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

Visit Kournas Lake on the island of Crete, which is surrounded by hills, just a few kilometres away from the sea and at the boundaries of Chania and Rethymno. The lake was known as Korisia in antiquity and is nowadays a destination attracting thousands of visitors every year. The lake’s water increases during winter, from adjacent sources in the mountains and decreases in summer revealing a gold sandy strip. The shallow clear waters at the shore gradually get darker towards the centre of the lake, reaching a maximum depth of 22.5m. Gaze at its surface mirroring the green surrounding, a safe haven to the area’s avifauna.

Home to a large number of birds and animals, Lake Kournas is the place where you can encounter moorhens, ducks, geese, herons, cormorants, eels, water snakes, goldfish and rare species of turtles who are permanent residents of this friendly wetland.

If more time is available explore the area and visit the picturesque village Kournas (at 4km from the lake) and the cave with its beautifully formed stalactites and stalagmites