Kournas Lake Tours and Tickets

Q: What activities can I do at Kournas Lake?

Kournas Lake offers a variety of activities, including renting pedal boats or kayaks to paddle across the pretty scenery, and freshwater swimming. For those who prefer to stay on land, there are several walking paths around the lake, all great for birdwatching, while picnicking is a fun option, too.

Q: Is Kournas Lake suitable for swimming?

Yes, Kournas Lake is suitable for swimming, and the cool, fresh conditions are a nice change from the Aegean Sea. The calm, shallow waters near the shore are great for young children or those who prefer a gentle dip, while further out is suitable for more experienced swimmers. Note that there are no lifeguards on duty.

Q: Is there a best time of year to visit Kournas Lake?

The best time of year to visit Kournas Lake depends on what you’re looking for. The high season of June-August brings the warmest weather and the most amenities, but it comes with large crowds and potentially higher prices. The shoulder seasons—May to June, September to October—offer that sweet spot of pleasant weather and smaller crowds, though some facilities may be closed.

Q: Why is Kournas Lake special?

Kournas Lake holds a special place in Crete as it's the only freshwater lake on the island, making it a unique natural spot offering peaceful respite from the busier coastal areas. With freshwater swimming and pedal boats for rent, it’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Q: Is there a beach at Kournas Lake?

Yes, there are small sandy and pebbly beach areas along the shores of Kournas Lake, but no sweeping beaches like on the coast. Kournas’ beaches are great for sunbathing, picnicking, and access to the lake, plus they tend to be far less crowded than Crete’s more famous stretches of sand.

Q: What are some nearby attractions to combine with a visit to Kournas Lake?

For attractions near Kournas Lake, don’t miss Kournas village, located on a hill overlooking the lake, where visitors can explore traditional tavernas, cafés, and souvenir shops. For a contrasting experience, visit the nearby beaches of Georgioupolis, famous for beautiful golden sands. History buffs should explore the ancient city of Aptera and its well-preserved ruins.

41 results

Best Seller

Chania & Kournas Lake From Rethymno

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(15)

from $36

Kournas Lake Argiroupolis and olive oil factory from Rethymno

Suitable for those looking to venture off the beaten path in Crete, this tour starts at a local oil mill where you can watch how Crete's renowned olive oil is made. Embark on a journey through Crete, making a stop at the waterfalls of Argyroupolis, which bring life to the lush vegetation surrounding the village. Conclude your tour with a refreshing swim and indulge in Cretan delicacies at the charming taverns situated around the lake.

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Kournas Lake Argiroupolis and olive oil factory from Rethymno

6 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

4.6

(42)

from $30

Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake

If you like to explore independently but prefer to avoid self-drive, this western Crete tour is ideal. Cover ground you couldn’t hope to cover on public transport and save yourself more than four hours’ driving when you book this convenient trip to historic Rethymno, Venetian Chania and Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake. A guide accompanies your bus but you’re free to discover each stop at your own pace.

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Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake

9 hoursFree Cancellation

3.8

(52)

from $51

Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake

11 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.0

(43)

from $57

From Heraklion : Full-Day Bus Trip to Chania city , Kournas lake & Rethymno city

Get more out of your trip to Heraklion with this tour to the best sights of western Crete. Following your multilingual guide, you’ll witness the Minoan city of Chania, still one of Crete’s finest gems, and its decisive blend of old and new. Then it’s off to Old Town Rethymnon, one of Crete’s most well-preserved ancient settlements, and Lake Kournas, wrapping up this day with some spectacular Cretan nature.

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From Heraklion : Full-Day Bus Trip to Chania city , Kournas lake & Rethymno city

10 hoursFree Cancellation

3.9

(65)

from $47

Crete Nature Kournas lake Argyroupoli &Georgioupoli from Rethymno

Venture beyond Rethymno city limits—and discover a number of Crete’s most popular natural attractions, all in one day—on this tour. Following morning pickup from your Rethymno hotel, travel by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle to the scenic Lake Kournas. You’ll also explore the traditional village of Argyroupoli, admire Kotsifou Canyon, stop for a swim and local lunch in Georgioupolis, and enjoy free time relaxing on the beach at Plakias Bay.

