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Kournas Cave Called More Impressive Than Ioannina's Famous Mainland Caverns

Friday, 3 July 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

In 1961, a cave discovered near Kournas, a village in the Apokoronas region of western Crete, was reported by the local newspaper Kiryx to be more impressive than the famous caves of Ioannina in mainland Greece. The article, published on June 30, 1961, called for the cave to be developed and opened to tourists, highlighting its natural beauty and significant potential as a visitor attraction. Kournas is already known for its freshwater lake, the only natural lake in Crete, making the area a natural draw for travelers. While this particular cave did not become a major tourist site, the Sfendoni Cave near Zoniana and the Melidoni Cave remain accessible to visitors today and offer a glimpse into Crete's remarkable underground landscape. The area around Kournas is easily reached from Chania and Rethymno.

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