Kournas is one of Crete’s most beautiful spots, famous for its only freshwater lake on the island. It’s a favorite among travelers who want a mix of nature, culture, and authentic local experiences. Whether you’re interested in a full-day private tour exploring Chania’s sights and the lake, or a quick cruise ship shore excursion, Kournas offers something for every type of traveler. I personally enjoy tours that combine scenic beauty with cultural insights—like the Best of Chania Sights & Lake Kournas Full Day Private Tour which balances history, picturesque spots, and time to relax by the water.
If you’re drawn to local flavors, the Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages offers a delicious journey through Crete’s culinary traditions with visits to monasteries, cheese tastings, and village meals. For a more active, peaceful escape, the SoulRide: Horseback & Mindful Escape in Kissamos combines gentle riding with meditation and scenic views.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of tours in and around Kournas, including full-day private experiences, short shore excursions, gastronomic adventures, and outdoor activities like horseback riding and kayaking. All of these provide a chance to enjoy Crete’s natural beauty and local culture. Whether you want to see Chania’s historic sites, sample Cretan wines, or relax by Lake Kournas, there’s a tour suited to your interests.
1. Best of Chania Sights & Lake Kournas Full Day Private Tour
At number 1 on our list, this full-day private tour offers a comprehensive look at Chania’s highlights combined with a relaxing walk around Lake Kournas. The tour begins with convenient pickup options—whether from Chania International Airport, the Port of Souda, or centrally located—making it easy to fit into your travel plans. It’s perfect if you want a balance of culture, history, and nature without rushing.
This experience includes visits to Old Chania Market, the Lighthouse of Chania, and the Venetian Harbour, plus ample free time for shopping or a leisurely stroll. The highlight for many is the walk at Lake Kournas, where you can relax, hike, or paddleboard in the calm waters. The 8-hour duration makes it a full immersion, ideal for those eager to see the best of Crete in a day. The reviews praise the friendly guide and well-paced itinerary, making it suitable for all ages. The price of $395 per person reflects a private, personalized experience, worth it if you want deep insights and flexibility.
Bottom Line: This tour combines the best of Chania’s sights with the serenity of Lake Kournas, offering good value for those who want a tailored, full-day experience with plenty of time for personal exploration.
$395 per person
2. Crete: Arriving by cruise ship at Chania – Port of Souda
Number 2 is a shorter, 4-hour shore excursion designed for cruise visitors looking to maximize their time in Crete. Priced at $169 per person, this tour offers a quick yet rich taste of the region, including a visit to the Kanakis olive oil farm, Rethymno old town, and Lake Kournas.
This private tour picks you up directly from the Port of Souda or Heraklion, with drop-offs arranged accordingly. The itinerary is efficient, focusing on key highlights—perfect for travelers who want to see Crete’s culinary side (olive oil tasting) and scenic nature without long hours ashore. Guests appreciate the efficient logistics and personalized service, which makes the most of limited time.
While it doesn’t include as much sightseeing as a full-day adventure, it offers an authentic taste of local food, culture, and natural beauty. If your cruise schedule is tight, this is an excellent way to get a quick but meaningful introduction to Kournas and Rethymno.
Bottom Line: Ideal for cruise passengers seeking a taste of Crete’s culinary and scenic highlights without committing to a long day.
$169 per person
3. Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages
Number 3 on our list is a 6-hour journey into Crete’s flavors and history. For $203 per person, this tour takes you through small villages between Chania and Rethymno, with plenty of tasting opportunities. It’s perfect if you’re a foodie who loves authentic, handmade local products.
The tour begins with traditional Greek coffee and then moves on to Vryses, Armenoi, and a visit to an old monastery. Highlights include cheese tasting, visits to a modern oil factory, and two village-based meals—giving you a real taste of rural Crete. The cheese factory dessert and local snacks are a particular treat, and the guide is well-versed in explaining the region’s culinary traditions.
Guests praise the variety of tastings and the charming villages, making it a great choice for those who want an immersive food experience combined with cultural sights. At 6 hours, it’s a relaxed pace that suits travelers who enjoy slow travel, good food, and local stories. The price reflects a comprehensive tasting and cultural tour, worth it for serious food lovers.
Bottom Line: This tour is a fantastic pick if your main interest is Cretan cuisine, local wines, and village ambiance—a genuine taste of rural Crete.
$203 per person
4. Private Tour of Chania: History, Culture & Beauty
Number 4 offers a personalized, one-hour private tour of Chania’s top sights. The short duration makes it a flexible add-on if you’re short on time but want an introduction to the city’s most photogenic and historic spots.
The tour visits Venizelos Graves, the Holy Monastery of Agia Triada, the archaeological site of Aptera, and Lake Kournas. The private aspect means your guide can tailor the experience and focus on what interests you most. Although it’s brief, guests love the personalized attention and the chance to see key sights with local insights.
This is best suited for travelers with limited time or those wanting a private overview rather than a full-day tour. The reviews are perfect, with a perfect 5/5 rating, reflecting high satisfaction.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a private, quick glance at Crete’s highlights with the flexibility to customize your experience.
