Lambousa Fish Ponds

Cyprus


Right on the shoreline on Lapta's eastern edge, you can see three large square pools hewn out of the rock, and interconnected with water channels. The largest pond measures 27m by 14m. These curious features were the ingenious invention of the fishermen of the ancient town of Lambousa, as a holding tank for their daily catch to keep the fish as fresh as possible.

Founded by the Mycenian Greeks in the 12th century BC, Lambousa flourished during the Roman era when it was a busy harbour town. Not much of the ancient town itself remains but just inland, behind the fish ponds, the cliff is riddled with rock tombs and just to the west are the remnants of the ancient harbour wall.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Cyprus attractions

1. Escape Beach

2.74 MILES

This is one of Kyrenia’s best swimming beaches. It’s hugely popular and during summer you should get here early to find space. Swimmers should be mindful…

2. Karmi

4.6 MILES

The quaint village of Karmi (officially called Karaman, but still known as Karmi by everyone) is all traditional stone villas, whitewashed cottages,…

3. St Hilarion Castle

5.64 MILES

The full fairy-tale outline of St Hilarion Castle only becomes apparent once you’re directly beneath it. The stone walls and half-ruined buildings blend…

4. Agios Panteleimon Monastery

6.74 MILES

This monastery, dedicated to the healer Saint Panteleimon, was originally built in the 15th century, but completely renovated in 1770. Its wealth came…

5. Mavi Köşk

7.18 MILES

Probably the most eccentric sight in Northern Cyprus, Mavi Köşk (Blue House) was supposedly built by Paulo Paolides, lawyer to Archbishop Makarios III…

6. Horseshoe Beach

7.22 MILES

Horseshoe Beach has a lonely position at the eastern edge of the Koruçam Peninsula and the clear water here makes it great for swimming and snorkelling.

7. Greco-Roman Tombs

7.5 MILES

These ancient tombs, carved into the rock face, and usually partially obscured by parked vehicles, are thought to have been used in the Hellenistic and…

8. Archangelos Michael Icon Museum

7.51 MILES

The 19th-century Archangelos Michael Church, with its white bell tower rising up above the surrounding harbourside buildings, displays icons dating from…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "cyprus/lapta-lapithos/attractions/lambousa-fish-ponds/a/poi-sig/1568221/1330832",
      "destination": "Cyprus",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Cyprus",
      "position": "superzone"
    }