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Back-to-nature escapes: lakes
|There’s something about being around water that calms and centers us – which is why slowing down, lakeside, carries such a lingering appeal. From the natural wonder of volcanic crater lakes to pristine, man-made pools, there’s no shortage of wonderful opportunities to ‘head to the lake’ when travelling. We’ve collated 10 of the prettiest lakes in the world to give you ideas for your next big trip. Which ones would you add to the list?
Lake Nakuru, Kenya
Kenya is often the gateway destination for first-time travelers to Africa, and for good reason – it’s one of the brightest stars of safari travel. Sightings of the Big Five (elephants, wildebeest, lions, leopards, rhinos) can easily rack up across Kenya’s wondrous natural parks, offset by incomparable scenes of true African wilderness. To seek some lake-dwelling wildlife including a rhino or two, there’s the sublime Lake Nakuru, situated in the Great Rift Valley.
Lake Nakuru is a flamingo magnet – a vat of pink feathers contrasting against the lake’s deep blue, somewhat ocean-esque waters. Other impressive birdlife such as pelicans, cormorants and African fish eagles accompany the flamingo flocks, and look out for both black and white rhinoceros. There’s a rhino sanctuary on the shores of Nakuru dedicated to the conservation of these marvelous, highly endangered creatures.
It’s not a lake for swimming, but taking a scenic game drive or bird-watching hike around Lake Nakuru’s shores, or admiring its vastness from viewpoints such as Baboon Hill, makes for an unmissable Kenyan experience.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Croatia has rightly gained more tourist attention in the last decade; its accessible historic sites and relaxed, Mediterranean ambience long overlooked by neighboring tourist beacon, Italy. With its crystalline Adriatic waters and scenic, smooth pebble beaches, it certainly deserves its stars as one of the most spectacular coastal destinations in Europe.
Once you’ve had your fill of sea-swimming in Croatia, however, you might look inland to Plitvice Lakes National Park. This UNESCO-protected area of captivating natural beauty is made up of 16 interconnected lakes, punctuated by waterfalls and pockets of serene forestland. It’s captivating to watch the pools of powdery turquoise coalesce with water cascading from on high. The tallest, aptly called Veliki Slap, falls from as high as 76 m.
It’s worth noting: visitors generally can’t swim here, in order to protect the delicate ecosystems – but it’s well worth a visit to admire these stunning ancient lakes. Wooden man made walkways make it easy to get around and get a good view.
Lake Como, Italy
If you’re wondering ‘but where are the best swimming lakes?’, enter Lake Como. This Italian wonder has enjoyed a boost in popularity in recent years, and when you’re confronted with its shimmering emerald waters, you’ll understand the hype.
Lake Como is huge – the third largest lake in Italy at around 56 square miles. Its perimeter is studded by a glut of charming towns, so experiencing the lake usually means choosing a base and exploring out from there. The town of Como itself is known for its lovely historic center and shopping; Varenna for its romantic Varenna Castle and scenic hikes; Tremezzo for its luxurious fine dining and botanical gardens – but wherever you base yourself, taking a boat trip out onto the lake is not to be missed. Not only are the views exceptional, but it’s a nifty way of visiting a handful of towns along the lake’s shores. The trips usually include stops at swimming coves, so you can lay your towel down and dive headfirst into Lake Como’s sun-drenched serenity.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Many are astounded by Slovenia’s green, pristine landscapes – but nothing encapsulates its fairytale charm more than its crowning glory, Lake Bled. Encircled by emerald forestland, this lake is perfectly formed – and with the medieval castle that adorns Bled Island in the center, it’s one of the most picturesque lakes on this list.
Like much of Slovenia, the land here is primed for outdoor activities. Many enjoy the lake by riding on horseback around its perimeter, absorbing the sight of the sun casting glimmers on the water’s surface. Others hike the well-marked walking trails, take a bicycle, or head out on a rowing boat to get a closer look at the ancient castle – which, dating back to the 11th century, is one of the oldest buildings in the country.
Lake Ashinoko, Japan
A still lake with a serene Mount Fuji backdrop is an archetypal Japanese image, and stunning Lake Ashinoko in Hakone, Japan, makes it a reality.
Ashinoko is a volcanic formation – a huge crater lake situated along the western side of dormant volcano, Mount Hakone. Tourists and Tokyo locals alike escape to Hakone for its fresh lakeside scenery and forest hiking trails; the lake offers a sense of spaciousness rarely afforded in Japan’s frenetic cities. Visitors can admire the lake from many well-marked walking trails, dotted with observation decks; or dare to take a cable car for a bird’s eye view. Many board wooden touring boats, called ‘pirate ships’ for a novelty excursion out on the water.
In any case, the sight of the mountain-side lake – the occasional vermilion torii-gate protruding from the water – looks thrillingly Japanese. Add a visit to Hakone’s Open-Air Museum, full of intriguing sculptures and modern artworks, and you’ve got a fun-packed day trip away from Tokyo.