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Crete Nature Kournas lake Argyroupoli &Georgioupoli from Rethymno

8 hoursFree Cancellation

3.4

(9)

from $30

Price varies by group size

From Chania Private half day Winery-Olive factory-Kournas lake

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(50)

from $474

Per group

Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages

Discover the most authentic and fresh Cretan food in villages between Chania and Rethymno. We will visit traditional villages where we will taste local cheese, honey ,olive oil, smoked meat, fruits, Greek sweets and herbs •We will drink Greek coffee made the traditional way in hovoli (fire that hasn’t been completely extinguished and remains hot) •You will have visit the best cheese factory in western Crete.You will also try the perfect ice cream that my friend makes and the delicious yoghurt. •We will have two meals in two different villages.The first taverna is at a mountain.The second taverna is above lake Kournas and has a fantastic view!Both are family owned and use products from the village or their own! •You will have the pleasure to witness the Cretan hospitality yourselves This is not just a food tasting experience but also a great opportunity to discover the traditional villages of Cretan countryside. The experience can take place also in the morning between 9.00-14.30

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Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(42)

from $213

Georgioupolis Safari Off Road Tours Outdoor Activities Land Rover Defender

Escape the tourist trail and spend a day exploring off the beaten track beauty near Georgioupolis. By traveling in a Land Rover, you’ll be able to access off-road sites that you wouldn’t discover otherwise. Visit incredible archaeological sites, traditional villages, and secluded beaches. If you work up an appetite, you won’t have to research where to eat as a delicious lunch in a family tavern is included. The tour will also take you to a winery, an olive oil factory, a castle, and multiple historical sites.

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Georgioupolis Safari Off Road Tours Outdoor Activities Land Rover Defender

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(322)

from $92

West Crete Tour from Heraklion: Rethymno-Chania-Kurnas

Although Heraklion is the perfect base to see Crete’s cultural and architectural heritage, it’s not the only part of Crete that is worthy of a visit. On this full-day tour, discover two of the prettiest cities in Western Crete—Chania and Rethymno—and immerse yourself in some of the island's loveliest scenery. Admire the White Mountains, visit Lake Kournas, and learn all about local history and culture as you explore.

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West Crete Tour from Heraklion: Rethymno-Chania-Kurnas

9 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.1

(117)

from $60

Chania, Kournas and Rethymno from Heraklion Private Tour

Discover a different side of Crete on a private tour to three of its most stunning destinations: historical Chania, the freshwater Kournas lake, and Rethymno with its Venetian harbor. Enjoy hotel pickup and round-trip transportation as you explore with added insight and context from your guide. There's time to explore the culture, browse boutiques, and taste delicious food in each of these spots.

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Chania, Kournas and Rethymno from Heraklion Private Tour

9 to 10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.9

(32)

from $711

Per group

Likely to Sell Out

Full-Day Tour : Rethymno-Chania- Lake Kournas ( West Crete Tour )

This excursion takes you to the west side& includes visits at the Towns of Rethymno & Chania , as well as to the Lake of Kournas . Going west on the northern axis of Crete ,our tour will take us to the beautyful town of Rethymno . A grafic Cretan Town , so characteristic and unique . We will have time to relax at the beautyful scenery at the old harbour of Rethymnon . Our next stop Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania . It's Venetian walls and harbor , narrow streets , and old buildings from the Venetian and Ottoman period are mostly intact and take you directly to the past . Here you can also see the Croos-Shaped closed Market of the city and the Leather-Market street . Next and last stop will be the Lake of Kournas , where you can have your lunch . For those who want there is a possibility to exlore the lake by a petal-boat (Available for Rent) or just walk around the lake and swim before we take the road back to Heraklion .

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Full-Day Tour : Rethymno-Chania- Lake Kournas ( West Crete Tour )

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(21)

from $58

Chania City & Lake Kournas Tour

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

4.3

(12)

from $36

Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil

Join a half-day getaway to Rethymno and Kournas Lake. Explore this enchanting city where Venetian castles mix seamlessly with ancient churches, lighthouses, and forgotten cobbled streets. As you travel to picturesque Lake Kourna, you'll be able to relax by its crystal clear waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains while sipping on traditional Greek coffee. Your final stop is a local olive oil factory where you can learn about the entire process and enjoy a guided tasting.

