When people say holidays, one instantly thinks of a place by the seaside with a great beach, or a hotel with a nice swimming pool, but – according to Tourism Review – if you're looking for a truly perfect haven to relax and bathe, consider visiting the lakes below.
Lakes Plitvice (Croatia): The stunning Plitvice Lakes boast a deep marine blue colour, combined by the striking green of the surrounding cliffs. The idyllic panorama of the lakes is fulfilled by beautiful waterfalls, and has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Lake Malawi (Malawi): Located in Africa, Lake Malawi is the ninth largest lake in the world. The 580- kilometre-long (363 miles) lakeshore makes it look more like a sea. About 1000 species of fish dwell in the lake, likely more than in any other lake around the world, and its crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkelling.
Lake Taal (the Philippines): The 172-metre-deep (564 feet) lake lies in the crater of the Taal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The lake is both extremely beautiful and dangerous but, despite the latter, is still a tourist hotspot.
Yucatan Cave Lake (Mexico): This stunning lake lies in a cave, which gives it a unique, beautiful yet somewhat eerie atmosphere. Light and water from the Earth’s surface fuse in this magical lake. One could hardly come up with a more impressive place to swim.
Lake Bled (Slovenia): This lake in Slovenia is one of the largest glacier lakes in the world, and among the most beautiful, too. The church on the tiny island in the middle of the lake makes the fairy-tale picture complete.
Lake Louise (Canada): The lake in the province of Alberta is another glacier lake, with the surrounding mountains and pine trees reflected in its crystal clear waters. The nearby ski resort is a bonus treat.
Lake Tahoe (USA): Spanning 33 kilometres (21 miles) in length, this lake occupies part of the border between California and Nevada, and is one of the world’s oldest and purest lakes. It is best known for its changing colours which provide the visitors with a different scenery hour to hour during the day.
Loch Lomond (Scotland): The setting of Loch Lomond is typically Scottish, due to its rugged hills and medieval castles scattered around, with a 14th century castle and a monastery dating back to the 7th century built on Inchmurrin, the biggest of the lake’s several islands and islets.
Lake Saif Ul Malook (Pakistan): The view of this Pakistani lake is particularly striking at sunrise, when the sun rises above the surrounding peaks, creating a beautiful shimmering reflection in the crystal clear waters. The grassy lakefront is an excellent refuge from everyday stress and noise.
Lake Garda (Italy): Lake Garda is probably your best choice when it comes to Italy – it is the largest Italian lake and is extremely popular with holidaymakers, who are attracted by its lovely resorts and pebbly beaches. The lake’s highlights also include hot springs on the southern shore and the Dolomites in the north.
Kaja Sajovic, MMC, adapted from Tourism Review