Kampia Mine Lake

Deep in the Nicosia District of central Cyprus, far from the sun-drenched beaches and tourist-packed resorts, lies a site that feels almost otherworldly: Kampia Mine Lake. Once a symbol of Cyprus' mining history, this now-abandoned site has transformed into a surreal landscape of reflective waters and raw beauty, attracting curious visitors, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Though it may not appear in glossy travel brochures, Kampia Mine Lake is a true hidden gem—offering a glimpse into the island’s industrial past, wrapped in the unexpected serenity of nature reclaiming its space.

Kampia was once part of Cyprus’ once-thriving copper mining industry, which dates back thousands of years. Mining in this area intensified during the 20th century, when several small-scale mines were opened to extract pyrite, copper, and other minerals. Kampia’s mine operated until around the 1970s, before being abandoned as resources dwindled and extraction became less economically viable.

What remains is a large open pit—now partially filled with rainwater and groundwater—forming a striking artificial lake. While its origin is industrial, the transformation over the decades has created a hauntingly beautiful place where rust-red rock, turquoise-blue waters, and silence reign supreme.

Kampia Mine Lake is not your typical lake. Its beauty lies in its contrasts:

• The color of the water is a vivid, almost unnatural shade of blue or green, depending on light conditions, mineral content, and the time of day.
• The surrounding rocks are tinted with deep red, orange, and ochre, stained by oxidized metals and minerals left over from decades of mining.
• The area is largely untouched, offering raw, rugged landscapes and a deep sense of solitude.

To photographers, it’s a dream: an apocalyptic yet strangely peaceful canvas that changes hues with the movement of the sun. To hikers and explorers, it’s a chance to see something entirely different from Cyprus’ usual scenery.

Because Kampia Mine Lake is an abandoned industrial site, it’s important to exercise caution:

• Swimming is not advised, as the water may contain high concentrations of heavy metals or other contaminants from the old mine.
• There are no official walking trails or safety barriers, so visitors should stay clear of steep edges and avoid unstable ground near the pit.
• Always wear proper footwear and bring water if you plan to explore the area on foot.

Despite its abandoned status, the site has become a popular spot for drone photography, geological enthusiasts, and travelers interested in Cyprus’ lesser-known corners.

Kampia Mine Lake is located near the small village of Kampia, approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Nicosia. The drive takes about 35–45 minutes and passes through some lovely Cypriot countryside.

• The road to the lake is not officially signposted, and GPS can be spotty, so some navigation skills and a sense of adventure are helpful.
• You’ll likely need to park and walk a short distance to reach the main pit and view the lake.

While it’s not a tourist-developed site, this rawness is exactly what makes Kampia special. It’s nature and industry in juxtaposition, with no ticket booths, fences, or visitor centers—just silence and scenery.#

A trip to Kampia Mine Lake can easily be paired with visits to:

• Kampia Village: A quiet, traditional village where you can enjoy a coffee and a stroll.
• Machairas Monastery: Just a short drive away, this 12th-century Orthodox monastery is one of the island’s most peaceful and spiritually significant sites, nestled in the Machairas Forest.
• Tamassos Dam and Reservoir: Ideal for walks and birdwatching, offering a totally different waterside experience.
• Fikardou Village: A UNESCO-listed village known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and scenic mountain setting.

Kampia Mine Lake is not for everyone. There are no tourist amenities, guided tours, or souvenir stands. But for the right kind of traveler—those drawn to off-the-beaten-path exploration, abandoned places, and natural beauty shaped by human history—it offers a rare kind of experience.

It’s a place where nature meets decay, where colors clash and reflect, and where you can feel like the only person on the island, standing in the wind, looking into the deep blue eye of a forgotten past.

Cyprus is full of sunlit beaches and ancient ruins, but its lesser-known landscapes—like Kampia Mine Lake—offer something equally powerful: a quiet, surreal reminder of the island’s layered story. Whether you're a photographer chasing unusual scenes, a hiker seeking solitude, or a traveler with a taste for the mysterious, Kampia rewards curiosity with beauty that's raw, real, and unforgettable