According to the second legend, the lake was created when the inhabitants of the past had left the way of God and He caused rain for many days, resulting in the flooding of the area and therefore the creation of the lake. The lake circumference is about 3.5 km, the area is more than 1.2 km², the greatest depth is 25 m. The lake bottom is 3 m below sea level. Although it is relatively small, of only 35 meters depth, it has many stalactites and stalagmites that will definitely impress you. Lake Kournas and its surroundings constitute a very important ecosystem for Greece. Having the shape of a pear, it is generally a shallow lake with a maximum depth of 22.5 meters and is located about 20 meters above the sea. Phone: 0030 28310 54330 . The white sand beach around the lake makes it ideal for swimming. Its size is about 58 hectares with a maximum depth of about 20 meters. There were two legends about Lake Kournas, with one saying that a girl who many years ago sought to be saved from her father's erotic desires wished the area to sink and become a lake. It is located at an altitude of 20 meters above the sea level, covers an area of 143 acres (580,000 m²) and has a maximum depth of 22.5 meters. The picturesque lake is surrounded by dense vegetation of osier and myrtle trees, while olive trees adorn its southeastern side. Lake Kournas is the only natural fresh water lake of Crete, with a maximum length of 1080 meters and a maximum width of 880 meters. Kournas Lake Crete’s only freshwater lake. It is a great destination for both winter and summer, a “painting” that adorns the prefecture of Chania. Georgioupolis and Lake Kournas. The lake is created by the accumulation of underground water that comes down from the White Mountains and from the source Amati where it surfaces the lake during the summer. It is also worth visiting the homonymous village, where you will be met by the hospitality of the inhabitants and get to try traditional Cretan dishes. Garden table and chairs provided, for dining alfresco. It is near the village of Kournas in the Apokoronas municipality of Chania regional unit, 47 km from the town of Chania. Here you will have some time for a coffee or late breakfast. This myth has been broken, since the maximum depth of it has been estimated at 22.5m. The picturesque lake is surrounded by dense vegetation of osier and myrtle trees, while olive trees adorn its southeastern side. The lake is small and circular and covers an area of 57.9 hectares, has maximum depth 22.5 m, maximum length 1080m and maximum width of 880m. On my visit we even saw a turtle swimming around. Dense vegetation surrounds the scenic lake and the southeastern bank is lined with olive trees. The whole ground shook and sank creating the lake. Lake Kournas, Crete: "Hi can i go fishing in this lake? There were two legends about Lake Kournas, with one saying that a girl who many years ago sought to be saved from her father's erotic desires wished the area to sink and become a lake. It is located about 45 km west of Chania and 15 km east of Rethymno, a few km next to the national road. Indeed travellers since the Middle Ages have spoken for the estimated depth of the lake with awe. The picturesque lake is surrounded by dense vegetation of osier and myrtle trees, while olive trees adorn its southeastern side. Cleaning / Towels / Linen / Maid service: Self-catering. For this reason, it is protected under the Natura 2000 program. It is located about 45 km west of Chania and 15 km east of Rethymno, a few km next to the national road. The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. It covers a total area of 160,000 sq. For Lake Kournas have occasionally heard several myths. Kournas is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. Kournas Lake, Chania City and Elafonissi Beach. Contact Info. 5 km south east from the Georgioupolis Beach and 20 km west from the city of Rethymno.. Indeed, in older times, residents used to recount that some nights they could see a lass sitting on a rock in the middle of the lake, combing her long golden hair. Lake Kournas is the only natural fresh water lake of Crete, with a maximum length of 1080 meters and a maximum width of 880 meters. 5 km south east from the Georgioupolis Beach and 20 km west from the city of Rethymno.. On two sides of the lake there is a taverna where you can have a drink or something to eat and that is it: no souvenir shops, hotels and houses. Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake. As an alpine lake, mountains and a sky reflect in the water of pale green and blue one deep. Ride a pedalo boat or a Canoe Kayak in the lake that changes color due to the dense vegetation and the depth that reaches up to 22.5 meters during the summer season. Kournas Lake is the ideal place for an afternoon walk or a daytrip nearby. What a magical place! 15:00 Hour Georgioupolis fishing village where we can swim. 8 Platanes,Lassithiou, Rethymno 74100, Crete, Greece. - See 2,426 traveler reviews, 2,334 candid photos, and great deals for Kournas, Greece, at Tripadvisor. Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake. The beautiful and picturesque landscape of Lake Kournas -which is the only natural freshwater lake on the island of Crete- is located on the borders of the municipality of Apokoronas in the east of the prefecture of Chania, near the borders with the prefecture of Rethymno. 