Whether you want to make like the rich and famous on Italy's stunning Lake Garda, or discover some of the world's rarest fish in Africa's Lake Malawi, check out our guide to the top lake breaks.
Lake Garda, Italy
Wreathed by jagged peaks, Garda is Italy’s largest lake. In summer, the lake shore blossoms with purple bougainvilleas and pink oleanders while lemon groves flank the mountain slopes. Peaceful resorts featuring ancient churches and shaded, cobbled streets speckle the lake’s perimeter. Visit Salo for its smart boutiques and hotels; Desenzano for vibrant nightlife or skim through rock-hewn tunnels and over jaw-dropping cliffs to the mountain village of Tremisone for magnificent lake views.
Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is Croatia’s biggest natural attraction and one of the most beautiful sights in Europe – a UNESCO-listed, tree-shrouded wonderland of 16 turquoise lakes and waterfalls. Over thousands of years, the waters that flow through this area have passed over limestone and chalk, creating deposits which form natural barriers between the lakes.
Lake Malawi, Africa
The third largest lake in Africa, Lake Malawi stretches for 600km (373 miles) and forms a natural border between Malawi, Tanzania and Mozambique. It contains more fish than any other lake in the world, and it is also home to eagles and kingfishers. The clear-blue waters of Lake Malawi are popular for snorkelling and scuba-diving, as well as sailing, kayaking and swimming.
Lake Titicaca, Peru/Bolivia
South America’s largest lake spreads into both Peru and Bolivia. As well as a host of boat tours across and around the gleaming lake with the chance to visit floating islands made entirely of reeds, the verdant South American landscape offers travellers plenty of tropical hikes peppered with fascinating Incan ruins.
Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
With the almighty Arenal volcano looming and spluttering overhead, Lake Arenal is a dramatic stretch of water in northern Costa Rica. The vast lake offers refreshing relief from the humid Central American heat, with great kayaking and world-class windsurfing conditions.
