17 Of The Most Spectacular Lakes In The World

There’s something about the lapping of water that we find so relaxing. There’s also something about the alluring views you get when looking across the calm waters of a lake. The world is littered with amazing lakes, loughs and lagoons that are seriously snap-worthy. So since summer-time is here we’ve decided to up our picture porn so that you might decide to ditch the sandy beaches in favour of one of these spectacular lakes, check them out:

1. Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and probably one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country too. There are hundreds of hotels, hostels and houses you can rent along this amazing lake. The lake is split between three provinces: Verona, Brescia and Trento. It is just over 50km in length (north-south) and is just under 20km in width (east-west). Lake Garda like every other part of Italy is a treasure trove for amazing food and drinks.

2. Maligne Lake, Alberta Canada

If you’re looking to get trigger happy while on vacation in Canada then make sure you make a pit stop here. It’s one of the most photographed locations in the world. It is famed for the bright blue colour of its water and the intimidating surrounding peaks. It’s the perfect location for going on day hikes – most of which are organised by professionals. The Charlton, Unwin and Maligne glaciers are visible from the lake and it’s also a really popular destination for fishing and less invasive water sports such as kayaking and canoeing.

3. Lough Corrib, Ireland

This is the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and definitely the most stunning. Ireland is known for having 40 shades of green and this doesn’t disappoint. It’s situated in the west of Ireland right beside Galway. Lough Corrib is most famous for it’s fishing and is one of the best places to catch in the world. It’s only 35 miles from Galway city, making it an ideal place to go to enjoy the renowned Irish hospitality.

4. Lake Bratan, Bali

Bali is known for being one of the most exotic travel destinations in the world, so it’s no surprise they ended up on this list. The lake is located in the area of Bedugul, approximately 55 km from Denpasar city. The incredible scenery resembles something out of a fairytale. Accommodates all of the popular water sports and outdoorsy types with facilities for hiking, kayaking, water-skiing and parasailing as well as being littered with loads of hotels so you can literally live on the water edge.

5. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

This area is made up of 16 lakes all joined together by waterfalls. The national park that surrounds the area attracts more than a million visitors a year, and it’s no wonder – the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colours, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. The colour of the lakes change constantly depending on the minerals and organisms in the water and the amount of direct sunlight.

6. Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada, USA

The beautiful Lake Tahoe is where California and Nevada meet. This is probably North America’s best lake. From skiing and boating, bike trails and blackjack, ice skating and bar hopping… Whatever your passion, Tahoe does it right – they literally have something for everyone.

7. Derwentwater, Keswick, England

Derwentwater is one of the main parts of the spiritual Lake District in England. Keswick’s local lake is only a 10 minute walk from the centre of town. You can walk or hike 8 miles around the good looking lake with it’s surrounding hills and mountains.

8. Lake Powell, Arizona

If you’re looking for the wow factor then look no further. Lake Powell has all of the distinctive characteristics of a place that exists in Arizona. It’s rugged, red surroundings make it a popular travel destination. With nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline, endless sunshine and warm water Lake Powell is the ultimate adventure playground. Rent a houseboat or enjoy stay in any of the many hotels and hop aboard a guided expedition. There’s literally so much to do here.

9. Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India

Here’s something completely different. This lake was artificially made back in 1362 AD. It’s home to one of the most spectacular hotels – Lake Palace that actually floats in the middle of the lake! The floating luxury hotel has 83 bedrooms all featuring white marble. It’s definitely one for the bucket list.

10. Lake Como, Lambardy, Italy

Italy’s second entry to this list, Lake Como is the perfect place to plan a holiday. It’s not far from Milan in northern Italy and is fairly easy to get to as well, taking only about 40 mins. You could literally eat your way around this magnificent lake… with a seriously great collection of eateries that wrap around the shoreline – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

11. Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

Lake Wakatipu is based in southern New Zealand and is renowned for its scenic beauty. New Zealand is also world famous for being the adventure capital of the world so you won’t be short of fun activities to fill up your holiday or break.

12. West Lake, Hangzhou, China

This man made lake has been the inspiration behind many paintings and literature over the centuries in China. It takes about 70 minutes to circle the lake by car – you can actually rent special battery powered ones for this. You’ll learn all about Hangzhou’s famous product – silk and the ten famous sites of the West Lake. People from all over the world come here to see the Lotus Blossoms in Summer and the famous “Three Pools Mirroring the Moon” in mid Autumn.

13. Dove Lake, Tasmania, Australia

Dove Lake lies in the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. It’s a very popular destination for the great outdoorsy types that take the well-maintained hiking route around the lake that lead up onto Cradle Mountain. The old boat house shows signs of a once frequently used lake for boating and fishing.

14. Lake Malawi, Africa

Lake Malawi is also known as Lake Nyasa in Tanzania and known as Lago Niassa in Mozambique. This vast lake can sometimes be confused for the sea even though it’s totally landlocked and made up of freshwater- it has gorgeous sandy beaches and plenty of options for those of you who love water sports.

15. Lake Lucerne, Switzerland

Known for its winding shape, Lake Lucerne is the perfect place to jump on one of the famous “brunch cruises” with a group of friends. Dozens of companies offer breakfast cruises, brunch, lunch and dinner cruises where you hop on for your entire meal and enjoy the incredible views from the ship.

16. Pehoé Lake, Patagonia, Chile

Located near Castillo Hill Village, Pehoé Lake is a beautiful attraction in Patagonia. Its crytaline waters give it a unique beauty and it’s the perfect place to get a peek at the natural exotic wildlife and vegetation that surround it.

17. Lake Hillier (Pink Lake), Western Australia

This is probably one of the most unusual sights in the world, it’s hard to believe somewhere like this exists. This lake in Western Australia is fully pink. Most scientists speculate that the bacteria living in the water cause it to go bubble gum pink. Located on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, Lake Hillier’s bright colour contrasts nicely with the stark white and the lush green of the surrounding beach and forest.