The best lakeside getaways in Europe

These tranquil lakes offer a quieter alternative to their coastal neighbours

Aerial view of Montisola, the Italian island in Iseo lake, Brescia province in Lombardy district, Italy.
Iseo is among the 'quietest but most picturesque' of Italy's lakes
(Image credit: Getty Images / Michelle Rossetti)

Lake holidays are underrated. Often skimmed over in favour of sun, sea and sand, travelling inland can, in fact, make for a refreshing change. While it's tempting to be lured by glitzy destinations like Lake Como, Europe is home to an array of lesser known – yet equally beautiful – lakes. 

These tranquil bodies of water can be cooler and quieter than their coastal neighbours, and still offer many of the water-sports you find at the beach. From Slovenia's lesser-known gem to an unspoilt archipelago in Finland, here are some of the best lakeside getaways in Europe.

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Irenie Forshaw is a features writer at The Week, covering arts, culture and travel. She began her career in journalism at Leeds University, where she wrote for the student newspaper, The Gryphon, before working at The Guardian and The New Statesman Group. Irenie then became a senior writer at Elite Traveler, where she oversaw The Experts column.