Kournas Lake is the only one physical freshwater lake of the island. It is located 42 km from Chania and 22 km from the city of Rethymnon.

The lake is small, with length of 1,087 m and breadth of 880 m and is relatively shallow, 22.5 m at its deepest point. Its dark color at the center of the lake, coming from algae growth, was the cause of creating the myth that the Lake is bottomless. Also there is a legend about the nymph who lives into the lake of Kournas, a girl who appears on moonlight nights, combing her blond hair.

Kournas Lake and its environs are protected under Natura 2000. It is a stopping place for migratory birds, and a home place for many species endemic to the island like eels the rare turtle Emydi, ducks, moorhens, cormorants and herons.

It is a perfect place not only for natural lovers. During the summer the water level falls, the sandy beaches of the lake get revealed and is ideal for swimming. You can combine family activities like riding a pedalo, walking by its shores and feed the ducks or have a picnic around its spots. Also you can taste the local cuisine or drink a coffee in the tavernas on the banks and stare at the lake.

Visit Kournas Lake with comfort and safety that cars of Rent a car at Crete offers you. Feel free to send us an email request for suggestions and information for a more cultural vacation experience in Crete.