Lovely Lakes

We recently wrote about some gorgeous gorges, and now it's the time to sample some lovely lakes. There's no doubt about it that whenever we think of going on holiday, we are drawn to water. Number one attraction are the coasts of whichever country we are visiting, but the lakes can run them a close second. Lakes are so important to the identity of some regions that they give the region its name.

ITALY

Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes are a celebrated chain of glacial lakes in northern Italy, formed during the last Ice Age and framed by the southern Alps. Stretching across the regions of Lombardy, Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige, and Piedmont, they offer a remarkable meeting point between dramatic mountain scenery and a surprisingly mild, almost Mediterranean climate. Snow-capped peaks rise above deep blue waters, while along the shores grow olive trees, cypress, and even lemon groves. This unique landscape has made the lakes a favoured retreat for travellers since Roman times.

The largest of them, Lake Garda, is known for its diverse character. In the north, steep cliffs and steady winds attract sailors and windsurfers, while the southern shores feature gentler hills, vineyards, and historic towns such as Sirmione. To the west lies Lake Maggiore, which extends into Switzerland and is famous for the Borromean Islands, home to grand palaces and terraced gardens. These lakes combine outdoor adventure with refined elegance, appealing to a wide range of visitors.

Perhaps the most iconic is Lake Como, instantly recognisable by its inverted Y-shape and steep, forested slopes. Elegant villas line its shores, many dating back centuries, reflecting the area’s long-standing appeal among aristocrats, artists, and modern celebrities. Charming towns such as Bellagio and Varenna feature cobbled streets, waterfront cafés, and panoramic viewpoints that capture the lake’s romantic atmosphere.

Smaller but equally enchanting is Lake Iseo, often considered a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbours. At its centre rises Monte Isola, the largest lake island in Italy, where fishing villages and narrow lanes preserve a traditional way of life. Together, the Italian Lakes offer a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and relaxed sophistication, making the region one of Europe’s most captivating destinations.

Suggested hotels:
Aqva Boutique Hotel, Sirmione
Camin Hotel Colmegna, Colmegna
B&B Lago Maggiore, Cannobio
Torre Degli Ulivi, Tignale
Or choose from any of the hotels on our dedicated Italian Lakes page.

ENGLAND

The Lake District

The Lake District has walks for every ability from gentle ambles around lakes to high ridge walks, with a bit of scrambling over rocks thrown in for good measure. It's home to the highest mountain in England (Scafell Pike) and the deepest lake in England (Wastwater).

The area is much more than just a walker's paradise though. The bigger lakes like Windermere, Coniston and Ullswater offer all sorts of on-the-water activity too. There are steamer trips, boat hire, canoeing, fishing, and more. If you fancy swimming in the lakes then the smaller lakes are recommended as there is less boat traffic.

Of course the Lake District is famous as the home of Beatrix Potter and the place where Wordsworth wrote his most famous poem. The National Trust cares for Beatrix Potter's home at Ambleside so lovers of her charming stories are well catered-for. William Wordsworth's modest home in Grasmere is open to the public too, and there are lots of other things to see and do.

The millenia of history are well recorded, so visitors to the Lake District can see stone circles and other pre-historic sites, Roman roads and forts, more recent castles and country houses, and a whole variety of historic industrial heritage including lead, iron and copper mines. In the 20th century, the long lakes and smooth water were ideal for record-breaking with several world water-speed records being set there. For most of the year, Donald Campbell's Bluebird can be seen at the Ruskin Museum in Coniston and may even be seen on the water in 2026. More prosaically, centuries of farming have created a landscape of dry stone walls, grazing sheep, and charming villages that add to the region’s timeless character.

Suggested hotels:
Haweswater Hotel, Haweswater
Hazel Bank, Keswick
Windermere Suites, Windermere
Or choose from any of the hotels on our dedicated Lake District page.

Norfolk Broads

In contrast to almost every other lakeland region, the topography of the Norfolk Broads is unashamedly flat. Created from flooded medieval peat diggings, the water is frequently at sea level (and therefore tidal) while much of the land is little above that. Like other places, the Broads are a perfect destination for water activities of every kind: rowing, sailing, boating (you can hire motorboats for a few hours or a few days), stand-up paddleboarding and more besides. However it is the unique geography that makes it an ideal spot for walking amongst nature without indulging in a battle with the gradients. And what nature! The Broads are Britain's largest protected wetland and are home to a wealth of birdlife. Amongst the species seen are mallard, coot, moorhen, great crested grebe, greylag goose, Canada goose, Egyptian goose, grey heron, marsh harrier, cormorant, kestrel, sparrowhawk and bittern. It's also a haven for insects, most noticeably the Norfolk hawker dragonfly and the swallowtail butterfly.

