Lake Kournas
Lake Kournas
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This peaceful and serene freshwater lake, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery, is popular for activities like swimming and picnicking. Rent a pedal boat or kayak, and bring snorkel masks to spot fish and turtles that inhabit the crystal-clear waters. Or plop yourself on one of the free sunbeds if you prefer to sit back and relax. Enjoy a relaxing stroll and enjoy a meal and the picturesque view at one of the many tavernas on the edge of the lake. The Talos Happy Train is a charming way to get to the Lake from Georgioupolis village.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Tim RLondon, United Kingdom20 contributionsLovely clear water in this gem of a lakeLovely clear water in this freshwater lake. €2 to park all day and lots of pedal boats, kayaks and SUP to rent. There are terrapins over on the far right hand side of the lake which you may be lucky enough to see (see photos!). There are a few restaurants around the lake and free sun loungers and umbrellas. The edge of the lake is quite rocky, so wet shoes are recommend. Definitely a good option for a day trip on Crete if you're not too far away.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 October 2023
- Michael MIpswich, United Kingdom730 contributionsWorth a visit.A good half day tour, plenty of gift shops with good quality items for sale. A row of nice restaurants so you can have a nice meal and drink reasonably priced. The lake is large and shallow with clear water with the mountains towering above. The main tourist trap is the pedal boat hire at 10 euro for an hour it is a fair price and its pretty much all there is to do. The boats are a bit ropey but you will see the Turtles or are they Terrapins. The lake edge is muddy and rocky, the sunbeds are old. There was also lots of Geese and birds about. Well worth a visit.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 November 2023
- Sharon MLymington, United Kingdom108 contributionsGreat views and picturesque.Staying in Chania Old Town we decided to take the bus to Georgioupolis and then the Tourist road train Talos to Lake Kournas. The trip on the train was 5 euo return, and took around 15 minutes. The lake is most beautiful, with restaurants and bars, spectacular views and wonderful walking. There are boats and pedalos for hire. It was a wonderful change from the city, very serene and peaceful, although there were a few tourist, there was still plenty of space for relaxation with seats dotted around the lake. Great day for a picnic.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 May 2024
- lindsay sLondon, United Kingdom47 contributionsLakes and SpringsWhat an amazing day out with Nicole and Athina and Wanderlust Tours Chania! Firstly thanks to Nicole for her knowledge and driving skills!! First stop was Lake Kournas , where we took a pedalo to get an even better look at this beautiful lake! Next stop was Ancient Lappa… absolutely stunning views and and a talk on its history from Athina , so pretty and unspoilt. Next stop the beautiful springs of Argyroupolis to explore and eat the best lamb cooked “Anticristo” !! So delicious! Then onto the resort of Georgioupolis for either a swim or walk around to see the beautiful small church at the end of a rocky pier. The day was fantastic, Nicole and Athina constantly checking everyone and everything, helping with ordering food etc, they couldn’t do enough for you! If you get the chance to take this tour, don’t miss it ! You will learn the local history, folktales and a whole lot more !Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 16 May 2024
- Happy In Water24 contributionsGet there early!Get there early! If you would like to see the turtles and some fish, you need to get there before it fills up and all the peddle boats head out. That's what we did and as we peddled over to the section of the lake where it's likely you'll see the turtles, we could see them on the rocks and they jumped into the water (fair enough!). They are fabulous! We saw some swimming and I did get in the water to snorkel, but it was already getting busier with peddle boats and I then only saw one more. It's not really a 'quiet and peaceful' outing as there are peddle boats for hire all across the accessible side of the lake and cafes sitting behind it. There are some sun beds grouped together if that's your thing... we were excited to have seen the turtles, some fish and had an amazing swim/snorkel in the beautiful water. It's worth a visit but if you're looking for a quiet experience in nature, get there early!Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 May 2024