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Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil

6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(10)

from $652

Per group

All day road trip from the North mountains to the South beaches

~Witness fantastic places and tastes that you will find nowhere else ~Swim at the Crystal clear bluish/greenish waters of the Cretan south coast ~Experience the unique history and culture of a special island that was always desirable from every civilisation ~Visit the Cretan mountains that have been a place of rebellion and resistance during the Greek rebellion, the German occupation and many other attempts of conquest ~Witness the beautiful nature of the Cretan countryside and the welcoming Cretan people ~Hear amazing stories about the everyday life in Crete

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All day road trip from the North mountains to the South beaches

8 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(10)

from $285

CHANIA RETHYMNON KOURNAS, full day professional guided coach tour

11 hoursFree Cancellation

3.6

(8)

from $56

Lake Kournas Pedal Boat Tour with Transfer From Rethymno

6 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

(6)

from $142

Per group

Half-Day Private Tour of Chania: Explore History Culture & Beauty

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(6)

from $202

Price varies by group size

Private Tour West Crete: Chania & Rethymno Town and Kournas Lake

6 to 7 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(5)

from $782

Per group

Likely to Sell Out

Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion

Embark on this Private Full Day Tour to explore West Crete . We will start our day by enjoying an iced coffee in Agia Pelagia with amazing views. Enjoy the ride with our air conditioned comfortable vehicles. We will visit the old town of Chania and walk through the charming old narrow streets where we might get lost ….( we got google maps) The light house in Chania is must paparazzi point so we got to take a photo or 2 ……… Rethimno is the third biggest city in Crete and it’s known for its Venetian and Othoman architecture so we must explore it . Kournas Lake is the only natural lake in Crete and it’s located between Rethimno and Chania so we can enjoy lunch by the lake or we can skip it and enjoy lunch at an old traditional village . ( OPTIONAL)

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Private-Chania+Rethimnon Old Towns-Kournas Lake-From Heraklion

9 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(5)

from $415

Price varies by group size

A little over an hour from Heraklion, Rethymno (also written Rethimno or Rethymnon) delivers the rugged landscapes most associate with Crete. Experience it without the self-drive stress on this private tour with onboard Wi-Fi. Besides Rethymnon Old Town, see Arkadi Monastery, the ruins of Eleftherna (Eleutherna), Argyroupoli's waterfalls, Lake Kournas, St. Anthony Gorge, and the ceramic village of Margarites. Entrance fees and any guiding services are at your own expense.

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Full Day Rethimno Area

12 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(2)

from $766

Per group

Chania-Kournas-Rethymnon Tour

10 to 11 hours

3.5

(2)

from $62

Ultimate Cretan Safari: From Rethymno Off-Road to Preveli & Lunch

Join the ultimate 4x4 off-road safari across Crete! This epic journey takes you from the serene, emerald waters of Lake Kournas to the Libyan Sea, uncovering the island's most stunning hidden gems, far from the tourist crowds. We start at tranquil Lake Kournas, then go off-road through lush forests to the cascading Argyroupoli Springs, a shaded paradise of cool, running water. Next, navigate the majestic Kotsifou and Kourtaliotiko Gorges, with breathtaking panoramic views at every turn. Savor an authentic Cretan lunch rich with local flavor in a traditional taverna. The day's highlight is Preveli Beach, a tropical oasis with a unique palm forest where a river meets the sea. Enjoy ample time to explore, swim in turquoise waters, and relax. The beach is accessible via a walking trail, with an alternative spot available for those with mobility concerns. This full-day immersion showcases the true landscapes, flavors, and soul of Crete.

