With a depth of 22.5 meters at its lowest point and measuring 1km along its longest diameter, Lake Kournas may not be the largest body of water in Greece. That doesn’t dampen its beauty in the least though. Ringed by a circle of turquoise, the tinted waters darken as the sandy lake floor gently slopes and falls away, creating the impression of concentric circles in gradually darkening shades of blue. Tavernas by the banks offer a wide variety of traditional Cretan fare while pedal boat owners are sure to rush forward, hawking the packages on offer. Alternatively, you can take a dip into the inviting warm embrace of the lake’s freshwater.

A leisurely stroll along the trails cut into the lake’s banks might just bring you face to face with ducks, cormorants or even the rare Diamondback Terrapin. Visitors can easily spend an entire day resting by the lakefront; witness to all that it has to offer. Carved into the uneven surface of the Earth, Lake Kournas has been filled with more than just aquamarine waters but nature’s finest treasures as well.