Kournas Lake

Beach description

Lake Kournas is the largest natural lake in Crete and is located in an enchanting landscape, between the western slopes of the White Mountains and the fertile plane of Georgioupolis. It is located near the village Kournas, 2.5km south of the beach of Georgioupolis, 43km east of Chania and 20km west of Rethymnon. Lake Kournas and its surroundings constitute a very important ecosystem for Greece, as the wider area of Apokoronas are one of the very few areas of Crete where plenty of fresh water is stored throughout the year.

The name Kournas is believed to come from the Arabic word kurna for “lake” or “bath”. In ancient manuscripts, it is mentioned as Korissia, while it is believed that the area hosted a sanctuary dedicated to Korissia Athena.

Lake Creation

The lake is created by the accumulation of groundwater coming from the White Mountains. The water gushes from a spring called Amati or Mati (meaning “eye”), which is over the lake surface in the summer months, while it’s hidden below the surface during winter. There is a second spring, which is always underneath the surface. Essentially, Kournas Lake is a large pit that is fed from its southeastern side by water due to the porous grounds, while from the opposite side it is waterproofed due to the nature of the rocks.

The lake is small and circular and covers an area of 57.9 hectares, has a maximum depth of 22.5 m, a maximum length of 1080m and maximum width of 880m. The volume of water in summer is approximately 7.5 million cubic meters. The water is transported to the beach of Kavros via the river Delfinas. In some parts of the lake, overflow and drainage works can be seen, that are used for diverting water to the farmland.

Flora and Fauna at the Kournas Lake

The ecological value of the area has included the lake in the Natura 2000 protection network of protected areas. However, the surroundings have been degraded by human intervention, such as the construction of restaurants and other lakeside stores. The lake is set amidst an environment with rare aquatic plants and trees. The dark colour of the lake is due to the algae at its bottom.

Many species of aquatic birds such as moorhens, ducks, herons and cormorants are found here. Also, Lake Kournas has always been well known for its eels, which still exist in significant populations. The wetland also hosts water snakes and terrapins. Unfortunately, introduced populations of goldfish have raised in recent years and their growing population has significantly disrupted this closed ecosystem.

What to see and do at the Kournas Lake

Lake Kournas is a favourite destination for visitors of Crete and locals. It is an ideal place for relaxation and a walk. In summer, a stroll around the turquoise lake lasts less than an hour (3.5 km). On one side of the lake, there are cafes and restaurants overlooking the lake, however, they have spoilt the scenery. Adjacent to the cafes, small sandy beaches are formed during the summer, as the water surface reached lower levels.

Moreover, visitors could either pedal or kayak in the lake. This is an ideal choice for the afternoon when the colour of the water is beautiful and the lake is very calm. During winter and spring, the water level is higher and walking around the lake is difficult because the vegetation is dense on the bank. The beaches are disappearing and water overwhelms even the stairs located next to the restaurants.

Legends about Kournas Lake

The lake has dark water and inspires awe in everyone who visits it. Thus, in the past, locals believed that the lake is bottomless. However, measurements have proven that its maximum depth of it has been estimated at 22.5m.
A second myth states that there was a village in the position of the lake, where a beautiful girl lived with her father. One day, while they were walking to the fields, they stopped to rest for a while. The young daughter began to comb her hair and her father admired her. However, this admiration turned to erotic love and her father tried to seduce his own daughter. The desperate girl started shouting “Lake come and I will be the ghost of the lake”. The area immediately sank and flooded with water, creating the lake. The locals say that many visitors have seen a fairy combing her hair in the moonlight, sitting on a rock in the middle of the lake. They say that the fairy protects the animals and the ducks of the lake.

Another version of the myth tells that God got angry about the sinful behaviour of locals and caused flooding to punish them. The residents were all drowned, except the daughter of the priest, which is the fairy that has been seen by locals.
Finally, some believe that paranormal phenomena are caused by electromagnetic fields of the lake that either cause inconvenience or a positive mood.

Location

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Most frequent asked questions

What is Kournas Lake?

Kournas Lake is a natural freshwater lake located in the region of Apokoronas in Crete, Greece.

Is swimming allowed in Kournas Lake?

Yes, swimming is allowed in Kournas Lake. However, visitors should be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.

Are there any water activities available at Kournas Lake?

Yes, visitors can rent paddle boats and canoes to explore the lake. There are also several hiking trails around the lake.

What is the best time to visit Kournas Lake?

The best time to visit Kournas Lake is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it can get crowded during peak season.

Is there an entrance fee to visit Kournas Lake?

No, there is no entrance fee to visit Kournas Lake. However, visitors will need to pay for parking if they arrive by car.

Can visitors bring their own food and drinks to Kournas Lake?

Yes, visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks to Kournas Lake. There are also several restaurants and cafes located near the lake.

Is Kournas Lake suitable for families with children?

Yes, Kournas Lake is suitable for families with children. The water is shallow and calm, and there are several activities available for kids, such as paddle boating and hiking.

What is the water colour of the Kournas Lake?

The water colour of the Kournas Lake is green and blue.

How deep is the water at the Kournas Lake?

The water at the Kournas Lake is shallow.

What is the surface of the water like at the Kournas Lake?

The surface of the water at the Kournas Lake is usually calm.

What is the crowd like at the Kournas Lake?

The Kournas Lake has normal crowds.

What facilities are available at the Kournas Lake?

The Kournas Lake has accommodation options, food/water nearby, umbrellas/beds, and sports facilities.

How can the Kournas Lake be accessed?

The Kournas Lake can be accessed through bus services and a paved road.

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