Lake Kournas: Crete’s Only Freshwater Lake – Visitor Guide

Lake Kournas is Crete’s only natural freshwater lake – a Natura 2000 protected wetland near Georgioupolis, home to Diamondback Terrapins, herons, cormorants, and eels. Set 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) inland from the Cretan Sea at the foot of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori), the lake is a 45-minute drive from Chania, 25 minutes from Rethymno, and roughly 1 hour from Heraklion International Airport (HER) – the most popular freshwater day trip on the island. Visitors swim in clear shallow water, spot wild turtles, rent pedalos (~€10 ($11.48, £8.48)/hour), and eat at lakeside tavernas.

Practical note: Lake Kournas is a protected natural area (Natura 2000). Camping on the lake shore is prohibited. Pedalo and kayak pricing (~€10 ($11.48, £8.48)/hour) is based on 2025 rates reported by visitors and may vary by season. The walking circuit is only partially navigable after winter rains – check conditions locally before visiting.

What Is Lake Kournas?

Lake Kournas is Crete’s only natural freshwater lake – a Natura 2000 protected wetland covering 579,000 m² in the Apokoronas region, 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) inland from Georgioupolis. The name comes from the Arabic word koráni (“mirror”), reflecting the way the lake’s still surface mirrors the sky and the surrounding White Mountains. In ancient times, it was known as Lake Koressia (Korisia).

Key Facts at a Glance

Wildlife: Turtles, Birds, and Eels

Lake Kournas shelters a diverse freshwater ecosystem: Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), herons, cormorants, moorhens, eels, water snakes, and large goldfish populate its waters. The lake also supports rare aquatic plants, earning full Natura 2000 protection.

The lake’s avifauna makes it one of the best birdwatching spots in western Crete – bring binoculars and arrive at sunrise for the highest activity. Diamondback Terrapins are most visible in the morning, basking on rocks and submerged branches along the south shore. The goldfish are an introduced species – likely escapees from nearby ornamental gardens – and have established a self-sustaining population that adds an unusual splash of orange to the shallows.

The Legend of Lake Kournas

Two versions of the Kournas myth exist: one features a young woman who cursed the valley into becoming a lake, the other tells of divine punishment – and locals still report sightings of the legendary maiden.

Version one: A water nymph – once the daughter of a villager – sat with her father at the spot where the lake now lies. The father, struck by her beauty, approached her with ulterior motives. The terrified daughter cried out: “Sink, lake, sink – and I am a spirit in the lake!” The lake spirits heard her, the ground shook, and the valley sank into water. The maiden took refuge in its dark depths.

Version two: God grew angry with the wicked people of the area and sank the earth to drown them. The priest’s daughter was the only survivor – she became a fairy who, to this day, sits on a rock and combs her hair on the lake’s surface.

Locals still claim the mythical lady appears at Kournas Lake, occasionally seen sitting in the middle of the water. Local tradition also holds that the lake has no bottom – a myth the actual 22.5-metre maximum depth does little to dispel. Some sources connect the area to the ancient settlement of Korion, said to have housed a Temple of Athena, though physical evidence is fragmentary.

Where Is Lake Kournas?

Lake Kournas lies in Apokoronas, western Crete – 47 kilometers (29.20 miles) east of Chania and 2 kilometers (12.43 miles) west of Rethymno, at the foot of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori). It anchors the Apokoronas landscape, flanked by the White Mountains to the south and terraced olive groves to the north. The lake sits between the village of Kournas and the resort town of Georgioupolis, 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) inland from the Cretan Sea.

How Far Is It from Chania, Rethymno, and Heraklion?

How to Get to Lake Kournas?

From Chania: take the E75 east, exit at Georgioupolis, then follow signs 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) inland – about 45 minutes by car, with free parking on arrival. Lake Kournas has no direct KTEL bus stop; renting a car or joining a guided day tour is the only practical way to reach it. For tips on the wider route, see our guide to driving in Crete.

1. From Chania – Take the E75 National Road east toward Rethymno.
2. From Rethymno – Take the E75 National Road west toward Chania.
3. Take the Georgioupolis exit – clearly signed from both directions.
4. Follow signs to Lake Kournas – the inland road from Georgioupolis is well-marked, narrow but paved, and reaches the lake in about 6 minutes.
5. Drive carefully – the final 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) includes one or two narrow sections where you may need to slow for oncoming vehicles.
6. Park at the designated lot – free parking is available next to the main lakeside tavernas and pedalo rental dock.

Is Lake Kournas Accessible by Car?

Yes – Lake Kournas is fully accessible by car along clearly signed paved roads. From Chania, drive 39 kilometers (24.23 miles) east on the E75/A90 national road, exit just after Georgioupolis village, and follow the inland road 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) to the lake. From Rethymno, drive 2 kilometers (12.43 miles) west and take the same Georgioupolis exit. A standard compact rental car handles the route comfortably; no 4×4 is required.

Parking at Lake Kournas

Free parking is available next to the main approach road. As you descend toward the lake, the parking area is on your right – adjacent to the row of lakeside tavernas. Spaces fill up quickly between 11:00 and 16:00 in July and August, so arrive before 10:30 in peak season. Outside summer, parking is rarely a problem.

Things to Do at Lake Kournas

Lake Kournas offers swimming in shallow freshwater, pedalo rental (approx. €10 ($11.48, £8.48)/hour), wildlife watching, lakeside tavernas, and hiking trails – all within a single day trip. Plan on 2–4 hours for a relaxed visit, or a full day if you combine it with Georgioupolis beach and a taverna lunch.

