Lake Voulismeni: the mysterious lake of Agios Nikolaos, Crete

Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos, Crete, is one of the most remarkable natural wonders on the island. This nearly circular pool is reputed to have been the bathing place of the goddesses Artemis and Athena, while the locals claim that it is bottomless and is connected to the deeper regions of the underworld. None of that is true, of course, but the real story of the lake is no less impressive. In this article, we will explore the mysteries of the lake of Agios Nikolaos, including its depth, origin, and how it is connected to the sea. 

Discovering Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos is a small town located on the eastern end of Crete, on the shores of the Gulf of Mirabello. The town has numerous treasures to explore, such as the 13th-century frescoes in the church of Panagia Kera, the exposed remains of a Roman villa in the middle of the town, and the island fortress and former leper colony of Spinalonga. However, the lake of Agios Nikolaos is one of the city's greatest treasures.

Agios Nikolaos Old Town, Crete

Αγ. Νικόλαος, Ελλάδα

Fortress of Spinalonga, Crete

7PWQ+FC, Agios Nikolaos Municipality, Greece

The beauty of Lake Voulismeni

Known by the locals simply as "the lake," this natural wonder is nearly circular and is reputed to have been the bathing place of the goddesses Artemis and Athena. The lake is surrounded by cliffs, making it a popular spot for tourists to enjoy the area's beauty. It s not difficult to see why the goddesses would choose such a beautiful and enchanting spot to bathe.

Voulismeni Lake, Agios Nikolaos, Crete

2, Eth. Antistaseos 1, Ag. Nikolaos 721 00, Greece

The mysteries of the lake

The locals claim that the lake is bottomless and connected to the deeper regions of the underworld. While this is just a myth, the real story of the lake is still impressive. It is much deeper than any part of the adjacent sea for many kilometres offshore. The first recorded measurement of the lake’s depth was made in November 1851 when the British naval surveyor Captain Thomas Spratt determined that it was 210 feet deep at the centre (64 meters).

How the lake was formed

The lake fills a deep funnel-shaped sinkhole formed when an ancient cave grew so large that it could no longer support the weight of rock above it. The collapse would have been sudden and catastrophic, but it occurred long before humans arrived on the island. Looking around the lake area today, it is still possible to see the wide bowl that was created as the cave collapsed. Captain Spratt also noted that the lake was ‘brackish’ (freshwater but polluted with enough seawater to make it undrinkable) and overflowed via a small stream into the nearby sea. He assumed the lake was being fed fresh water by an underground stream.

How the lake is connected to the sea

When the cave collapsed to form the sinkhole, the underground stream would have filled it with fresh water until it overflowed into the sea. This is the lake that Captain Spratt saw in November 1851. However, by the late 1860s, the lake had become stagnant and smelly, known locally as Vromolimni or the stinky lake. The most likely cause of this stagnation was a massive earthquake that devastated north-eastern Crete in the early morning of October 12, 1856. It is likely that the earthquake collapsed and blocked the underground stream that fed the lake, and that is why it became stagnant. It was soon realised that the best way to deal with the stagnant smell would be to connect the lake to the nearby sea. The higher-density seawater would flush out the stagnant water and clean the lake.

Accommodation options in the wider area and why to visit Lake Voulismeni

For those looking for accommodation options in the area, we recommend Kitro Beach Hotel, Apollon Hotel, and Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection. Kitro Beach Hotel offers a city and beachfront experience with a couples-oriented atmosphere, while Apollon Hotel provides a 3-star option with a garden, terrace, and restaurant. Hotel Port 7- Boutique Collection is a luxury option located at the entrance of Agios Nikolaos' port, with rooms featuring direct views of Mirabello Bay and Voulismeni Lake.

Visiting Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos, Crete is an experience not to be missed. This stunning natural landmark provides a picturesque relaxing, swimming, and sightseeing setting. Whether looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the lake and its surroundings have something for everyone.