THE SALT LAKE OF LARNACA



The first site of interest a tourist sees upon arriving is the Salt Lake .Depending on the weather conditions, the view is all the time changing. For instance when the salt lake has water, you can see the mosque reflected in the waters. The view is quite different if it is summer or autumn again.



The central salt lake in prehistoric times was a small gulf open to the sea. From 1700 B.C. it was a secure natural port in the service of the large prehistoric town next to the Hala Sultan Tekke. It was abandoned by its population at about 1050 B.C., around the time the fiord was closed. Following that, the natural port was destroyed and the central salt lake was formed.



Salt was valuable expensive prehistoric product of the lake, which was exploited to a high degree through the centuries till a few years ago. .





REMEMBERING THE PAST- 4 or 5 Years old then .

I have from my childhood, a misty recollection of locals from the nearby village of Aradipou, forming lines one behind the other for a mile or so. These locals were riding their donkeys and leaving for work early each morning, to come to the salt lake to collect the salt, and late in the afternoon making the same route back again to their homes to rest and get ready for the following morning. Huge sacks were hanging on both sides of their donkeys, and the animals walking slowly one behind the other.

Salt was piled like small mountains in the round area, and was exported to different countries.

While in a museum yesterday I came across a couple of photos showing these locals working. I was 4 or 5 then.



Salt is no more collected , ever since the airport has been there .   The most interesting thing however about this salt lake today is the migration of birds in winter.

Birds like flamingos, ducks, swans and various other flying species come here and turn the salt lake into a paradise.



Hunting of course is forbidden in this area, but walking through the interesting surroundings and enjoying the famous red sunsets of the spot, watching the birds or exercising is strongly recommended.  

*********Nature Trail of Larnaca Salt Lake ...Length 4 km (1 hr one-way)The lake has water from October to May. In summer the lake dries out, leaving a salt crust.Attachment:NATURAL TRAIL OF THE SALT LAKEThis trail has two starting points. The first is at the Kamares Aqueduct on the exit of Larnaca towards Limassol and the second is on Artemis Avenue towards the airport, 150 meters after the building of the District Judical Court .At this site, one can admire the migratory birds and the interesting plant life. It is here that the goddess Artemis – Diana and Aphrodite Astarte were worshipped. At this site one can admire the migratory birds life.The close connection of the area with these Goddesses can be felt especially during the ultra-red sunsets you can enjoy walking the trail.