Swimming

Swim from the sandy southern beaches between April and October. The shoreline is shallow (under 1 m for the first 10–15 m), making it ideal for families with children. The water is calm – no currents, no waves, no tides. Water temperature ranges from 18°C in spring to 24°C in late summer. Note: swimming is restricted in the nature preserve on the southwest shore.

Pedalo and Kayak Rental

Pedalo rental costs approximately €10 ($11.48, £8.48) per hour – boats depart from the lakeside operators near the main parking area. Kayaks are available at similar rates. A pedalo is the single best way to spot turtles (the boats can drift silently into shallow rocks where Diamondback Terrapins bask) and to see the White Mountains reflected in the deeper centre of the lake. Life jackets are provided. Operators run April through October.

Hiking and Walking Trails

A walking trail follows part of the lake shore, but a complete circuit is not always possible – after winter rains, water levels rise and the path floods on the eastern side. For a reliable route, head to the nature preserve on the SW shore (the easiest 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles) section) or take the rustic track north toward the hills on the western bank. The trails accommodate hikers of all experience levels; the full perimeter is approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.17 miles) when the water level allows.

Wildlife Watching

Bring binoculars. Lake Kournas hosts an unusually rich wildlife mix for a small Mediterranean lake:

• Diamondback Terrapins – bask on rocks along the south shore, mostly visible morning and late afternoon.
• Birds – herons, cormorants, moorhens, ducks, kingfishers, and migrating waders in spring and autumn.
• Eels – in the deeper water near the centre.
• Water snakes – harmless, occasionally seen swimming near the surface.
• Goldfish – introduced and now abundant, easy to spot from a pedalo.

The dark patch at the lake’s centre is caused by algae growth in the deepest water, not by any geological feature – a small ecological signal the lake’s caretakers monitor.

The Fish Pedicure Experience

One unexpected highlight at Lake Kournas: stand barefoot in the shallows, and small fish painlessly nibble dead skin from your feet – the same “fish pedicure” treatment that tourist shops charge €15 ($17.22, £12.71)–€25 ($28.70, £21.19) for elsewhere. It is free, harmless, and works best at the sandy southern beaches in summer when the water is warm. Children find it both ticklish and fascinating.

Where to Eat Near Lake Kournas?

Five tavernas operate directly on or near the lake shore, serving Cretan cuisine with lake views – Georgia’s Traditional Taverna is the closest, 3 minutes from the water. All offer outdoor seating with mountain or lake views; expect main courses €8 ($9.18, £6.78)–€18 ($20.67, £15.26).

Where to Stay Near Lake Kournas?

Accommodation near Lake Kournas clusters around Georgioupolis beach (4 kilometers (2.49 miles) from the lake), ranging from boutique adults-only hotels to all-inclusive resorts.

Best Time to Visit Lake Kournas

Visit between May and June or September for calm conditions – peak season (July–August) brings crowds and higher prices, while spring and autumn offer lower water levels and visible sandy beaches. Lake Kournas draws visitors year-round, offering swimming from spring through autumn and atmospheric winter landscapes when water levels peak. If you’re still picking dates for your trip, see our guide to the best time to visit Crete.

Seasonal Changes: When Do the Beaches Appear?

The lake’s water level fluctuates with the seasons, dramatically changing the shoreline:

• Winter (Dec–Feb): Water at maximum level; sandy beaches submerged; walking circuit interrupted on the east side; reflections of snow-capped White Mountains.
• Spring (Mar–May): Water level dropping; first sandy beaches exposed; wildflowers and migrating birds; ideal for photography.
• Summer (Jun–Aug): Lowest water level; full sandy beaches exposed; warmest swimming temperatures; busiest crowds and full pedalo demand.
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): Calm conditions, low crowds, water still warm into October; gradually rising water level.

Nearby Attractions

Georgioupolis (4 kilometers (2.49 miles)), Argiroupolis with its Roman springs, Arkadi Monastery, and Rethymno Old Town are all within 30 minutes of Lake Kournas – making the lake an easy half-day stop on a wider Apokoronas itinerary.

• Georgioupolis (4 kilometers (2.49 miles)) – coastal resort town with sandy beaches, the Almyros River estuary (another freshwater habitat), and a small harbour.
• Kournas Village – traditional hill village near the lake; narrow streets, local shops, authentic Cretan products.
• Argiroupolis (~25 kilometers (15.53 miles)) – village famous for Roman-era natural springs and waterfalls in lush greenery.
• Rethymno (2 kilometers (12.43 miles)) – historic Old Town with Venetian and Ottoman architecture; the Fortezza fortress dominates the skyline.
• Arkadi Monastery (~4 kilometers (24.85 miles)) – UNESCO-recognised Cretan landmark with 16th-century architecture and deep historical significance.

What Type of Car Is Best for Lake Kournas?

A standard compact car handles the route to Lake Kournas easily – the Volkswagen Golf Variant is a good all-rounder offering enough cargo space for a family day trip, with fuel efficiency for the round trip from Heraklion or Chania. A small hatchback or sedan from any rental class works fine on the paved E75/A90 highway and the 4 kilometers (2.49 miles) of paved approach road. No 4×4 is required.

For groups of 5–7 travelling together, a minivan is more comfortable than two cars; for solo travellers or couples, the smallest economy class is sufficient and easier to park near the lake. For more on category trade-offs, see our guide on choosing the right car to rent in Crete. Rental Center Crete delivers vehicles at Heraklion (HER), Chania (CHQ), and major hotels at no extra charge.

Frequently Asked Questions