Best time to travel to Cyprus

Greater Flamingos in Cyprus

Take a great selfie with a gorgeous pink greater flamingo

Best time: November–March

Greater Flamingos
Greater Flamingos
Greater Flamingos
Greater Flamingos
Greater Flamingos

Rainy season in Cyprus brings in not only the low season but also thousands of migrating birds, making it the most favourable period for nature lovers. One of the most spectacular occasions is the annual stop of the greater flamingos on the south-eastern shores of Cyprus.

Some of the flamingoes first head to the Akrotiri Lake (also known as the Limassol Salt Lake) in November–December and wait until the water level of Larnaca Lake increases sufficiently.

Right after the rain starts filling the Larnaca Salt Lake with fresh water, these gorgeous pink birds land on its shores in search of food and rest. It is estimated that the number of Greater Flamingos may reach up to 20,000 individuals, depending on conditions. They wander around the surrounding area or fly in the sky in search of good spots to rest. By the way, sometimes greater flamingos cause troubles to local administration while staying around Larnaca, as the lake is located very close to its international airport and 3-kilogram birds can be dangerous for planes.

There are a few other lakes around Cyprus where greater flamingos can be spotted, such as Oroklini Salt Lake and Paralimni Lake.

Practical info

When can one see the Greater Flamingos in Cyprus?

The best time to spot Greater Flamingos in Cyprus is during the rainy season from November to March. The birds migrate to Cyprus during this time in search of better weather conditions and food. They can primarily be seen in Akrotiri Lake and Larnaca Lake in December and January to March, respectively, in significant numbers. Show more

Besides Akrotiri Lake and Larnaca Lake, are there any other places to see Greater Flamingos in Cyprus?

Apart from Larnaca Lake and Akrotiri Lake, Greater Flamingos can also be spotted in Oroklini Salt Lake, located north of Larnaca, and Paralimni Lake in the Famagusta region. However, Larnaca Lake has the most significant number of Greater Flamingos and is the perfect spot for birdwatching and exploring nature. Show more

How do Greater Flamingos cope with the rainy season in Cyprus?

Greater Flamingos in Cyprus survive during the rainy season by feeding on algae, crustaceans, and mollusks available in the saline lakes. They have long legs that enable them to wade through shallow waters to look for food in case of a rise in water levels. Furthermore, their beaks' bristles help filter contaminants, making them resistant to water-borne diseases. Show more

During the rainy season, how many Greater Flamingos are found in Cyprus?

The Greater Flamingo population in Cyprus during the rainy season varies every year, based on various environmental and weather conditions. The population can be as high as 20,000 individuals on average, one of the largest populations in Europe. Due to increased awareness around bird conservation and protection efforts, this population has steadily grown over the years. Show more

Do Greater Flamingos pose any danger to people in Cyprus?

The Greater Flamingos in Cyprus do not pose any harm to locals or visitors. While they often create problems for the local administration near Larnaca, which is located close to the airport, there is no record of any harmful interactions between the flamingos and humans. These non-aggressive creatures are known for their docile nature and are mainly interested in finding food and resting. Visitors are advised not to disturb their natural habitat and ecosystem, thus ensuring their long-term preservation. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin