THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LAKES IN THE WORLD

The Great Lakes are, of course, spectacular. But there are many more beautiful lakes all over the globe that are so visually stunning and serene worth traveling for.  Here is our round-up of the best from the deserts of Morocco to the bubble gum pink lake of Australia and of course the celebrity favourite, the elegant Italian Lake Como.

CRATOR LAKE, OREGON

Oregon is a must-visit for its scenic beauty and natural wonders. Crater Lake, dubbed one of the seven wonders of Oregon and it’s not hard to see why.

Formed around 7700 years ago when an ancient volcano collapsed, Crater Lake is the deepest at 1943 feet and possibly the clearest, bluest, and most beautiful in the country.  Situated in Crater Lake National Park, crowing the Cascade Mountain Range, and abundant with forests, and wildlife, “lake majesty’’ as it’s known is the undoubted highlight.

The water comes directly from rain or snow there are no inlets so no sediment or mineral deposits forms which is the reason for its stunning colour. Enjoy this natural wonder by biking or driving its 33-mile rim.

HUTT LAGOON, AUSTRALIA

Bubble gum Pink is the hue of Hutt Lagoon, in Western Australia, one of the most spectacular you-have-to-see-to-believe lakes in the world. A 5.5-hour drive from Perth, the salt lake is an iconic stop on the Coral Coast Highway. 

Home to the world’s largest microalgae production facility which is what gives this Instagram-worthy lake its fantastic colour.

The iconic pink is a result of algae production, which produces beta-carotene, a food-colouring agent.

Its shade changes depending on the time of day and amount of cloud coverage, and it’s best viewed mid-day when the sun is high. You can view this jaw-dropping lake on the ground, or for a killer view book an aviation tour. 

Popular for picnics, kayaking, and pelican spotting, you can wade knee-deep into its candy-coloured waters to take those once-in-a-lifetime pics.

LAKE COMO, ITALY

Said to be the most “James Bond” of the Italian lakes – parts of the 2006 movie Casino Royale were filmed here – the iconic Lake Como, an hour north of Milan, is surrounded by neoclassical villas and best known for its Clooney factor.

Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal own an 18th-century villa here, and his cadre of famous and high-glam friends regularly make it their summer vacation spot. But the true star here is the lake itself. 

Known for its picturesque beauty and elegance, Lake Como appears like an upside-down Y, a sapphire blue lake at the bottom of the Alps.  Narrow and deep its draw is in its fusion of alpine grandeur (Switzerland is just over the ridge) and unmistakably Mediterranean sexiness, you’ll see palms, cypress, and chestnut trees on the shore, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. In summer enjoy boating, paddle boarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and swimming or stroll its fabulous gardens, lush greenery, and enjoy people-watching in the sunny restaurants and cafes nearby.

LOCH NESS LAKE, SCOTLAND

Shrouded in mystery, Scotland’s famous Loch Ness Lake comes with the tale of a large monster lurking deep beneath it.

Since the first photograph emerged in 1933, stories of Nessie, described as large, long-necked, and with more than one hump, have circulated – intriguing travellers and baffling scientists. 

Deeper than the North Sea (788 feet deep) and 23 miles long, Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, making it the most voluminous lake in the UK. And more, the Highland’s dramatic scenery, stunning castles, picturesque lighthouses, and of course, its cows. Loch Ness is huge and to walk each section would take six days – though each part of the trail has unique sites. For a walk, take one of the six sections and follow that part of the trail.

LAKE TAKERKOUST, MARRAKECH

Just outside magical Marrakech lies Morocco’s Agafay Desert. Settled by Saharan nomads in the 18th century, they planted crops and flowers, changing the arid landscape into blooming fields during the harvest.

The Atlas Mountains lie behind the desert and their waters flow into Lake Takerkoust, also known as Lalla Takerkoust Lake. 

This man-made lake is enormous, spanning 5000 hectares and almost 5 miles. It was built by the French in the late 1920s to provide water and electricity to the people of Marrakech and in doing so enhanced the natural beauty of the desert area.

When in Marrakech, do take a day trip to the lake to admire its beauty and witness its waters juxtaposed against the unique mountain and desert backdrop.

The lake is a destination where you can enjoy a full day of fishing, hiking, horseback riding, going on a desert trek, indulging in Moroccan cuisine at the gorgeous waterside restaurant Le Relais Du Lac, and even getting a desert massage.  

Contents per travelcurator.com