Everyone loves splashing about in the water at the beach but when it comes to swimming experiences, once you try lake swimming, you'll never go back.
No sand between your toes. No salt in your eyes and hair. No cold, windy shorelines and walks for miles to the car. Just soft green grass next to pristine waters in some of the most beautiful locations on earth.
Think I'm over-selling it? Then check out these lake destinations for yourself. We've scoured the globe for the best lakes to visit if you want an exciting new swimming experience. From cool mountain waters to amazing tropical swimming holes, these are the best of the best.
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
New Zealand puts the wild back in 'wild swimming'. From mountain lakes to rocky river pools and volcanic springs, there's a huge range of swimming spots to choose from no matter the time of year. Of all of them, we chose Lake Tekapo as our must-visit location. Located on the South Island near Twizel, this enormous lake sits against the backdrop of the beautiful Mount Dobson. Make sure you check the water temperature before you go in, though!
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia isn't a destination that immediately springs to mind when planning a holiday. Not unless you know Europe as well as we do. In fact, Slovenia is one of the most spectacular and interesting places you can visit. Take a dip in the still, blue waters of Lake Bled before exploring the surrounding mountains and valleys. The nearby Triglav National Park is one of Europe's top water sports destinations for rafting and kayaking. If you've never seen crystal blue river waters before, prepare for a completely new experience.
Lake Como, Italy
If you prefer a slower pace of holiday, Lake Como blends beautiful bathing experiences with sophisticated Italian dining and culture. Visit the gorgeous Como Cathedral and nearby historic Roman villa - Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo - before having an amble up the funicular railway to Brunate. Lombardy is well-known for its excellent sparkling wines - the perfect accompaniment to a relaxing day by the lake.
Lake Tahoe, California
Straddling the border between California and Nevada, this beautiful lake is the largest in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its beautiful blue waters are surrounded by the Eldorado National Forest, making it the perfect location for a wilderness holiday. Rent yourself a log cabin and wander down to the shore every day for a swim and a picnic, before hiking off the calories in the afternoon. There's no better destination to get away from it all.
Almsee, Grunau
Grunau's Almsee is an ethereal mountain lake that is located 11km south of the Grünau im Almtal village. It's a picturesque spot with beautiful scenery all around. The lake is great for swimming with the water being a nice temperature, and there are plenty of walking tracks around for those who don't feel like taking a dip.
Europe has even more amazing swimming lakes for you to explore. Plan your very own custom itinerary using our online Adventure Planner, and check out some of these stunning destinations for yourself.