Loch Ness, Scotland
Scotland is shrouded in mythical mystery, from its rolling, mist-covered Highlands to the isolated quality of many of its coves, cliffs and coastlines. Of course, its unassuming Loch Ness is one of the world’s most famous lakes, bringing with it the myth of an ancient monster – a legend that has slithered on through the centuries and even across international borders.
Of course, we’re referring to the world-renowned ‘ Loch Ness monster’ – affectionately called ‘Nessie’ – the legendary sea creature that supposedly lingers beneath the lake’s obscure depths. If you’re curious when on a tour of Scotland, several companies offer boat tours so you can venture out to spot Nessie yourself. For the sceptics, just breathe in the freshest air of the northern hemisphere, enjoy the rugged views, and appreciate how rugged Loch Ness and its ancient cliffs have captured the imagination of people the world over.
Lake Pichola, India
Resplendent India is bursting with ancient royal centers, awash with historic remains of former grandeur – and Lake Pichola decorates Udaipur, one of its most impressive, once-royal cities. A focal point of the ‘City of Lakes’; sublime Lake Pichola dates back to the 14th century, when it was designed and built mostly for aesthetic purposes as a symbol of opulence and glory.
The sumptuous days of the Mewar Dynasty are long since gone, but with its shimmering reflections of the City Palace, illuminated by the white-hot sun; the lake certainly creates a striking scene for visitors, even centuries later.
Lake Pichola isn’t really for swimming, but if admiring the scenery from the city’s many viewpoints and promenades isn’t enough, tourists often take boat rides onto the water to absorb the exquisite Udaipur skyline from a new perspective. Otherwise, you can make like Mewar kings and queens by gazing at the lake from the Palace itself.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Oft-overlooked by tourist favorite Mexico, Guatemala lingers with a spirit of the underdog. With hidden Tikal ruins, immense volcanoes, rich cultural heritage and the colonial capital of Antigua, there’s more than enough reasons to feel awestruck when on a tour of Guatemala.
One of the biggest draws to this multifaceted nation is Lake Atitlan. A geographical marvel, this lake is one of the deepest in Central America; is surrounded by three volcanic peaks – San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán; and sits at high altitude, around 1,560m above sea level. It’s certainly breathtaking to behold, and that might be enough reason to visit – but there’s a spiritual element to the lake that has seen a flurry of meditation, yoga and wellness retreats emerge in recent years.
If you’re more of an active explorer than a ‘namaste’ type, there are frequent boat trips onto the lake from which you can swim, kayak or island-hop. In fact, staying a while on Atitlan’s islands to observe the daily lives of its indigenous communities is one of the best ways to truly experience the lake. Ask our local experts in Guatemala about taking a trip to Lake Atitlan on a bespoke tour.
Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand
Stretching out like a lightning bolt, New Zealand’s Lake Wakatipu is the longest and deepest lake in the country, aesthetically beautiful from both land and sky. According to Maori legend, an evil giant was killed to form the lake; the heart of his spirit still beating as the water rises and falls. With this mystical quality and the view of the snow-capped Southern Alps and Remarkables as a backdrop, it’s no wonder this far-reaching lake draws adventurous travelers far and wide.
There are endless ways to enjoy Wakatipu; some go sailing or kayaking onto its great expanse, others stay local, fishing from its many bays and inlets. A novel option is to take a cruise on a historic coal-powered steamship that ferries sight-seers past the surrounding mountain peaks. Other companies provide dinner, including wine and cheese sourced from the surrounding fertile hills, from the comfort of a traditional catamaran.
However you embark onto Wakatipu, it’s easily visited from nearby Queensland – chat to our local experts about including it on a custom tour of New Zealand.
Melissani Lake, Greece
Melissani Lake is a literal hidden gem in Greece; obscured within a vast cave on the comparatively quiet Greek island of Kefalonia. Explorers discovered and excavated the cave in the 1950s and 60s (it was accessible only via ropes through the top) and found ancient artefacts – including a clay plate depicting nymphs and a statuette of the god, Pan – that possibly indicate a former place of worship.
Though Melissani Cave and its accompanying lake is an archeological marvel and historically fascinating, its real draw is its ethereal beauty. Sunlight streams in from the collapsed cave roof, lighting the clarity of the turquoise waters within. It’s a truly peaceful experience to head out in a boat onto such a pristine lake, formed, as far as we know, entirely by nature.
Melissani Lake is situated a few miles from the town of Sami, in the north of Kefalonia. Ask one of our local experts about including it on a stunning tour of the Greek islands.
Make it happen
Are you ready to integrate one of these captivating lake trips into a customized tour planned by local experts? Our travel experts are based on the ground in the destinations, full of insider knowledge to create a trip that’s just perfect for you. Get in touch to tell them about your ideal vacation today.
