Lake Korisia: The «only daughter» lake of Crete
In the province of Apokoronas at the foot of Mount Dafnomadara, there was in ancient times a settlement called Korion, as reported by Stephanus of Byzantium.
Brief History of Kournas Settlement
That ancient settlement is the present village of Kournas. Kournas is one of the oldest villages in Crete. In 1356 he refers to a power of attorney of the poet Stefanos Sahlikis, to Hemanueli Melissino, a resident of the village of Kournas, to sell his infantry manor in the village of Koufos.
In the years of Venetian rule, it was a crowded village, as evidenced by the census conducted by Petros Kastrofylakas in 1583. At that time Kournas had 484 inhabitants and 27 privileged. These are the noble Romans Melissinos, Skordilides, and Chortatsides, who had occupied the Fortress of Almyros (Castrum dell ’Armiro) since 1262 after a letter sent to them by Michael Paleologos with the noble Roman Stegos.
In Kournas, the Byzantine churches of Agios Georgios to the east of the settlement are preserved, with the ornate bell tower of Agia Irini at the edge of the green valley and the Entrances of the Virgin.
In the revolution of 1897 in Kournas it was the seat of the General Assembly of the Cretans and the inhabitants of the area led all the uprisings for freedom.
Today, Kournas is administratively part of the municipality of Georgioupolis and is a robust municipal district of the municipality that is constantly developing, because young people live in their village, a fact that prescribes a happy future for the place.
The Creation of Lake Korisia
To the north of the village of Kournas is the beautiful lake of the same name. Just a short distance from Georgioupolis under the mountain peaks of Arkale, Maratholakko, and Tragolithos.
The creation of this unique natural lake of Crete is due to the action of the karst phenomena. It is classified in the category of dolines. However, our people with their legends give another explanation for the creation of the lake as we will see below.
Kournas was created by the collapse of the underground cave roof due to the dissolution of limestone rocks during the post-Cretaceous.
It has an area of about 14 acres, with a slightly elliptical shape, with a large axis of 800m. and its surface is located 15 — 20 m. above sea level. The amount of water fluctuates depending on the season so that the maximum depth reaches 28m. and a minimum of 23m.
The Wild Flora and Fauna at Lake Korisia
The lake is surrounded by a ring of wild willows, thyme, locusts, myrtles, and holly. Nevertheless, the whole area has rich vegetation. Recently, the aquatic ‘thorny naiada’ (Najas Marina) was found for the first time in Crete, in the foliage of which fish and invertebrates that live in the lake find shelter and food.
206 species of birds have been recorded in the wetlands of the lake and in the surrounding area of Georgioupolis. 49 of which are mentioned in the red book of endangered vertebrates of Greece.
In addition to birds, many other species of vertebrates and invertebrates are in the area. Some of them are a priority according to European and Greek legislation. Like the water turtle (Mauremys rivulata) and the house snake (Elaphe situla).
The need for coordinated action at a pan-European level for the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora led the Council of Europe in 1992 to decide to set up the NATURA 2000 network.
Specifically for Crete, 33 areas were recorded and proposed for inclusion in the network, including the area of Cape Drapanos and Lake Kournas with code GR 4340010.
The Name of the Lake
It is not clear whether the lake took its name from the nearby village of Kournas or the other way round. However, the ancient name of the lake was Korisia and there was the sanctuary of ‘Athena Korisia’. Stephanus of Byzantium mentioned this at the beginning of the 6th century AD. century.
It is also mentioned that in antiquity there was a sanctuary dedicated to «Hippon and Koren», Hippocorion and from this, the name of the city Hippocoronium came.
A Lake that Scares People
In 1415, during his voyage to Crete, the Florentine priest Christopher Bouodelmodi mentions from his visit to Lake Kournas the following. «We saw a small but deep lake whose enormous depth can be appreciated from the darkness of the dark color. That’s why the lake scares people who leave quickly. The snow and the rains of the mountains descend to this cavity where large eels live »
The Legend of the Daughter
Here lived a beautiful daughter whose beauty was famous throughout Crete. She was the jewel of her village and her fellow villagers were proud of her and everyone loved her. But she also always managed to make them laugh and rejoice with her cute make-up and her sweet songs.
Thus the winters and summers passed. As the daughter grew up her beauty blossomed like a rare flower. Foreigners passing by the village wanted to see the beautiful Cretan girl up close. They even brought gifts of silk and spices to please her and show her their admiration.
In those years a great king lived in Crete. He was famous for his bravery in battles, and his kindness in the years of Peace. His father, Rigas, wanting a worthy bride for his son, learned about Kournas’s beautiful daughter. He sent a confidant to talk to her father and invite the daughter to his mansion to meet her.
The Start of the End
The news traveled like lightning throughout the village. Everyone was happy about the good fortune of the beautiful girl who would become a noblewoman.
When the day of farewell came, no one could hold back his tears from emotion. Just the thought that they would no longer have with them the beautiful sprout of their village filled them with sadness.
The beautiful daughter greeted them one by one. She told them that this day was a day of joy and that she would soon come to see them again. Therefore, they started to sing and laughter blossomed on the lips of her fellow villagers. Then the girl and her father set off for the great state.
They walked for a long time. At noon they stopped at a spring to cool off and rest in the shade of a large plane tree.
The daughter untied her blond hair and a golden waterfall spilled over her shoulders. However, at that moment she saw, her father looking at her in a way that made her blood freeze. Terror and insanity took over the soul of the beautiful girl. In her despair, she shouted: «Voula and voulolimna and I am an element in the lake!»
Immediately the place shook. The mountains rumbled the earth shook and from its bowels, water was thrown and covered everything around.
The Lost Lake Girl
The years passed. That city was lost in the shadow of time. The beautiful daughter haunted the lake. Sometimes people see her in the middle of summer chasing fish and water snakes. Other times at the bottom of the lake they see the gold from her blond hair overflow.
Elissos’ Lake Experiences and Blogs
The Most Wondrous Lakes in Crete
In our article on the most wondrous lakes in Crete expect nothing less than a list of whimsical lakes that have magical stories behind them!
We all know that there cannot be a lake without a story. Therefore, are here to share with you all those hidden secrets of the beautiful Cretan lakes. We, at Elissos, praise nature as we understand its importance and value its beauty. There is nothing more appealing than an experience that offers a combination of elements. For this reason, our tours are well rounded as we design them with careful consideration of the surrounding area in which they take place.
We hope you enjoy reading about the most wonderful lakes in Crete and on which of our tours you can capture them in person!
Rethimnon for Nature Lovers
Your day will start with a scenic drive to the west of the town of Rethimnon. First, you will experience will be the natural lake of Kourna, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete. Your next stop will be the beautiful Natural Park of Patsos. In the park, renowned for its natural beauty, feel your senses delighted thanks to the several species of fauna thriving. You will hike the Gorge of Patsos, also known as Agios Antonios Gorge, an 8kms long moderate hike. Enjoy a delicious traditional meal in the local tavern of the gorge, including typical Cretan specialties. Finally, visit Arkadi Monastery, a centuries-old Monument, a historic monastery and symbol of independence for the Cretan people. Explore its impressive architecture and decorations, as well its history and significance in the Cretan people’s struggle for liberation.