Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town
Traveler rating
4.6/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town worth booking?
Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town is a 8-hour experience in Chania, Greece, from $33 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.6/5 (8)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $33 per person
EXPERIENCE THE HIDDEN GREEN PARADISE OF CRETE! Escape the crowded beaches and discover a side of Crete most tourists miss. This unique tour combines dramatic mountain landscapes, authentic flavors, and beautiful historic towns. A) CRETE'S ONLY NATURAL FRESHWATER LAKE - Relax at Lake Kournas, a stunning mirror-like oasis surrounded by lush green hills - Swim & relax at lake, - Rent a pedal boat and search for turtles swimming in crystal-clear waters B) RELAX IN ROMANTIC RETHYMNO - Finish your day with stop in Rethymno. Stroll through the charming Old Town, take photos of the Venetian harbor, and enjoy a relaxing coffee or gelato in the vibrant local alleys.
What you get
About this experience
EXPERIENCE THE HIDDEN GREEN PARADISE OF CRETE! Escape the crowded beaches and discover a side of Crete most tourists miss. This unique tour combines dramatic mountain landscapes, authentic flavors, and beautiful historic towns. A) CRETE'S ONLY NATURAL FRESHWATER LAKE - Relax at Lake Kournas, a stunning mirror-like oasis surrounded by lush green hills - Swim & relax at lake, - Rent a pedal boat and search for turtles swimming in crystal-clear waters B) RELAX IN ROMANTIC RETHYMNO - Finish your day with stop in Rethymno. Stroll through the charming Old Town, take photos of the Venetian harbor, and enjoy a relaxing coffee or gelato in the vibrant local alleys.
What's included
Included
- English speaking guide
- Slovak/ Czech speaking guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Lake Kournas
RELAX AT LAKE KOURNAS Our journey begins at Lake Kournas, the sole natural freshwater lake on the entire island. Nestled among rolling green hills, this scenic spot features beautifully clear waters. During your free time here, you can: - Unwind along the picturesque shoreline. - Sip a refreshing coffee while taking in the stunning views. - Rent a pedal boat to explore the quiet waters and look for local turtles.
120 minutes here
Rethymnon
Discover the timeless beauty of Rethymno´s Old Venetian Harbour and lighthouse. Wander through charming alleys filled with shops, cafés, and historic sites
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cs, de, sk, en, it, pl, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Exodus Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Plenty of picturesque views
Lovely little day out. The communication and pick up point information prior to the trip was easy. Met on time Diane was informative about the local areas on the journey to both places and was helpful though the day. The lake setting is idyllic we hired a pedelo for €10hr which enhanced the views our on the lake. We were not fortunate enough to see and turtles but it is end of the season so harder to see! Enjoyed the old town streets and harbour and a taverna in the afternoon. Plenty of time in both places to relax and enjoy your surroundings 😊
via Tripadvisor
A really enjoyable...
A really enjoyable excursion, with 2 hours spent at Lake Kournas followed by 2½ hours in Rethymno. Diana was a great guide, and it was clear how much she wanted everyone to enjoy their days. She also struck a good balance of giving us useful information along the route without insisting on talking all the way back home once everyone is tired. The maps she provided of Rethymno highlighting different areas were also a nice touch, making sure we made the most of our time there without forcing anyone into specific shops or restaurants as some other guides do
Response from the operator: Thank you so very much for this wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you, and I am thrilled to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed your time at Lake Kournas and Rethymno. I always try to share useful insights during the trip while also making sure everyone has enough quiet time to relax and unwind on the way back. I’m so glad you found the custom maps helpful for exploring Rethymno at your own pace! It is very important to me that our guests feel completely free to discover the town in a way that suits them best. Thank you for choosing Exodus Travel, and I hope to welcome you on another adventure in the future! Warmest regards, Diana Exodus Travel Team
via Viator
10 out of 10 😊👍👍
It has been lovely excursion facilitated by guide Diana and driver Eftichis! Even though I travelled solo, I felt fully comfortable and taken care. 10 out of 10. Highly recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this wonderful review! As a small family office run by Eftichis and myself, feedback like yours truly means the world to us. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you, and we are thrilled to hear that you felt safe, comfortable, and well taken care of as a solo traveler.Your 10/10 rating and high recommendation are the best rewards our family business could ask for!Thank you again for choosing us, and we truly hope to welcome you back for another memorable excursion in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Excellent Trip but could do with longer there
Chanced upon their shop on our walk to the beach just outside Chania harbour. Originally it was posted as Lake Kournas and Waterfalls but they said the waterfalls got too busy for coaches so its changed to Rethymno town. We popped in on the Thursday and the trip was on the Monday and it was reduced from 26 euros each to 20 euros Pick up was 10.20am - a very respectable time - from the market. Pop in to Gregorys cafe on the opposite side of the road for great coffee and awesome croissants if you're early. Kournas Lake was first - about 2.5 hours. Hired a pedalo for an hour and we saw about 9nr turtles swimming around, then a few drinks and sampled the pottery shops, then on to Rethymno for about 2.5 hours. The coach parks a LOT closer to the town than the municipal bus does and walking and lunch in the old town was great. However if you want longer in Rethymno because 2.5hrs is definitely not enough time, get the Ktel bus from Chania bus station to Rethymno. Very cheap, airconditioned, just a bit of a walk from the town in the heat. Our tour guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable and chatty. We just wished we'd had longer at both places.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your detailed feedback! We are thrilled you enjoyed Lake Kournas, the turtles, and our excellent tour guide. We appreciate your note about the timing; we design the itinerary so guests can experience both beautiful locations in one day, but we will certainly keep your comments in mind. Thank you for choosing us! Best regards, Exodus Travel Team
via Tripadvisor
Relaxing trip.
We had a really lovely relaxing trip, we weren't out on the lake but sat at the most beautiful little tavern and enjoyed the beautiful view over the lake. We know Rethymno inside and out, we have been there so many times over the years. I visited my little favorite shop with lots of hand-painted Christmas ornaments / and got a couple for myself too.
Response from the operator: Dear Dorte, Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely review of your trip to Lake Kournas and Rethymno!We are delighted that you had a relaxing day soaking in the stunning views from the lakeside taverna. It sounds like the perfect way to enjoy the scenery. It is also wonderful to hear that you got to revisit your favorite shop in Rethymno and add a few more hand-painted Christmas baubles to your collection—what a beautiful, timeless memory to take home with you! Since you know Rethymno inside and out, it was an absolute honor to host you on this excursion. We look forward to welcoming you back the next time you visit our beautiful island! Warmest regards, Exodus Travel Team
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon
- Price range
- $33 to $36
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chania.
How much does Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town cost?
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Prices start at $33 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chania usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chania is not rushed.
Is Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chania, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chania can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chania and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chania within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chania?
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On Outty we rank every Chania experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cretan Safari – 4x4 Adventure to Preveli Beach with Lunch, Elafonisi & Falasarna Small Group Tour from Chania w/snacks, Half-Day Rethymno Quad Safari. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chania?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chania?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town?
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Included: English speaking guide; Slovak/ Czech speaking guide; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 32 listed pickup locations in and around Chania. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town offered in?
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It is offered in Czech, German, Slovak, English, Italian, Polish, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Kournas Lake & Rethymno Town?
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Across 8 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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