Lakes, rivers & waterfalls

Lake Kournas

Apokoronas, Chania · Free

Highlights & amenities

Entry: Free

About

The only natural freshwater lake in Crete.

Lake Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. It lies in a basin at the foot of the White Mountains, about 4 km from Georgioupoli and 47 km from Chania. The lake is about 1 km long and up to 22 m deep, fed by underground springs.

The colour of the water changes with the seasons and the light, from turquoise to deep blue. The lake is protected and home to turtles, crabs, eels and many birds. In summer the water level drops and a narrow beach appears around the shore.

You can rent pedal boats or canoes, walk part of the shore or have lunch at one of the tavernas by the water. It gets busy with coach tours in the middle of the day, so come in the morning or late afternoon. The village of Kournas, on the hill above, has traditional houses and good views.

Around Apokoronas

Nearest town: Georgioupoli, about 5 km by road
Nearest airport: Chania airport (CHQ), about 33 km by road

The west of Crete is the island at its most dramatic. Chania has the most beautiful Venetian old town on Crete, wrapped around a harbour with a lighthouse and a domed mosque. In the evening the narrow lanes of Splantzia and the old Jewish quarter fill up with tavernas and small bars. More about Chania