Sarah Findlay is an established travel writer with extensive experience in travel related topics, specialising in travel insurance and the key considerations affecting UK travellers overseas.

Dreaming of mirror-still mornings, mountain-backed swims, and waterside cafés?

Why lakes (and not the coast)?

Lakeside towns are often quieter and have a more relaxed vibe than headline beaches.
Swim, paddle, hike, cycle, ferry-hop, then stroll into a medieval square for dinner.
Mornings are typically calm for paddling; afternoons bring breezes ideal for sailing.

Best lake regions

Romantic & Iconic

Lake Como, Italy – Grand villas, cypress trees, slow ferries between postcard villages (Varenna, Bellagio, Menaggio).
Lake Bled & Bohinj, Slovenia – Bled’s island church and castle views; Bohinj’s wilder shores and access to Triglav hikes.

Alpine-Pretty & Active

Lake Annecy, France – Ride the greenway, swim at Talloires, try paragliding, explore the old town’s canals.
Lake Constance (Bodensee), Germany/Austria/Switzerland – Three-country cycling, island gardens (Mainau), frequent ferries.

Peaceful & Picturesque

Hallstättersee, Austria – Storybook views; base in Obertraun for quieter access and lakeside swims.
Finnish Lakeland (e.g., Saimaa) – Forested isles, sauna-and-plunge culture, wildlife spotting by canoe.

Wildcards for Explorers

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia/Albania – UNESCO-listed clarity, Byzantine lakeside chapels, relaxed prices.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia – Not for swimming, but an unforgettable day trip of turquoise cascades and boardwalks.

When to go

May–June & September: Sweet spot—warm water (late June onward), fewer crowds, better rates.
July–August: Peak buzz and the fullest ferry timetables; plan early morning swims.
October–April: Quiet escapes, misty mornings, great for spa towns and hiking (check seasonal ferry schedules).

What to actually do

On the water: SUP at dawn, kayak to hidden coves, sailing lessons, windsurf where it’s breezy (Garda’s north).
On land: Lakeside cycle loops (Annecy, Constance), balcony hikes with cable-car assists (Como, Bohinj), castle climbs (Bled, Sirmione).
Low-effort joys: Ferry-hopping like a local, picnic at a public lido, evening passeggiata with gelato or a hot chocolate by the waterfront.

Budgeting (quick guide)

Save: Self-catered apartments, regional trains + ferries, public lidos, bring your own SUP.
Mid: Family-run hotels with breakfast, bike rentals, a couple of guided activities.
Treat: Boutique villas, private boat tours, spa days, chef-led cooking classes or scenic helicopter rides.

Where to base (smart picks)

Como: Varenna (romantic + train access), Menaggio (family-friendly), Tremezzo (villa gardens).
Garda: Peschiera (rail hub), Sirmione (thermal baths + castle), Riva/Torbole (windsports).
Annecy: Old Town for food & charm; Talloires/Menthon for tranquil swims.
Bled/Bohinj: Sleep in Bohinj for nature, day-trip to Bled’s sights.

Packing list (lake edition)

Quick-dry swimwear & towel
Light windbreaker and water shoes
Refillable bottle & small dry bag
Sun hat + reef-safe sunscreen
Offline maps for trails & ferry piers

Easy eco wins

Choose ferries, bikes, and trains over rental cars when possible.
Swim from designated spots to protect reed beds and nesting birds.
Book locally owned stays and nature-friendly tours.

Common mistakes

Only doing day trips to the “famous” lake—stay a night and watch the crowds vanish.
Ignoring wind patterns—mornings are calm for paddling; afternoons can be gusty.
Underestimating distances—lakes are big; check ferry frequencies before dinner plans.
Booking last minute in July/August—snag waterfront rooms months ahead.

European Lake Holidays