Kournas Lake Crete

Kournas Lake, in addition to being an interesting naturalistic stop, can also be considered a valid alternative to the classic day on the beach.

Located about five kilometers southeast of Georgioupoli between the province of Chania and Rethymno, (they are 20 kilometers inland from the city of Rethymno) the Kournas lake nestled in a valley, is the only natural source of fresh water in Crete island as sustained as it is supported by underground waterways and streams from the White Mountains (Lefka Ora in Greek) and the hills that surround it, because of the massive rocky stratification they cannot reach the sea.

Its size is about 1100 meters and its maximum depth reaches it in the center with a height that varies between 20 and 30 meters according to the seasons and the flows of water that are controlled by an artificial dam built in the area in 1962.

An environment that goes from olive groves to mountains with small beaches on the banks where you can relax and take a bath in the beautiful transparent, clean waters that look more like a tropical oasis rather than a lake and with colors that change from light blue to intense blue always for the phenomenon of water capacity.

It is a protected area as a natural habitat for many aquatic species and birds that find refuge in the thick vegetation such as cormorants, sea hens, herons, ducks, the very rare spotted shell turtles, eels (one of the reasons he is very famous for) and water snakes.

The rather small beaches are almost all equipped with a few sunbeds and umbrellas, while in some places they are completely free. You will have the opportunity to rent canoes, pedal boats and kayaks (cost more or less 7/8 € per hour) to explore the lake. As for the "culinary" part, there is no problem you will find snack bars for a quick snack and some taverns where you can enjoy a full lunch.

A beautiful legend revolves around the lake and is the one that tells of a farmer who on an ordinary day went to work with his daughter. In a moment of rest while the girl combed her beautiful long blond hair, the father had animal instincts and tried to abuse her. The young woman terrified and incredulous of what her father was about to do to her, screamed asking for help from the Gods who, listening to her prayer, made the earth sink, thus generating the lake, swallowing it and saving her from an atrocious experience. Many locals still claim to see a girl calmly combing her hair over a rock on the edge of the lake.

A place with crazy colors, hidden, little known by tourism where, however, you can discover an equally fascinating part of Crete, beautiful and perfect especially when the wind blows on the coast making the day at the beach not exactly so pleasant.Before arriving at the lake you can stop following the uphill road near a panoramic terrace where you can take a photo worthy of a travel magazine cover.

The ideal is to have your own rental vehicle so you can take advantage of making an itinerary including perhaps other interesting places to visit. Head south of Rethymno inland, and follow the signposts. Attention to a center point you will find a sign with written parking for the lake but remember that it is not quite so close to the lake you will have to take a walk to really reach it. Better to try to continue as you find another much closer and above all free.

Here at Lake Kournas there are all the conditions for a perfect and different day so 'if you can put it on the list of things to see in Crete, it will be a pleasant surprise and a very different day.