Dip your toes into a lakeside adventure with these mesmerizing lake stays from Booking.com
Whether you prefer lakes flanked by fir trees, sandy beaches or cliffs, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is presenting six of the best lakes with plenty of pristine water to play in. Highly endorsed for lakes by Booking.com travellers from around the globe, these beautiful destinations are perfect for enjoying the late rays of autumn sun by taking a boat for a spin, going fishing on the dock, or simply sitting back and relaxing.
Annecy Lake, France
Hailed as the cleanest lake in Europe, Annecy Lake is perfect for anyone interested in fresh water adventures. There's swimming, sports and plenty of spots to soak up the autumn sun. Albigny beach is just a few minutes' walk from the town, and at the opposite end of the lake, the waterfall of Angon cascades over rocky cliffs, making it ideal for nature pics.
Where to stay: Featuring its own private pontoon with sun loungers on the shores of Annecy Lake, Hôtel Restaurant Yoann CONTE Bord du Lac has a 500 m² garden and chalet-style rooms with a private balcony overlooking the beautiful lake.
Lake Kawaguchiko, Japan
Mount Fuji is a majestic sight anytime of the year. At Lake Kawaguchiko you can enjoy the town’s famous hot springs while taking in fantastic views of the mountain from the northern shore. During cherry blossom season, the snow-capped peak is framed by pink flowers, while autumn brings bright red maple leaves.
Where to stay: Hoshinoya Fuji is a glamping resort nestled in a tranquil red pine forest, featuring a restaurant, bar and guestrooms with Lake Kawaguchi views. Guests can savour freshly brewed coffee at the terrace or enjoy activities such as scenic walks, horseback hiking, stargazing and more.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The Plitvice Lakes that lie at the heart of Plitvička Jezera National Park are a true natural wonder. Completely deserving of their status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the vivid turquoise waters of the park’s 16 lakes cascade down to create waterfalls that evoke a tropical paradise. There are plenty of routes and trails available from the park’s two entrances, and you can even hop across the lakes by ferry if you feel like giving your legs a rest.
Where to stay: Settled within the protected area, just a 5-minute walk from the highest waterfall of the Plitvice Lakes National Park, B&B Plitvica Lodge has simply decorated rooms with an authentic wooden ambiance and a terrace with views of the idyllic scenery.
Lake Taupo, New Zealand
The stunning Lake Taupo is no ordinary lake. It’s actually a caldera, a flooded volcanic crater that was formed 25,000 years ago. These days, you can reap the benefits of such seismic activity with a dip in one of the dozens of geothermal hot pools that dot the shore around Tapuaeharuru Bay. If you’d rather stay active, the lake’s renowned for world-class trout fishing.
Where to stay: The Point Villas are situated in a private estate overlooking the blue waters of Lake Taupo. Each villa is set amongst native trees and has its own private mineral heated swimming pool and a wide terrace with lake views.
Lake Powell, Page, USA
Visited by around three million people each year, Lake Powell is at the heart of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The reservoir was created in the 1960s and today offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, water-skiing, kayaking and air tours.
Where to stay: Located in Big Water, the inviting Dreamkatchers Lake Powell Bed & Breakfast is less than 20 km away from Lake Powell and offers a sun terrace and hot tub overlooking the stunning plateau.
Lake Maggiore, Italy
Set on the south side of the Alps, Lake Maggiore is one of Italy’s largest lakes and is surrounded by a beautiful countryside. Travellers can take a ferry from Stresa to Bella Island, one of the most popular Borromean islands, and explore its 17th-century Baroque palace or enjoy a ride with the cable car to admire the stunning views.
Where to stay: Relais Casali della Cisterna is set in an 18th-century building surrounded by a private park overlooking Lake Maggiore. Guests can relax in the hot tub located in the park, or at the free private beach area.