Suggested hotel:
The Boathouse, Ormsby

SCOTLAND

The Great Glen

One glance at a map of Scotland easily reveals the Great Glen, a huge geological slash across the middle of the Highlands. Much of the glen is taken up with a series of lochs, with rivers connecting them. The Caledonian Canal also uses the lochs as part of the route, but the rivers are not navigable.

Starting out at Inverness, the first lake we encounter is the greatest and most famous loch of them all: Loch Ness. Containing more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined, it is 23 miles long and 755 feet deep at its deepest point. With the water surface at a mere 50 feet above sea level, that depth seems quite remarkable. The water is dark and peaty, and very cold all year round so open water swimmers are advised to go elsewhere. Beyond the fanciful tales of the monster, Loch Ness offers striking natural beauty, historic sites such as Urquhart Castle along its shores, and opportunities for boat tours, hiking, and wildlife spotting in one of Scotland’s most atmospheric landscapes.

The next body of water along our way is Loch Oich, the highest point along the Caledonian Canal. Looking completely natural today, the level was raised several feet by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century to facilitate the construction of the canal.

Another short stretch of canal/river/road leads to Loch Lochy, the last freshwater loch along the glen. Like a half-scale model of Loch Ness, this loch also has a mythical creature, the River Horse, but neither the creature nor the loch seem able to compete with their more famous cousins. This though is all the better for visitors looking to enjoy the grandeur of the Scottish scenery in isolation.

Finally the glen continues down to Fort William where it meets the sea (sort of) in the form of Loch Linnhe.

There are hundreds more lakes or lochs all over the highlands of Scotland, many only accessible to the most intrepid of adventurers, but the lochs of the Great Glen will satisfy most visitors with their scenic beauty, folklore and accessibility.

Suggested hotels:
Blervie House, Forres
Glencoe House, Glencoe
Kilcamb Lodge, Strontian

SPAIN

Lagos de Covadonga

Lagos de Covadonga are a pair of stunning glacial lakes located high in the Cantabrian Mountains within the Picos de Europa National Park. The two main lakes, Enol and Ercina, sit more than 1,000 metres above sea level and are surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks and lush green pastures. Shaped by ancient glaciers, the lakes reflect the rugged mountain landscape and are often shrouded in mist, creating a breathtaking and atmospheric setting that changes with the seasons.

The area is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and historical significance. Nearby lies the Sanctuary of Covadonga, an important pilgrimage site linked to the early history of Christian Spain. Today, the Lagos de Covadonga are a popular destination for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers, and the winding mountain road leading up to the lakes is famously featured in the Vuelta de España cycling race. The combination of alpine scenery, wildlife, and heritage makes this one of Asturias’ most iconic landscapes.

Suggested hotels:
Palacio de Cutre, Infiesto
El Gran Sueño, Pintueles

Laguna de Fuente de Piedra

The lagoon is internationally recognized for its importance as a breeding site for the greater flamingo, hosting one of the largest colonies in the Iberian Peninsula. Thousands of flamingos gather here each year, filling the horizon with flashes of pink against the pale water and sky.

Laguna de Fuente de Piedra is the largest natural lagoon in Andalusia. This shallow, saline wetland covers a vast area that expands and contracts with seasonal rainfall, creating a unique and ever-changing landscape. Surrounded by rolling countryside and olive groves, the lagoon is especially striking in spring, when water levels are higher and birdlife is at its most abundant.

Designated as a protected nature reserve, Laguna de Fuente de Piedra also supports a wide variety of other bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and ecologically rich environment.

Suggested hotels:
La Fuente del Sol, La Joya
Cortijo Valverde, Álora
El Chorro Villas, El Chorro

Embalse de Zahara

Andalucia is home to numerous man-made lakes constructed to supply water to the cities and coastal resorts. Invariably they have mellowed into their beautiful settings, providing a feast for the eyes as well as a necessary function. One such is the reservoir at Zahara de La Sierra, where the turquoise water reflects the bright southern Spanish sky. Visitors here have scenery and walking as well as the opportunity for swimming and other water sports.

The adjoining village of Zahara de La Sierra is one of the Pueblos Blancos of Andalucia. Like many of the white villages it is picturesque both from a distance and close up. In typical fashion it has a castle, a church, a town hall and a Plaza Mayor which is inevitably the ideal spot to sit at a bar and watch the world go by. (Don't miss the stone fountain in the centre, which is most unusual.)

 

26 Feb 2026, 18:00