HeritagePhoto Wikimedia CommonsLake Kournas
Greece
Leaving this extraordinary city, we arrive at the quaint Lake Kournas, a beautiful habitat with natural freshwater, one of a kind on Crete. Lush greenery, steep cavities between hills, rare species of fish and birds, like eels, moorhens and two-color turtles, make Kournas the ideal place to enjoy a swim before our lunch or an early afternoon walk. The whole area of Kournas is protected under Natura 2000, as it has been a designated wetland.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Lake Kournas
Welcome to Lake Kournas, a true 'hidden gem in nature' and a stark departure from the saltwater coastlines that dominate the Cretan landscape. As the only freshwater lake on the island, Kournas holds a unique ecological and…
Listen in the app2The Hydrology and Arabic Roots
To understand Lake Kournas, one must understand its geological and historical context. The lake sits at an elevation of about 20 meters above sea level and occupies a limestone basin that was likely formed by the collapse of a…
Listen in the app3The Pedalo Experience: Venturing into the Blue
The quintessential Lake Kournas activity is undoubtedly renting a pedalo, or paddle boat. For a modest fee—typically around 10 to 20 Euros—you can take to the water and explore the lake at your own pace. …
Listen in the app4The Turtle Habitat and Wildlife Spotting
The primary reason many people venture out onto the lake is to see its most famous inhabitants: the turtles. Lake Kournas is home to a unique species of bicolored terrapin (Mauremys rivulata) and small sea turtles that have…
Listen in the app5The Shoreline and Seasonal Sands
The shoreline of Lake Kournas is dynamic, changing significantly with the seasons. During the summer months, the water level recedes, revealing sandy beaches along the edge that are perfect for sunbathing and walking. …
Listen in the app6Greek Easter and Communal Traditions
If you are lucky enough to visit during Greek Easter, you will witness Lake Kournas at its most vibrant. Easter is a deeply significant traditional day in Greece, and the lakeside becomes a focal point for family celebrations. …
Listen in the app7The Valley Overlook and Mountain Vistas
Before we finish our tour, we must take a moment to look upward and outward. Lake Kournas is nestled at the base of the mountains, and the verticality of the landscape is a crucial part of its beauty. …
Listen in the app8Lake Kournas
As our exploration of Lake Kournas draws to a close, we return to the quiet shoreline. We have journeyed through the lake's Arabic roots, marveled at its unique hydrology, encountered its 'curious and sweet' turtles, and…
Listen in the app
What is Lake Kournas?
Lake Kournas is a place in Greece with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Greece |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 35.3321, 24.2828 |
| Last updated |