Five Must-Visit Lake Destinations for Your Travel Bucket List

From serving as crucial freshwater sources to supporting ecosystems and communities and adding beauty to our world, lakes are captivating.

In conjunction with World Lake Day on 27 August, here are five of the best lakes to visit around the world you absolutely have to add to your travel list. Some of these bodies of water are shaped by their environment and are special for the scenery reflected in their waters. Others are renowned for the towns, villages and historical landmarks surrounding them. Yet, most importantly, every lake is unique and has its own story.

What are some of the best lakes to visit around the world?

Lake Como (Italy)

It’s one of the world’s most recognisable lakes, and has been a popular retreat for the rich and famous since Roman times. But beyond the A-list visitors it draws, it’s the deep blue waters, stunning mountain scenery, rich culture and history, and picturesque settlements along the shore that make Lake Como truly spectacular.

The municipality of Como is the main tourist hub, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops to explore. But there’s also Bellagio, a charming township that looks out towards the Alps, as well as the quaint villages of Varenna and Colico. Additionally, there are boat tours and cruises, and for hikers, a variety of trails from easy to challenging.

Lake Kawaguchi (Japan)

One of five lakes at the northern base of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is a travel photographer’s utopia. With blue-green waters that reflect the majestic mountain on calm days and scenery that changes with the seasons, including cherry blossom trees in full bloom in spring and fiery maples in fall, you’re almost guaranteed gorgeous holiday shots.

There are also distinctive attractions like the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum — a European-style garden estate devoted to antique instruments — quaint local bakeries, and various stargazing spots. You can even ride the Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to Mount Tenjo, take a cruise, or simply relax in one of the many lakeside hot-spring spas.

Lake Victoria (Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya)

Spanning three countries and covering 68,800 sq km, Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest freshwater lake and a main source of the Nile. It’s also a lifeline for millions of people and the surrounding flora and fauna. But beyond its scale and importance, visitors get to experience so much more.

The Ssese Islands in Uganda, for example, comprise 84 islands famed for their pristine beaches and hiking trails. There’s also Rubondo Island National Park in Tanzania, where you can spot chimpanzees, elephants and diverse birdlife. But most of all, Lake Victoria offers travellers the chance to experience the rich traditions of the communities that live along its shores.

Lake Vembanad (India)

Kerala in India is iconic for its backwaters — that coconut palm-lined network of lagoons and canals. But what few people realise is that those images are connected to Lake Vembanad, the waterways’ largest central hub, and India’s longest lake. This makes it the perfect place to rent a traditional houseboat, and watch life unfold around you.

You could also hop onto smaller boats to explore the narrower canals, visit Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary to spot migratory birds, walk along shaded paths, and sample the local cuisine. Plus, if you’re visiting in August, you may get to watch the annual Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race — a competition of 100 to 120-foot-long wooden canoes (snake boats) that began in 1952.

Lake Van (Türkiye)

While not as well-known as some other destinations, Lake Van is still every bit as fascinating — from its turquoise alkaline waters, which support only a single fish species (the pearl mullet), to the history on its shores. This includes the Church of the Holy Cross, a medieval church on Akdamar Island, near the southern shore, that’s famed for its intricate stone carvings.

There’s also Van Fortress, a massive ancient castle, the ruins of Tushpa and various other historical sites. Visitors can also explore the smaller Lake Erçek, which attracts hundreds of bird species, and Van Cat House, a research facility at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University dedicated to the Van cat, a white breed known for its differently coloured eyes.

Planning Your Next Lake Escape with QVI

So, are all five lakes making it onto your travel bucket list? Or is there one that especially stands out?

Whatever you decide, and whether you’re drawn to stunning mountain backdrops, tranquil backwaters or bustling lakeside eateries, QVI can help you plan your holiday, while offering a selection of stay options as well as special perks, VIP discounts and exclusive rewards. Simply log in to your QVI Vacay account, enter your travel details, and start browsing for accommodations and deals.

And don’t worry if you can’t make it to any of these best lake destinations around World Lake Day this year. These natural wonders — which the American naturalist and poet Henry David Thoreau called “Earth’s eyes” — will be waiting whenever you’re ready.