Larnaca - Salt Lake Límni

To the west of the town of Larnaca lies the Salt Lake, the haunt of migrant flamingoes from December to March.
The Salt Lake (1.2sq.mi/2.2sq.km), just off the airport road, is one of the most distinctive landmarks of the area.

In the winter it fills with water and attracts large numbers of migrating birds, including flamingoes, which form a blaze of pink as they gather in the center of the lake.

In the summer the water evaporates, leaving a crust of salt and a haze of gray dust.

According to legend, the lake's saltiness stems from St Lazarus' request of an old woman for food and drink. She refused, saying her vines had dried up, to which he said "may your vines be dry and be a salt lake forever more."

Another explanation is that the salt water penetrates the porous rock between the lake and the sea, making the water very salty.

The salt used to be one of the island's major exports, being collected by donkeys and carried to the edge of the lake to form huge pyramids. These days only 3,500 tons are collected each year.