Φωτογραφίες

Alatsolimni Lagoon, Xerokambos, Crete.

Xerokambos is located 103km southeast of Agios Nikolaos, 47km south of Sitia and 69km east of Ierapetra. In Xerokampos the landscape is arid and truly eerie, characterized by bare rocks and steep mountains. The vegetation is limited to bushes and there are some places with a few olive groves. A small tourist destination has started developing during the last years, especially after the roads were paved with asphalt. Xerokambos is ideal for relaxing holidays and is not suggested for party animals. In the village you will find several rooms, mini markets and taverns. Here you will see a large dry lake next to the sea. You may not get very excited on summer, but if you come here in spring or in winter, you will understand why this is so important. In the winter
Alatsolimni (Salt Lake), as it is called, is flooded with water, forming a small lagoon. Thousands of microorganisms are developed here, making this an ideal refuge for hundreds of migratory birds that stop here waiting for the winds to abate. You might see herons, hawks and if you’re lucky …flamingos! Indeed, the best time to visit the area is in spring, when the lake is flooded and the wider area is covered by colorful blossoms. The area is also called Alykes by locals, due to the saltmines (alykes means saltmines), shaped by the shallow water.