Kamares to the Aliki... with your dog

18th Century Ottoman Aqueduct (the so-called Kamares or Arches)

After almost a year of driving by the impressive Kamares Aqueduct, and talking about exploring the paths that begin from here, we finally stopped there on a cold Sunday, a few weeks back. The Aqueduct was built during the 18th Century, under one of the Ottoman governors of Cyprus - Abou Bekir Pasha - to bring water from the area of the Tremithos-Kiti dam, to Larnaca (or Kition as it was then called). 

Path from Kamares towards the Aliki lake

This water system ran for 15km, 8 of which was along underground channels, 7km along substructions and arcades (such as the Kamares). 3 series of arches remain from this aqueduct; those pictured here are just south of the Kamares neighbourhood of Larnaca. I found this information on the Kamares very useful.. 


From this point you can either follow the path at the north end of the arches, which leads to the Hala Sultan Teke mosque and on to Larnaca Airport, or take the path at the southern end, which ends at a small parking area near the Patticheio park.

On this particular Sunday we chose the path that leads to Patticheio. It is a 4km route (so 8km if you don't have somebody to collect you at the other end).

There were a few people out and about, some with children, so we had to keep grabbing hold of Sage and holding her out of the way. But there is plenty of space along the way for throwing sticks, watching your dog disappear off into muddy rivers and over-your-head high grasses.

Like almost all dogs, Sage always enjoys going somewhere new, discovering all the unfamiliar smells of an area. She seemed to really enjoy this walk, running off either side of the path to see what was around. As this is quite a common spot for dog walkers, I suppose there are lots of smells to interest a dog...

The length of the walk was just about right for Sage too, although during the summer months we all would have suffered a bit as there is very little shade until you reach the area near Patticheio.

Do carry your own water if you're walking here in summer.

The path has distance markers, which is useful for runners too.

After 2-3km passing through marshlands around the edge of the lake, you reach the lake proper (on your right), and you can spot the Hala Sultan Teke in the distance on the other side.  This part of the path gets more shaded, with woodland areas. There is even a hide for bird watching (the famous flamingos if you're lucky enough to be there in winter/spring).

After 4 kms, you reach a part of the lake that has information boards about the historical salt industry that used to flourish in the area. There is a parking area, sometimes a van to buy drinks, bins for dog mess etc. We met a few other dog walkers around this point, and it seems quite a popular evening spot for dog walks. 

View of Hala Sultan from the other side of the Aliki

Dog bins and bags at the parking area at the end of the path

Family portrait