Kos Salt Lake - Alikes Loop

This easy loop circles the Alykes (Alikes) salt lake wetlands on Kos’s north coast, a flat walk of about 4 km / 2.5 mi with essentially 0 m / 0 ft elevation gain. It’s ideal for a relaxed stroll, birdwatching, and sunset light on the lagoon—just plan for exposed sections with little shade and occasional muddy or salty crusted ground depending on season.

Getting to the start (nearest landmark / address-style reference)

The loop is typically started from the road between Tigaki and Marmari, right by the Alykes (Tigaki Salt Lake) wetlands. A reliable “pin” landmark to aim for is Family Farm Veroutas (Veroutas Family Farm), which sits on the Tigaki–Marmari road on the south side of the lake and is commonly referenced as having parking and a bus stop nearby. From there, you can pick up the perimeter tracks around the lagoon. (nostalgia.gr)

By car - From Kos Town, drive west/northwest toward Tigaki, then continue toward Marmari; the salt lake sits between these resorts and is reached by the main coastal road. Expect roughly 12–15 km (7.5–9.5 mi) from Kos Town depending on your exact start point. (kalimera-greece.eu)
- Park in informal pull-offs near the lake access points; be careful not to block farm gates or narrow shoulders.

By public transport - Kos has intercity buses (KTEL) linking Kos Town ↔ Tigaki ↔ Marmari. The most practical approach is to bus to Tigaki or Marmari and walk a short distance to the lake edge/perimeter paths (Tigaki is very close to the lake). Because timetables can be seasonal, check the current KTEL listings before you commit. (ktel-kos.gr)

If you’ll be navigating on-trail, load the loop in HiiKER before you arrive—mobile signal can be inconsistent around low-lying wetlands.

What the walk is like underfoot

You’ll be on a mix of packed dirt tracks, sandy sections, and rougher perimeter paths. Because this is a salt-lagoon system, conditions change a lot: - Winter–spring: more standing water and soft edges; expect muddy patches and occasional shallow flooding on low tracks. - Summer–early autumn: the lake can look more “dry” in places with salt crust and dusty, powdery margins.

Footwear: light hikers or trainers are fine in dry weather; after rain, shoes with a bit of tread help. Bring sun protection—the landscape is open and reflective, and the salt flats can amplify glare.

Route flow and key landmarks (approximate distances)

0.0–1.0 km (0.0–0.6 mi): settling into the lagoon edge From the roadside access near the south side of the lake, you’ll quickly get broad views across the shallow basin. Look for remnants and straight-edged embankments that hint at the area’s former industrial layout.

1.0–2.5 km (0.6–1.6 mi): the best birding stretches As you curve around the quieter sides of the lagoon, the habitat shifts between brackish pools, reedbeds, and salt-tolerant scrub. This is where you’re most likely to see waders feeding along the margins.

2.5–4.0 km (1.6–2.5 mi): returning via the outer track The final section stays flat and open, often with long sightlines to the coast and the resort areas. In breezy conditions, this side can feel cooler and more exposed.

Nature and wildlife to look out for

Alykes is known as a wetlands stopover for migratory birds, and it’s part of the Natura 2000 network (protected area) for its habitats and species value. (kos4all.com)
Depending on season, you may spot: - Flamingos (most famously in the cooler months, though sightings can vary year to year) (discoveringkos.com)
- Herons and other waders, plus mixed flocks during migration periods �