Lake Kournas is the only natural lake in Crete. It is one of the very few areas with plenty of fresh water throughout the year; for this reason, it is protected under the Natura 2000 program. Lake Kournas has been created by accumulation of groundwater coming from the White Mountains. There are also two springs in the lake.

Located just a couple of kilometers from the beach it is surrounded by the mountains and olive groves.
The lake is not that big with a perimeter of 3.5 kilometres, has a maximum depth of 22.5 metres and lies approximately 20 metres above sea level. The volume of the water is summer is 7.5 million cubic metres.

The dark colour of the lake is caused from the seaweeds coming from the depth of the lake. Many species of birds find shelter here, like moorhens, ducks, herons and cormorants. Lake Kournas has always been known for its eels. The surrounding wetlands also host water snakes and terrapins