Kournas Lake Tours

Situated in a valley surrounded by dramatic mountains, Lake Kournas offers a picturesque alternative to Crete’s many beaches. It’s the only freshwater lake on the island, and its warm, turquoise, spring-fed waters reflect the rocky peaks above like a mirror. Summertime visitors come to swim, boat, or just loll on the beach.
The Basics
Lake Kournas is at its best during summer, when the water recedes and reveals a strip of white sand. You can explore the outer reaches of the lake by canoe or paddleboat, walk around the lake’s 2-mile (3.5-kilometer) perimeter, or even visit as part of an off-road 4x4 adventure. Also, Lake Kournas has been granted the EU’s Natura 2000 preservation status, which recognizes and protects its varied bird and marine life. There are a huge number of species to spot, including water snakes, herons, cormorants, and the rare diamondback terrapin.
To immerse yourself in the Greek way of life, consider joining a combined lake and winery tour. Other guided tours that stop at the lake take in western Crete’s cities, villages, and natural scenery.
Things to 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.
How to Get There
Lake Kournas lies on the west side of Crete, south of Georgioupolis. From there, take national route 90, then follow the rural road and signs for approximately 2.5 miles (4 kilometers). Nearby villages include Kournas and Argyroupolis, where you can see parts of the excavated ancient city of Lappa.
When to Get There
The lake is open year-round, but during the winter and spring the water level is higher, so the beach largely disappears. Most of the tavernas also open only on weekends through the winter months. During the summer the lake can get very popular—particularly on the weekends when local families descend—so try to visit midweek to avoid the crowds.
The Pottery Workshops of Kournas
Visit the local village of Kournas, which unlike the lake, is relatively untouched by tourism. The traditional houses, family-run pottery workshops, and charming tavernas make it a quaint place to explore on foot. Kournas was also the seat of the revolutionary government during the 1866 uprising, so it played a significant role in the history of Crete’s fight for independence.
Address: Georgioupoli 730 07, Greece
23 Tours and Activities to Experience Kournas Lake
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West Crete Day Tour: Chania, Rethymno, Lake Kournas - from Heraklion region
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. Learn all about the diversity of Heraklion’s heritage, including its Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and ancient Greek influences.
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From
$75.05
From
$75.05

Kournas Lake ( Small Group Tour )
Kournas Lake - Argiroupolis - Georgioupolis
The first stop of the trip is at a local oil mill. Here you will have the opportunity to see how our famous olive oil is produced. The second stop is at the charming white chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas in the village of Georgioupolis. This is the most photographed landmarks in this part of Crete. The church was built about a century ago on a rocky islet about 100 meters into sea. Continuing on, we make a quick stop at the waterfalls of Argyroupolis. These waterfalls are responsible for the rich vegetation that surrounds the village. It is a magical and refreshing experience. The last stop of the trip is at the lake of Kournas. Here we stop for about 2 hours. You will have enough time to enjoy a swim and eat Cretan delicacies at the many taverns that are located around the lake.
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From
$49.21
From
$49.21
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Private tour with a local! Wine tasting with light lunch and lake pedalo
Have the opportunity to visit the only fresh water natural lake in the island of Crete, where you will relax and have a coffee break in a local taverna. You will admire the beauty of nature by riding a pedalo and for the brave ones by swimming into the lake with the ducks and the turtles. Next is the main destination the winery, where you will have a tour in the courtyard, the botanical garden and then to the production and storage area of the wines, to learn all the secrets of production and bottling. Then you will taste the delicacies of Crete in a light lunch with local wine.
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From
$151.42
From
$151.42

Rethymno-Chania-Kournas Tour
Explore the history and scenic beauty of West Crete on this all-day guided excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, travel by luxury bus to the area’s top attractions. Visit the picturesque towns of Chania and Rethymnon, marvel at historic landmarks, taste delicious local cuisine, and go swimming in the distinctive Lake Kournas.
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From
$73.81
From
$73.81

