They are coastal saltwater lakes, and the Akrotiri Salt Lake is home to many rare and endangered species, some of which live only in Cyprus and only in that particular habitat. And who are the salt lake’s “stars” of the moment? The flamingos! They’re here from the Middle East to spend the winter in Cyprus’s warmer climate. I visited the Akrotiri Environmental Center, a special learning center for Cypriot schoolchildren and tourists, just to watch the flamingos through their fancy binoculars. The lake was ablaze with pink from so many flamingos, all wading slowly on their spindly legs, dipping their heads quickly beneath the water (without even a splash!) to snag tasty shrimp as snacks.
What better way to learn about Cyprus than to get outside and explore it with people from all over the world? That’s why I’m excited to have recently joined a hiking group made up of people from Cyprus, Russia, Britain, America, Sweden, Italy, and other countries— all living in or visiting Cyprus. We meet every weekend to explore a new trail. My first hike took me to the coast, and this week’s adventure took me to the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. Stay tuned for more about my future hikes. I can’t wait!
