Kournas Lake

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Kournas Lake is the only natural freshwater lake in Crete and one of the island’s most peaceful nature spots. Surrounded by hills and open countryside, the lake offers calm waters, scenic views, and a relaxing atmosphere ideal for couples, families, and nature lovers.

What to See & Do

  • 🐢 Rent a **pedal boat** 🚣 to spot the rare bi-colored turtles in their natural habitat 🐢
  • 🏊 Take a refreshing dip 🌊 in the clear freshwater areas during the summer months ☀️
  • 🦆 Walk along the **lakeside paths** 👣 and observe the diverse local birdlife 🌿
  • 🏺 Browse the local shops 🛍️ for handmade Cretan pottery and olive wood crafts 🌿

How to Get There

  • 🚗 Drive your car 🏎️ for about 40 minutes west of Rethymno toward Chania 🛣️
  • 🚌 Take the **KTEL bus** 🚍 (Rethymno-Chania line) and get off at the Georgioupoli stop 🎫
  • 🅿️ Use the designated **parking areas** 📍 located just a short walk from the water’s edge 🚗

Travel Tips

  • 🧴 Bring **sun protection** ⛱️ as the reflection of the sun on the water can be very intense ☀️
  • 🚫 **Wildlife**: Please do not feed the ducks or turtles to keep the ecosystem healthy 🦆
  • ⛱️ **Timing**: Visit before 11:00 AM 🕙 to enjoy the calmest waters for pedal boating 🚣
  • 🏖️ Combine your visit 👣 with a stop at the nearby **Georgioupoli Beach** (only 10 mins away) 🌊

Suggested Itinerary

  • 🕤 09:30 AM – Depart from **Rethymno** 🏁 and head west along the coast 🚗
  • 🕙 10:15 AM – Arrive at **Kournas Lake** 🏔️ and head down to the shoreline 🌊
  • 🚣 10:30 AM – Rent a **pedal boat** 🐢 for a one-hour exploration of the turtle coves 🔭
  • 🥗 01:30 PM – Enjoy a traditional 🥧 lunch at a **lakeside taverna** with a mountain view 🍷

Opening Hours & Entry

Open:

Daily: Accessible all day

Entry Fee:

Free (pedal boats available for rent)

Best Time to Visit:

Morning or late afternoon, April to October

Location

📌 Kournas Lake, near Georgioupoli, Crete, Greece

👉 View on Google Maps

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