Lake Kournas (Λίμνη Κουρνά) is a large lake fed by groundwater and springs that originate in snowmelt from the White Mountains. One of only a few large freshwater lakes on Crete, it is home to many species of birds and aquatic plants, so you might very well see geese and wild ducks, sweet-water turtles, grey herons, green sandpipers, and kingfishers while you are here. At the lake, you can rent pedal boats, umbrellas, and sunbeds or hike on the narrow path that takes you about two thirds of the way around the lake. And, of course, you can also enjoy swimming. If you prefer to enjoy a meal while looking at the lake from above, there are several tavernas that line the road that overlooks the lake. The lake is 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Gavalochori. Find out more about Lake Kournas here.
You might want to combine a visit to Lake Kournas with a stop in Georgioupoli (Γεωργιούπολη), named for Prince George, the high commissioner of Crete before it became part of Greece in 1913. It is a village where three rivers meet the sea and thus is an important wetlands and bird-and-turtle paradise. You might even see swans cruising the clear waters of the Almyros River (Αλμυρός Ποταμός). Georgioupoli is very much a tourist town, so its main square is full of tavernas, coffee shops, and souvenir shops. The eucalyptus trees abundant in the village were imported from Australia many years ago in the belief that their scent would deter mosquitos and thus prevent the spread of malaria. More information about Georgioupoli is available here.
Another nearby site is Georgioupoli Beach (Παραλία Γεωργιούπολης), which is 10 kilometers (6 miles) long—locals claim it is the longest beach on Crete. At a rocky causeway near the end of the beach is one of the most picturesque sites on Crete—the Church of Saint Nicholas, a white chapel on a rock jetty dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. Check it out here.
Lake Kournas (Λίμνη Κουρνά) is a large lake fed by groundwater and springs that originate in snowmelt from the White Mountains. One of only a few large freshwater lakes on Crete, it is home to many species of birds and aquatic plants, so you might very well see geese and wild ducks, sweet-water turtles, grey herons, green sandpipers, and kingfishers while you are here. At the lake, you can rent pedal boats, umbrellas, and sunbeds or hike on the narrow path that takes you about two thirds of the way around the lake. And, of course, you can also enjoy swimming. If you prefer to enjoy a meal while looking at the lake from above, there are several tavernas that line the road that overlooks the lake. The lake is 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Gavalochori. Find out more about Lake Kournas here.
You might want to combine a visit to Lake Kournas with a stop in Georgioupoli (Γεωργιούπολη), named for Prince George, the high commissioner of Crete before it became part of Greece in 1913. It is a village where three rivers meet the sea and thus is an important wetlands and bird-and-turtle paradise. You might even see swans cruising the clear waters of the Almyros River (Αλμυρός Ποταμός). Georgioupoli is very much a tourist town, so its main square is full of tavernas, coffee shops, and souvenir shops. The eucalyptus trees abundant in the village were imported from Australia many years ago in the belief that their scent would deter mosquitos and thus prevent the spread of malaria. More information about Georgioupoli is available here.
Another nearby site is Georgioupoli Beach (Παραλία Γεωργιούπολης), which is 10 kilometers (6 miles) long—locals claim it is the longest beach on Crete. At a rocky causeway near the end of the beach is one of the most picturesque sites on Crete—the Church of Saint Nicholas, a white chapel on a rock jetty dedicated to the patron saint of sailors. Check it out here.
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