Lakes may be almost as popular as seas and oceans when speaking about vacation destinations. Most people like spending time by the water, whether admiring the views or engaging in some water activity. Some of the lakes are really touristy, and some still remain off the beaten path. Look at some astonishing lakes we have found and decide which one is your favourite.
Bacalar Lagoon (Lake of the Seven Colours), Mexico
The huge shallow lagoon with incredibly turquoise water and white sandy bottom belongs to the lagoon system stretching over 55 kilometres and connected with the Cheturnal Bay. The lake received its «colourful» name due to the hearsay, according to which seven hues of blue could be seen in Bacalar Lagoon. The area around the lagoon is touris, with many hotels and resorts that become very busy during high season. Water activities are plentiful: sailing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating and snorkelling. People who have been to Bacalar recommend watching the sunrise from a kayak — the views are said to be splendid. In the evening, explore the town of Bacalar, which offers markets, shops, and restaurants.
Llanquihue, Chile
Llanquihue Lake, the largest in Chile, is excellent for fishermen and sailboat enthusiasts, with its abundant wildlife and strong winds. The area’s gem is magnificent snow-covered mountains — the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. The architecture of the towns next to Llanquihue resembles German, which creates a fantastic contrast with the surrounding volcanos. There are beaches in those towns, enabling people of any age to swim. In the vicinity, there are two national parks — Vicente Pérez Rosales and Alerce Andino — which are fabulous destinations for all nature lovers. Of course, the trip wouldn’t be complete without driving around the Llanquihue (the whole route is 170 km!): this way, you can explore all the variety of its shores and find the spot you like most.
Lovatnet (Loen), Norway
The scenic lake is connected to the fjord Nordfjorden and is surrounded by mountains, thus primarily consisting of melt water from the glaciers. Tourists love hiking and camping around the lake because of its irresistible beauty. Despite this, Lovatnet is still relatively quiet. However, this lake, peaceful at sight, has a long history of avalanches and landslides causing enormous tsunamis destroying the surrounding villages. Today’s warning systems will keep you safe, so don’t be afraid to visit this incredible piece of Northern nature. The best activities that you can do next to Loen Lake are camping, kayaking, boat tours, and Loen Skylift, a cable car connecting the village of Loen with the top of Mount Hoven.
Loch Ness, Scotland
Scotland’s most famous loch, Scottish for lake, is located in the Highlands. It fascinates its visitors not only with the mysterious legend of the monster Nessie but also with its incredible beauty. To admire Loch Ness, take a boat tour, ride a canoe or go fishing in the rivers falling into the lake. Further options include various trails around the lake, such as the 360º trail, Great Glen Way, South Loch Ness Trail or Affric Kintail Way. Explore the Highlands’ nature in the nearby forests — Farigaig and Abriachan. As if that wasn’t enough, there are spectacular waterfalls around — Plodda Falls, Divach Falls and the Falls of Foyers — which are truly Scotland’s hidden treasures. The greater Loch Ness is surrounded by smaller lochs, Lochan Torr an Tuill, Loch Bran, and Loch Tarff, excellent spots either when searching for a quiet escape or getting acquainted with local wildlife. History lovers also have got plenty of exciting opportunities in the vicinity — Boleskine Graveyard, Corimony chambered cairn and Clava Cairns are there to reveal their old mysteries.
Garda, Italy
Situated in northern Italy, this lake is a tourist magnet with its captivating history, charming towns and villages nesting on its shores, and great wine produced in the nearby Veneto region (the eastern coast). Popular Italian cities of Milan and Verona are also situated in the vicinity, which makes Lake Garda an excellent day trip destination. The north of the lake is the playground for sports enthusiasts, with activities ranging from windsurfing (Riva and Torbole) to rock climbing (Arco). Take a walk through impressing Roman ruins and taste local cuisine, soak up the sun on the beaches of Sirmione or visit traditional limonaie, lemon-growing buildings in Limone sul Garda — lake Garda offers endless opportunities for every tourist! Take a boat tour or ride the Monte Baldo cable car (with access from Malcestine) to see the majestic lake from both a water level and a bird’s perspective.
Moraine Lake, Canada
This picturesque glacial lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, in Banff National Park, is a true wonder of nature, along with Lake Louise in the vicinity. It is known worldwide for its azure waters and surrounding scenery — the background is snowy Canadian Rocky Mountains. Hike between numerous viewpoints or paddle around Moraine’s tranquil waters for an unforgettable experience. The lake is highly popular, so expect filled-up parking lots and campsites next to the national park. Moraine and Louise usually melt by the beginning of summer; the alpine hiking season starts at the end of June, and the ski season begins in mid-November. Consider that Moraine Lake is open to the public only from early June to mid-October; Lake Louise’s shore is open all year round.
Accommodation
We have also gathered some accommodations next to the lakes mentioned above, one at each. To look for more options, visit hotelin.com — a hotel price aggregator with a wide selection of stays for every budget. With plenty of filters available on the website, you will surely find an accommodation that meets all of your requirements. We wish you happy travels to the most beautiful lakes in the world!
Bacalar Lagoon — Mia Bacalar Luxury Resort & Spa, 5 stars, 800 m from the lagoon
https://www.booking.com/hotel/mx/mia-bacalar-luxury-resort-amp-spa
Llanquihue — Hotel Boutique Casa Werner, 5 stars, 400 m from the lake
https://www.booking.com/hotel/cl/hostal-boutique-casa-werner
Lovatnet — Stryn Hotel, 4 stars
https://www.booking.com/hotel/no/stryn
Loch Ness — Morag’s Lodge, 4 stars, on the edge of the lake
https://www.booking.com/hotel/gb/morag-s-lodge
Garda — Gardaland Hotel, 2 km from the lake
https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/gardaland-resort
Moraine – Mountaineer Lodge, 3 stars, 11 km from the lake
https://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/lake-louise-101-village-road