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Ultimate Cretan Safari: From Rethymno Off-Road to Preveli & Lunch

7 hours 40 minutesFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $113

Private Tour Rethymno City and Kournas Lake with Private Driver

Explore the old town of Rethymno along with traditional villages and a visit to Lake Kournas.By this trip you will feel like a local and you will avoid the tourist traps.Rethymno old town is one of the highlights, shop through the narrow traditional streets with the small shops, accept the locals treating you with "raki".Next, relax at Lake Kourna a hidden gem of Crete which will lead us to Argiroupoli village for a traditional meal.Last but not least, take a step back and admire the beautiful scenery at Agreco Farms along with activities.

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Private Tour Rethymno City and Kournas Lake with Private Driver

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

5.0

(1)

from $711

Per group

1 2

What are people saying about Kournas Lake

Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake

Patricia_D, May 2026

We enjoyed both Rethymnon...

We enjoyed both Rethymnon and Chania but would have preferred more time in Rethymnon rather than go to Lake Kournas. Lake Kournas was a little disappointing in that it is over commercialised and you don't really get to enjoy the Lake and it's surroundings as much due to all the businesses taking the frontage.

Kournas Lake Argiroupolis and olive oil factory from Rethymno

Katrina_K, May 2026

Absolutely perfect

This was an amazing day the tour guide was absolutely amazing very excited informative friendly and helpful the lake was stunning the waterfalls amazing the food delicious absolutely recommend this trip to anyone on holiday in Crete . Thank you for a wonderful day

Day trip to Rethymno, Chania & Kournas lake

Sonja, May 2026

We had a great time. ...

We had a great time. Everything was so organized. The lake was nice, but we could have spent more time in the other two locations. For the price it was a great day.

Discover Rethymno, Lake Kournas & the Secrets of Cretan Olive Oil

Costa_P, Aug 2023

Excellent snapshot

We had an excellent trip to Kournas Lake and Rethymno. A great snapshot of the area. Christina and Thanisis were perfect tour guides on a perfect day. Bravo sas 😎

Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake

Joao_R, May 2026

Great Day Trip with Beautiful Stops and a Friendly Guide

Overall, this was a very enjoyable full-day trip and I would recommend it. The places we visited were beautiful, and the guide was very friendly, helpful, and well-organized throughout the day. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time traveling on the bus between destinations, as the journey itself makes up a large portion of the day. Also, the time at each stop can feel a bit short, so it's worth planning ahead. The stop in Chania takes place around lunchtime, but the time there is limited and restaurant prices can be quite high. The guide actually recommends having lunch at the next stop instead, so bringing some snacks can help you make the most of your time exploring Chania without feeling rushed. If you're planning to buy souvenirs, it's worth waiting until the last stop. There is plenty of time there and a large selection of shops, making it the best and most relaxed place to do your shopping. Overall, it was a great way to see several beautiful locations in Crete in a single day, and the experience was definitely worthwhile.

Full-Day West Crete Tour: Chania & Rethymnon Old Town and Kournas Lake

gemdolan, May 2026

Magical/Mythical Cretan Tour

Our tour guide Maria was amazing, fun and knowledgeable. She told us about the history of the island, gave us insights on the the different stops we were going to visit during the tour and gave us pointers on where to go. She spoke various languages and made sure that everyone was alright and knew where to go, what to do, answered all questions, and even gave us her number in case we needed her while we were wondering around. The places we visited we beautiful and I didn’t feel like I was on a tour, I felt like I was out with my relative or a sister exploring a new place and experiencing a new adventure. She took the time with everyone so that we had a great time. She is with the Cretan Odyssey Company. She is a true gem who loves her job and meeting new people and showing us her beautiful country. I wish I could have met her sooner and spent my entire week touring with her. Thank you so much for making me feel like a family member, the laughs, the stories about Greece and giving me the opportunity for everlasting memories. You have to book this tour. You won’t be disappointed. Thank you Maria for a fabulous experience and tour.

Kournas Lake

4.5

(890)

Crete

Know before you go

Kournas Lake is ideal for outdoors and wildlife lovers.
The eastern edge of the lake has a number of hotels and villas, as well as restaurants, cafés, and traditional tavernas—great for lunch with a view.
You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas on site during summer.
Visitors with limited mobility can book a wheelchair- or scooter-accessible tour of the lake and surrounding region.

Kournas Lake Tours and Tickets

41 results

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Kournas Lake

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