In the legendary Lake Voulismeni the Greek goddesses bathed, who gave to its waters some of their divine power and beauty. And today the lake is one of the most outstanding sights of Crete.
In ancient Greek myths, the island of Crete is often mentioned in connection with many interesting events that took place in the daily life of the Olympian gods. According to the legends, the most influential persons of the divine pantheon spent their leisure time in the picturesque corners of the island. Lake Vulismeni is considered one of these places. It was here, in the clear waters of the lake loved to swim two charming goddesses, Athena and Artemis, about the unfading beauty of which there were many legends.
One of the two freshwater lakes of Crete, Lake Voulismeni is the main attraction of Agios Nikolaos, located at Mirabello Bay, on the east coast of the island. The peculiarity of the lake is the salty surface of the water column, while at a depth of more than thirty meters the water remains fresh. This phenomenon has a quite rational explanation. In the middle of the 19th century the lake was connected to the sea by a canal, after which the surface waters became saline.
Lake Voulismeni on the island of Crete has long been shrouded in a veil of mystery. The dark, almost black waters frightened the locals with their impenetrable appearance. Legends said that the depths of the lake were guarded by underground spirits. In fact, the effect of the abyss arose due to the unusual proportions of the lake. Having almost perfect round shape with a diameter of 137 m, the depth of the lake reaches 64 meters. British Admiral Spratt measured its exact depth. Trying to dispel local superstitions, the sailor proved that the notorious "bottomless" lake still has its limits.
During World War II Crete was occupied by German troops. After the invaders left, the locals destroyed traces of the enemy's presence by dumping all weapons and equipment into the lake. The famous oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau came to Crete specifically to explore the depths of Lake Voulismeni, at the bottom of which lie rusted munitions that have lost their destructive power forever.
Today Lake Voulismeni in Crete is a favorite vacation spot for the citizens and tourists who come to admire the beauty of the local scenery. Along the eastern shore of the lake stretches one of the main streets of the city with numerous cafes and restaurants. On Easter Eve, bright lights of fireworks are reflected in the dark water surface.
The west bank of Voulismeni is a sheer cliff with sparse vegetation. If you want to take gorgeous panoramic shots of the town, the park above the lake is the best place to do so. Numerous fishing boats make the lake picturesque, and the bright dome of the sky, reflected on the glossy surface of the lake, creates around this wonderful place an atmosphere of eternal holiday, with which you do not want to part.
