Lake Kournas
Lake Crete's only freshwater lake with beaches
Crete’s only freshwater lake near Georgioupolis, Lake Kournas welcomes swimmers, pedalos and tavernas on its shore, framed by olive groves and low hills.
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Lake Kournas is a natural freshwater lake on the island of Crete in Greece. It is notable for being the only natural freshwater lake on the island.
The lake attracts local visitors for day trips and short stays and has shoreline facilities and small settlements nearby that serve tourists. Recreational uses include short boat rentals and lakeside dining in the immediate area.
Lake Kournas is a natural feature formed in a basin on Crete and has been a local freshwater resource and leisure spot for decades. Its status as the island’s only natural freshwater lake makes it a distinctive geographic feature of Crete.
Geographically the lake is located on Crete in the island’s inland lowland; it is reachable by road from nearby towns and serves as a regional day-trip destination for visitors to the island.
- Unique status on Crete: The only natural freshwater lake on the island of Crete
How to Get to Lake Kournas #
From Chania, drive east on the national road E75/A90 toward Rethymno, then take the exit for Georgioupolis/Apokoronas and follow local roads to Kournas (about 45-50 minutes by car). Regular buses from Chania to the nearby village of Georgioupolis stop within walking distance (about 2-3 km) of the lake.
Tips for Visiting Lake Kournas #
- Arrive early (before 10:00) in high season to avoid tour buses; the single lakeside taverna fills fast.
- Rent a paddle boat from the boathouse for quiet corners away from the rowers near the beach.
- Walk the short loop to the village of Kournas; the slopes above offer better views than the crowded shore.
Best Time to Visit Lake Kournas #
Best in spring or early autumn to avoid the height of the tourist season; summer offers swimming but brings crowds.
Weather & Climate near Lake Kournas #
Lake Kournas's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (576 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (115 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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August
August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 1 mm.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall.
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October
October is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).
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