Salt Lake Round Trip (20km) - Guided Bicycle Tour

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Larnaka Salt Lake, Artemidos Street, Larnaca Cyprus

Larnaca Salt Lake is a complex network of four salt lakes of different sizes to the west of the city of Larnaca. The largest is lake Aliki, followed by lake Orphani, lake Soros and lake Spiro. They form the second largest salt lake in Cyprus after the Limassol Salt Lake.

Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Hala Sultan Tekke, Tekke Road, Larnaca Cyprus

This historic mosque is located 3km west of Larnaka on the road to Kiti, on the main Salt Lake. After the Arab armies successfully landed in Larnaka in 648AD, the Holy Helper and aunt of Mohamed - Umm Haram - died at the site when she fell off her mule. Grand Khalif Moavia, who was taking part in the expedition, immediately ordered the construction of a mosque on the spot. The mosque was first renovated in 1816, and most recently in 2002 by UNOPS, when archaeological excavations also revealed that the site has been inhabited since Neolithic times, with some archaeologists believing that the tomb is a monumental monolithic tomb of the prehistoric period. Today, the mosque is the main Muslim pilgrimage site of Cyprus, and stands as one of the most important holy places of worship for Muslims, ranked immediately after Mecca, Medina in Saudi Arabia and Al Aksha in Jerusalem.

Pass By: Saint Lazarus Church, Larnaca Cyprus

Located in its own square in the town centre, the magnificent stone church of Agios Lazaros is one of the most remarkable examples of Byzantine architecture in Cyprus and lies over the tomb of the saint. Built by Byzantine Emperor Leo VI in the 9th century, the church was restored in the 17th century. Although the three domes and original bell tower of the church were destroyed in the first years during Ottoman rule, the gold-covered iconostasis has survived today and is a superb example of baroque woodcarving.

Saint Lazarus came to Cyprus after being resurrected by Jesus. He was ordained as Bishop of Kition by the Apostles Barnabas and Paul and lived in the town for 30 years. His tomb can be seen under the sanctuary. The saint is so revered that a procession is held in his honour eight days before Easter. During the procession, the icon of Saint Lazarus is carried through the streets of Larnaka.

Pass By: The Medieval Castle of Larnaka, Larnaca Fort, Piyale Paşa, Larnaka, Cyprus

Located at the end of the Foinikoudes promenade, the Medieval Castle of Larnaka (also referred to as Larnaka Fort) is believed to have been originally built during the Middle Ages, and took its present form during Ottoman rule, although there is some contestation regarding its origins.

Chronographer Florius Boustronius dates it to the years of Lusignan King James I (1382-1398AD), who built it to protect the harbour of the town. During the same time, the Genovese occupied Famagusta and the Lusignans had to develop another major port for the needs of their kingdom. 18th century sources insist that the castle was built by the Turks in 1625AD, even though a Turkish garrison was stationed there since 1570AD. Other references by travellers confirm that the castle was constructed before 1625.

After the end of the Ottoman era in Cyprus, the British converted the fort into a prison and it was used during the first years of their rule. The western chamber of the ground floor in the east was used for the execution of prisoners. The gallows - which must have been constructed in the room - were in use until 1948.

Pass By: Kamares Aqueduct, Lemesos Road close to the intersection with Estiadon street, Larnaca Cyprus

This beautiful 18th century aqueduct can be found on the road heading towards Lemesos in the area of Kamares, which takes its name from the distinctive arches (‘kamares’ in Greek).

An open-air sight, the aqueduct was built in the Roman style in 1746 by the Turkish governor of Larnaka, Bekir Pasha, who funded it out of his own sources to carry water to Larnaka from a source about 10km away. The aqueduct was abandoned in 1939 and its function replaced by modern pipes.

There are more than 20 arches still intact, and these are strikingly illuminated at night. A cobbled area with benches and a footpath allow you to enjoy the site of this monument, with the path linking up with Larnaka Salt Lake.

Pass By: Larnaca Salt Lake Trail, Salt Lake Hiking Trail, Larnaca, Cyprus

Located west of the city centre, this 4km trail has two main starting points; the first at the Kamares Aqueduct (on the exit of Larnaka towards Lemesos), and the second at the salt collection plateau (on Artemis Avenue towards the old airport, 150 metres after the District Judicial Court). Aside from the majestic migratory birds and the interesting plant life of the area, the Goddesses Artemis-Diana and Aphrodite-Astarte were worshiped at the site. A sanctuary, which no longer survives, existed in this area, and an elegant sculpture of Artemis - Diana was discovered here, with a copy now adorning the roundabout on Artemis Avenue. The close connection of the area with these Greek, Semetic and Roman Goddesses is mirrored in the ultra-red sunsets that can be enjoyed on the trail. This trail is also part of the European Walking Route E4.