Private Tour Crete: Walk the old town of Rethymno, Arkadi Monastery, Lake Kourna
This Private tour in Crete is a unique opportunity to feel the Cretan hospitality
You will walk at the narrow streets of old town of Rethymno, at narrow alleys, kiosks (prominent wooden windows), amateur lyres, mantinadas, smell of fresh bread from wood ovens and tsikoudia flavor. In other words, one of the latest authentic magical tour in Crete. You will visit the Lake of Kourna, that the landscape is lovely and relaxing, whether you want to go for a walk in the countryside with unique natural beauty. You will have memorable photos here. Our next stop will be at the Arkadi Monastery, as it is the most historic monastery of Crete and it has been designated by UNESCO as a European Freedom Monument.
Finally, we will reach at the most traditional village in Crete, located in picturesque green rolling hills the village is well known for its pottery, called "Margarites". Being the most important center of ceramics industry in Crete this is the must-see.
The duration of the tour is 8 hours
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From
$313.71
Price varies by group size
From
$313.71
Price varies by group size
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

SeaByBus - All inclusive half day trip to Rethymno-Kournas Lake from Chania
During this half day trip, we will take you to Rethymno, a well-organized city with a variety of picturesque routes to follow and numerous historical monuments to visit. You will be amazed by the large Venetian castle Fortezza, countless churches and mosques, the old lighthouse, arches, cobbled paths and many other beautiful hidden spots of the old city. Our next stop is the famous Lake of Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. This place is ideal for relaxation and a walk, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the White Mountains reflected in the waters while drinking a cup of traditional Greek coffee.
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From
$79.97
From
$79.97
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Day trip with Guide to Rethymno Chania & Kournas lake
Get to know the west side of the island in a guided tour, enjoying a morning bus trip towards the cosmopolitan town of Rethymno, followed by a visit to Chania, the little “Venice” of Crete. Complete your day trip to the picturesque lake of Kournas, the Crete’s only freshwater lake.
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From
$52.90
From
$52.90
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Chania & Kournas Lake From Rethymnon
Chania, the most beautiful city in Greece. Kournas Lake, the only natural lake in Crete. Explore in one day 2 legendary areas of Crete. Your leisure time in Chania will be 3.5 hours and you can stroll through the picturesque alleys, see the imposing lighthouse and wander through Municipal Market. At Kournas Lake you will have 1.5 hours of free time exploring the lake or enjoying your meal at the local
Have a nice tour!
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From
$30.76
From
$30.76
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

VIP Crete Sightseeing: Rethymno-Argiroupolis-Kournas Lake-Chania from Elounda
Escape to the Western Crete - an idyllic destination on the island that effortlessly captures the spirit of authentic Philoxenia (“Hospitality”). With a chauffeured premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, you will explore the Venetian city of Rethymno, the charming lake of Kournas, and the romantic town of Chania by enjoying maximum comfort and privacy. Your private local insider guide will enrich the day with a visit to the village of Argyroupolis (Ancient Lappa city), where you will experience an authentic lunch at a cozy place surrounded by mountainous waterfalls, the smell of tasty grilled lamb on the spit (Cretan Antikristo) and friendly locals. Last but not least, you will have the chance for unique home-made wine tasting by Kournas Lake. Prepare to excite all your senses. Don't forget that among Crete's iconic gems like Elafonisi beach, Chrissi island, Knossos Palace, and safari there are so many other things to explore!
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From
$738.15
per group
From
$738.15
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

VIP Crete Sightseeing: Rethymno - Argiroupolis - Kournas Lake - Chania
Escape to the Western Crete - an idyllic destination on the island that effortlessly captures the spirit of authentic Philoxenia (“Hospitality”). With a chauffeured premium vehicle at your full-day disposal, you will explore the Venetian city of Rethymno, the charming lake of Kournas, and the romantic town of Chania by enjoying maximum comfort and privacy. Your private local insider guide will enrich the day with a visit to the village of Argyroupolis (Ancient Lappa city), where you will experience an authentic lunch at a cozy place surrounded by mountainous waterfalls, the smell of tasty grilled lamb on the spit (Cretan Antikristo) and friendly locals. Last but not least, you will have the chance for unique home-made wine tasting by Kournas Lake. Prepare to excite all your senses. Don't forget that among Crete's iconic gems like Elafonisi beach, Chrissi island, Knossos Palace, and safari there are so many other things to explore!
…More
From
$590.52
per group
From
$590.52
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

