Red Lake in Cyprus: Why It Is Called Bloody

Red Lake, or Bloody Lake, is located near the village of Mitsero in the Nicosia district. The unusual reddish tint of the water is linked to former mines and the high content of minerals and metals in the ground. The lake became widely known after the 2019 criminal case, when the bodies of victims of a serial killer were found in flooded mines. Today, this place remains more of a gloomy landmark and an object of industrial history than a tourist area for leisure.

• What Red Lake Is
• The History of Bloody Lake
• Can You Visit the Lake
• How to Get There
• What to See Nearby
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Red Lake Is in Cyprus

The lake is located near former copper mines in the area of the village of Mitsero. The red color of the water is associated with the remains of mineral extraction and the high content of iron and other minerals.

There are several similar mining lakes in the Republic of Cyprus, but it was Bloody Lake that became the most famous because of the events of 2019.

The area around the lake looks unusual: red-brown soil, spoil heaps, rusty shades of water, and traces of old industrial infrastructure create an almost Martian landscape.

Why the Lake Is Called Bloody Lake

In 2019, in the flooded mines of Mitsero, police of the Republic of Cyprus discovered the bodies of several women and children. The investigation became one of the most high-profile criminal cases in the modern history of the country.

After that, the place began to be called Bloody Lake — «Bloody Lake». Despite its grim reputation, photographers, fans of industrial landscapes, and travelers interested in the island’s unusual places sometimes come here today.

At the same time, the area is not an official tourist site with developed infrastructure, and swimming in the lake is prohibited and dangerous.

Can You Visit Red Lake

Formally, the area does not belong to classic tourist zones, but you can drive to the lake on your own.

It is important to be careful: there are cliffs nearby, unstable ground, and remnants of old mining structures. It is not recommended to go close to the water or descend into the quarry.

The best time for a trip is morning or sunset, when the red shades of the soil and water are especially visible in photos.

How to Get to Bloody Lake

By Car

The easiest way is to drive from Nicosia. The trip to the Mitsero area usually takes about 40–50 minutes depending on the route.

Part of the road runs along dirt sections. After rain, the surface may be worse than usual.

If you are planning trips to unusual places in the Republic of Cyprus, you can compare car rental options via Localrent.

With a Tour

Bloody Lake is rarely included in standard tourist routes, but some private guides include the Mitsero area in trips to abandoned mines and unusual locations on the island.

You can view available excursions on Tripster or Sputnik8.

What to See Nearby

Not far from Mitsero there are old mining districts, villages in the central part of the Republic of Cyprus, and nature routes.

If you are interested in unusual natural places, you can also see:

• Avakas Gorge;
• Akamas Peninsula;
• Kamares Aqueduct.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Lake

Why is the water in the lake red?

The reddish tint is associated with the high content of iron and other minerals left after ore extraction.

Can you swim in Bloody Lake?

No. Swimming is prohibited and may be dangerous because of the water composition and the condition of the quarry.

Is it an official tourist attraction?

No. The lake does not have full tourist infrastructure, but the place is known among lovers of unusual locations and industrial landscapes.

Where is Red Lake located?

The lake is located near the village of Mitsero in the Nicosia district.

When is the best time to visit?

It is best to visit in the morning or closer to sunset: at this time, the red shades of the soil and water look the most vivid.