Most Beautiful Lakes in the World

Since the earliest days of human history, people have been fascinated by lakes, whether drawn to their extraordinary scenery or intrigued by legendary creatures said to inhabit their waters, such as Nessie in Scotland and Ogopogo in Canada. Fortunately, there are countless remarkable lakes to discover, ranging from the intensely blue waters of Lake Como to the spectacular mountain scenery surrounding Moraine Lake. If you're dreaming of visiting one of the world's most beautiful bodies of water, these destinations are well worth exploring.

Lake Como, Italy

When it comes to beautiful lakes, it is difficult to find somewhere more picturesque than Lake Como. Many consider this pristine Italian lake to be one of the country's most beautiful, making it an appealing destination for honeymooners, adventurous families, and travelers interested in water sports.

Set against the foothills of the Italian Alps, Lake Como offers far more than opportunities for swimming and sailing. The surrounding landscape is so spectacular that it has provided a backdrop for numerous major Hollywood productions, including Star Wars: Episode II.

Romantic Renaissance-era buildings line portions of the shoreline, while funiculars climb the surrounding mountain slopes. Combined with the lake's remarkably deep blue water, these features give Lake Como an unmistakable charm and make it a standout among the world's most beautiful lakes.

Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

Lake Wakatipu is an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy adrenaline-filled adventures. The area offers a wide selection of exciting activities, from heliskiing across pristine glaciers overlooking the lake's calm waters to exhilarating jet-boat excursions.

After an active day outdoors, visitors can relax at one of the cafes, lively bars, or luxury lodges along the shoreline while taking in the spectacular scenery.

The lake also has its own legendary mystery. According to Maori tradition, a creature named Matau is said to rest beneath the lake. The legendary monster supposedly snores so loudly that its breathing causes the water of Lake Wakatipu to experience unusually strong tidal movements.

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Surrounded by sacred volcanoes, Guatemala's Lake Atitlan is renowned for its almost paradise-like scenery and rich blue waters. It is also the deepest lake in Central America.

The lake was created thousands of years ago following a massive volcanic eruption, leaving behind a dramatic landscape that is now ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking.

For a more romantic experience, visitors can take a sunset cruise across the lake. Boats pass traditional lakeside villages where Mayan cultural beliefs remain deeply rooted and residents continue to proudly wear traditional clothing.

Dead Sea, Jordan

The Dead Sea is one of the world's most famous bodies of water and also occupies one of the lowest points on Earth. Its extraordinary elevation alone makes it a remarkable destination, but the surrounding landscape adds even more to its visual appeal.

Palm-lined shores, barren mountains, and unusual salt formations create a surreal environment that makes the Dead Sea one of the most visually distinctive lakes in the world.

A visit to Jordan would hardly be complete without experiencing the lake's exceptionally salty water. Visitors can float effortlessly on the surface and spend an afternoon enjoying the unusual sensation, although keeping your eyes closed is important because the highly saline water can cause significant irritation.

Once you've finished floating, nearby spas offer another way to experience the region, particularly through treatments that make use of the Dead Sea's famous mineral-rich waters and reputed healing qualities.

Lake Nakuru, Kenya

The Great Rift Valley stretches for approximately 4,300 miles across Africa and contains some of the continent's most extraordinary landscapes. Vast grasslands are interspersed with acacia forests, towering volcanic mountains, and beautiful lakes such as Lake Nakuru.

Covering approximately 17 square miles of the valley floor, Lake Nakuru is an excellent destination for wildlife viewing. Exploring the lake by boat provides opportunities to observe a remarkable range of animals in and around the water.

Visitors may see hippos with only their nostrils visible above the surface, rhinos moving along the shoreline, or even a thirsty lion approaching the lake for a drink.

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Croatia's Plitvice Lakes consist of 16 interconnected pools arranged across a series of natural terraces. Water flows from one level to another through numerous waterfalls, creating a lush and remarkably scenic landscape.

The dramatic beauty of the lakes and their cascading falls led UNESCO to recognize Plitvice Lakes National Park as a World Heritage site in 1979. The destination has since become popular with both local residents and international visitors.

Swimming is prohibited in order to protect the delicate natural environment, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the area. Hiking trails and wooden boardwalks wind through the park, providing beautiful views across the crystal-clear lakes and surrounding vegetation.

Moraine Lake, Canada

Hidden within Banff National Park, Moraine Lake is surrounded by dense pine forests and dramatic snow-covered mountain peaks. Located at an elevation exceeding 6,000 feet in the Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the lake is one of the region's most recognizable natural attractions.

Its intense blue color comes from glacial water flowing down from the surrounding Valley of the Ten Peaks. The striking combination of turquoise water, rugged mountains, and evergreen forests creates an extraordinary landscape.

Visitors can paddle across the lake in a traditional wooden canoe while photographing the scenery, or simply settle along the shore with a sketchbook. The remarkable setting has long served as inspiration for artists and other creative visitors.

Laguna Colorada, Bolivia

Known as the “Red Lagoon,” Laguna Colorada is one of Bolivia's most unusual and visually striking lakes. Its extraordinary ruby-colored water gives the landscape an almost otherworldly appearance.

The lake's distinctive crimson hue is produced by red algae beneath the surface. Local legends, however, offer a much more dramatic explanation, claiming that the unusual red liquid is actually the blood of the gods.

The colorful water is only part of the attraction. Large numbers of flamingos gather around the lake, while snow-covered mountains and imposing volcanoes rise in the surrounding landscape. Together, these elements create a scene that looks remarkably like a natural postcard.

Kirishima Crater Lakes, Japan

The crater lakes of Kirishima are among the lesser-known natural treasures of Japan's Kyushu Island. Aside from appearing in the 1967 James Bond film You Only Live Twice, these remote lakes have remained relatively unknown compared with many of Japan's more famous destinations.

Their secluded location and striking scenery make them some of the country's most beautiful hidden lakes. Visitors can hike into Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park to reach the lakes and experience the surrounding landscape firsthand.

Following the trails through the park, travelers can admire dense green vegetation and brilliantly blue waters while enjoying the sense of isolation that has helped keep these crater lakes largely under the radar.

Lake Malawi, Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique

Lake Malawi is an enormous body of water that stretches across three African countries: Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique. It ranks among Africa's largest and deepest lakes and is particularly remarkable for its extraordinary aquatic biodiversity.

The lake is home to approximately 1,000 species of fish, more than are found in any other lake in the world. Its clear, mirror-like waters provide excellent conditions for diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Travelers who prefer to remain on land can explore the sandy bays around the lake. The surrounding vegetation also supports wildlife, and visitors may occasionally spot monkeys moving through the trees along the shoreline.