All inclusive full day trip to Matala Beach-Spili Village-Kournas Lake-Group 12
Let’s drive south-east and visit the picturesque village of Spili. Take a 60 min brake admiring a stone fountain, springs, chapels and churches with wonderful murals. Our next stop gives you the chance to experience Matala, a small village where in the 60s a group of backpacking hippies came from the four corners of the earth to find ready-made homes in the caves, express themselves, enjoy free love and create. The feeling of freedom, the beautiful beach, the welcoming bay and the azure blue waters form the ideal hippie scene. Unforgettable panoramic sights, the unique Mediterranean landscape and swimming in turquoise clean sea will be the most exciting memories of your holiday on the island! Along the way back, we make a stop at Lake Kournas, a popular tourist destination with many shops and tavernas where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the White Mountains reflected in the waters.
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From
$1,045.71
per group
From
$1,045.71
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

From Heraklion : Full-Day Bus Trip to Chania city , Kournas lake & Rethymno city
This excursion brings us to West Crete and our first stop in Chania, the most ravishing city of Crete. It was an important Minoan city and the “mother of the Cretan cities”, according to ancient writers. The city is divided in the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications.
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From
$59.05
From
$59.05
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Winery Tour and Kourna's Lake
In this private tour our first stop is Kourna’s lake the only fresh water lake in Crete, where we will have a coffee break admiring the view. After we will ride a pedalo boat around the lake. Then we will have a tour in the courtyard of a winery, the botanical garden and then to the production and storage area of the wines, to learn all the secrets of production and bottling. Finally we will taste the delicacies of Crete in a tasting of 5 different wines and a light lunch.
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From
$171.00
From
$171.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Chania-Kournas-Rethymnon Tour TR
This excursion brings us to West Crete and our first stop in Chania, the most ravishing city of Crete. It was an important Minoan city and the “mother of the Cretan cities”, according to ancient writers. The city is divided in the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. We can admire samples of all the civilizations that have passed from here: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse. We can enjoy our lunch at the picturesque harbor or visit the famous Agora (Market), which houses traditional little shops and taverns. Here we can buy souvenirs or leather goods in very good prices.
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From
$71.35
From
$71.35

Crete Full-Day Nature Trip from Rethymno
Enjoy a round-trip excursion to the southern part of Rethymno. Experience the natural beauty of Crete, explore traditional villages and more.Stop at Kournas, Crete’s only fresh-water lake. Enjoy a short drive through the countryside to the traditional village of Argyroupoli, Just before the first glimpse at the Libyan Sea, stop at the Kotsifou Gorge and visit a beautiful old stone church.Take a break at the Bay of Plakias and enjoy some time relaxing on the beach or exploring the village.
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From
$38.14
From
$38.14
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Full Day Rethimno Area
Let us introduce you to the authentic Crete and enjoy a day filled with pretty scenery, history and time to relax. You will discover the unknown side of what you see in pictures and become part of it. A perfect tour to combine everyday city life with lush landscapes of natural beauty.
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From
$794.94
per group
From
$794.94
per group

Royalty Chania-Kournas-Rethymnon Tour
This excursion brings us to West Crete and our first stop in Chania, the most ravishing city of Crete. It was an important Minoan city and the “mother of the Cretan cities”, according to ancient writers. The city is divided in the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. We can admire samples of all the civilizations that have passed from here: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse. We can enjoy our lunch at the picturesque harbor or visit the famous Agora (Market), which houses traditional little shops and taverns. Here we can buy souvenirs or leather goods in very good prices.
…More
From
$71.35
From
$71.35

