Nature
Lake Kournas & Argyroupoli Springs
Crete's only freshwater lake and a village built on waterfalls, in half a day.
5.0· 58 reviews- Private · your group only
- 3 looking at this right now
- hours
- 4h
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Small group
- 1–8
- When we run it
- Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Pickup
- 08:30
This is a four-hour private half-day tour from Rethymno that pairs Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete, with the springs of Argyroupoli. Pick-up is at 08:30 on Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for groups of up to eight. At the lake there is time to walk the shore, swim, or take a pedal boat out to look for the resident terrapins; at Argyroupoli, built on the ruins of ancient Lappa, waterfalls run through old stone mills under giant plane trees. Difficulty is easy, a professional photoshoot is included, and the price is €250 for up to four people or €290 for five to eight.
Want a different mix? Build this day yourself.
- Lake Kournas, the only natural freshwater lake in Crete, framed by mountain scenery
- Turtles and rich birdlife around the shore - best spotted from a pedal boat
- Swimming from the sandy edge of the lake
- The springs and waterfalls of Argyroupoli, cool and green even in August
- Venetian houses, Roman mosaics and Byzantine chapels on the site of ancient Lappa
- Traditional tavernas built beside the running water
The drive out of Rethymno crosses green countryside to Lake Kournas, which sits at the foot of the White Mountains and is the only natural freshwater lake on the island. Rolling hills of olive groves and forest ring the water, and the colour of the lake shifts through the day with the light. You can stroll the shore, swim from the sandy edge, photograph the water, or take out one of the pedal boats to reach the quieter middle and look for turtles and birdlife in what is a protected ecosystem. Tavernas around the lake serve coffee and cold drinks with a view over the whole basin.
The second half of the day is Argyroupoli, a traditional village that is a genuine oasis: springs, small waterfalls and running streams keep it cool even in high summer, under plane trees and beside old stone mills. The village stands on the ruins of the ancient city of Lappa, and Venetian houses, Roman mosaics and Byzantine chapels are still scattered around it. There is time to walk, eat at one of the tavernas built over the water, and talk to the people who live there.
It is a deliberately relaxed itinerary. The walking is gentle at both stops and the day is more about cool water, shade and food than about covering ground.
How the day runs
Lake Kournas
A scenic drive through the Cretan countryside brings you to Lake Kournas, at the foot of the White Mountains - the only natural freshwater lake on the island and one of its genuine landmarks. Rolling hills covered in olive groves and forest surround it, and the views change with the light through the morning. On arrival there is time to walk the quiet shore, take photographs or simply sit. Pedal boats are available for anyone who wants to get out on the water, which is the best way to spot the terrapins sunbathing on the rocks along the edges and the birds that live in this protected ecosystem. The tavernas around the lake serve coffee and refreshments overlooking it.
lake kournasArgyroupoli Springs
Leaving the lake, the tour continues to the traditional village of Argyroupoli. It is famous for its springs: lush vegetation, small waterfalls and running streams create a cool oasis even in the hottest months, and the sound of water under the plane trees carries through the whole lower village. Argyroupoli is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Lappa, and traces of that history survive in the Venetian houses, Roman mosaics and Byzantine chapels around the area. You have time to explore the village, taste local dishes at one of the tavernas beside the springs and meet the people who run them.
On us
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off (Rethymno area only)
- English-speaking local driver and guide
- Professional photoshoot: portrait and landscape photography during the tour
- Edited digital album of high-resolution, colour-corrected photos delivered within 48 hours
- Public liability insurance
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
You cover
- Food and drinks
- Pedal boat hire on Lake Kournas
- Personal expenses, including souvenirs and any service not listed in the itinerary
- Gratuities and tips for guides (optional)
What to wear
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals - the walking is gentle at both stops
- Swimwear under your clothes for the lake
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- A light layer for the shaded, cooler air at the springs
What to bring
- A towel for swimming in the lake
- Sun cream
- Cash for the pedal boat, coffee and lunch
- A camera for the lake and the waterfalls
Good to know
Can we swim in Lake Kournas?+
Absolutely. The water is crystal-clear and warm. You can swim from the sandy shore or rent a pedal boat to find a quiet spot in the middle of the lake.
Will we see the famous turtles?+
Most likely. If you take a pedal boat out, keep an eye on the rocks along the edges - the bi-coloured terrapins love to sunbathe there.
What is so special about Argyroupoli?+
It is a lush paradise. Built on the site of an ancient city, it is full of waterfalls running through old stone mills and giant plane trees that keep everything cool and shaded.
Is it a lot of walking?+
No, it is a very relaxed day. There is some gentle walking around the springs and the lake, but it is mostly about unwinding and soaking in the natural beauty.
Which days does the tour run, and how long is it?+
Every Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Pick-up is at 08:30 and the tour lasts about four hours.
What does it cost?+
€250 for up to four people and €290 for five to eight. Infants aged 0 to 3 are free. Cancellations up to 48 hours before departure are refunded in full.
Guests who have travelled with us
All reviews5.0/ 5
58 reviews · Google
Αν θέλετε να ζήσετε την Κρήτη με τον πιο αυθεντικό και συναρπαστικό τρόπο, τότε το waytocrete είναι η καλύτερη επιλογή .
Πρόσφατα συμμετείχα σε μια εκδρομή στο Φαράγγι των Μύλων στο Ρεθυμνο και μπορώ να πω με σιγουριά ότι ήταν μια από τις καλύτερες εμπειριες μου στην Κρήτη.
Από την πρώτη στιγμή που επικοινωνήσαμε μαζί τους , φάνηκαν εξαιρετικά φιλικοί και επαγγελματίες , έτοιμη να καλύψουν κάθε μας ανάγκη . Αυτό που πραγματικά μας εντυπωσίασε ήταν η προσοχή στην λεπτομέρεια , η καλή οργάνωση και η φροντίδα που έδειξαν σε κάθε στάδιο της εμπειρίας μας . Επιπλέον , ήταν πολύ πρόθυμοι να προσαρμόσουν το πρόγραμμα στις προτιμήσεις μας , κάνοντας την εμπειρία μας ακόμα πιο προσωπική και ξεχωριστή !eugenia manou
GoogleI recently took a guided tour with Way to Crete through Preveli and Patsos-Arkadi, and it was an incredible experience. The tour guides were fantastic—knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, making the trip both informative and enjoyable.
Preveli's stunning beach and palm forest were breathtaking, and we had a lot of
time to take it all in. Patsos-Arkadi, with its historical Arkadi Monastery, was equally captivating, brought to life by the guides' fascinating stories.
Way to Crete's attention to detail and seamless planning made the tour smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend Way to Crete for anyone wanting to explore these beautiful regions. This tour was a highlight of my trip!Pavlos Marakis
GoogleI was in Spili for two weeks and went on several excursions with Ernesto and his team. I was extremely impressed with their levels of service, professionalism and care. Ernesto is a great guy and tailored excursions to fit with the intricacies of our group (we had a combination of elderly people, babies and toddlers as well as my wife and I). They truly went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best experience. I would not hesitate to recommend Ernesto and his team to anyone looking to see Crete and all the beautiful places it has to offer. If you're thinking of booking with these guys, you won't regret it!Fergus Pryor
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