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.
Location: Apokoronas Municipality
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: Lake Kournas, Georgioupoli 730 07, Greece
GPS coordinates: 35.33083,24.27556
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03
Greece holds natural water basins formed by geological processes over thousands of years. These include cold mountain springs, thermal springs heated by underground volcanic activity, waterfalls that have carved pools into rock, and coastal lagoons where seawater fills hollows in stone. Some are found in mountain regions where rivers drop over cliffs and create basins below. Others sit along the coast where the sea enters rock formations or gathers in protected coves. Water temperatures range from cool in mountain streams to around 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) in hot springs. The pools at Polylimnio in the Peloponnese show typical cascades formed by flowing water over limestone. Neda Waterfall carries water year-round and drops into a deep basin surrounded by cliffs. On Samothrace Island, the Fonias pools form a series of natural basins along a mountain river. Along the coast of Crete, Seitan Limania is a narrow inlet between high cliffs with turquoise water accessible only on foot or by boat. Giola Lagoon on Thassos is a round pool carved into rock by natural erosion and connected directly to the sea. These places attract visitors who want to swim in natural settings away from constructed beaches. Some locations require walking on trails to reach them, while others are closer to roads and easier to access.
Crete combines remnants of ancient civilizations with striking natural landscapes along its 650 mile (1,050 km) coastline. The island offers photographers a mix of archaeological sites like the Minoan palace at Knossos and historic settlements such as the Venetian harbor districts of Chania and Rethymno. Coastal formations range from the pink sand beaches of Elafonisi to the turquoise lagoon at Balos and the palm groves at Preveli and Vai. Mountain ranges in the interior contain gorges like Samaria and Aradena, along with remote villages such as Kritsa and Margarites where traditional ways of life continue.
This selection highlights Crete locations away from common routes. It includes historic sites such as the Venetian fortress of Spinalonga, occupied by a leper colony until 1957, and the ruins of the Minoan palace of Kato Zakros on the eastern coast. Notable geological formations include the Kourtaliotiko gorges with 600-meter limestone walls, the Aradena bridge suspended 138 meters above the void, and the Dikteon cave, extending over two kilometers into Mount Dikte. Nature enthusiasts can explore the small bay of Seitan Limania between its white cliffs, the Argiroupoli springs bursting amidst Roman ruins, or take trails through the Theriso gorges. These destinations offer a different view of Crete, away from the tourist crowds along the northern coastline.
Imbros Gorge
13.5 km
Almyrida
14.8 km
Imbros Gorge
12.7 km
Saint Nicholas chapel of Georgioúpoli
4 km
Bonriparo Fort
15 km
Moni Prodromou Ilia, Roustika
10.4 km
Ancient Lappa
7.4 km
Myriokefalon monastery
8.8 km
Moni Agiou Georgiou Karydi
9.4 km
Springs of Argyroupolis
7.1 km
Gavalochori wells
11.7 km
Agios Georgios
2.8 km
Church of Panagias , Alikambo Apokoronou
6.6 km
Koutalas Beach
15.6 km
Church of Agios Nikolaos, Maza
6.4 km
Church of Michail Archangelou, Kefalas
9.2 km
Alidakis tower
8.1 km
Archaeological site of Lapa
7.4 km
Former primary school of Gavalochori
12.2 km
Elliniki Kamara, Vryses
6.9 km
Folklore Museum of Gavalochori
12 km
School and teacher's house, Franciscan Metochi Rethymnou
12 km
Church of Agios Antonios, Kefalas
9.4 km
Fortress of Askyfou
8.7 km
Fambrika Gavalochoriou
11.7 km
Moni Agion Petrou and Pavlou Gallou
15.8 km
Moni Panagias sto Karydi
9.8 km
Koules of Kalonyktis
11 kmReviews
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