12 Stunning Lakes for Your European Holiday

While Europe’s breathtaking coastlines and stunning beaches often take the spotlight in summer, the continent’s lakes should definitely not be ignored. Italy features glamorous waters framed by mountains, Croatia serves up saltwater delights, and England offers enchanting pastoral landscapes. Whether you’re looking to swim, paddleboard, cycle, or simply relax on the shore, Europe has a lake for every adventure.

We consulted our expert writers to gather their top picks for lakes to visit in Europe — here are 12 of the finest.

Lake Levico and Lake Caldonazzo, Italy

Recommended by Daniel James Clarke

Nestled between the renowned Lake Garda and the soaring Dolomites, Valsugana is a hidden gem that boasts two pristine lakes. Lake Levico (Lago di Levico), the smaller of the duo, resembles a fjord with its narrow, crystal-clear waters bordered by gently sloping pines. Here, motorized water activities are banned, allowing the Blue Flag beach – one of Europe's warmest lakes – to offer tranquility, with only birdsong accompanying your shore walks. Embrace the calm as you try stand-up paddleboarding on its glassy surface, where sunken treasures, including sparkling Trentodoc wine maturing twenty meters below, await. Visit Cantina Romanese to meet the lively brothers behind these aquatic wines and enjoy a vineyard tasting without needing scuba gear.

Looking for some excitement? Head over to nearby Lake Caldonazzo (Lago di Caldonazzo), where world champion Tomas Degasperi offers thrilling waterski lessons. On land, explore iron-rich thermal spas, a stargazing observatory, and the open-air sculpture gallery Arte Sella. And let’s not forget the food! Enjoy classic pizza, pasta, and gelato at lakeside Gelateria Bellavista, but make sure to try local specialties like canederli, which are delicious cheese-filled bread dumplings. The best part? Unlike Italy's posh lakes with luxury mansions, Valsugana offers camping spots, agriturismos (farm stays), and wellness resorts that cater to all budgets.

Lake Garda, Italy

Suggested by Julia Buckley

Large enough to feel like a seaside escape, Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) is a stunning miniature version of Italy, framed by charming villages and rich in archaeological treasures. As the only lake in Italy boasting a mild Mediterranean climate, its shores are adorned with fragrant lemon groves and sun-soaked hotels perched on cliffs. There’s something for every interest here. History buffs should visit Sirmione, the peninsula at the lake’s southern tip, home to a Roman villa and spa; further north, discover remnants of 4,000-year-old huts at picturesque Lake Ledro, nestled in the mountains behind Garda’s northwestern edge.

For those intrigued by modern history, the Vittoriale degli Italiani is a must-see—a remarkable estate belonging to the controversial writer Gabriele d’Annunzio, complete with a warship displayed in the garden. Explore elegant towns like Desenzano del Garda and the delightful Lazise and Limone sul Garda. A scenic walkway and cycling path leads north from Limone, extending over the tranquil waters. Want a more personal experience? Rent a boat and glide across the lake at your leisure.

Lake Constance; spanning Germany, Austria, and Switzerland

Suggested by Luke Waterson

As Central Europe’s second-largest freshwater lake, following Lake Geneva, Lake Constance borders Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. A 260km cycling path hugs its shores, and with cross-lake ferries at your disposal, you can explore all three countries in just one day, making it one of the world’s most culturally rich lakes.

The vibrant arts scene in Bregenz graces the Austrian lakeside, where a cable car ascends to the 1064m summit of Pfänder, offering breathtaking views of the lake. On the German side of Lake Constance, visit the Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen, an open-air museum showcasing reconstructed ancient lakeside homes, or the imposing Burg Meersburg fortress with its drawbridge and dungeons. You can also journey to Mainau near Konstanz, a garden island adorned with Mediterranean flowers, intricate topiaries, and a Baroque castle. Explore Switzerland’s portion of the lake, stopping by charming towns like medieval Stein am Rhein, known for its lovely half-timbered houses. And while it’s rich in cultural experiences, the lake also offers serene countryside: unwind with a stroll through vineyards near Meersburg or hike the hilly paths around Pfänder.

Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero, Croatia

Suggested by John Garry

Struggling to choose between a lakeside escape or a beachfront retreat? Consider Mljet – a mesmerizing island where even Odysseus lingered for seven years. In Homer's Odyssey, the nymph Calypso is credited for his prolonged stay, but we suspect the allure of its two saltwater lakes—Malo Jezero (Little Lake) and Veliko Jezero (Big Lake)—played a role. Take a boat ride across Veliko Jezero to reach Sveta Marija (St. Mary's Island), home to a 12th-century Benedictine monastery rising from the waters, or rent a kayak to leisurely explore the shores.

