The best lakeside towns in Europe
Having sweeping water views and swimming in the sun on a beach isn't something you must enjoy when living near the sea. In my opinion, nothing is more romantic than a lakeside getaway in Europe. Something is enchanting about lakes as still as the sun, historic villages lost in time, and, often, stunning mountain backdrops that even the most magical Rivieras cannot match.
Here is a list of six luxurious lakeside towns as plentiful as their inhabitants, sure to make you swoon.
Take a look at the most beautiful lakeside towns across Europe you should visit. Ready for unique places to visit in Europe?
Located in France, Talloires
The village of Talloires, which lies along the shore of Lake Annecy, is like a time capsule stuck in the past. Its off-the-radar status might be, since only the French spend their summers here lazing on beaches, sailing, cycling, and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.
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Located in Slovenia, Bled
Taking photos at Lake Bled Slovenia is more than just a dream. In addition to history and adventure, this place has it all.
A cobalt-blue lake backed by the looming Julian Alps houses an old frescoed church with a golden Baroque altar on an islet, reached via a pletna (traditional wooden boat). It's time to head back to the shore and check out Bled's 11th-century clifftop castle with its chapel, museum, and printing press.
Tourists visit Vintgar Gorge, home to the country's highest waterfall, before hiking through the national park's forested trails. Those looking for a photo op should hike up to Ojstrica viewpoint in time for sunrise or sunset to catch the most spectacular view.
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The Italian Lake Como
There is no doubt that Lake Como is a glamorous aristocratic playground favoured by today's biggest stars, such as the Clooneys, Versace, and Richard Branson.
Many picturesque villages are along the Como shore, but Cernobbio is one of the most scenic. A small but lovely garden and historical homes lining a lakeside promenade make it a beautiful place to visit.
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Located in Austria, Hallstatt
It looks like it has been plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale. Hallstatt is an Iron-Age hamlet on the shores of Lake Hallstatt. From steep forested hills rising in the clouds, the village spills down to the water's edge, with alpine houses from the 16th century and Baroque churches.
There are also scenic trails that take you through the area's glaciers and fall foliage, which makes this place a must-see during autumn. Winter is also a great time to visit when the town is typically covered in a thin layer of snow. In addition, the main square is filled with a charming Christmas market.
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The city of Ascona in Switzerland
Located on the northern shore of Lake Maggiore, this low-lying resort town is as Mediterranean as Switzerland can get, with five-star hotels, lake tours by Riva boat, and endless Aperol Spritzes waiting for you just 30 minutes from the Italian border.
From the snow-capped distant Alps to the cobbled streets of Old Town, known as Borgo, you can stroll past the 16th-century Pietro d Paolo Church and colorful buildings to the waterfront piazza.
The scenery here is breathtaking, from Old Town's cobbled streets to the distant Alps. Finding English menus is part of the area's charm. Europeans come here to escape the crowds of the Riviera, relax in one of the local lidos (public swimming pools), and enjoy the warm summer days.
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Located in North Macedonia, Ohrid
Have you had enough of the crowds (and prices) in Italy and France? Balkans are an under-the-radar, blissful getaway. For centuries, locals have flocked to Lake Ohrid, which straddles the Albania-North Macedonia border and is one of Europe's most profound and oldest lakes.
Its Byzantine landmarks, Ottoman architecture, and prehistoric plant and animal species earned the town's UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1979. Explore the 10th-century main square, stroll through the shops and bazaars lining the pedestrianized streets, and dive at the Museum on Water to explore underwater excavations.
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Mikolajki in Poland
During summer, resort towns such as Wegorzewo, Olecko and Gizycko are buzzing in Poland's breathtaking Masurian lake district. It is an ideal base to visit the region's biggest lake, Sniardwy, nearby Mikolajki, in the region's south.
There are three bridges and a marina in this charming town of red-roofed buildings, which is a favourite with sailors: you can hire a boat and sail to Gizycko or cross the lake to Orzysz.
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Montreux in Switzerland
On Lake Geneva, Switzerland, Montreux, famous for its jazz festival, has always attracted the famous and fashionable, with beautiful views of the lake's shimmering waters. Among the most stunning sights you'll see is the Château de Chillon, a 13th-century fort.
You won't find a more dreamy destination than Montreux. This charming Swiss town is pure perfection with its magical promenade and breathtaking Alpine views!
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Read more: Bucket List Ideas In Europe
