Cournos

Cournos, also spelled Kournos, is a village and a freshwater lake located in the Apokoronas region of Crete, Greece.

The village of Cournos is situated near the lake and offers basic amenities for visitors. It's a small, traditional Cretan village with local tavernas and shops.

Lake Cournos is the only natural freshwater lake on the island of Crete. It is relatively small, with an area that fluctuates depending on the season and rainfall. The lake is fed by underground springs from the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) and the surrounding hills.

The lake is a popular tourist destination, particularly during the summer months. Visitors can rent pedal boats, kayaks, or simply relax on the shoreline. The surrounding area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and the rare Cournos two-striped terrapin (Mauremys rivulata).

The lake and surrounding area are subject to environmental protection measures aimed at preserving the natural habitat. Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of tourism and agricultural practices on the lake's ecosystem.