When and where to see flamingos in Cyprus: a guide to the most picturesque viewing spots

Flamingos begin to arrive in Cyprus at the end of October, choosing the Salt Lake Aliki in Larnaca as their first stop. In November, their numbers increase as they spread to other wetlands, including the Akrotiri Salt Lake and water bodies in Oroklini and Paralimni.

The largest number of flamingos is observed from November to December — this is the best time to see flocks of pink birds. They usually stay on the island throughout winter and leave only at the beginning of March, heading to their nesting sites.

Main viewing spots
You can spot flamingos in several regions, but the most popular locations are the salt lakes of Larnaca and Akrotiri.

Larnaca Salt Lake (Aliki) — one of the most famous natural sites of the island. Located near the airport, it comprises four lakes — Aliki, Orphani, Soros and Spiro — with a total area of about 2.2 km². The lake is surrounded by hills, palm trees and the Hala Sultan Tekke mosque, making it particularly picturesque.

Akrotiri Lake, located near Limassol, is the largest on the island, covering about 10 km². It is a nature reserve with dunes, reeds and shrubland, home to dozens of endemic species.

Oroklini Lake — small, just 0.4 km², but valuable in terms of biodiversity. Both resident and migratory birds can be seen here.

Paralimni Lake, located near Ayia Napa and Protaras, is a seasonal lake and home to rare bird and reptile species. It is designated as an area of special environmental importance.

Tips for birdwatchers
The route from Oroklini (Larnaca) to Akrotiri (Limassol) allows you to visit most Cypriot salt lakes in a single day. However, remember: entering the lake bed and approaching flamingos is prohibited. It is best to observe them from a distance, avoiding noise.

The optimal time for photography is early morning or sunset, when the light is soft and the flamingos are active. On windy days, the birds often move to less accessible areas.

Bird lovers should check websites that track flamingo numbers in real time. Don’t forget to bring a binocular and a camera with a telephoto lens.

Conservation
2025 has set a negative record for the number of flamingos arriving in Cyprus. The situation has been affected by droughts caused by climate change and human activity — increasing urbanisation, noise and pollution around wetlands.

To protect the ecosystem, all major salt lakes on the island have been granted nature reserve status. Additionally, Cyprus is home to the organisation BirdLife Cyprus, dedicated to protecting and restoring wild bird habitats. Their website contains information about ongoing projects and volunteering opportunities.

Larnaca and Akrotiri lakes are part of the internationally significant Ramsar wetlands, while together with Oroklini Lake they belong to the Natura 2000 European network.

Flamingos have become a symbol of Cyprus — a part of the winter landscape that attracts tourists and photographers from all over the world. When the summer rush subsides, the island becomes a place of peaceful walks and encounters with these pink birds, the living decoration of Cyprus.