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 wonderous lakes in Crete and in which of our tours you can capture them in person!
Lake Kournas – Rethymnon, Crete
Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete, is in a hollow between hills, 4km from Georgioupolis. The lake is fed by the Amati spring, which in summer “emerges” above the surface of the water and in winter is lost in the water. It is essentially a large pit that fills with water thanks to the differentiation of its soil that allows the passage of water. Between the high mountains that surround it and the golden-green olive groves, the dark blue-green “touch” of the lake and the area around it are an important ecosystem and are protected by its inclusion in the Natura 2000 network. In the lake, which is an important wetland, there are ospreys and ducks, eels, water snakes, and a rare species of two-colored turtle, which has spots on its shell, whose scientific name is terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin).
On an island like Crete, with thousands of beauties and famous beaches, Lake Kournas is gaining its share of visitors and recognition. In summer, its shores turn into beaches and vacationers enjoy their dives or ride on the lake with pedal boats. Those beaches disappear in spring and winter when the vegetation reaches the water. However, one must be aware of the legends and theories that surround this mythical place.
The First Legend
This is a story of an exceptionally beautiful girl with blond hair, who was chased by her father because he was enchanted by her beauty. In her attempt to escape from her father, she reached the place where the lake is today. There she said the following words: “Voula and Voulolimna and I am an element in the lake”. Then the spirits that were there listened to her desire and the ground began to shake and sink swallowing the beautiful girl resulting in the creation of the lake and the girl to become a fairy.
The Second Legend
They say that the inhabitants of the area were faithless and performed abominations. Therefore, God to punish them created very heavy rains with a long duration with the result that the rainwater drowned the inhabitants and created a lake in the area. According to the legend, only the pope’s daughter, who haunts the lake, survived the catastrophe.
A Bottomless Lake?
There is also another theory, which claims that Lake Kournas has no bottom due to the color of the lake. The water of the lake from a light blue turns into a deep blue at the center of it. They claim that there are extraordinarily strong electromagnetic fields that affect the mood of those visiting the lake.
Rethimnon for Nature Lovers – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Spend your day exploring the magnificent nature in Western Crete. Visit the natural lake of Kournas where you will have a chance to see up close the fascinating beauty that everyone keeps talking about. After you make up your mind if there is a fairy living there or not, you will continue to your next stop, the Natural Park of Patsos. Feel your senses delighted thanks to the several species of fauna thriving. Moreover, there is a moderate hike waiting for you! For about 8 kilometers hike the exquisite Patsos gorge. Finally, after you taste Cretan specialties in a traditional village, stop at the famous Arkadi Monastery. You will be in awe!
Lake Zaros – Central Crete
One of the most beautiful artificial lakes on our island, the artificial lake of Zaros. It is located about 45 kilometers southwest of Heraklion, on the southern slopes of Psiloritis. Thirty years ago, there was a small wetland at the site, which was fed by the Votomos spring. In 1987 the area was regenerated. This is when the artificial lake was created, from the spring waters that now remained there. The name Zaros is pre-Greek and is etymologically derived from Za (very) + Rous (flow). “Zaros” means the place where a lot of water flows. Lake Zaros is an ideal destination for a walk. The walk around the lake, amidst abundant greenery and plane trees, is easy and short. Visitors can taste trout and salmon, which are bred in cisterns.
Nature Whispers – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Get in touch with your spiritual side and allow yourself to connect with nature’s wisdom and grace. With this tour, we urge you to find your inner nature dance in the Forest of Rouvas. After this excellent warmup, from Zakros lake hike starts the path to the gorge of Agios Nikolaos, which ends – after a walk of about two and a half hours – in the beautiful and green forest of Rouvas, one of the few kermes forests in all of Greece. End your experience with an amazing fish lunch by the lake of Zakros.
Agias Lake – Chania, Crete
The artificial lake of Agia is located next to the homonymous village, 9 km west of Chania. It is a small lake of 450 acres, which communicates south with the valley of Fasa. This valley is the wettest in Crete. The lake receives water from underground springs and the river Xekolomenos. The lake was a swamp before the public energy company of Greece turned it into an artificial one, to produce hydroelectric energy.
The water level varies significantly from season to season, due to the dam that releases quantities of water in the Fasa valley. These fluctuations also affect the bird fauna of the lake. Thus, in winter, one can find geese and ash geese, swans, and various species of ducks. While in the spring, you can observe migratory species from Africa, such as white egrets, purple egrets, and woodpeckers. This small lake hosts perhaps the largest variety of aquatic plants in Crete. Also, you can find important species of fauna, such as rare species of ferns and frogs. Also, many migratory and non-migratory birds find shelter in the lake. The ecological importance of Lake Agia is also reflected in the fact that the lake is protected by international conditions. However, the area is threatened with destruction due to the dumping of waste in the lake, uncontrolled grazing, and illegal hunting.
Explore the Traditional Aspects of Chania – Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
Chania is a town where several historical eras come to life as it has influences from the Venetians and the Ottomans. However, in this tour we decided to touch on the rich and turbulent Modern History of Crete, focusing on the 20th Century and emblematic figures of it. Visit a traditional village and its Historic and Folk Arts Museum, as well as the impressive Monastery of St. George Karydiou, dating back to the 16th century AD. Moreover, you will also visit a modern olive oil factory. Find out about olive oil production and experience an olive oil tasting. Finally, pass by the beautiful village of Vrises renowned for its Venetian Fountain and lunch at Armeni village.
Voulismeni Lake – Agios Nikolaos, Crete
Agios Nikolaos is one of the first tourist destinations in Greece to flourish. Voulismeni Lake is a small lagoon in the town center of Agios Nikolaos. Legend has it that the two Goddesses, Athena and Artemis bathed there. However, many myths surround this lake.
The Myths & Legends
One of the old myths connects the lake with the volcano of Santorini. This is due to three reasons. First, is that the formation of the lake is said to be due to subsidence by volcanic causes. Due to its formation from subsidence, one of its names is the adjective “Voulismeni”. Second, is that in the past the lake emitted fumes with the smell of sulfur. Due to that, it had the nickname “bromolimni” (smelly lake). Third, is that in 1953, with the eruption of the Santorini volcano, and with the great earthquake that followed, and the tsunami that accompanied it, the lake swelled. It gave off a stench of sulfur again, while the fish suddenly dried up and washed to the surface.
Nevertheless, there is also a proven fact that the lake has a bottom. According to a myth, it did not. The story is that in 1945, when the German occupiers left Crete, they tossed all their military equipment in the lake. Everything from tanks and cars to weapons. The lake swallowed them all, without showing a trace of them. Over the years, many believed that the narratives of the elders who saw the Germans throwing their weapons into the lake were exaggerations and fairy tales. However, the underwater research carried out in 1978 by Jacques Yves Cousteau. Although they debunked the biggest myth, associated with the “mysteries” of this lake, no one could say that the Cretans were exaggerating anymore!
The Horse-Riding Experience by Elissos Travelling Philosophy
If you are seeking an alternative way to combine nature and history, this experience is perfect for you! Ride on horseback through the stunning villages of East Crete with breathtaking landscapes. After exploring mountainous regions and impressive Plateaus, it is time for you to get off the saddle and head toward your next fascinating visit to the Ancient City of Lato. This Greco-Roman city exists since the second millennia B.C. Capture the well-preserved remaining monuments such as the Agora, the Prytaneion, the Theater, and the Temple. Listen to your expert guides as they unravel the history in front of your eyes!
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