GEORGIOUPOLIS / CHANIA
The only natural freshwater lake of the island, Lake
Kournas, is just 3 km from the village of Georgioupolis and the sea, yet deeply embedded in the Cretan mountains.
As with an alpine lake, the mountains and sky are reflected in
the water - from pale green to deep blue.
The almost circular lake has a diameter of about 1,5 km and has
in places a depth of 45 m. It is fed by springs, beautifully described by the
local people as the "eyes of the lake".
The exact depth of these areas is not easily measured because
the water comes up out of the ground under high pressure. It is thought there
may be an underground lake nearby.
The crystal clear water of the lake serves to supply drinking
water and to irrigate the fields. A small sandy strip edges the shore in summer,
while in winter after many rainy days, nearby trees and bushes are under water.
A narrow path allows the visitor to walk about two thirds of the
way around the lake.
It is pleasant to bathe in the lake but it is also good fun to
take one of the pedal boats and get close to nature. If one is lucky, the observant guest may catch a glimpse of a kingfisher.
There are several legends about the lake. One story says that every Saturday the virgin of the lake comes to sit at the lake whilst
combing her long hair.