- 771gordon1973Kirkcaldy, United Kingdom194 contributionsLake visit CreteNice lake with small beach and sitting area ,gave 4 stars as no turtles or largefish to see on day but nice visit in lovely sunshine. Peddle boat hire £10 to £30 euro which gave legs a good work in 28 degree heat and afforded decent views of lake . Folks swimming and snorkelling in clear waters nice restaurants and shops at lake side worth a visit Being Scottish lake seemed small lake in comparison but apparently biggest lake in area was glad it was no bigger given crossed side to side on a peddle boatVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 May 2024
- Altamash RMunich, Germany48 contributionsA beautiful lake and a nice place to visitBeautiful lake! Shame it was windy and we also didn't get to see any turtles. Would still recommend it and recommend eating a meal or ice-cream at one of the nearby restaurants / taverns overlooking the lake. It was also fun riding the train to the lake.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 May 2024
- FunkyPigeonLondonLondon, United Kingdom35 contributionsWorth a visit if you beat the crowdsWould definitely recommend visiting this location if you get there early. I read a few reviews and decided to arrive early in the hope that we would see some terrapins before the lake became busy with pedalos. We arrived around 9am and it was lovely to walk down to the lake front and see it perfectly calm and still. There are a few restaurants and shops on one side of the lake and if you head to the fat right end of these (if facing lake), there is a shop called 'Markos Place'. We hired pedalos opposite his shop as I'd read that the turtles wouod likely be on the right-hand edgw of the lake. This was perfect as we didn't need to pedalo across the lake first. Pedalo was €15 for 60mins with no slide, €18 with a slide. We saw LOTS of terrapins and it was brilliant. We sat still in the pedalo and some swam over to see us. When we left the lake, there were over 60 pedalos on it so we were very happy that we arrived before these. At Markos place, we bought snorkels and masks (€10 for a kids one, €20 for an adult one). Marko was really helpful and lovely. He gave us 10% discount as we hired a pedalo from opposite his shop. Tips Arrive early (before 9.30am, I thjnk the pedalo hire man arrived at 9.30am) Take cash as no ATMs there and phone reception is patchy Markos place doesn't accept card payment Take swim shoes as a bit gravelly underfootVisited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 May 2024
- Kristina4 contributionsLovely lakeLovely lake, amazing views, clear water. We hired a pedalo with cover for €15 and spent an hour on the lake looking for turtles which we managed to see - amazing. Restaurant was lovely nicely priced. Cute little chihuahua dog. Shops were lovely nice items. Parking was cheap only €2 for the full day. Lovely morning well spent.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 June 2024
- Ewel WBasingstoke, United Kingdom22 contributionsRed TrioAmazing place with comfy sun beds Activities for everyone with good prices Must Go ! To Tavern 🍺 ✨️ ❤️ Katherine. SO fresh and hand made food- taste so delicious Fast and nice service, u feel comfy . High recommended this beautiful placeVisited June 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 30 June 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,849 reviews
Excellent
1,441
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898
Average
357
Poor
99
Terrible
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Csro
3 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
The lake is absolutely amazing! You DO NOT have to pass threw a restaurant like some people said?! We parked there and walked 2min down the street to the lake. There is a sign that you have to pay 2€ for parking but we didnt pay anything, maybe its a scam from the souvenir shop next to the parking place. There are Tretboats to rent for 7-10€ (depends on the size). We would definitely recommend to rent one, otherwise the experience at the lake is not the same. At the other side of the lake you can see turtles and beautiful fish. We have been there at the evening for 2hours, thats enough. The sun sets behind the hills at ca 7PM in June. So definitely would recommend going there in the evening. The water is clean and tourquise at the outer side so you can see the grund there. So beautiful. We didnt eat there.
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine
Shropshire, UK187 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
This lake is stunning. Wish we had got there earlier to spend longer there! Beautiful clear cooling water on a hot day. Easy tourist 'Talos Train' takes you there and back for €6, can be caught from a couple of stops in Georgioupolis village. Drives past olive groves. Last train returns at 3.15pm which is too early in my opinion. There are lovely ceramic gifts for sale and a taverna to eat at. Sunbeds available free with some trees for shade. Can rent a pedalo for €7 for one hour (we didnt have time though). Water is beautiful and clear and refreshing. Lovely mountain scenery. Very relaxing but fairly busy. Would highly recommend!