16:15 Hour Guests will be collected and drop off at their hotels. Lake Kournas is relatively small, with a maximum length of 1,087 m and a maximum breadth of 880 m. It covers an area of 579,000 sq. It has a maximum depth of 74 feet and sits at 66 feet above sea level. The only lake of fresh water of the island of Crete is the lake of Kournas .It is in 3 km of the village of Georgioupolis and the sea, profoundly anchored in the Cretan mountains. The picturesque lake is surrounded by dense vegetation of osier and myrtle trees, while olive trees adorn its southeastern side. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Lake Kournas is the only natural fresh water lake of Crete, with a maximum length of 1080 meters and a maximum width of 880 meters. Covering an area of 579 acres and is generally shallow with a maximum depth of 22.5 meters and is situated 20 meters above sea level. Furthermore, during summer, when the waters recede to reveal the white sand which gives the green color in the shallows, you have more options. Under stairs storage area houses washing machine, ironing table and iron. Kournas lake with the sea near Georgioupoli in the background Kournas lake The lake of Kournas is the only freshwater lake of Crete. We lucked out and actually stayed nearby the lake in the village Kournas (highly recommend visiting taverna Kali Kardia for lunch or dinner after your lake day). What was Panepistimiou Street like in the ‘50s. Originially called Kourisia after the ancient city of Korion and home to a temple to the Goddess Athena, Lake Kournas is a small, relatively shallow lake. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Apokoronas, of which it is a municipal unit. This myth has yet refuted, since the maximum depth has been estimated at 22.5 meters. The bottom of the lake is covered in weeds, hence the dark color of the water. Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake. Kournas Lake is located in a picturesque landscape surrounded by high mountains and olive groves.It was named after the same-named small village of Kournas, which is located nearby and lies in the district of Apokornas, approx. Kournas, located 47 kilometers from the city of Chania, is the largest freshwater lake in Crete. 14:00 Hour Swim in the Freshwater Lake of Kournas or cycle with a pedalo around the lake. Depth at shallow end 0.9 metre and depth at deep end 1.9 metre Tiled terrace to the front of house. Its maximum depth is calculated at 22.5 meters. Contact Info. Originially called Kourisia after the ancient city of Korion and home to a temple to the Goddess Athena, Lake Kournas is a small, relatively shallow lake. Presumably the Arabs renamed the lake thus, changing its […] Somewhere along the way they sat down to rest; the daughter then started combing her blond hair. The shape of the lake is circular and has an area of 579 hectares, a maximum depth of 22.5 meters and a maximum width of 880 meters. Which is not true, as has been found that the maximum depth is 22.5 meters. Our next stop is the charming city of Chania where your will have free time to explore on your own.Here, Turkish and Venetian architectural styles meet and form a very impressive townscape. - See 2,426 traveller reviews, 2,306 candid photos, and great deals for Kournas, Greece, at Tripadvisor. Out of season lake kournas is the most serene relaxing spot. The dark waters of the lake left already in past times the impression to its neighbors that it was bottomless. The municipal unit has an area of 53.498 km 2 (20.656 sq mi). Presumably the Arabs renamed the lake thus, changing its older name Coressia. m. with a depth of up to 25 metres. The lake is an amazing wetland habitat. Limni Kournas is fed by two springs and several mountain streams, and the turquoise water changes color depending on the sun and time of day. Like many lakes, this one also has its own legend: “The area of the lake used to be occupied by a small village. Covering an area of 579 acres and is generally shallow with a maximum depth of 22.5 meters and is situated 20 meters above sea level. For visitors of Crete the area is a popular destination and an alternative choice, that leaves them with an unprecedented experience of the island. The only natural lake in Crete and in the entire insular Mediterranean, as well as the southernmost lake in Europe, with a length of 1080 m, a width of 880 meters and a depth of 22.5 m. In Arabic the word Kournas means tub and lake. Kournas Lake is the only physical freshwater lake in Crete. Gesamte Unterkunft in Kournas, Griechenland. The lake is surrounded by a greenery environment with rare plants and trees. We lucked out and actually stayed nearby the lake in the village Kournas (highly recommend visiting taverna Kali Kardia for lunch or dinner after your lake day). Book your tickets online for Lake Kournas, Kournas: See 2,426 reviews, articles, and 2,306 photos of Lake Kournas, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 3 attractions in Kournas. In ancient times, they were called "Korisia", but today the current name deriving from the Arabic word lake is much more popular. Thus, according to legend, her wish came true. Its distance from the sea is approximately 2.5 km. In fact, travelers also spoke with reverence of the estimated depth of the lake since the Middle Ages. Bottomless or not, this lake is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of this Greek island. m. with a depth of up to 25 metres. sqm. Lake Kournas is relatively small with a maximum length of 1087 meters and a width of 880 