Lake Kournas: Crete’s Blue Gem in Apokoronas
Intro
Hidden at the foothills of the White Mountains, in the lush heart of Apokoronas, Lake Kournas (limni Kourna) is one of the true wonders of Crete. As the island’s only natural freshwater lake, it offers a unique landscape—shimmering blue water, green hillsides, and olive groves.
Located just 2.5 km from the village of Kournas and a short drive from Georgioupoli Beach, Lake Kournas lies almost midway between Chania and Rethymno, making it easily accessible for a day trip. The lake sits only 20 metres above sea level. It is surrounded by gentle slopes rather than steep mountains, giving it a tranquil, welcoming feel.
A Living Ecosystem
Lake Kournas is more than just a beautiful spot—it’s an ecological treasure. Thanks to the abundance of freshwater flowing year-round from the springs at the base of the White Mountains, the lake and its surrounding wetlands are protected by the Natura 2000 network. This steady water supply has helped turn Apokoronas into one of the greenest corners of Crete.
The lake is nearly round, with a maximum length of about 1,080 metres and a width of 880 metres. In the summer, the water recedes, revealing stretches of white sand along the shore where you can swim or relax on a sunbed. During winter, the water rises and covers most of the beaches.
A walk around the lake in summer takes four hours and thirty minutes (about 8,3 km). Along the way, you’ll enjoy ever-changing colours—turquoise, emerald, and deep blue—depending on the weather and time of day. Lake Kournas is home to ducks, geese, herons, cormorants, freshwater turtles, and even eels. You can get close to these creatures if you rent a pedal boat.
Myth of the lake Kournas
Lake Kournas is a place steeped in myth. The name ‘Kournas‘ comes from the Arabic word for ‘lake’ or ‘basin’, a reminder of Crete’s long multicultural history. In ancient texts, the lake is referred to as ‘Korissia‘; legend is that there was once a temple dedicated to Athena Korissia.
But the most enchanting story is the local legend of the lake’s fairy, or “neráida.” According to tradition, a beautiful girl once came here with her father to work in the fields. The father, bewitched by her beauty, tried to seduce her. The desperate girl prayed to the earth to save her, and in an instant, the ground opened, and the lake was born, swallowing both. Since then, locals say the girl was transformed into a fairy, and some claim to have seen her sitting on a rock in the middle of the lake, combing her hair on misty mornings.
Exploring the Lake – My Favourite Path
Lake Kournas is a destination for all seasons. Still, I am always drawn to its walking paths rather than the more touristic side. My favourite experience is simply following the trail that circles the lake, especially the path that starts behind Mythos Tavern, near the small dam. Here, you can spot freshwater fish and turtles.
This old path takes you through olive groves. It offers breathtaking views, with the lake sparkling below and the distant sea shimmering on the horizon. Combining authentic Cretan countryside and the wild, untouched landscape makes every step special. I always recommend this walk to friends looking for something beyond the usual lake visit—it’s the best way to discover the true character of the area.
What You'll Find & Tips
You’ll find cafés and tavernas with lake views on the busier side of the lake. However, I must admit that modern development has changed the natural feel of the place. Still, they’re a good stop for a cold drink after a walk. In the summer, white sandy beaches appear, and you can swim in the calm waters or rent a pedal boat for a relaxed tour.
Must-see and do:
- Walk the 8,4 km path around the lake
- Rent a pedal boat and explore the water
- Look for ducks, herons, turtles and eels
- Swim or sunbathe on the sandy stretches in summer
- Enjoy the view from a lakeside café (just be aware it’s busy in high season)
- Hike the old trail up to Klima plateau for incredible panoramic views
Tip: Late afternoon is the best time for a walk or boat ride, when the light softens, and the lake’s colours are most beautiful.
Getting There
Access to Lake Kournas is straightforward from the Chania–Rethymno national road—watch out for the signs, as the lake isn’t visible from the main road, and it’s easy to miss the turn-off. There’s parking at the lake, and you can start your walk or hire a pedal boat right from the shore.
Lake Kournas is not just a beautiful place to see but an experience—quiet, natural, mysterious, and perfect for those who want to see a different side of Crete. The path, views, and stories make it unforgettable for me. If you love walking, nature, and legends, don’t miss it!
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Neil Mansfield
3 months agoAs everyone has said, a fantastic place, pedalos and turtles are a must. 15 euros for an hour. Ignore everything the lonely planet guide says about parking. 3.50 for the day, 75 metres from the lake side. The mountains form a bowl around the lake, so the vistas are stunning. It does contain the heat, so it gets very warm. Take loads of sun cream. Ive already reviewed one of the best Tavernas at the Lake, so check my reviews for the best place to eat. Loads of gift shops on the main drag towards the lake. Decent ice cream and drinks too. Swimming in the lake is so refreshing, take a walk around the lake and set yourself up under the trees for some shade.
Dorita Tabone
3 weeks agoSurely worth a visit. Parking is available very close to lake for only €3.00 for a day. Paddle boat for 4 persons costs €15 for 1 hour. We had no luck in seeing turtles, but still enjoyed every minute. Then had some lunch in one of the Tavernas there.
Constantinos Schizas
a week agoKournas Lake is a lovely, secluded spot surrounded by beautiful scenery. The area feels peaceful and authentic — a perfect escape from the busier tourist places on the island. There are several excellent local restaurants around the lake, many serving traditional Cretan dishes such as lamb or goat cooked in an especially interesting way. Instead of being roasted horizontally over charcoal, the meat is placed around the fire in a circle — a traditional method known as “antikristo.” The result is tender, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The lake itself is crystal clear, ideal for swimming or relaxing. You can take a small boat trip, try a bit of water-skiing, or simply hire a pedal boat and circle the lake at your own pace — in an hour or two (or three!), depending on how fast you pedal. It’s a truly memorable place to visit, with plenty of small local shops selling traditional products and handmade gifts. I will definitely visit again the next time I’m in Crete. Highly recommended!
NessaBlume21
a month agoIt's a nice lake to visit but wouldn't go out of my way to go see it if you're far away. We took the train ride there and that was quite nice, big carriage and breezy ride under the shaded seats. We rented a pedalo avg. €5 per person for an hour trying to find some turtles but due to the large amount of boats they were hard to spot or see. I'd say save your money and just have a relaxing time on the lake and go from a nice swim instead. At some parts of the lake the water is very cloudy and also smells like eggs.
Caro W. (cmwcmwcmw)
a month agoIf you plan it well and can afford tourist prices, this is 100% worth it. We had a lovely hour in a paddle boat, we saw plenty of turtles- and since we arrived early in the morning, there were not many people there yet. Highly recommend to do it this way, get there by 9:30 to beat crowds!