The true delight, however, is taking a dip. Mljet's lakes are warmer than the sea—especially Malo Jezero. Dive deep and you may encounter sea cucumbers, giant clams, and the endemic Aurelia jellyfish, a harmless creature. Both lakes are part of Mljet National Park, a 5400-hectare haven filled with Aleppo pine and holm oak. Hiking in the park makes for an excellent day trip from Dubrovnik (just two hours by ferry), but with a setting this enchanting, you might find yourself staying longer. Consider resting at the aptly named Hotel Odisej Mljet, which offers stunning views of the Adriatic.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, Slovenia

Suggested by Mark Baker

Lakes are often breathtaking or packed with fun activities, but seldom both. Slovenia elegantly addresses this with two remarkable lakes—Bled and Bohinj—just 25 km (15 miles) apart. With its stunning alpine scenery, Lake Bled is the scenic beauty, while the larger Lake Bohinj, dotted with kayak and SUP rental options, promises loads of fun (though it's undeniably beautiful as well).

Begin your adventure with a stroll around Lake Bled and a tour of the majestic Bled Castle. Rent a pletna, a traditional wooden boat reminiscent of a Venetian gondola, and glide over to the enchanting Bled Island. Before you depart, indulge in a slice of kremšnita, Bled's famous cream cake, particularly delightful at the restaurant in Bled Castle. At Lake Bohinj, you can enjoy swimming and kayaking, as well as hike around the lake, rent bikes, or even take a horseback ride through the picturesque hills. The Hotel Bohinj, a refurbished lodge in the lakeside village of Ribčev Laz, is both luxurious and quirky, ensuring a lavish stay for its guests. The chefs at Restaurant Triglav create culinary magic with locally sourced Bohinj trout, often mistaken for salmon due to its rosy hue.

Lac d’Annecy, France

Suggested by Kerry Walker

One moment you're marveling at the rugged, snow-capped French Alps, and the next, you find yourself on the sun-kissed, palm-fringed shores of Lac d’Annecy. Just a short drive south of Geneva, this stunning glacier-carved, spring-fed lake in Haute-Savoie is France’s third largest and Europe’s cleanest (seriously, your bathwater has nothing on this).

The charming town of Annecy, located at the lake’s northern edge, serves as the perfect gateway for exploration, and it’s utterly picturesque. The Vieille Ville looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale, with its winding canals and pastel-hued buildings housing delightful bistros, cafes, and patisseries. The medieval castle, once the residence of the counts of Geneva, offers panoramic views over the rooftops to the Massif des Bauges that are simply breathtaking. As for dining, Annecy boasts a plethora of gourmet restaurants, including the esteemed three-Michelin-starred Le Clos des Sens. After a romantic interlude in town, head to the lake for a variety of activities such as walking, mountain biking, swimming, rowing, stand-up paddleboarding, paragliding, or just relaxing on one of the sandy beaches. The less-explored mountains of Parc Naturel Régional du Massif des Bauges and the ancient Château de Menthon-St-Bernard make for unforgettable day trips.

Lac de Sainte-Croix, France

Recommended by Chrissie McClatchie

In the heart of Provence, you’ll discover Lac de Sainte-Croix, which serves as the entrance to the stunning Gorges du Verdon, often referred to as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe.' This man-made lake is the third largest in France. Its allure comes not just from the striking opaque turquoise waters or the myriad of activities available from its sandy beaches—like swimming, boating, windsurfing, pedal boating, canoeing, and kayaking—but also from the picturesque villages nearby, such as Moustiers-Saintes-Maries, perched on a mountain five kilometers from the shore, and Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon. If the plans had gone smoothly when they flooded the Salles Valley to create this lake in the late 1960s, the latter would have become a thriving settlement.

If you visit during lavender season (mid-June to mid-July), be sure to pair your trip to Lac de Sainte-Croix with a day in the beautiful lavender fields of the Plateau de Valensole, which is just a short drive north from Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon.

Buttermere and Crummock Water, England

Recommended by Tom Hall

Though they aren't technically lakes — just take a look at their names — Buttermere and Crummock Water offer an idyllic way to experience the Lake District. Nestled in the quieter northern part of the national park, away from the bustling southern Lakes and major peaks like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Great Gable, these areas feel remote and serene. The lack of facilities and minimal human impact enhances the charm, with soaring mountains surrounding the waters and only a few narrow lanes and dry stone walls hinting at civilization.

Bring your hiking boots to truly enjoy this stunning locale. If you're entering Buttermere Valley through the winding twists of Honister Pass, you can reach one of England's finest viewpoints by taking a short trek to the summit of Fleetwith Pike from the Honister Slate Mine parking lot. Alternatively, a leisurely 4.2 mi / 6.7 km circular walk around Buttermere is a great option if you prefer to stay at ground level. Both lakes are also perfect for refreshing swims. Whether you spend a day or decide to camp or stay at Buttermere YHA, ending the day with a pint at the Fish Inn is a delightful way to unwind. The 77 and 77A buses run circular routes to Buttermere Village from Keswick.