Crete has limited water resources due to its dry climate. However, the island has several ponds, which constitute very important life reserves. The largest lake of Crete is Lake Kournas, near Georgioupolis. Moreover, the artificial lakes of Agia and Zaros are smaller lakes.
Lakes that have been shaped near dams have become shelters for rare species of fauna and flora. The dam of Bramiana near Ierapetra, the dam of Potamoi near Amari and the dam of Faneromeni in Messara plain are very important ecosystems in Crete, which have been shaped by dams. Smaller artificial lakes are the dam of Ini, the dam of Partira and the dam of Amourgelles.
Lake Kournas is actually the only natural lake in Crete, located in an enchanting landscape. The vivid colors of the water make the area a rare sight on the Mediterranean Sea. The lake has been known for its eels in the past. Today, visitors can pedal, kayak and swim at the beaches that are formed next to the taverns …and if they are lucky to see the fairy that protects the lake!
The artificial lake of Agia (Ayia) is located near the village of Agia, 9 km west of Chania. It is a small lake of 450 acres, which hosts the largest variety of aquatic plants in Crete, but also hosts very important species of fauna. The lake is under protection.
The pond of Maherida is located at the area of Tersanas in Akrotiri, just 14km east of Chania city, next to the stunning beach of Maherida. It is an impressive karstic doline, where springs with brackish water gush.
The artificial lake of Bramiana is located 5km northwest of Ierapetra, Crete. The water is used for the greenhouses of the region. Despite its relatively young age, the lake has become one of the largest wetlands in South Greece, as it is located in the route of migratory birds. It has been characterized as a national park.
The artificial lake of Zaros (also known as Votomos) is located 1km north of the homonym village. It is a small lake, which attracts many visitors who choose it for a day of rest. The area around the lake is full with small parks and the restaurants on the side offer fresh trout and salmon, bred in the lake.
The dam of Faneromeni is located 7km west of the village Zaros and about 7km north of Tympaki. It is located in a scenic location, in a verdant valley at the southern foot of Psiloritis Mount. The dam was constructed in 2005, to meet the increased demand for irrigation of the Mesara plain. In the few years of operation, the lake of Faneromeni has become an extremely important wetland, where rare birds and animals nest.
The lake of Potami is a very young lake, shaped by the Potami dam, in Amari plain. It was firstly built in 2008. The dam is located in the verdant valley of Amari, 25km south of Rethymno. The lake is expected to become one of the most important wetlands in the southeast Mediterranean. Visitors find this place amazing, because of the natural scenery.
The pond of Orne village is located at an altitude of 300m at the southeastern slopes of Mount Kedros, only 500m northeast of the village Orne. The distance from Rethymnon is about 50km.
Amourgelles dam is situated at an altitude of 300m, 30km south of Heraklion and 1km south of the village Amourgelles. It spans an area of 150 acres and is one of the major dams in the region of Arkalochori. Its construction finished in 2001 and has an overall water capacity of 882.000 sq. m.
The dam of Partira is situated 32km south of the city of Heraklion and west of the village Partira at an altitude of 300m. Its construction was completed in 2000 and today the capacity reaches 380000 sq.m. of water.
The dam of Partira is situated 32km south of the city of Heraklion and west of the village Partira at an altitude of 300m. Its construction was completed in 2000 and today the capacity reaches 380000 sq.m. of water.
Armanogia is a small village located at an altitude of 380m and 38km south of Heraklion city. Next to the village, in 2004, a small dam was built. The lake of the dam covers an area of 120 acres.
The small dam of Karavados is located 1km south of the village Karavados, next to the road leading from Skinias to Viannos. It is fueled by the tributary of Baritis River, which later joins the wide Anapodaris river.
The artificial lake of Skinias is located 1km north of Skinias village, beside the River Baritis, from where it gets supplied with water. The lake was constructed in order to irrigate the local land.
The pond of Livada is located at the homonym position 1km north of the village Thrapsano and is one of the favorite places for locals to walk. The small lake covers only 21 acres, but is an important wetland, where more than 130 species of birds have been met.
South of Ahendrias village there is the lake of Tourkou Lakos or Kolimbas. It is the only one natural lake of Asterousia Range, being the most important wetland in the area. It has quite large quantities of water in winter.
At one of the most beautiful landscapes of Crete, the pond of Skafi is formed, located 3km southwest of the lush green village Orino, Thripti Mount. The surrounding area is full of pine trees, making the landscape very different from the typical Cretan places.
