Alikes Salt Lake Tigaki
Witness vibrant flamingos at Alikes Salt Lake, a serene natural wonder near Tigaki, Kos. Enjoy delicious Greek food with breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best flamingo sightings
Alikes Salt Lake Tigaki
Best Time
Best flamingo sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness vibrant flamingos at Alikes Salt Lake, a serene natural wonder near Tigaki, Kos. Enjoy delicious Greek food with breathtaking views.
"What a wonderful hidden gem! The staff is super friendly, the view is breathtaking and the food is very tasteful."
Bring Binoculars! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant flamingos and other birdlife. Enhance your wildlife viewing experience!
Cash is King :money_with_wings:
Some tavernas prefer cash payments, so have some Euros handy for your meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Flamingo Spotting
Alikes Salt Lake
Witness vibrant pink flamingos wading in the shallow, shimmering salt waters. A photographer's dream!
Taverna Dining Experience
Surrounding the salt lake
Enjoy delicious Greek cuisine with breathtaking views of the salt lake and sea. Friendly service is a highlight.
Stelzenläufer (Avocets)
Alikes Salt Lake
Keep an eye out for elegant avocets with their distinctive upturned bills, often seen near the flamingos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Flamingos
Dining with a View
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Binoculars! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant flamingos and other birdlife. Enhance your wildlife viewing experience!
Cash is King :money_with_wings:
Some tavernas prefer cash payments, so have some Euros handy for your meal.
Capture the Colors :camera_with_flash:
The salt lake's hues are stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset. Don't miss the vibrant pinks and oranges.
Try the Lemonade :tropical_drink:
Many visitors rave about the homemade lemonade at the local tavernas. It's a refreshing must-try!
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Binoculars! :binoculars:
Essential for spotting distant flamingos and other birdlife. Enhance your wildlife viewing experience!
Cash is King :money_with_wings:
Some tavernas prefer cash payments, so have some Euros handy for your meal.
Capture the Colors :camera_with_flash:
The salt lake's hues are stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset. Don't miss the vibrant pinks and oranges.
Try the Lemonade :tropical_drink:
Many visitors rave about the homemade lemonade at the local tavernas. It's a refreshing must-try!
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You might want to walk around the lake's edge. Comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Alikes Salt Lake is a delightful natural gem praised for its stunning flamingo sightings and picturesque setting. Visitors rave about the friendly taverna staff, delicious food, and excellent value, often receiving complimentary treats. While some note a preference for cash payments, the overall experience is highly recommended for its beauty and hospitality.
"What a wonderful hidden gem! The staff is super friendly, the view is breathtaking and the food is very tasteful. We found this place by accident and ate a late lunch here. The Greek salad is one of the best we ate in the island, and one of the cheapest. The homemade lemonade is a must-drink. Chose a spot in the deck so you can overlook the salt lake and the sea. We'll be back for sure! 🧿"
Niki Van Parijs
"Just been here for lunch and to try some authentic gyros...we weren't disappointed. We were worried about the gluten aspect but the pitta is served on the side and we were able to ask for one without pitta.
The service was good, food was good, atmosphere was good.
Only (minor) let down was that they prefer a cash payment over card.
Will definitely be coming back though."
Pretash Patel
"Great place for lunch or dinner. Calm, with a lot of shade or sun, depends on what you like. Very friendly and courteous service. Delicious food, great homemade lemonade.
And at the end you will be given "on the house" something from coffee, shot or ice cream and plate with watermelon. You are serviced with excellence to the last minute. Absolutely valuable place to find and get in."
Michał Grotkowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Alikes Salt Lake is located near Tigaki on the island of Kos. You can reach it by car, scooter, or local bus. Many visitors rent a car or scooter to explore the island at their own pace. Parking is usually available near the tavernas surrounding the lake.
Yes, local buses that run between Kos Town and Tigaki often stop near the salt lake. Check the local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information on routes and timings.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from Tigaki beach to the salt lake, especially if you enjoy coastal scenery. The distance is manageable for most, and it offers a chance to see more of the local landscape.
Renting a scooter or a small car is highly recommended for exploring Kos, including the Alikes Salt Lake and nearby areas like Marmari. This gives you the flexibility to stop and admire the scenery whenever you wish.
While specific tours solely for the salt lake might be rare, many island tours of Kos include a stop at Alikes Salt Lake as part of a broader itinerary, often focusing on wildlife or scenic spots.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Alikes Salt Lake is a natural attraction and generally free to visit. You can wander around the lake and observe the wildlife without any entry fee.
As a natural habitat, the salt lake doesn't have official opening hours. It's accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and better viewing opportunities.
While there are no strict restrictions, it's important to be respectful of the natural environment and wildlife. Avoid disturbing the birds and refrain from littering. Stick to designated paths where available.
Swimming in Alikes Salt Lake is generally not recommended due to the high salt content and the lake's primary function as a wildlife habitat. The water can be very salty and may not be suitable for swimming.
No, there is no entrance fee for the tavernas. You can visit them to dine or have a drink and enjoy the views.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the most beautiful light for photography at Alikes Salt Lake. The soft light enhances the colors of the salt lake and the flamingos.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of the flamingos and other birds from a distance. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive landscape of the salt lake.
The viewing decks and the areas around the tavernas offer excellent vantage points. Walking along the lake's edge can also provide unique perspectives, but be mindful of the terrain.
Yes, the area around Alikes Salt Lake, including Tigaki and Marmari, features impressive street art. Keep an eye out for murals by local artists. 
Flamingos can be shy, so patience is key. Using a zoom lens and staying quiet will increase your chances of getting great shots. Early morning visits often yield calmer birds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The tavernas offer traditional Greek cuisine, including gyros, souvlaki, and fresh salads. Many reviewers highlight the delicious homemade lemonade and the generous portion sizes.
Most Greek tavernas offer vegetarian options like Greek salads, vegetable dishes, and sometimes vegetarian gyros. It's always best to ask the staff about vegan options or modifications.
Prices are generally considered fair and affordable. For example, a chicken souvlaki might cost around €9.50 and a large beer around €4.50.
Some tavernas may prefer cash payments over cards, so it's advisable to have some cash on hand.
Based on reviews, the Greek salad, gyros, and homemade lemonade are highly recommended. Many visitors also appreciate the complimentary extras like coffee, shots, or ice cream.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many of the tavernas surrounding the lake are family-friendly, offering simple, crowd-pleasing dishes like gyros and chicken souvlaki. The relaxed atmosphere and the novelty of dining with a view can make meal times enjoyable for everyone. Remember to bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water, as it can get quite warm, especially during the summer months.
📸 Photographers
A telephoto lens is essential for capturing detailed shots of the birds, while a wide-angle lens can capture the vastness of the salt flats and the surrounding scenery. Beyond the birds, the changing colors of the salt lake itself offer unique photographic opportunities. The patterns formed by the salt crystals and the reflections in the water can be mesmerizing. Don't forget to explore the nearby areas for street art, which adds another layer of visual interest to your portfolio.
🚶♀️ Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Visiting during the autumn to spring period maximizes your chances of seeing the largest flocks. Remember to bring binoculars to enhance your viewing experience and a good camera to capture the moments. Respecting the environment and maintaining a safe distance from the wildlife is paramount to preserving this delicate ecosystem. The serene atmosphere and the opportunity to observe nature undisturbed make this a truly rewarding destination.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife at Alikes Salt Lake
+1Beyond the iconic flamingos, the salt lake is also a haven for other wading birds. Keep an eye out for stelzenläufer (avocets), easily recognizable by their distinctive upturned bills, and various species of sandpipers and plovers. The shallow, saline waters provide a rich feeding ground for these birds. Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon often provides the best opportunities for observation, with softer light and potentially more active wildlife.
When visiting, it's crucial to maintain a respectful distance from the wildlife. Using binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens will allow you to observe the birds without disturbing their natural behavior. The salt lake's unique ecosystem is delicate, and visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and avoid leaving any trace of their visit.
Dining and Hospitality
The food at these tavernas is consistently praised for being delicious and well-prepared, with generous portion sizes that offer excellent value for money. Popular choices include the classic Greek salad, which some reviewers have called the best they've tasted on the island, and authentic gyros. The homemade lemonade is another standout item, frequently recommended as a refreshing accompaniment to any meal.
While the dining experience is largely positive, a minor point of consideration for some travelers is that cash payment may be preferred at certain establishments. It's always a good idea to have some Euros on hand to ensure a smooth transaction. Despite this, the overall consensus is that the tavernas offer a valuable and enjoyable dining experience, making them a must-visit when exploring the Alikes Salt Lake area.
Street Art Encounters
Travelers exploring the region have noted the presence of impressive street art, often featuring bold designs and creative expressions by local and international artists. These murals can be found on various buildings and walls, transforming ordinary spaces into open-air galleries. It's worth taking some time to wander through the streets of Tigaki and Marmari to discover these hidden artistic gems.
+1This blend of natural scenery and urban art creates a unique and multifaceted experience for visitors. It’s a reminder that beauty can be found in both the wild landscapes and the creative expressions of human culture. Keep your eyes open as you travel between the salt lake and the beaches; you might just stumble upon a captivating piece of art.
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