the lake, so all the work was done only with the help of shovels and human hands. The extracted salt was piled into large heaps - so it was stored for several days. After that, it was loaded and sent to the island on donkeys. On the island, she had to dry for another year on the shore.
A place of pilgrimage and a house for birds
Larnaca salt lake is known not only for its rich salt deposits. On its shores is one of the most revered shrines in Islam - the mosque of Hala Sultan Tekke , in which the aunt of the Prophet Muhammad Umm Haram is buried. Not only Muslims, but also representatives of any other faith can visit the mosque.
In winter, when salt is hiding under the water, here, on the salt lake of Larnaca, you can observe the amazing: thousands of migratory birds fly to the lake. Swans, wild ducks, pink flamingos - who are not here. This is how a beautiful transformation of lifeless salt layers into a mirror smooth surface filled with life and colors.
Salt Lake is an important landmark of the city, it will be interesting to look at all, and it can be done not only as a part of the excursion group, but also independently . Moreover, tourists feel no less comfortable here than migratory birds. Along the lake for them are made special paths, on which there are benches. They can relax and admire the lake.
How to get there?
The easiest way to get to the lake is by renting a car . From Larnaca, you need to go to the airport on the highway B4. From Limassol and Paphos, you need to go along the A5 or B5, then drive to A3 and turn left onto B4. Another option to get to the lake is a taxi, as public transport does not reach here.
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