Written 22 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Uma
London, UK37 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
What a wonderful gem of a place this is - beautiful lake and stunning surrounds only 30 minute drive from Rethymno. Two teenage girls had top time - we hired a pedalo, swam and lazed around the lake. Lots of food places dotted around to eat but choose wisely as not all great quality!!! A lovely and relaxing afternoon - no sunbeds to rent and not a lot of shade so get there early as it was very busy after 1:00 pm!
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gal
Israel2 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
My sister and I were there last week and it was beautiful! The lake looks even better than in the pictures, I would totally recommend a visit and will come back again when given a chance. There's a restaurant right near the water with reasonable prices (compared to other restaurants we visited on other beaches), and I am vegan and had no problem finding something to eat.
There are beds available for free.
It was very hot but there are some trees so you can still sit in the shadow.
The water was too cold for my sister but you get used to it very fast and it's not cold once you are in. I swam all the way to where the color of the water changed and it is very deep - but had such a fun and relaxing experience. We’re both in our 20s but there were lots of families with kids there and some of the boats have a small water slide so it is kids friendly.
The water is sweet & very clear & just gorgeous!! Worth a visit! (very instegramy as well)
There are beds available for free.
It was very hot but there are some trees so you can still sit in the shadow.
The water was too cold for my sister but you get used to it very fast and it's not cold once you are in. I swam all the way to where the color of the water changed and it is very deep - but had such a fun and relaxing experience. We’re both in our 20s but there were lots of families with kids there and some of the boats have a small water slide so it is kids friendly.
The water is sweet & very clear & just gorgeous!! Worth a visit! (very instegramy as well)
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Z-Eric
Strasbourg, France128 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Stunning afternoon at Kournas Lake with 2 hours of paddle boat. Crystal clear water with a lot of colored carps and turtles. Despite the fact that a lot of people was present the lake is sufficiently big to find plenty of space to enjoy the landscape without been disturbed. In addition the lake is surrounded by a lot of family tavernas which are doing their best to deliver quality food and service.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kev_Mach
Darlington, UK339 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Even though it was peak season the lake side and taverns were not heaving. Plenty to do here, hired pedalos and paddle boards - 7 euros an hour for those and 10 for the pedalo. Best way to get to see the rare turtles on the other side of the lake.
Written 9 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StuartTYoung
Madrid, Spain5 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We’d highly recommend a visit to Lake Kournas. It’s a beautiful fresh water lake, great place for the kids to swim and to relax. We’ve visited a few times over 2 weeks, stunning scenery and a great way to spend a day. You can hire pedalos, paddle boards or just swim.
It was pretty quiet the times we visited but suspect it gets really busy during a normal season. Worth a visit!!
There’s a few restaurants on the lake shore and a couple further up on the road offering great views.
It was pretty quiet the times we visited but suspect it gets really busy during a normal season. Worth a visit!!
There’s a few restaurants on the lake shore and a couple further up on the road offering great views.
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi R
Frederiksberg, Denmark77 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
Amazing, absolute stunning place! The water is crystal clear and the lake surrounded by mountain. It’s possible to rent a paddle
Boat which is a fun way to explore the lake. However come early as it gets super crowded and that kind a takes a bit of the experience in the serene landscape. Unfortunately as with a lot
Of Places in Greece it has become a tourist trap, with beach chairs and restaurants popping up
All along the lake which I think is a pity. But definitely worth a go.
Boat which is a fun way to explore the lake. However come early as it gets super crowded and that kind a takes a bit of the experience in the serene landscape. Unfortunately as with a lot
Of Places in Greece it has become a tourist trap, with beach chairs and restaurants popping up
All along the lake which I think is a pity. But definitely worth a go.
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FunkyPigeonLondon
London, UK35 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Would definitely recommend visiting this location if you get there early. I read a few reviews and decided to arrive early in the hope that we would see some terrapins before the lake became busy with pedalos. We arrived around 9am and it was lovely to walk down to the lake front and see it perfectly calm and still.
