Water has always been a main standpoint for life in any place on Earth. Since time began, animals and humans alike have set up camp near rivers and lakes to help sustain populations, and over time great cities have being built around them. It’s easy to forget how important great bodies of water are in the ecological kingdom, and when you choose to visit one of these lakes you can be assured of beautiful sights and a perfect punctuation to a trip.
Lake Garda Italy
As one of the country’s largest lakes, Lake Garda is a beautiful and popular destination for tourists and travellers. With 28 miles of beautiful, pebble-strewn beaches and charming resort towns and villas along the way, it’s a hiker’s paradise. With hot springs on the southern shore for bathing, the 37°C water gushing from the earth has long been a main go-to for those seeking relaxation and well-being. To the north, jagged peaks and gorgeous mountain ranges await tackling by hikers and cyclists. Nearby are Milan and Venice, Italian cultural and fine dining hotspots.
For full relaxation, take a trip to one of the Lake’s top resorts with Inghams. Choose a hotel in Bardolino for the famous vineyards and olive groves, or Salo for the hustle and bustle of Italian life. There’s also Limone – so called for its lemon groves – which offers some beautiful walking routes, on the north-western shore of the lake. There are so many fun things to get up to in Venice such as train rides on the beautiful Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
There are so many things to do in and around Lake Garda; you can take your pick from this list of things to do in Lago Di Garda.
Crater Lake USA
Crater Lake was created thousands of years ago, when the top of a 12,000-foot-high volcano in the Cascade Range erupted. The national park in southern Oregon showcases the rawness and power of nature, with beautiful evergreen forests and towering cliffs surrounding the crystalline, blue waters. For winter hiking and cross-country skiing, it’s a must. Wait until July to make the trip, and take a stroll around the 33-mile encircling road for some truly breath-taking views. Perhaps even take a dip while you’re there. Read more about Crater Lake here.
Loch Lomond Scotland
With windswept plains, rolling hills and beautiful medieval castles, stepping onto Loch Lomond is like taking part in a Victorian romance novel. This 24-mile long lake is dotted with tiny islands, including the (very sparsely) populated Inchmurrin. A 7th century monastery looms for your discovery, or the Lennox Castle lies steeped in 14th century history. Just 24 miles south is Glasgow, and 66 miles east is Scottish capital Edinburgh.
Lake Nakuru Kenya
Tranquil, scenic and beautifully blue, this grassy lake is a hive of activity all year round. Standing around the edges is a shock of pink – the gathering of flamingos that come here to drink and bathe. Though the water is so full of sodium carbonate, the birds flock here in their thousands. In Lake Nakuru National Park, endangered black and white rhinos are known to join the birds. In the surrounding woodlands, pythons and lions patrol the grounds and Rothschild’s giraffes nibble and the trees. The life and magic around these beautiful lakes are great for your next holiday.
Lake photos: spencer77, the_knitter, @Michael, scoobygirl, Sara&Joachim.
