And the amazing beauty of Lake Kourna, is yet another confirmation of this as it is written by a brush of a talented artist!
Lake Kourna is located under the shadow of two hills, and it is the water that got its stunning landscapes and the title of one of the most beautiful places on the island. Not surprisingly, Greece has given the area the status of a natural reservation - this is the only miraculous lake on the island of Crete. Every day the sun seems to draw with its rays various patterns on the surface of the water, every hour the landscape changes, and the travelers are discovered then the azure blue clear water on the shore, then the carved outlines of the majestic hills.
This wildlife place is located in the western part of the island of Crete, a few kilometers from the town of Georgioupolis (eastern part of the Chania region). The lake falls under the Natura 2000 program, Greece carefully monitors the development of the lake area. But there are souvenir shops and taverns nearby especially for fans of a quick snack. From the cafe, by the way, you have an amazing view of the hills.
A bit of history
The first mention about the lake was in the 6th century AD. Even then its beauties were admired by the philosopher Stephen of Byzantium, describing the wonderful landscapes in his memoirs. But even more interesting legend will be told you by local people. The lake Kurna appeared due to a young girl, Corisie, who grew up in a village stretching out on the site of a pond. The girl grew up without a mother, and her appearance was admired by every man. Once the father could not resist the beauty of his daughter and desired her. Corissie had to escape him and run away. Hiding, she began to pour down tears and asked the heavens to punish her father. Suddenly the ground cracked, and Corisie's tears flooded the whole village.
Entertainment
But a relaxing-contemplative rest in the arms of the calm waves of Lake Kourn is not the only thing you can do here. The water in the lake is very warm - you can swim in April already. Rolling a catamaran and swimming in the purest water, do not be scared of the local inhabitants! In the shallows you will meet a sun-warming turtle, and if you have a mask at hand, you can see the fanciful fish and clumsy crabs hiding in the bottom of the lake. But the full lords of the valley are birds. Every year the lake becomes a place for rest of more than 100 species of migratory birds, which migrate annually from Europe to Africa. Another 60 species make their nests in the area. But don`t forget to grab some feeding for the local wild ducks, which are not too shy to beg and eat right from the hands of tourists! Local residents and numerous tourists like to relax here on the sun beds, and also - this is a great place for picnics.
The road to the village of Kournas is a little higher, where, in one of the local souvenir shops, you can buy real Cretan pottery. Do not grieve and the prices - even during the hot season there are not so many tourists, but because the institutions attract visitors with "tasty" prices.
The cost of renting a catamaran depends on its type and is approximately 15 euros.
In summer the lake becomes shallow, so walkers can walk around it.
On the highway E75 from the city of Chania 45 km, from Rethymno - 25 km. Follow the signs in the village of Georgioupoli turn left, then there will be signs to the lake.
