Kournas Lake Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Kournas Lake. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Georgioupolis Safari Off Road Tours Outdoor Activities Land Rover Defender

• From Chania Private Half Day Winery-Olive Factory-Kournas Lake

• West Crete Tour from Heraklion: Rethymno-Chania-Kurnas

• Kournas Lake Argiroupolis and Olive Oil Factory from Rethymno

• Gastronomy Tour and Wine Tasting in Traditional Villages

Visiting Kournas Lake is technically free—it has no entrance fee, and anyone can come and enjoy the idyllic views. But most visitors will either stop by a taverna on the shore, rent a pedalboat on-site, or arrive via guided tour. Full-day tours, most of which include transportation, start at as little as US$30.

Yes, Kournas Lake is worth visiting. It's Crete's only freshwater lake, with a gorgeous multihued color, and it's surrounded by pretty hills. Visitors can relax at a taverna on the shore, go birding, and explore any of the local villages nearby. If the weather allows, you can go swimming or rent a pedalboat, too.

Per one customer who booked the tour From Chania Private Half Day Winery-Olive Factory-Kournas Lake, "Angie is amazing! She was so accommodating and flexible, and she has so much knowledge about the island of Crete and all its beauty. The lake she took us to was incredible, and with her, we got to avoid the hassle of parking and walking. The olive oil factory was awesome, but the winery was my favorite. This is a great experience for your visit to Crete—highly recommend!"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Kournas Lake. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Crete:

• Palace of Knossos

• Elafonisi Beach

• Archanes

• Balos Beach and Lagoon

• Samaria Gorge

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Crete.