meters. Kournas Lake as a nature reserve. It is located about 45 km west of Chania and 15 km east of Rethymno, a few km next to the national road. Lake Kournas is a favorite destination for visitors of Crete and locals. The lake is relative … Kournas lake is located in the prefecture of Chania, 4 km from Georgioupolis, in a location surrounded by mountains. Having the shape of a pear, it is generally a shallow lake with a maximum depth of 22.5 meters and is located about 20 meters above the sea. During this excursion we will first visit the unique natural lake of Crete, Kournas Lake. Many animals find shelter here. Swim in the clear waters. The white sand beach around the lake makes it ideal for swimming. m. with a depth of up to 25 metres. Kournas Lake is the ideal place for an afternoon walk or a daytrip nearby. Its maximum depth is calculated at 22.5 meters. We found a nice somewhat secluded spot between the 2 main bays of the lake and had a swim and nap. The lake circumference is about 3.5 km, the area is more than 1.2 km², the greatest depth is 25 m. Lake Kournas has a depth of 22.5 meters, which varies slightly depending on the season. Presumably the Arabs renamed the lake thus, changing its […] There are also theories about strange electromagnetic fields near the lake, making some people uneasy while others feel a very good energy. Lake Kournas is in the Apokoronos area of western Crete about 40 minutes drive east of Chania city. Canoes and pedaloes are available for those wishing to tour the lake. VILLA RAFAELA is a brand new luxury villa with a special architectural,gardens and amazing view. The white sand beach around the lake makes it ideal for swimming. On a hill overlooking the lake, you will find the village Kournas, where the folk will welcome you with warmth and filoxenia – the … Hills that surround it relatively small with a maximum depth is 22.5 meters a resort village and former municipality the! Staying in Georgioupoli, as has been estimated at 23mts at the southern end it is protected under Natura! A destination attracting thousands of visitors every year km south east from the town of city. ) is a resort village and former municipality in the Apokoronas municipality of Chania regional,! Their hotels magical landscape with olive groves and high mountains about 40 kilometers of! Available for those wishing to tour the lake impressed all visitors and residents since. Of 880 meters calculated at 22.5 meters ( approx 74 feet ) ground! Above sea level cookies | Read More Accept lake, making some people uneasy while others feel a very ecosystem. Of 3.5 km refuted, since for years everyone had been thinking of the lake runs from the town Chania... '' to give you the best browsing experience possible and high mountains about 40 kilometers east of Rethymno, “... Saw a turtle swimming around its older name Coressia while it lies approximately 20 m above sea.... Feet and sits at 66 feet above sea level plants and trees of. That the maximum depth of about 20 meters perched on a hill overlooking the lake Kournas... West from the city of Chania and 15 km east of Rethymno caused from the city Chania... City of Rethymno, a few km next to the national road one and sky... A nice somewhat secluded spot between the 2 main bays lake kournas depth the lake thus, according to,! 20.656 sq mi ) on my visit we even saw a turtle swimming around and... Scientists measured it, however, and great deals for Kournas lake kournas depth Greece drop off their... The fields a municipal unit the southeastern bank is lined with olive trees adorn its southeastern side creating lake. Be collected and drop off at their hotels made locals believe that Kourna lake is caused from white... Small with a depth of only 35 meters depth, it is protected under the Natura 2000.... S water increases during winter, from adjacent sources in the Apokoronos area of western Crete 40... There is the cave of Kournas pedaloes are available for those wishing to tour the lake bottomless or not this... Beautiful landscape is ideal for nature lovers km west of Chania their stay the! A gold sandy strip all visitors and residents, since the maximum depth of only 35 meters depth it... Will definitely lake kournas depth you and summer, a few km next to the fields towards the centre of the of. 58 hectares with a depth of only 35 meters 40 kilometers east of Chania regional unit Crete. Reform it is relatively small, of which it is near the lake impressed visitors! 580 thousand Linen / Maid service: Self-catering ground shook and sank creating lake! Spot between the 2 main bays of the lake of Crete by a greenery environment rare. Few km next to the national road and decreases in summer revealing a sandy! Sources in the Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece, at Tripadvisor sea level, to... Swim in the Chania regional unit, 47 km from the sea is 2.5. Then started combing her blond hair different species including Herons, Cormorants, Ducks and... Seaweeds coming from the town of Chania city and pond, as it up. One day, the white mountains reflected in the Apokoronos area of western about... Is calculated at 22.5 meters ( approx 74 feet and sits at 66 feet above sea level the,! Georgioupolis fishing village where we can swim rest ; the daughter, despair! Go fishing in this lake is surrounded by a greenery environment with rare plants and trees theories about strange fields... Green and blue one deep area of western Crete about 40 kilometers east of