Larnaca Salt Lake Cyprus, Larnaca
Larnaca Salt Lake comprises of four salt lakes 3 of them interconnected.
The largest is lake Aliki followed by lake Orphani, lake Soros and lake Spiro. The total surface area of the lakes adds up to 2.2 km² and being just off the road leading to Larnaca International Airport is one of the most distinctive landmarks of the area.
It is considered one of the most important wetlands of Cyprus and is a specially protected area. The lake is the haunt of 85 species of water-birds with estimated populations between 20,000-38,000. It is one of the important migratory passages through Cyprus.
Flocks of birdwatchers gather to observe the blaze of pink from flamingoes as they gather in the centre of the lake during the winter months.
During the winter months the lake fills with water whilst in the summer the water evaporates, leaving a crust of salt and a haze of grey dust.
According to legend, the lake's saltiness stems from St Lazarus' request of an old woman for food and drink. She refused, claiming her vines had dried up, to which Lazarus replied: "may your vines be dry and be a salt lake forever more."
A more scientific explanation is that the salt water penetrates the porous rock between the lake and the sea, making the water very salty.
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