Lake Agia is an artificial lake located in the Chania regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It is situated approximately 9 kilometers west of the city of Chania, near the village of Agia. The lake covers an area of about 450,000 square meters (450 stremmata or 45 hectares) and is at an altitude of 34 meters above sea level.
Hydrology and Geography
The lake was created on the natural flow of the Xekolomenos tributary, which is part of the Keritis river’s hydrological basin. It collects water from underground karstic aquifers in the White Mountains. To the south, it connects with the Fasas valley, which is considered the most humid area in Crete. The lake’s water is used for the water supply of Chania and for irrigating the surrounding agricultural areas, which include large orchards and avocado plantations.
History
Before the 1920s, the area of Lake Agia was a swamp. The transformation into an artificial lake was undertaken by the Municipal Enterprise of Chania for Electric Lighting to supply water to the small hydroelectric power station (MYIS) that was constructed at the same time. This power station began operating in 1928 and was a pioneering project for its time, representing an early example of the use of renewable energy sources in Greece. The power station is no longer in operation and now functions as a museum and exhibition space, managed by the Regional Development Company of Crete SA.
Natural Environment
Lake Agia is a significant wetland and is included in the Natura 2000 network of protected areas.
Flora
Over 130 species of plants have been recorded at the lake. A large part of the bank is covered by reed beds, and a riparian forest of plane trees, willows, and other woody species provides important habitats for fauna. An invasive alien species, Paspalum distichum, originating from Latin America, has covered a significant part of the lake’s surface, and efforts are being made to control its spread.
Fauna
The lake is a crucial site for the fauna of Crete, especially for its birdlife. Over 200 species of birds have been observed there, as it serves as a stopover for migratory birds traveling to Africa and a wintering ground for species from the north. Some of the bird species found here include the Little Crake, the Squacco Heron, the European Honey Buzzard, and the globally threatened European Turtle Dove.
The lake is also home to various amphibians and reptiles. The native Cretan frog was once common but has been largely displaced by the introduced American bullfrog. In 2000, a local entrepreneur who was farming bullfrogs for the production of frog legs released them into the lake. Since then, the bullfrog population has grown to the point where it has nearly eliminated the smaller, less aggressive native frogs.
Tourism and Recreation
For visitors, there are two cafés with views of the lake. A path has been created along a significant part of the shore, with several observatories for bird watching. It is also possible to walk around the lake, a route that takes about an hour.
Key Points
- Characteristics (Dimensions): The lake has an area of 450,000 square meters (450 stremmata or 45 hectares).
- History: It was created in the 1920s from a former swamp to power a hydroelectric station, which operated from 1928.
- Location: It is located 9 km west of Chania, near the village of Agia.
- Natural characteristics: The lake is part of the Natura 2000 network and is a significant habitat for over 130 plant species and over 200 bird species. It is also home to the invasive American bullfrog, which has displaced the native Cretan frog.
- Current Status: The former hydroelectric power station is now a museum. The lake is a popular spot for birdwatching and recreation, with walking paths and two cafes.
