Kournas Lake

There is a lake in Crete with an imaginary scenery and the charm of an otherworldly trill and a fairy tale reflected in the crystal clear waters and magical colors. Kournas lake is lying in a green valley, at the feet of White Mountains, about 4 km from Georgioupolis, between Chania and Rethymno in west Crete. Its peace, serenity and free from civil disturbance environment eliminates everything around you.

The only lake of the island of Crete is included in the Natura 2000 protection network. Kournas lake plays an important role for the local ecosystem with abundant fresh water throughout the year and water level that fluctuates with the seasons for hosting watercourses, ducks, eels, waterfowl and a rare species of turtles. Its light turquoise water colour around and very dark in the middle, was the occasion to create the local legend that the lake has no bottom. At Kournas you can eat at the tavernas around the lake and enjoy the lovely view and we recommend to try the “apaki” (smoked pork), the famoys local specialty. The beautiful village of Kournas, is only 10 minutes drive south of the lake. Lake Kournas is an oasis of natural beauty worth to visit and explore. The crystal and cool waters are ideal for diving and the lake's green landscape for exploring by riding a water bike. The relaxing and peaceful environment on the lake edge makes a perfect relaxing location listening to nothing but the lake and the birds. Who can resist such a mesmerizing attract like the thrill of a fairy living underneath with long faded hair that when it rises on the surface and the sunlight falls on them, they look like gold...