Paralimni Lake

The lake of Paralimni is located in the eastern side of Cyprus, in the Famagusta province. It is an important wetland with rare species of flora and fauna of the island and is located between the villages Deryneia, Sotiras of Famagusta and Paralimni.

It covers an area of 5 square kilometers and it is the lowest point of Paralimni which took its name because it is by the lake and the residents have their homes around the lake. The lake of Paralimni is a natural cavity which gathers the rainwater from the surrounding areas and it is one of the nature reserves of the European Network NATURA 2000.

In 1893 due to excess humidity channels were opened for the rainwater to escape which led to the drying up of the biggest part of the lake. Nowadays the lake of Paralimni is enriched solely by rainwater runoff during the winter season, especially from the torrent Plati east of the lake, while during the summer it remains dry.

A magnet for nature lovers, Paralimni lake is dominated by halophyte species and it is a migratory station for more than 100 bird species that are hosted permanently or temporarily in the area, with most important species the Vanellus spinosus (Spur-winged Lapwing). Apart from birds the area is rich in reptile species like the Cypriot water snake Natrix natrix cypriaca which was firstly discovered in 1787 and now is an endangered species.

At the same time, workshops and information campaigns are organised for citizens about the importance of the biodiversity of the lake Paralimni.