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Top spots to go on holiday with friends

Whether you’re planning a mixed group trip or looking for girls’ holiday ideas, why not consider a trip to Europe’s lakes and mountains?
The key to choosing a group holiday that’ll work for everyone is to hone in on what you can do, not just where you’ll stay. And as well as plenty of pinch-me views that’ll have everyone snapping away, Lakes & Mountains holidays serve up a whole range of authentic experiences that’ll keep you all happy, whether you want to relax, explore or combine the two.

To get you started, here’s our pick of the best places to go on holiday with friends.

Bardolino, Italy

Everyone can get a taste of the good life in Bardolino, whatever your holiday vibe. It’s right on the banks of Lake Garda and you can soak up lake views with a stroll down the promenade, or on a boat trip to explore the historic towns and charming villages scattered around the lake’s southern shore. One of the biggest crowd-pleasers is Sirmione, with its Roman ruins and one of Europe’s best lake beaches.

This is one of northern Italy’s best wine regions, so you’ve got vineyard tours and wine-tasting opps aplenty, plus the chance to sample loads of local food and drink at the Thursday morning market. And if a classic Italian aperitif is one of your group hol must-dos, Bardolino’s THE spot on Lake Garda for waterside cocktails. Aperol spritz, anyone?
A lakeside promenade with a bench and pink flowers in beds around trees.

Where to stay in Bardolino

The lakeside Hotel Caesius Thermae & Spa has holiday zen down to a T with pool-time, pampering and al fresco wining and dining on the agenda. It’s not in the centre of Bardolino, but the walk’s so pretty you won’t mind, or just hop on the hotel shuttle.

Riva, Italy

Base yourself at the top end of Lake Garda for walks and watersports. Riva’s also home to one of Europe’s standout spas, so whether you’re all in for relaxation or just want to chill out post-stroll this is a great place to be.

Itching to see Lake Garda from above? Malcesine’s only a bus ride away, with its cable car that’ll whisk you up Monte Baldo for fabulous views and some of Lake Garda’s must-do walks.

And Riva’s the best spot to stay if you’re keen to venture north and spend a day exploring the showstopping Italian Dolomites, which is one of the best day trips you can do from Lake Garda.
A blue lake with mountains on either side under a blue sky.

Where to stay in Riva

The Aris Apartments have it all – mountain views on one side, olive groves on the other and a rooftop pool where you can take it all in. It’s close to the lake and some of Riva’s best beaches, plus you can borrow bikes if you want to explore on two wheels.

Ohrid, North Macedonia

Lake Ohrid’s the oldest lake in Europe, and one of the largest, so there’ll be no shortage of panoramic views and water-based fun on a trip to North Macedonia. There are beaches scattered round the lake, and it’s so big you could mistake it for sea.

Hop between beachfront bars and cafès or explore Ohrid’s cobbled streets for a dose of brand new culture. You’ll find history everywhere, from centuries-old fortresses, churches and monasteries. The Monastery of St Naum and Bay of Bones Museum are among the must-dos.

And there’s loads of local food and drink to try in North Macedonia – you might want to reserve space in your suitcase to bring back a bottle of wine too.
A beach with small boats pulled onto the shingle and a vast lake.

Where to stay in Ohrid

Hotel Tino & Spa is a great option for groups keen to explore Ohrid and lap up the lake views. It’s right on the waterfront, close to Old Town, and has a snazzy spa downstairs.

Zell am See, Austria

There are loads of reasons why Austria’s a super summer holiday spot, and you can’t go wrong booking a group trip to Zell. You’ve got it all here – a Medieval town centre where you can sip coffee in shady squares before strolling the side streets, plus a broad blue lake surrounded by mountains.

Whether you prefer to lie back on the lakeside lawns and lose yourself in a book or hire stand-up paddleboards and get out on the water yourself, it’s all easy here.

And to combine lakes and mountains with the buzz of a city, hop on a train or book a day trip to Salzburg to soak up Sound of Music vibes. You can even split your trip between both spots with a multi-destination holiday.
Lake with large water fountain feature and a town on the shore with mountains behind.

Where to stay in Zell am See

Hotel Stadt Wien’s got lake views, with everything you’ll need in town within 10 minutes’ walk. Expect a warm welcome and top-notch service too.

Bled, Slovenia

Lake Bled’s one of the most beautiful places in Europe , but there’s more to it than just scenery. There’s a whole load of things to do around Lake Bled, and most keep the lake front and centre.

You’ll find great walks to suit all energy levels, from those happy with a couple of hours’ stroll around the lake to anyone keen to take on the more challenging walk up to Ojstrica hill for knockout views.

Hankering after some history? Hop on a traditional Pletna boat to explore the island in the middle of the lake, or visit Bled Castle.

Foodies will be kept happy, too, with Bled’s famous kremšnita – aka cream cake – on offer as well as other local Slovenian foods. Wine’s big here too, and there are loads of places in Bled where you can sample some of the country’s best.
A castle on a cliff, seen from above, with the lake and island beyond.

Where to stay in Bled

Hotel Astoria’s modern and stylish. It’s in a quiet spot, but still well placed for exploring Bled – it’s just a few minutes to the lakeside. You’ll have a spa on site for unwinding, plus a bar and sun terrace.

Interlaken, Switzerland

If you and your friends all like to get out and about on your holiday, you’ll find Interlaken’s bursting with things to do and see. The resort sits between two lakes – Brienz and Thun – and it’s well worth taking the time to explore them by boat. Hop on a local ferry or a traditional steamer for a unique experience and loads of photo opps.

Another day, take the train to the top of Europe by jumping on the Jungfrau Railway. The scenery’s great all the way up, but the views from the top will really make you all go ‘wow’. Once you’re there, simply relax and take it all in, head off on a high-altitude stroll or pop inside the Great Aletsch glacier, where you’ll find glittering tunnels and sculptures.

And there’s heaps of history nearby with five castles dotted around Lake Thun, plus Interlaken Castle to explore in the town itself.
Aerial view over a town with a river running through and mountains in the background.

Where to stay in Interlaken

Hotel Beausite’s a peaceful pick, but it’s easy to get into the centre of town as well as further afield - there’s a bus stop outside the hotel. After your day’s adventures, meet back at the Beausite for complimentary afternoon tea and cakes.

Ready to get your trip out of the group chat? Check out our best Lakes & Mountains deals to make it happen.


Author: Polly Bryan

Last updated: 14.08.2024

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