Kinousa Mine Lake
Hidden in the hills above Polis Chrysochous, near the village of Kinousa in the Paphos district, lies one of Cyprus’s most hauntingly beautiful places—Kinousa Mine Lake. What was once a busy copper mine is today an abandoned site of striking contrasts: turquoise waters glimmering against rust-colored rocks, nature slowly reclaiming the scars of industry, and silence broken only by the wind and the occasional bird.
A Forgotten Landscape
The lake was formed when an old open-pit mine filled with rainwater and groundwater after operations ceased decades ago. Like many of Cyprus’s abandoned mines, the water is laced with minerals, giving it its vivid color. Depending on the light, the surface shifts between aquamarine, jade, and deep emerald—a surreal sight against the ochre slopes of the pit walls.
The mine itself once extracted copper, part of the island’s long history with this precious metal. Cyprus’s very name is thought to come from Kypros, the ancient word for copper, and Kinousa’s pit is a reminder of that heritage. Where miners once worked in noise and dust, there is now a strange stillness, the machinery gone, the earth eroded into raw shapes and textures.
What to See and Do
The lake view
The highlight, of course, is the water itself. From the rim of the old mine you can look down at the lake—an otherworldly mirror set inside the scarred earth. The steep sides make it unsafe to approach closely, but even from above the effect is dramatic.
Photography
For photographers, this is a dream location. The colors are intense, especially in late afternoon light when the sun casts long shadows and makes the lake glow. Rusting remnants of mining activity and the raw geology around the pit add to the scene’s eerie charm.
Walking in Kinousa village
Combine your visit with a stroll through Kinousa itself, a small hillside village with narrow lanes, stone houses, and views across Chrysochous Bay. The contrast between the tranquil village and the industrial relic just outside it is part of the experience.
Nature taking over
What’s most fascinating about Kinousa Mine Lake is watching how nature reclaims abandoned spaces. Wild plants have crept into the slopes, and birds circle overhead. Though the water itself isn’t safe for swimming or fishing due to its mineral content, the surrounding landscape tells a story of resilience.
Practical Tips
- Getting there: Kinousa is about a 15-minute drive from Polis Chrysochous. A car is essential, as the lake sits just outside the village in an area not served by public transport.
- Safety: Do not attempt to enter the mine pit or swim in the lake. The sides are unstable, and the water contains chemicals from its mining past. Enjoy it from a safe viewing point.
- Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low, brings out the richest colors in the lake and landscape.
- Pair it with: A visit to nearby villages like Peristerona or Meladeia, or a drive down to Polis and Latchi for lunch by the sea after exploring the hills.
A Place Between Past and Present
Kinousa Mine Lake is not a polished tourist attraction—it’s raw, uncurated, and haunting. That’s what makes it so compelling. It tells the story of Cyprus’s deep connection to copper, the rise and fall of rural industry, and the way nature eventually covers human scars. Standing at the edge of the mine, gazing down at the green-blue water, you feel a mix of awe and unease: beauty born of abandonment.
For those who like their travel experiences a little off the beaten path, Kinousa Mine Lake is a reminder that not all wonders are manicured—some are hidden in forgotten corners, waiting quietly to be found.
