Planning a holiday in Europe is no easy feat.
With so many great destinations to choose from, it helps to first narrow down the goal of your trip. Culture hounds and history buffs will undoubtedly head to one of the continent’s world-class cities, while sunbathers and beach bums will opt for a seaside escape—one of TripAdvisor’s recent award-winning beaches, perhaps?
However, what if you’re not a sand-between-the-toes type of person, but still want to relax under the sun or take a dip in the water? Consider a lakeside home from TripAdvisor Rentals. You’ll be smitten with the cosy properties available to book. The calming, romantic atmosphere and incredible views of a waterfront stay will wash away your daily stresses.
But don’t just stay by any body of water. We’ve rounded up eight beautiful lakes in Europe, each with stunning holiday homes on offer. And the cherry on top? None of these rentals will break the bank, especially if you’re splitting the cost with friends or family.
Slovenia is home to many of Europe’s hidden gems and Lake Bled is no exception, though it’s true that the secret of its beauty has long been out. With a fairytale-like church peaking through the trees on Bled Island, surrounded by the lake’s topaz blue water, Lake Bled looks almost magical under a layer of winter snow. As it’s just 22 miles from Ljubljana airport, there’s very little stopping you from spending a week in one of Lake Bled’s gorgeous holiday homes.
See all 140+ Lake Bled rentals from TripAdvisor!
Imagine sipping your morning coffee on the terrace of this stunning lakeside villa, or ending the evening with a sparkling night cap. Considered to be one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes and an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, Lake Ohrid has long been one of the go-to locations for lazy lakeside holidays for residents of Macedonia and Albania, the two countries it touches. While visitors now come from across the Balkans and further afield, there is still charm, beauty, and most importantly peace and quiet to be found along the banks of these turquoise waters.
See all 40+ rentals near Lake Ohrid from TripAdvisor!
Arguably The Godfather of European lake destinations, Italy’s lakes have something for everyone depending on budget and celebrity spotting requirements. George Clooney, anyone? While dangerously close to the throngs of tourists that descend upon Garda, Maggiore and Como, Lago d’Orta is still under the radar for the most part and certainly boasts all the scenic and culinary delights of its bigger, better-known brothers. Book this stunning apartment in Orta San Giulio, on the lake’s edge, and you’ll still be just an hour’s drive from Milan for a day of more lively city sightseeing.
See all 50 rentals on Lake Orta from TripAdvisor!
Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 and long-term fans of this beautiful country began to fear the price of their Croatian beer going up. However, thanks to National Park rules, the stunning Plitvice Lakes remain carefully protected from a stampede of tourists, eager to glance upon its aqua waters and impressive series of waterfalls; a truly unique sight. To experience the beauty up close and personal, book a holiday home and be close to both the hiking trails and the water.
See all 100+ rentals in Plitvice Lakes National Park!
Before we get lost in continental Europe—a dangerously easy thing to do—let’s pop over to the British Isles to see what they have on offer. Loch Awe in Scotland is strong competition for the others on this list, with rolling hills in the background and crystal clear waters alongside which stand a collection of centuries-old castles and ruins. In fact, you can even stay in one of those castles.
See all 30+ rentals near Loch Awe from TripAdvisor!
Man-made it may be, thanks to a purpose-built dam back in the 1970s, but Sainte-Croix makes up for its lack of natural origins with ridiculously pleasing views and bright blue waters in which you can swim, kayak, and pedalo. While other French lakes like Annecy are forced to cope with high numbers of visitors all year round, you’ll find Sainte-Croix an almost secret sanctuary in September.
See all 30+ rentals near Lake of Sainte-Croix from TripAdvisor!
Small things can still have big returns. Not convinced that European lake waters are warm enough to swim in? Lake Hévíz might change your mind. This thermal lake in Europe, just 12 acres big, is considered a “geological curiosity” thanks to its waters which stay warm at 38.5 degrees celsius throughout the year. Book an apartment in the city centre and you’ll be within walking distance. Plus, Lake Hévíz is only a short distance from the much bigger, slightly cooler but equally beautiful Lake Balaton.
See all rentals near Lake Hévíz from TripAdvisor!
It seems a little harsh to compile a list of the best lakes in Europe without a nod to Switzerland and Austria, two landlocked nations who make great strides to maximise the stunning potential of their freshwater lakes. Though Lake Constance happens to stretch across both country’s borders, the best spot for a holiday rental might be in Konstanz, of southern Germany. With the Alps watching over from most sides, it’s hard to sit on the banks of Lake Constance and not be impressed by the view.
See all 20+ rentals near Lake Constance from TripAdvisor!