Crete · Rethymno & Central

Lake Kournas

Crete's only natural freshwater lake, set in a mountain basin surrounded by eucalyptus trees and the White Mountains.

About Lake Kournas

Crete's only natural freshwater lake, set in a mountain basin surrounded by eucalyptus trees and the White Mountains. The shallow lake has paddleboat rentals (EUR 8/hour), lakeside tavernas, and a walking path around the perimeter. Terrapins and eels inhabit the waters, visible from the pedal boats.

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The place

Getting there

Address

Lake Kournas, Georgioupoli 730 07, Greece

Neighborhood

Rethymno & Central →

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Good to know

Tips, answered

Rent a paddleboat and head to the far end of the lake away from the tavernas for swimming in cooler, clearer water and mountain reflections.

Plan for about 2h 30m.

Lake Kournas is in the Rethymno & Central neighborhood of Crete. The address is Lake Kournas, Georgioupoli 730 07, Greece. The area is well-served by metro.

This works well at any time of day, though mornings tend to be quieter. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

Comfortable shoes are recommended. Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, especially in shoulder seasons.

Around the corner

Nearby in Rethymno & Central

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Landmark

Fortezza of Rethymno

Massive star-shaped fortress dominating Rethymno's skyline, built by Venetians in 1573 after devastating pirate attacks. Within the walls stands a rare Ottoman mosque with its dome still intact, converted from a Venetian church. The grounds host summer cultural events and offer sweeping coastal views.

1.5-2 hoursExplore

Beach

Preveli Beach

A palm-lined river canyon meets the Libyan Sea, creating a unique freshwater lagoon surrounded by hundreds of Theophrastus palms. Accessible by boat from Plakias (EUR 10) or via 400 steep steps down a clifftop path. The river is cold and shallow enough to wade upstream into the gorge.

3-4 hoursExplore

Beach

Seitan Limania

A narrow fjord-like cove with sheer limestone cliffs plunging into electric blue water, located 20 minutes from Chania airport. The dramatic gorge is accessed via a steep, rocky 10-minute descent requiring good shoes. The tiny pebble beach gets crowded but the setting is otherworldly.

2-3 hoursExplore

Cultural Site

Arkadi Monastery

Working 16th-century monastery that became a symbol of Cretan resistance after 943 Greeks chose martyrdom over Ottoman surrender in 1866. The gunpowder magazine explosion site is preserved as a memorial, while the ornate Venetian baroque church remains active. Beautiful arcaded courtyard with ancient cypress trees.

1-2 hoursExplore

Landmark

Rimondi Fountain

Ornate Venetian fountain built in 1626 with three lion-head spouts still flowing with mountain spring water. The fountain served as the main water source for Rethymno's old town for centuries. Corinthian columns and Latin inscriptions commemorate Governor Rimondi who commissioned it.

15 minutesExplore

Park & Garden

Kourtaliótiko Farángi

Kourtaliótiko Farángi — a popular park garden in Rethymno & Central.

90 minExplore

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