Cretan View - The "North-South Tour" 4x4 excursion around western Crete
Join us for a day that will introduce you to authentic Crete…
Join us for an unforgettable trip that will offer you unique experiences, views and tastes!
Feel the magic of kournas lake, enjoy the springs of Argiroupolis, have a Coffee stop with us, discover narrow paths, become one with the White Mountains, get the experience of Miriokefala monastery, visit with us the Castle of Frangokastello, taste the local cuisine and of course have a taste of Cretan wines at a Winery !
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From
$114.41
From
$114.41
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Private Tour: Exploring Chania and its Villages
Sightsee around the scenic villages of Crete in the company of a local guide in a private luxury vehicle
Choose an itinerary tailored to your interests and specifications
Zero hassle! Your personal guide will arrange everything
Visit the top wineries of the region to discover unique and hard-to-find wines
Relax on some of the most beautiful beaches of Greece
Visit archaeological sites that give an insight to a civilization lost since the remote antiquity.
Sample Itinerary :
The tour will start at the seaside traditional village of Armeni, and continue to the region of Alikambos, where we’ll walk in olive & citrus groves of unparalleled beauty, where the rows of fruit-bearing trees point toward the sea. Last, we’ll visit Limni Kourna, a gorgeous, untouched lake of great geological and ecological significance. After a walk by the the azure waters of the lake, you can visit the village of Kournas, the seat of the Cretan Revolution of 1866.
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From
$713.54
per group
From
$713.54
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Experience Chania, Local Villages and Lake Kourna
The cultural capital of Crete, Chania captivates your mind with their exceptional sceneries. The mountainous wild harmonically meets the breeze of the sea.
The tour will start at the traditional, seaside village of Armeni, and continue to the region of Alikambos, where we’ll explore the Cretan Flora. Olive and citrus groves of unparalleled beauty, where the rows of fruit-bearing trees point towards the sea.
Continuing our trip we reach lake Kourna, on the slope of Lefka Ori mountain, where it meets the vast green flat countryside. A gorgeous, lake of great geological and ecological significance that escaped from human intervention. After admiring the azure waters of the lake, you can visit the village of Kournas, the seat of the Cretan Revolution of 1866.
One hour free time of optional stop for lunch at guests’ own expense in Armeni.
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From
$1,427.09
per group
From
$1,427.09
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Full-Day Crete Sightseeing Natural Landscape Tour with Pick Up
On this trip we want to show you a bit of everything: traditional villages, churches, mountains, gorges and beaches. The first stop is at Kournas, the only fresh water lake on Crete. A drive through the country side takes us to the village Argyroupoli where a short round walk will take you through various periods of Cretan history to end up in the present again while enjoying a coffee or a juice. During the drive that follows you will notice changes in the scenery as we are approaching the south coast. Just before we catch the first glimpse of the Libyan Sea we stop in the Kotsifou Gorge to visit a beautiful stone church. Our largest break will be in the bay of Plakias where you can spend time at the beach, have a meal or stroll through the village. On the way back to Rethymno we drive through the Kourtaliotis Gorge where we stop so you can take pictures of this amazing and wild landscape.
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From
$30.76
From
$30.76
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas

South Round Trip - VIP Private Tour
Discover the beautiful and diverse sceneries of our South Round Trip. This VIP Tour will adjust everything to your needs, as times and stops are flexible. We provide the whole vehicle only for you, accompanied by our professional drivers! The Kournas Lake offers a relaxing landscape in a valley among hills. The village of Argiroupolis is a very refreshing place with its waterfalls and the cool mountain air. The Kotsifou Gorge will fascinate you with its scenery. Plakias Beach is a beautiful sandy beach, suitable for every taste, allowing you to relax and swim in the crystal clear waters of the Libyan Sea. You will come in contact with the wild side of Cretan nature in the Kourtaliotiko Gorge.
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From
$356.77
per group
From
$356.77
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use

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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From
$84.89
From
$84.89
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
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