5. Rethymno Areas: 3 or 4 Hour Trip to Lake Kournas Private Tour
Number 5 is a half-day private tour priced at $90 per person, focusing on Lake Kournas in Rethymno. It’s perfect for visitors who want a relaxed introduction to Crete’s famous freshwater lake along with some local flavor.
The tour includes swimming in the lake, walking through wetlands, and exploring the traditional village of Argyroupoli. The guide emphasizes scenic views and wildlife, making it a good choice for nature lovers. The flexible timing—3.5 to 5.5 hours—allows for a personalized pace, whether you want to spend more time on the water or exploring the village.
Guests appreciate the customized experience and ease of access from multiple pickup points. It’s best suited for those who want a short, scenic escape with optional swimming or walking. Compared to longer tours, it offers great value and a peaceful vibe.
Bottom Line: This tour is excellent if you want a focused, flexible visit to Lake Kournas with options for swimming and sightseeing at a comfortable pace.
$90 per person
6. Rethymno Bali & Panormo: Chania City & Kournas Lake Day Trip
Number 6 is a 9-hour full-day adventure, combining city time in Chania, swimming at Lake Kournas, and visits to Bali and Panormo. At a competitive price, it’s great for those wanting to maximize their sightseeing and relaxation.
You get 4 hours in Chania’s Old Town, exploring the Venetian port, and then a scenic drive to Kournas Lake for pedal-boat rides and swimming. The itinerary balances urban exploration with outdoor activities, making it perfect for active travelers who want variety. Guests love the combination of cultural sights and water time, especially the opportunity to paddle around in the lake.
This tour is best suited for visitors who want a full, diverse day with flexibility for swimming and exploring at their own pace. The 4-hour free time in Chania allows for personal discovery, shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere.
Bottom Line: If you’re after a comprehensive day with a mix of city sights and lakeside fun, this is a top choice.
7. Rethymno half day wine tasting, olive oil factory, & Kournas Lake
Number 7 focuses on Cretan gastronomy, with a 5.5-hour private tour costing $226 per person. It’s perfect for those who want to combine wine tasting, olive oil sampling, and lake relaxation.
The tour starts with a visit to a family olive oil mill for a guided tour and tasting, then continues with wine tasting at Dourakis Winery. The highlight for many is the Kournas Lake stop, where you can pedal boats or swim in the clear waters. The combination of gastronomy and outdoor activities makes this a well-rounded experience.
Guests mention the quality of the food and wine, with one saying, “We really enjoyed the trip with Angie,” showing how personalized and enjoyable this experience is. It’s perfect for wine lovers and those wanting a taste of local produce.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a culinary-focused day combined with outdoor lake activities.
8. SoulRide: Horseback & Mindful Escape in Kissamos
Number 8 offers a 6-hour peaceful horseback ride in Kissamos, combined with optional meditation and scenic views. For nature lovers seeking tranquility, it’s a unique way to connect with Crete’s landscape.
Starting with a ** jeep or SUV transfer**, you’ll ride through olive groves and trails, enjoying panoramic views of mountains and the sea. The experience emphasizes mindfulness and calm, ending with a relaxing session by Falasarna Beach. The private setting makes it perfect for a quiet, soul-refreshing outing.
Guests describe it as a beautiful, calming experience with a knowledgeable guide. It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with riding horseback and those seeking a meditative escape from busy itineraries.
Bottom Line: Best for peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experiences that prioritize relaxation and nature.
9. Winery & Olive Oil Tasting with Traditional Lunch
Number 9 is a 6-hour tour ($226 per person) combining wine tastings at two wineries, a guided olive oil factory visit, and a regional lunch overlooking Lake Kournas. This is a foodie’s dream.
The tour explores local wineries, where you’ll learn about wine production and taste local varieties. The olive oil factory visit offers insight into traditional olive oil-making techniques, paired with tastings. The traditional tavern lunch completes the experience, providing authentic Cretan dishes with stunning views.
Guests value the comprehensive nature of the tour, noting that it’s ideal for wine and food lovers seeking a full sensory experience. The set schedule and multiple tastings make it a rich, immersive day that’s well worth the price for serious enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a deluxe, culinary-focused day with wine, olive oil, and authentic local cuisine.
$226 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting among these tours, consider your budget, available time, and personal interests. For a full immersion into Chania’s sights and nature, the Best of Chania Sights & Lake Kournas Full Day Private Tour is hard to beat. If your trip is brief, the Crete Shore Excursion offers a quick introduction.
Food lovers should look at the Gastronomy and wine tour, while those craving outdoor serenity might prefer SoulRide. For a personalized, flexible experience, the private Chania tour or the Rethymno Lake trips are excellent options.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and experience. Keep an eye out for tours that match your interests and activity level, and don’t be shy to ask if a tour can be customized to fit your needs.
In summary, Kournas offers a range of captivating tours—from scenic lake walks and private explorations to culinary adventures and tranquil horseback rides. With a bit of planning, you can tailor your Crete experience to match your interests—whether that’s history, food, or outdoor adventure. Remember to book early, especially if you’re traveling in high season, so you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences.