Lake Kournas

The first stop is the town of Rethimno, the third biggest town in Crete west of Heraklion on the north coast of Crete. Here, archeological monuments of the Ottoman and Venetian eras co-exist. Enjoy a stroll in the alleys of the old town, a visit to the Turkish minarets and the Venetian fortresses, or a coffee at the magnificent harbor. The next stop is Chania town, the second largest town of Crete on the north coast west of Rethymno. The city of Chania is divided into the Old City, with the gorgeous harbor, and the New City, beyond its Venetian fortifications. The Old City is one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean and is called “Venice of the East”. You can find Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, Venetian fortresses, dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, Loggia and the Lighthouse. Visit the famous Agora (market), which houses traditional little shops and taverns. The last stop of the day is Kournas lake, a beautiful habitat with natural freshwater, one of a kind in Crete. The whole area of Kournas is protected under 'Natura 2000', as it's a designated wetland. Vast greenery, steep cavities between hills, and rare species of fish and birds make Kournas the ideal place to enjoy an early afternoon walk.

Depart from Heraklion and travel west by bus to the captivating city of Chania. Learn about its rich Minoan history and explore landmarks from various civilizations, including the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Venetian periods. Take in the picturesque view of the lighthouse at the port, and meander through the charming narrow streets of the old town. Savor some leisure time for lunch at the delightful harbor. Browse for gifts and souvenirs at the renowned market. Next, journey to Lake Kournas and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the lush green hills. Watch for rare birds and aquatic life, such as eels and turtles. Enjoy a refreshing swim or take a stroll through the protected wetlands. Return towards Heraklion, stopping in the city of Rethymno along the route. Wander through the alleys of the old town, admire the domes and minarets of the Ottoman-era mosques, and marvel at the 16th-century Venetian fortress. Timings: 7:15 AM to 9:15 AM: Pick-up service from Malia to Agia Pelagia. The pick-up time depends on your hotel's location. 10:00 AM: Stop in Skaleta for breakfast and restroom break. 10:15 AM: Leave Skaleta. 11:30 AM: Arrive in Chania. 1:30 PM: Depart from Chania. 2:15 PM: Arrive Lake Kournas for swimming and lunch. 3:45 PM: Leave Lake Kournas. 4:15 PM: Arrive in Rethymno. 5:30 PM: Depart from Rethymno. 7:00 PM: Arrive in Heraklion. Time Spent at Each Stop: Chania: 2 hours. Lake Kournas: 1 h and 30 min. Rethymno: 1 h and 15 min. Pick-up locations and times are as follows: Malia: 7:15 AM Stalida and Stalis: 7:25 AM Hersonissos 7:35 AM Anissaras: 7:45 AM Analipsi: 7:55 AM Kato Gouves: 8:05 AM Kokkini Chani and Gournes: 8:15 AM Karteros: 08:20 AM Heraklion center: 08:30 AM Ammoudara Beach Road: 8:45 AM Agia Pelagia: 9:05 - 9:15 AM Chania: Discover Chania, from ancient Minoan times to Venetian, Ottoman, and Byzantine influences. Visit the historic harbor and capture the iconic lighthouse. Explore the market and shop for local souvenirs. Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Lake Kournas: Escape to the Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake in Crete. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and greenery. Take a boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of the lake. Swim in the refreshing waters. Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the wetlands, home to rare bird species. Rethymno: Step back in time as you explore the old town of Rethymno. Admire the elegant Venetian architecture and stroll along the atmospheric alleys. Visit the Fortezza, a 16th-century Venetian fortress overlooking the town. Discover the blend of Ottoman and Venetian influences in the mosques, churches, and minarets scattered throughout the town. Relax at one of the charming cafes or tavernas and savor authentic Cretan cuisine. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, providing an unforgettable experience of Crete's most captivating destinations.

