If you think of a holiday in Crete or Greece, you are likely to picture plenty of time on her incredible beaches, enjoying the stunning deep blue of the sea meeting the pale shores, the pleasant water temperatures, the great weather, and the beautiful surroundings. However, in addition to her beaches, her most obvious and well-known trait, the island is also home to lots of other amazing natural wonders and little surprises to uncover as you explore. One such incredible gem is Lake Kournas.
The only freshwater lake in Crete, this relatively large (at a maximum length of 1.087km and a maximum breadth of 0.88km) and shallow (at 22.5m at its deepest point) but stunning lake is located in a valley among the hills, surrounded by a particularly beautiful landscape, just a few kilometres from the sea. Known as Lake Koressia in antiquity, it is now named for the Arabic word, “kurna,” for, “lake,” (or bath) so calling it Lake Kournas in English is kind of like calling it Lake Lake!
The only freshwater lake in Crete, this relatively large (at a maximum length of 1.087km and a maximum breadth of 0.88km) and shallow (at 22.5m at its deepest point) but stunning lake is located in a valley among the hills, surrounded by a particularly beautiful landscape, just a few kilometres from the sea. Known as Lake Koressia in antiquity, it is now named for the Arabic word, “kurna,” for, “lake,” (or bath) so calling it Lake Kournas in English is kind of like calling it Lake Lake!
Protected by the Natura 2000 program, this beauty is an important ecosystem and wetland that is home to a large number of different animal and bird species including ducks, eels, water snakes, a rare species of bicoloured terrapin with a patterned shell, the Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemysterrapin), herons, cormorants, geese, moorhens, and large goldfish. The large goldfish, however, are a much more recent addition and seem to have originated from somebody dumping them in the lake without considering how the introduction of a new species might affect a closed ecosystem like a lake. In addition to animal species, the ecosystem of Lake Kournas and its surroundings also play host to an array of plants, trees, and rare aquatic plants. The darkening of the gorgeous jewel-toned aquamarine water at the centre of the lake is due to the collection of algae at the bottom. Framed by the lush greenery of the trees and plants that surround, this dramatic shade of the colour of the lake is even more stunning and the overall picture of this part of Crete is like some magic little slice of paradise on earth that you have somehow managed to stumble upon.
Lake Kournas is not just a looker, however, it is an excellent place to go to stroll along the shores, sit or lay out and relax, eat in one of the restaurants built overlooking the lake or enjoy a picnic that you have brought along with you, enjoy various outdoor activities and pursuits available in the area, and much more besides! Attracting thousands of visitors per year, with both locals and tourists among those visitors, it is a popular spot for fun and leisure but also a little off the regular, beaten tourist path.
Water sports are, understandably, some of the most common and popular activities in the area. First of all, the lake boasts its own sandy beaches, which aren't all that big but are still perfect places to go for a dip and a day hanging out on the shore. These are quite rocky beaches (and can disappear when the water levels in the lake are higher) but you can rent loungers and parasols (or bring your own, should you have some with you) so you'll still be able to lounge comfortably by the lakeside. If you stand barefoot in the water on the sandy beaches, there are tiny fish in the water that will painlessly nibble dead skin from your feet, essentially giving you a free spa treatment!
Lake Kournas is not just a looker, however, it is an excellent place to go to stroll along the shores, sit or lay out and relax, eat in one of the restaurants built overlooking the lake or enjoy a picnic that you have brought along with you, enjoy various outdoor activities and pursuits available in the area, and much more besides! Attracting thousands of visitors per year, with both locals and tourists among those visitors, it is a popular spot for fun and leisure but also a little off the regular, beaten tourist path.
Water sports are, understandably, some of the most common and popular activities in the area. First of all, the lake boasts its own sandy beaches, which aren't all that big but are still perfect places to go for a dip and a day hanging out on the shore. These are quite rocky beaches (and can disappear when the water levels in the lake are higher) but you can rent loungers and parasols (or bring your own, should you have some with you) so you'll still be able to lounge comfortably by the lakeside. If you stand barefoot in the water on the sandy beaches, there are tiny fish in the water that will painlessly nibble dead skin from your feet, essentially giving you a free spa treatment!
There are also vendors from whom you can rent peddle-boats and/or kayaks to go out exploring across the water and to get a bit of exercise in while you're at it. If you are in a group that is made up of both some sun-worshippers who just want to rest by the beach and more outdoorsy types who want to have a bit of an adventure, the closeness of these water sport facilities to the beaches means that you won't have to compromise when choosing where to hang out for the day!
In fact, most of the activities that can be enjoyed at Lake Kournas can be adapted to your own tastes and needs. For example, there are nice walks to be had in the area but these walks can range from quiet strolls along the shore at sunset, admiring your surroundings and taking your time, to working up more of a sweat by hiking right up onto the surrounding hillsides and taking in wonderful, sweeping views down over the lake and surrounding area. If you have then worked up a sweat and an appetite, you can head to the tavernas and cafeterias that border the lake and often have patios directly overlooking the water and offering great views. In these restaurants you will find a variety of local and international dishes and can also grab snacks, treats, ice-creams, coffees, or, even, a beer, to enjoy while also savouring those views. Those looking to stretch their legs a little (but without undertaking too much!) after eating can head back out of whichever restaurant they decided on and explore the shops that are also clustered along the shore, selling handmade crafts and artwork from ceramics to paintings to jewellery. If you're looking for unique and proper local souvenirs for yourself or to bring home to others, this is an excellent place to pick up something truly special.
So, if you're holidaying in Crete and you are planning various trips to the beach during your stay in this beautiful part of Greece, you might also consider a trip to the lovely Lake Kournas as it has just as much to offer!
In fact, most of the activities that can be enjoyed at Lake Kournas can be adapted to your own tastes and needs. For example, there are nice walks to be had in the area but these walks can range from quiet strolls along the shore at sunset, admiring your surroundings and taking your time, to working up more of a sweat by hiking right up onto the surrounding hillsides and taking in wonderful, sweeping views down over the lake and surrounding area. If you have then worked up a sweat and an appetite, you can head to the tavernas and cafeterias that border the lake and often have patios directly overlooking the water and offering great views. In these restaurants you will find a variety of local and international dishes and can also grab snacks, treats, ice-creams, coffees, or, even, a beer, to enjoy while also savouring those views. Those looking to stretch their legs a little (but without undertaking too much!) after eating can head back out of whichever restaurant they decided on and explore the shops that are also clustered along the shore, selling handmade crafts and artwork from ceramics to paintings to jewellery. If you're looking for unique and proper local souvenirs for yourself or to bring home to others, this is an excellent place to pick up something truly special.
So, if you're holidaying in Crete and you are planning various trips to the beach during your stay in this beautiful part of Greece, you might also consider a trip to the lovely Lake Kournas as it has just as much to offer!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Tanya Dedyukhina / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 2: Itzortzis / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Roton Piotr / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Tanya Dedyukhina / CC BY 3.0;
Picture 2: Itzortzis / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 3: Roton Piotr / CC BY-SA 3.0
