11 Of The Most Beautiful Lakes To Visit In The World
More and more people are discovering the beauty of visiting lakes on their travels. Indeed, lakes aren’t just popular with adventure and eco-travellers anymore, but with anyone looking for stunning scenery, relaxation or simply to stand in awe at their beauty.
Whether you’re looking to spend some time on the lake itself or enjoy the surrounding activities nearby, here are some of the most beautiful lakes to visit in the world.
11 Beautiful Lakes Around The World For Your Bucket List
Whether you have a passion for adventure or a love for natural beauty, then you’ll want to put some of these beautiful lakes on your must-see list.
From the crystal-clear waters of Lake Como to the chocolate-box-looking Lake Bled, these awe-inspiring lakes are sure to be included on your bucket list. Read on, and let’s explore some of the most beautiful lakes around the world.
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1. Lake Como, Italy
Situated in glorious Northern Italy, chances are you’ll already have heard of Lake Como. Lake Como is one of the most famous landmarks in Italy and makes for a perfect escape from busier Italian cities like Milan.
The lake is ideal for those looking to enjoy mountains, picturesque sunsets, and some quaint small surrounding towns. The best time to visit Lake Como is May or June for its stunning lakeside gardens that would have just come into bloom.
Lake Como also holds an annual festival from June to September too, which is the best time to enjoy the musical performances and fireworks around the lake. Don’t miss everything this gorgeous lake has to offer by going on a tour of Italy and properly taking in all the scenery surrounding the coastline.
2. Moraine Lake, Canada
What’s the best way to escape the hot Canadian weather? Head to a lake of course. Most specifically, Moraine Lake in Alberta.
These lakes make up part of the Banff National Park. Moraine Lake is an hour deeper into the park than the most popular Lake Louise. With tranquil waters and picture-perfect surrounding mountains and waterfalls, Moraine Lake is undoubtedly the best place to help you cool down.
3. Lake Kawaguchiko, Japan
If you know your stuff about lakes, you might be familiar with the Fuji Five Lakes, or the five lakes surrounding the awe-inspiring Mount Fuji in Japan… Lake Kawaguchiko is one of these lakes.
Arguably one of the most beautiful places in Asia – and definitely the most accessible from Tokyo. The best time to visit the lake is on a clear day to see Mount Fuji reflected in the water.
The only way you can top this? Visiting Lake Kawaguchiko in the springtime, just when the surrounding promenades become filled with the country’s traditional cherry blossom.
4. Lake Pichola, India
Lake Pichola is one of the oldest and largest lakes in Udaipur. The lake is known for its picturesque surroundings and beauty, while in the middle is Jag Niwas Island – home to a 250-year-old romantic palace. Trust us, this lake is not to be missed!
Udaipur is located in the southernmost part of Rajasthan, and if you’re travelling in this region, it’s 100% worth visiting.
5. Dead Sea, Jordan
Don’t be misled by the name of the lake, the Dead Sea in Jordan is one of the most surreal natural phenomena and a must if you’re planning to visit Jordan. It’s also a great place to practice your backstroke thanks to how buoyant the water is.
The Dead Sea is known as the saltiest spot on earth – which means all you really need to do in the lake is float! For years, the Dead Sea has been crucial not just in feeding the Jordan River, but as a centre for scientists to conduct health research.
This beautiful spot is overlooked by the ancient fortress of Masada, however, the Dead Sea is shrinking, so don’t miss your chance to bathe in its beauty while you still can!
6. Laguna Colorada, Bolivia
Another breathtaking natural water hole, Bolivia’s “red lagoon” has earned its place in our top spots. While you can’t swim in the Laguna Colorada, visiting on a tour of Bolivia’s salt flats gives you a chance to see the distinct rusty colour of the lake.
The lake gets its colour from the red algae underneath. As well as the one-of-a-kind colour, you can also glimpse the famous flamingos that reside on the red lagoon; their feathers are stained pink by the algae underfoot.
7. Lake Bled, Slovenia
While Slovenia itself seems lesser known on the tourist trail – for reasons we’ll never understand – Lake Bled has definitely made its mark on travellers exploring central Europe.
In the middle of Lake Bled sits a central island that’s home to a 1400s Gothic church, probably the number one tourist sight. If you’re planning to visit Slovenia, then other essential things to do include hiking forested trails in Triglav National Park and visiting Slovenia’s tallest waterfall: Vintgar Gorge.
As we said, we’re not sure why Slovenia isn’t higher up on everyone’s travel bucket list.
8. Melissani Lake, Greece
While the Cave of Melissani – and the underneath Melissani Lake – on the island of Kefalonia were both found several hundred years ago, tourists couldn’t actually visit until the early 1960s.
Make up for the lost time by visiting these beautiful natural landmarks and taking in the spectacular dual chambers; one dark and covered in stalagmites, the other bright due to a sizable hole to the surface… the best way to get around? In a rowboat, of course!
9. Lake Baikal, Russia
Formed over 25 million years old and at 1700m deep, Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake in the world! As well as beating records for its age and depth, UNESCO describes Lake Baikal as the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem.
It’s circled by a network of hiking trails so perfect for keen walkers, while adrenaline junkies can enjoy dog sledging and ice skating in the wintertime. Weather-wise, heading to Lake Baikal from July to August will help you catch the best temperatures on your visit.
10. Crater Lake, Oregon
Not quite as deep as Baikal, Crater Lake is instead America’s deepest lake – and it’s earnt a place on this list thanks to an interesting fact.
After Mount Mazama erupted more than six thousand years ago, the eruption left behind a massive caldera (or a large volcanic crater.) Now you can enjoy breakfast with a view at one end of Crater Lake, before jumping on a ranger-led boat tour to learn even more about this peculiar body of water.
11. Pehoé Lake, Chilean Patagonia
When it comes to beautiful neutral scenery, there’s nowhere in the world quite like Patagonia. While Northern Patagonia boasts its very own Lake District, Southern Patagonia is home to the Torres del Paine National Park – and Pehoé Lake.
After trekking open-mouthed across every terrain you can think of, travellers can finish the trail by marvelling at the Torres mountain range beneath the Salto Chico waterfall on, you guessed it, Lake Pehoé.
Which Of These Beautiful Lakes Are Top Of Your Bucket List?
Wow, if this list did;t give you wanderlust, then I’m not sure what will. Which was your favourite lake, have you visited any of them already? or are you adding any of these to your travel bucket list?
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