4 must-visit spots in Europe's lakes and mountains

Known as the ‘Venice of the Alps’, Annecy’s got all the romance of the Italian hotspot with a side of French flavour. Stroll down cobbled streets full of colourful buildings and follow your nose to a canal-side restaurant for some local cuisine – cheese is a staple here, and Savoyard specialities like tartiflette and raclette are smothered in the good stuff.

Parts of the town date way back to the Middle Ages and there’s heaps of history lying around every corner – take a snap of the Palais de l’Île from the Pont Perrière or tour the towers of Annecy Castle for a cracking view of the Old Town and Lake Annecy. To get a closer look, head to one of the beaches around the shore for a dip, or keep dry with a pedalo ride across the water.

Prepare to be swept off your feet – Lake Como oozes that classic Italian charm, from grand villas to manicured gardens. Spend days camera clicking your way around age-old churches, boat hopping along the shoreline to traditional towns and people watching in piazzas while you sip a cappuccino.

When the evening rolls around, wander along the promenade to watch the sunset turn the water from blue to pink, then it’s onto a lakeside trattoria to taste the catch of the day with an ice-cold spritz – salute.

With postcard-pretty looks from top to bottom, Zermatt’s a proper alpine town – there’s a rugged mountain backdrop all around you and rustic wooden huts dot the hillside. To dig a little deeper into the town’s history, head down the Hinterdorfstrasse – Zermatt’s oldest street – to see higgledy-piggledy houses built in the 16th century.

You can also tick a few things of your Swiss list here, like riding up to 3,089m on a cherry-red train for knockout views of the Matterhorn, or setting off on a walking path through pine forests and flower-filled meadows.

Bled’s all about the fairytale feel – it’s got a clifftop castle that overlooks the lake, plus a little church on a rocky island in the middle of the water. This is Slovenia’s most popular photo opp, so sail over in traditional pletna boat to get the perfect pic. There are plenty of places around the shore for a lounge and swim to cool off, and for a sweet treat, pop in a waterfront café for a slice of kremšnita cake, a delicious local delicacy.

Another Slovenia sightseeing highlight is the Vintgar Gorge. You’ll wind along a trail of bridges past mossy rock and turquoise pools to see rushing waterfalls and swirling rapids – think real fantasy vibes.

See these spots for yourself next summer on a Lakes & Mountains holiday. 

And for more inspo, head to our Lakes & Mountains homepage to discover our other favourite destinations. 

Author: Daisy Colley

Last updated: 01/11/2023