Start your day of adventure at your first stop of the trip, a local oil mill. Here you will have the opportunity to see how Crete's famous olive oil is produced on this fascinating and informative outing. Follow on your journey through Crete and make a quick stop at the watersprings of Argyroupolis. These watersprings are responsible for the rich vegetation that surrounds the village, a truly magical and refreshing experience. Your last stop of the tour, lasting roughly 2,5 hours, will give you enough time to enjoy a swim and eat Cretan delicacies at the many taverns that are located around the lake.

Explore the picturesque city of Chania and the freshwater of Lake Kournas on this day trip from Rethymno. Enjoy pickup from your hotel and head for Chania, the charming city perched on Crete's north west coast. Admire the lively port of the Old Venetian Harbour and its imposing lighthouse. Stroll the atmospheric narrow streets of the city, filled with shops, churches and tavernas. Pick up some traditional local products like cheese or pastries at the municipal market. Shop for leather goods and souvenirs at the famous Halidon Street. Next, sit back and enjoy the scenic journey to Lake Kournas. Once there, explore the lake or tuck into a delicious meal at a local taverna. Enjoy the relaxing views beneath looming mountains. Look out too for the local wildlife - moorhens, eels, and turtles are among the permanent residents of this friendly wetland. Take pleasure in being out in nature amongst this beautiful scenery, before hopping back in the vehicle for your journey back to Rethymno.

This excursion takes you to the west side of the island. It includes a visit to the towns of Rethymnon and Chania, as well as to the well – known Lake of Kournas. Going west on the northern axis of Crete, first we will pass the Ida range that includes the highest mountain of Crete, Psiloritis (2453m high), then our tour will take us to the beautiful town of Rethymno. A graphic Cretan town, so characteristic and unique, that nothing similar is met anywhere else on the island of Crete. We will have time to relax at the beautiful scenery at the old port of Rethymnon. Our next stop , the town of Chania is the capital city of the prefecture of Chania , which comes second in size on the island and is the sixth biggest city in Greece having approximately 65.000 residents. It's Venetian walls and harbor , narrow streets , and old buildings from the Venetian and Ottoman period are mostly intact and take you directly to the past . The old harbor , where the small fishing boats can moor , is a perfect place to enjoy a coffee and observe the liveliness of the city . Here you can see the cross-shaped closed Marketplace and the leather Market Street . Next stop and last is the lake of Kournas, the only natural sweet water Lake outside Chania, where you will have your lunch. For those who want, there is a possibility to make a tour in the lake on pedals, or just walk around the lake and swim before we take the way back to Heraklion.

After pickup from your hotel, drive to Chania in the West of Crete. According to ancient writers, it was the “mother of the Cretan cities”, and an important Minoan city. Explore the Old City and see elements from all the civilizations that flourished here in the past: archaeological Minoan sites, Turkish minarets and mosques, Muslim neighborhoods, and Venetian fortresses. See dockyards, fountains, squares, arches, mansions, and the Lighthouse. You can enjoy lunch at the picturesque harbor or visit the famous Agora, a market hall that is home to small traditional shops and taverns. Next, the bus will take you to the quaint Lake Kournas, the only freshwater lake on the island. Admire the area's lush vegetation, steep hills, and rare species of fish and birds, like eels, moorhens, and two-color turtles. Here you can enjoy a swim in the lake, or take a leisurely afternoon walk. Continue to Rethimnon, the third biggest town in Crete, where monuments of the ancient Greek, Ottoman, and Venetian eras coexist. Explore the small alleys in the old town, see the Turkish minarets, and visit the Venetian fortresses. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy a Greek coffee at the vibrant old port. You will then board the bus for the return journey back to your hotel.

