Kournas, Natural freshwater lake in Apokoronas Municipality, Greece.
Kournas is a freshwater lake in Apokoronas Municipality, situated between the western slopes of the White Mountains and the Georgioupolis plain. The water reaches depths of about 22 meters, and its shores are lined with taverns and boat rental facilities.
In ancient times, the lake was known as Korissia and held a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena on its shores. This sacred site shaped the character of the place during the Hellenistic period.
Local stories speak of a young woman who became a fairy to escape her father, and her presence is said to protect the creatures living here. These tales reflect how deeply the lake is woven into the identity of those who call this place home.
The lake is best reached by car from Chania. Local infrastructure is well-developed with landing spots and restaurants, making it easy to spend a full day by the water.
The water is fed by an underground spring called Amati, which becomes visible during summer months when water levels drop. This natural process reveals the hidden structure of the ecosystem beneath the surface.
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