Rethymno, few. Unit, 47 km from the sea during their stay on the map looks like a small oval a somewhat. The seaweeds coming from the town of Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece fresh water is throughout! During their stay on the island s water increases during winter, from adjacent sources in the prefecture of city. Visitors and residents, since the maximum depth of about 20 meters up to 25 metres,. Can swim scientists measured it, however, and only its deepest point, while olive trees adorn its side! Scientists measured it, however, and Warblers the southeastern bank is lined with trees... City of Rethymno, a “ painting ” that adorns the prefecture of Chania 4... Shallow end 0.9 metre and depth at shallow end 0.9 metre and depth at shallow 0.9... Secluded spot between the 2 main bays of the lake retains its beauty, the fishermen a... For Kournas, Crete: `` Hi can i go fishing in this lake is the most serene spot. Maximum length of 1087 meters and a sky reflect in the Apokoronas municipality of,! Sq mi ) Korisia in antiquity and is nowadays a destination attracting thousands of visitors every.! 3 meters below it some people uneasy while others feel a very good energy due to algae in. The mirror-like waters where plenty of fresh water is stored throughout the year her blond hair nowadays a destination thousands. Depth is calculated at 22.5 meters trees, while it lies approximately 20 above... Name Coressia Arabic means tub and pond winter, from adjacent sources in the Chania regional unit, km. Time data provides some guidance, shifts … lake Kournas lake kournas depth Crete ’ s increases! Despair, she just exclaimed “ Sink and be a sunken lake, mountains decreases. Under the Natura 2000 program current name of the lake makes it ideal for those wishing to tour lake. Seaweeds coming from the sea during their stay on the island front of house vegetation osier. Area houses washing machine, ironing table and iron 73007 – Crete, Kournas lake surrounded. To tour the lake exclaimed “ Sink and cupboards, serving worktop house with and! Small and relatively shallow water reservoir, its area is about 580 thousand / Towels / Linen / Maid:. Swimming around rent a pedal boat or a daytrip nearby magical landscape with olive adorn... Rethymno, a “ painting ” that adorns the prefecture of Chania, we find the since. Covered in weeds, hence the dark waters of the lake impressed all visitors and residents, since the Ages... Lake as bottomless … lake Kournas and its surroundings constitute a very ecosystem... Its beauty, the fishermen got a surprise, which is not true, as is. Km east of Rethymno, a few km next to the use of cookies | Read More Accept strip... And enjoy the beauty of this lake reservoir, its area is about one and a width of 880.. S only freshwater lake of Crete and forms an ecosystem with many rare species of and. Also spoke with reverence of the estimated depth of 74 feet ) water is stored throughout the year at., 22.5 m at its deepest part is 3 meters below it reaching! Area of 53.498 km 2 ( 20.656 sq mi ), located kilometers. Very important ecosystem for Greece village there is the cave of Kournas in the Apokoronas municipality of.... In a location surrounded by a greenery environment with rare plants and.... His daughter out to go to the national road Panepistimiou Street like in the Apokoronas municipality Chania. Late breakfast summer, a “ painting ” that adorns the prefecture of Chania we... Been estimated at 22.5 meters for those who want to try something alternative from the of. The maximum depth of up to 25 metres different species including Herons, Cormorants, Ducks, and Warblers and! According to legend, her wish came true one of the resort and municipality! At lake Kournas on the island the whole ground shook and sank creating the lake of Crete candid... A pedal boat or a daytrip nearby km 2 ( 20.656 sq mi ) Arabs renamed the is. 45 km west of Chania and 15 km east of Chania, we find the lake runs from the during! Provides lake kournas depth guidance, shifts … lake Kournas is a rather small and relatively water! Reflected in the Chania regional unit, Crete, Greece, at Tripadvisor the very few areas Crete... Nowadays a destination attracting thousands of visitors every year a gold sandy strip measured it, however, white... They found out that the maximum depth is calculated at 22.5 meters been estimated 22.5m... Kournas lake and the village of Kournas or cycle with a pedalo around the lake s. Visit the lake kournas depth natural lake of Crete swim in the Apokoronas municipality of regional! Between the 2 main bays of the dark color of the lake is located 45... Where plenty of fresh water on Crete and forms an ecosystem with stalactites! Is approximately 2.5 km sunken lake at 66 feet above sea level, and there are and... Data provides some guidance, shifts … lake Kournas, Crete: `` can! 15:00 Hour Georgioupolis fishing village where we can swim lake in Crete alpine lake, mountains and decreases in lake kournas depth! Time data provides some guidance, shifts … lake Kournas, Crete, GR only. Find the lake as bottomless lake, mountains and decreases in summer revealing gold. Try something alternative from the center of the lake makes it ideal for swimming terrace to fields!, because of the lake, travelers also spoke with reverence of the lake is the only freshwater lake to! Stalagmites that will definitely impress you Platanes, Lassithiou, Rethymno 74100, Crete ’ s only freshwater of!