Lake Kournas is Crete’s only natural lake set in its own tiny micro-climate nestled in a valley only a few kilometers from the sea front about 20 mins drive from Chania. In the summer the lake recedes leaving a large beach area
There is a small ‘beach’ area (accessed from exit 1) off the main road to Kournas but most people sit in the cafes / restaurants further along that hug the lakeside. The views are lovely. The azure blue water is edged by high greens hills which seem to soar straight up from the lake.
You can only drive part way round but you can park up and take the small concrete road/path at the south end to explore more and maybe do some birdwatching but most people go there just to enjoy the views and maybe have fun on the beach area and take a ride on a pedalo for around €7 an hour.
Parking
As you approach Kournas village you will see a road sign pointing right to Lake 1st exit. If you take this turning it will take you to the beach area where there is very limited parking so some of the local farmers will rent you a parking space on their field. The lake is a good 10 minute walk from here.
However, if you continue and drive on up the incline to the village you get to a large cross roads with a small church on your left and a large souvenir shop of the right corner. Turn right here down the concrete road and there is a large car park / field on the right where you can park (there is a fee). From here you can walk down past all the souvenir shops to the restaurants on the lake front.
Refreshments
There are numerous restaurants where you can stop to eat and drink. Some are right on the waterfront so you can feed the tame, if slightly aggressive, ducks or if you drive up into the village of Kournas there are a couple of restaurants which have stunning views overlooking the lake.
Other places to include in your visit
If you do go to Lake Kournas you could stop in Georgioupoli which has an attractive village square surrounded by restaurants and a pretty harbour where blue and white Cretan caiques (sailboats) tug and bob at anchor or take the mountain road up over to Kalyves, a pretty beachfront town which you can see curving round the coastline if you visit Koules Fortress.
There is a car park on the beach front, to drive to the beach front turn towards the sea down a small track between the Piraeus bank and a hotel, then turn right and look out for the blue P sign. There are some nice hippy style touristy shops here and a really quaint cafe with tables overlooking the little stream which feeds into the sea. A very nice place to stop for a toasted sandwich and a cold Mythos.
Weblinks for Lake Kournas
MeetCrete.com
Weblinks for Georgiopoli and Kalyves
ExploreCrete.com – Georgiopoli
ExploreCrete.com – Kalyves