Kouris Dam

Tucked into the picturesque foothills of the Troodos Mountains near the village of Ypsonas, Kouris Dam stands as the largest dam in Cyprus — and one of the island’s most significant engineering achievements. More than just a massive water reservoir, it’s a vital lifeline for the island’s water supply, an environmental haven, and a tranquil destination for visitors seeking to escape the crowded coastal zones.

Kouris Dam was officially completed in 1988 as part of Cyprus’s ongoing efforts to combat droughts and seasonal water shortages. The need for a large-scale water management system became especially urgent during the severe droughts of the 1970s and 1980s, which threatened agriculture and domestic water use alike.

Located near the village of Alassa in the Limassol District, the dam was designed to harness the waters of three rivers — the Kouris, Limnatis, and Kryos — diverting their combined flow into a single reservoir. With a capacity of 115 million cubic meters, it not only dwarfs all other dams on the island but also plays a critical role in supplying water to the cities of Limassol, Paphos, and parts of Nicosia.

Its creation, however, came with sacrifice: the original village of Alassa had to be relocated, as the old site was submerged to make way for the reservoir. Today, remnants of the old village can occasionally be spotted when water levels drop during dry years.

Kouris Dam has quietly become an oasis for both wildlife and people. The surrounding area supports a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, including migratory birds that use the reservoir as a resting spot during seasonal journeys. Birdwatchers flock here in winter and spring to spot species like herons, cormorants, and flamingos.

The dam's calm waters and scenic vistas have also made it a favorite among nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. While swimming and fishing are generally restricted due to the dam’s role in water supply, the area offers peaceful walking trails and plenty of quiet corners for a picnic or some mindful solitude.

The relocated village of Alassa, just above the dam, is a charming stop for those wanting to explore rural Cyprus. Archaeologists have discovered remains of an ancient palace nearby, believed to date back to the Late Bronze Age, pointing to the area’s historic significance long before modern infrastructure transformed the landscape.

Not far from the dam, you can also explore traditional villages like Lania — an artist’s village filled with cobbled streets, galleries, and preserved stone houses — or head higher into the Troodos Mountains for forest trails and panoramic views.

Kouris Dam is closely tied to Cyprus’s climate extremes. In dry years, it shrinks dramatically, revealing submerged buildings and parched banks — a stark reminder of the island’s ongoing battle with water scarcity. But during particularly wet winters, the dam reaches capacity and overflows — a rare event that draws crowds from all over Cyprus to witness the spectacle.

The last major overflow occurred in 2019, and it was widely celebrated. Social media buzzed with images of gushing spillways and overflowing banks. For many Cypriots, this event isn’t just about the water — it’s symbolic of abundance, renewal, and collective relief.

• Location: About 15 km northwest of Limassol, accessible by car via the B8 highway toward the Troodos Mountains.
• Best time to visit: Winter and early spring for full water levels and birdwatching; autumn for cool hiking weather.
• Facilities: No large tourist infrastructure exists directly at the dam, so bring your own snacks and water. There are shaded areas and some informal walking paths around the dam.

Kouris Dam might not be on every tourist itinerary, but it deserves more attention. Whether you’re drawn to its natural beauty, its story of human ingenuity, or the quiet serenity of its surroundings, the dam offers a refreshing alternative to Cyprus’s more crowded beaches and resorts.

For locals, it’s a symbol of resilience. For travelers, it’s an off-the-beaten-path destination that reveals a different, quieter side of the island — one shaped by nature, necessity, and time.