Kournas Lake

Lake Kournas is at its best during summer, when the water recedes and reveals a strip of white sand. You can explore the outer reaches of the lake by canoe or paddleboat, walk around the lake’s 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) perimeter, or even visit as part of an off-road 4x4 adventure. Also, Lake Kournas has been granted the EU’s Natura 2000 preservation status, which recognizes and protects its varied bird and marine life. There are a huge number of species to spot, including water snakes, herons, cormorants, and the rare diamondback terrapin.

To immerse yourself in the Greek way of life, consider joining a combined lake and winery tour. Other guided tours that stop at the lake take in western Crete’s cities, villages, and natural scenery.

• Kournas Lake is ideal for outdoors and wildlife lovers.

• The eastern edge of the lake has a number of hotels and villas, as well as restaurants, cafés, and traditional tavernas—great for lunch with a view.

• You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas on site during summer.

• Visitors with limited mobility can book a wheelchair- or scooter-accessible tour of the lake and surrounding region.

Lake Kournas lies on the west side of Crete, south of Georgioupolis. From there, take national route 90, then follow the rural road and signs for approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). Nearby villages include Kournas and Argyroupolis, where you can see parts of the excavated ancient city of Lappa.

The lake is open year-round, but during the winter and spring the water level is higher, so the beach largely disappears. Most of the tavernas also open only on weekends through the winter months. During the summer the lake can get very popular—particularly on the weekends when local families descend—so try to visit midweek to avoid the crowds.

Visit the local village of Kournas, which unlike the lake, is relatively untouched by tourism. The traditional houses, family-run pottery workshops, and charming tavernas make it a quaint place to explore on foot. Kournas was also the seat of the revolutionary government during the 1866 uprising, so it played a significant role in the history of Crete’s fight for independence.

Kournas Lake offers a variety of activities, including renting pedal boats or kayaks to paddle across the pretty scenery, and freshwater swimming. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are several walking paths around the lake, all great for birdwatching, while picnicking is a fun option, too.

Yes, Kournas Lake is suitable for swimming, and the cool, fresh conditions are a nice change from the Aegean Sea. The calm, shallow waters near the shore are great for young children or those who prefer a gentle dip, while further out is suitable for more experienced swimmers. Note that there are no lifeguards on duty.

The best time of year to visit Kournas Lake depends on what you’re looking for. The high season of June-August brings the warmest weather and the most amenities, but it comes with large crowds and potentially higher prices. The shoulder seasons—May to June, September to October—offer that sweet spot of pleasant weather and smaller crowds, though some facilities may be closed.

Kournas Lake holds a special place in Crete as it's the only freshwater lake on the island, making it a unique natural spot offering peaceful respite from the busier coastal areas. With freshwater swimming and pedal boats for rent, it’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Yes, there are small sandy and pebbly beach areas along the shores of Kournas Lake, but no sweeping beaches like on the coast. Kournas’ beaches are great for sunbathing, picnicking, and access to the lake, plus they tend to be far less crowded than Crete’s more famous stretches of sand.

For attractions near Kournas Lake, don’t miss Kournas village, located on a hill overlooking the lake, where visitors can explore traditional tavernas, cafés, and souvenir shops. For a contrasting experience, visit the nearby beaches of Georgioupolis, famous for beautiful golden sands. History buffs should explore the ancient city of Aptera and its well-preserved ruins.