The magical Kournas Lake is one of the most fascinating destinations of Crete, a wondrous natural treasure that offers plenty of things to experience. The first impression of the lake is astonishing, with its unbelievable blue shades surrounded by green vegetation and the imposing rocky hills of the White Mountains.We offer you one hour pedal boat to discover the beauty of the lake!! Kournas Lake is the ideal place for an afternoon walk or a daytrip nearby. The place is ideal for walks and flower picking while the biggest fun for the kids is the pedal boat around the lake. Ride a pedalo on the waters of the lake, swim and enjoy a meal in one of the little tavernas. Watch the ducks and feed them. There are many ducks with their ducklings on Lake Kournas, and when they all start quacking together it can be deafening. Book the pedal boat you like and enjoy a day at Kournas Lake. You will have 4 hours free time to walk and explore Kournas. You will find a lot of tavernas where you can enjoy your lunch with lake view.

See traditional villages, churches, mountains, gorges and beaches on this full-day tour from Rethymno. Stop at Kournas, Crete’s only fresh-water lake. Enjoy a short drive through the countryside to the traditional village of Argyroupoli, where you can enjoy a cup of Greek coffee. As the drive continues toward the island’s southern coast, notice the changes in the landscape. Just before the first glimpse at the Libyan Sea, stop at the Kotsifou Gorge and visit a beautiful old stone church. Take a break at the Bay of Plakias and enjoy some time relaxing on the beach or exploring the village. On the way back to Rethymno, drive through the Kourtaliotis Gorge and admire the natural wild landscape.

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel in Rethymno, and then journey by bus to the stone church in Kotsifu Gorge. Marvel at the steep cliffs and dramatic rock formations of the canyon, and then make your way to the historic plateau of Askifou. Stop to take souvenir photos of beautiful Plakias Bay, and then drive up into the mountains to visit the traditional village of Kallikrati. Swim in the deep blue waters of the Libyan sea. Stop for a coffee in the village of Argyroupolis near the Roman site of Lappa and marvel at the waterfalls. Next, go to beautiful Lake Kournas and enjoy a well-deserved traditional lunch in a typical village tavern at your own expense. Get a magnificent view of the lake and mountains before you drive back to Rethymno and get dropped off at your hotel.

Discover Chania: A Historical Marvel Join us in one of the most incredible activities in West Crete as we explore the hidden gems of this stunning region. Our journey begins in Chania, a breathtaking destination renowned for its incredible beauty and historical significance. Chania's rich history dates back to the Minoan civilization, playing a crucial role in the development of Crete's cities. The historic city center features a charming old harbor, adorned with Venetian-era buildings and pastel-colored houses. Wander through narrow stone streets lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, many of which are housed in former Ottoman warehouses. Immerse yourself in the remnants of countless civilizations as you explore Chania’s architectural wonders. Visit the iconic Lighthouse, the Loggia, and marvel at Turkish minarets, mosques, and historic Muslim communities. Don’t miss the impressive Venetian fortifications, historic dockyards, beautiful fountains, squares, arches, and traditional houses that tell the story of Chania's diverse heritage. Experience the Natural Beauty of Lake Kournas After departing from Chania, our next stop is the exceptional Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake. This serene environment is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a refreshing swim, followed by a delicious meal at one of the lakeside tavernas. The park surrounding Lake Kournas is teeming with a variety of plants, picturesque slopes, and fascinating wildlife, including moorhens, two-colored turtles, and eels. Recognized as a marshland of international importance by Natura 2000, the entire Kournas area is protected. For the best experience, bring a swimsuit and sunblock. If you plan to explore the shallow areas, consider wearing water-safe footwear, though this is optional. Explore Rethimnon: A Blend of Cultures Our journey concludes with a visit to Rethimnon, a charming town that beautifully blends archaeological, Ottoman, and Venetian influences. Explore the quaint streets of the old town, where Turkish minarets, such as those in the Neratze Mosque, and impressive Venetian fortifications will captivate you. Relax with a cup of coffee in the picturesque harbor, reflecting on the diverse cultural heritage and stunning landscapes you’ve encountered throughout this incredible journey. Join Us for an Unforgettable Adventure Don’t miss the opportunity to explore West Crete’s hidden gems. From the historical splendor of Chania to the natural beauty of Lake Kournas and the cultural richness of Rethimnon, this journey promises unforgettable memories.