There are a few restaurants and shops on one side of the lake and if you head to the fat right end of these (if facing lake), there is a shop called 'Markos Place'. We hired pedalos opposite his shop as I'd read that the turtles wouod likely be on the right-hand edgw of the lake. This was perfect as we didn't need to pedalo across the lake first. Pedalo was €15 for 60mins with no slide, €18 with a slide.
We saw LOTS of terrapins and it was brilliant. We sat still in the pedalo and some swam over to see us.
When we left the lake, there were over 60 pedalos on it so we were very happy that we arrived before these.
At Markos place, we bought snorkels and masks (€10 for a kids one, €20 for an adult one). Marko was really helpful and lovely. He gave us 10% discount as we hired a pedalo from opposite his shop.
Tips
Arrive early (before 9.30am, I thjnk the pedalo hire man arrived at 9.30am)
Take cash as no ATMs there and phone reception is patchy
Markos place doesn't accept card payment
Take swim shoes as a bit gravelly underfoot
There are a few restaurants and shops on one side of the lake and if you head to the fat right end of these (if facing lake), there is a shop called 'Markos Place'. We hired pedalos opposite his shop as I'd read that the turtles wouod likely be on the right-hand edgw of the lake. This was perfect as we didn't need to pedalo across the lake first. Pedalo was €15 for 60mins with no slide, €18 with a slide.
We saw LOTS of terrapins and it was brilliant. We sat still in the pedalo and some swam over to see us.
When we left the lake, there were over 60 pedalos on it so we were very happy that we arrived before these.
At Markos place, we bought snorkels and masks (€10 for a kids one, €20 for an adult one). Marko was really helpful and lovely. He gave us 10% discount as we hired a pedalo from opposite his shop.
Tips
Arrive early (before 9.30am, I thjnk the pedalo hire man arrived at 9.30am)
Take cash as no ATMs there and phone reception is patchy
Markos place doesn't accept card payment
Take swim shoes as a bit gravelly underfoot
Written 31 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boris M
Piestany, Slovakia451 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Lake Kournas is worth it, its a light and a dark blue colour looks like an eye from the top view. On the right shore you can observe turtles and through the clear water you can also see fishes. The pedal boats are rented for 15euro/hour. It takes you 10-15minutes get to the right shore. The lake is suitable for swimming and some restaurants and souvenirs shops are there too.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Not sure. We were there in April. I’d say they probably will still be available. My logic to this answer is; we were there at the start of the season and they were available
So I’d suggest they’d also be available at the end of the season.
Written 24 October 2023
Where can we find the tourist train, thank you
Written 18 September 2023
Can we get there by public transport from Rethymno?
Written 13 August 2019
Hey! Yes, busses go to Georgioupolis. Then you can either walk up to the lake or go on the little road train!
Written 14 August 2019
Are the lakes open on a Sunday and if so, is it busy?
Written 3 August 2019
Yes the lake is open every day, yes it is busy but not crowded. Sunday is a great day to go because they have there spit BBQ's
Written 3 August 2019
Buonasera, qual è il mezzo migliore per raggiungere il lago kourna, senza disporre della macchina? Grazie in anticipo
Written 27 July 2019
Noi avevamo la macchina a noleggio in ogni località (noi eravamo a Georgioupoli) ci sono escursioni organizzate, sia con guide o solo con mezzo x arrivare lì. O magari noleggi uno scooter. Da Georgioupoli li noleggiano dal centro città.
Written 28 July 2019
Hello,
I would like to come here in the end of August.
I’m coming for the crystal blue water, but I can read that because of the inundation this last winter we can no longer see the crystal blue water and the sand? 😫
Do you think that it’s temporary and that in 2 months the beauty of this lake will come back?
Written 2 July 2019
Hello,
The water is still crystalline but for the sand beach unfortunately it will take longer.
no trace of inundation, everything is clean.
The landscape is still beautiful
Written 3 July 2019
Hello, I read in one article that there is a thermal spring near the lake. Is it true and where is it? is it suitable for taking a bath?
Written 16 May 2019
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