Published 9th May. 2025
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Since the beginning of time, humans have been drawn to lakes, whether it’s to appreciate their beauty or see first-hand the places where monsters such as Nessie (Scotland) and Ogopogo (Canada) are said to reside. Fortunately, we’re spoilt for choice, from Lake Como’s bluer-than-blue waters to Moraine Lake’s magnificent mountainous backdrop. Fancy a trip to one of the world’s best bodies of water? Read on for our shortlist of the most beautiful lakes in the world…
When it comes to the prettiest lakes in the world, it doesn’t get much better than Lake Como. This pristine body of water is thought by many to be Italy’s most bellissimo lago (beautiful lake) and is the perfect destination for honeymooning newlyweds, adventurous families and water sports lovers. Nestled at the foot of the Italian Alps, Lake Como doesn’t just offer swimming and sailing: its surroundings are so stunning that they have featured in a lengthy list of Hollywood greats (Star Wars: Episode II, anyone?). With shores fringed by romantic Renaissance buildings, mountainsides dotted with funiculars and bluer-than-blue waters, Lake Como is a firm favourite on our list of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Image by Faustine Poidevin.
Lake Wakatipu is an adrenaline junkie’s haven. From heliskiing on pristine glaciers overlooking the lake’s glassy waters to thrilling jet boat rides, this New Zealand lake boasts ample adventure-fuelled activities. Once you’re suitably shattered, settle down in one of the bustling cafes, lively bars or luxury lodges on the shoreline and drink in the postcard-perfect views. Just make sure you keep an eye out for Matau, a legendary Maori monster who is said to sleep at the bottom of the lake and snores so loudly that it causes Wakatipu’s waters to become unusually tidal.
Image by Lisa Wiltse/The New York Times-REDUX-REA.
Flanked by sacred volcanoes, Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan is known for its Eden-esque beauty and deep blue waters (the lake is Central America’s deepest). It was formed by a super volcano eruption thousands of years ago and is the perfect backdrop for hiking, mountain biking and kayaking adventures. If you’re after a spot of romance? Head out on a sunset cruise, sailing past lovely lakeside villages where Mayan beliefs run deep and residents proudly wear traditional dress.
Image by Pia Riverola.
The Dead Sea isn’t just one of the most famous bodies of water in the world – it also happens to be the lowest points on the planet. This alone makes it one of the most spectacular places on our list, but its palm tree-lined shores, desolate mountainsides and fantastical salt formations are what make it one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. It would be criminal to travel all the way to Jordan and not take a dip in its super saline waters, so dive in and spend an afternoon floating your worries away (making sure you keep your eyes shut). Once your fingertips have wrinkled, head to one of the surrounding spas to test the lake’s world-famous healing properties.
Image by VisualStories / Getty Images.
The Great Rift Valley, the 4,300-mile span of geological depressions that nearly broke Africa in two, is brimming with eye-wateringly spectacular landscapes. Great swathes of grassy plains are punctuated by acacia forests, towering volcanic peaks and one of the prettiest lakes in the world: Lake Nakuru. This Kenyan lake occupies 17 square miles of the valley floor and is a prime place for wildlife watching. Hop aboard a boat and head out into the lake to observe the incredible wildlife on offer, keeping your eyes peeled for hippo nostrils peeking out of the water, rhinos strolling along the shoreline, or a thirsty lion approaching for a drink.
Image by @ Didier Marti / Getty Images.
Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes are made up of 16 terraced pools, each connected by tumbling waterfalls that flow through the verdant landscape. The lake’s starkly beautiful scenery and cascading falls inspired UNESCO to declare Plitvice Lakes National Park a World Heritage site in 1979, and the site is popular with locals and tourists alike. To protect the fragile environment, swimming in the lakes is not permitted, but don’t worry: the national park is a great place to go hiking, with boardwalk trails overlooking the crystalline lakes and surrounding greenery.
Image by micheyk/Getty Images/iStockphoto.
Tucked away in Banff National Park, surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped peaks, is Moraine Lake. This breathtaking site sits at an elevation of over 6,000ft in the Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is famous for its electric blue waters fed by glaciers from the surrounding Valley of the Ten Peaks. Paddle across the lake on a traditional wooden canoe armed with a camera to, or if you’re the artistic type, take to the shores with a sketchbook –Moraine Lake has inspired creatives through history.
Image by Laura Ciapponi / Getty Images.
Known in English as the ‘Red Lagoon’, this beautiful Bolivian lake is known for its extraordinary ruby-red waters. Laguna Colorada gets its crimson colour from the red algae under its surface, although locals will tell you that the unusual water is not water at all, but rather the blood of the gods. As if the lake’s striking colour wasn’t enough, it also draws in large flocks of flamingos and is surrounded by snowcapped peaks and majestic volcanoes, a proper postcard-perfect landscape.
Image by agustavop / Getty Images.
The Kirishima crater lakes are an untapped treasure of Japan’s Kyushu Island. Apart from its appearance in the 1967 James Bond epic, You Only Live Twice, the lakes have remained largely under the radar and are some of the most remote and prettiest lakes in the world. Put yourself in Bond’s shoes (minus the international villain on your heels) and hike into in Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park, where these under-the-radar lakes lie, marvelling at the lush greenery and electric-blue waters.
Image by stoickt / Getty Images.
Yep, you read that right: this epic lake spans three African countries. Lake Malawi is one of Africa’s largest and deepest bodies of water and is home to a whopping 1,000 species of fish (more than any other lake). It’s mirror-like waters are perfect for diving, snorkelling or kayaking, or, if you’d prefer to stay on solid ground there are sandy bays to stroll around, and you might even catch a glimpse of a monkey swinging through the trees.
Image by erichon - stock.adobe.com.
Written by Emma Begley | Header image by Faustine Poidevin.
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