Kiki Deere

There’s something quite special about holidaying by a lake. The scenic beauty may be the most obvious, but it’s also the peace and tranquillity that comes with the lakeshore, providing a calming and serene escape from everyday life. When you want a break from calm, there’s water-based activities to get stuck into too, from paddleboarding and sailing to hiking and cycling, making the lakes prime destinations for the outdoorsy amongst us. From the lush expanses of forests in Finland to Germany’s natural beauty, and from water sports in Italy to a lakeside French foodie scene, lake trip possibilities are endless in Europe. On our list we’ve got the very best of lake life, from the most famous of all – we’re looking at you, Lake Garda – to lesser-known gems. Oh, and we’ve included where to stay and eat in them too. Whatever your plans (and budget), here are the best lake trips in Europe.  RECOMMENDED:🗺 The best city breaks in Europe🧭 The best places to visit in Italy🏝 The most beautiful places in the world Kiki Deere is an Anglo-Italian travel writer and photographer. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines. 

About 70km south of Manila lies Lake Taal, a spectacular lake with a volcanic island rising from its centre. Weekends see Manileños descend to the area for some gentle hiking, relaxation and respite from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The jumping off point for the lake is Tagaytay, a compact city that commands a wonderful position on a ridge overlooking the lake and its volcano. Tagaytay has developed quickly over the last few years, with a fair share of hotels springing up around the centre and beyond, although tucked away here and there you’ll find some lovely hotels hidden away amid greenery offering a quiet peaceful corner and panoramic lake views, all within striking distance of the area’s attractions. Focuses might be on wellness, natural attractions or child-friendly activities, but there’s undoubtedly something for all comers in this beautiful destination.

Through the 20th century, Subic Bay, about 100km northwest of Manila, was known largely only to US Navy personnel, having been until 1992 the site of a 262 square mile base the US had taken from the Spanish. Fast-forward to the 21st century and the area has reinvented itself as a popular tourist spot offering extreme sports, ocean parks, safaris and plenty of duty-free shopping – as well as excellent wreck diving. The old base is today the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, a tax- and duty-free zone, with restaurants, shops and hotels located in the Central Business District. Tourist attractions – largely theme parks (Ocean Adventure, Tree Top Adventure, Zoobic Safari…) and beaches – are found a few kilometres south. Thanks to its proximity to the capital, Subic is a popular destination among Manileños, offering a smattering of hotels largely in the mid-range bracket. Among them are a handful of standout spots though, from those aimed at cycling fans and families to spots with private beaches and bars in lighthouses. Here’s our pick of the bunch.