There are few settings more relaxing and rejuvenating than a vast lake when choosing a holiday destination and the guys at TUI have got some amazing options when it comes to choosing a lake-based holiday – check out our pick of 5 of the best below:
LAKE GARDA, ITALY
Here at The Coolector, we’ve got a serious appreciation for a landscape of contrasts, which is why Lake Garda is squarely on our radar. As Italy’s largest lake, perfectly positioned between Milan and Venice, it delivers two distinct, equally compelling experiences.
The north is all dramatic, alpine shores—a high-adrenaline haven for adventurers and windsurfers exploring the cobbled streets of Malcesine and Riva. The sun-wrapped south, however, is a different beast entirely. Here, the vibe shifts to pure Mediterranean leisure. Think sprawling vineyards around Bardolino (producing world-renowned wines), ancient lemon groves, and the sun-drenched Sirmione peninsula.
It’s the quintessential Italian escape: a place where you can explore ancient Venetian fortresses in the morning and soak up the sun on a pebble beach in the afternoon, all before settling in for that requisite Aperol Spritz.
NORTH MACEDONIA
Here at The Coolector, we’ve always got our eye on the destinations that fly under the radar, and North Macedonia is one of those rare European gems that quietly boasts it all. Forget the crowded tourist traps; this is a rugged, lesser-known spot for those in the know.
Tucked between the Balkans and the Med, it’s a land of epic contrasts. You get wildlife-filled national parks and some of Europe’s oldest, deepest lakes, all set against a backdrop of age-old towns. The history here is layered and authentic—the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires all left their mark, meaning ancient amphitheatres and centuries-old monasteries are just waiting to be explored.
This is a true adventurer’s playground. With mountains covering 80% of the country, it’s tailor-made for hiking, biking, and kayaking. When you’re done, the souvenirs are just as serious. The region has a deep history of craft, from hand-painted ceramics to intricate silver wire jewellery. You can even pick up a set of hand-painted Ohrid pearls—a local treasure so fine, they were even worn by Princess Diana.
BOOK A NORTH MACEDONIA HOLIDAY
INTERLAKEN, SWITZERLAND
Here at The Coolector, we appreciate a home base that’s as epic as the adventure it unlocks, which brings us squarely to Interlaken. This Swiss town is, frankly, the ultimate alpine launchpad, perfectly sandwiched between the stunning, azure waters of Lake Brienz and the fairytale castles of Lake Thun.
The town itself is a masterclass in civilised exploring, but the true genius lies in its access. This is your gateway to Europe’s most legendary peaks via a network of mountain railways that run with the precision of a Swiss timepiece. We’re talking, of course, about the famed Jungfrau Railway, which racks its way up to the UNESCO-protected “Top of Europe.”
Better still, a TUI trip includes the Half-Fare Travelcard, meaning you get up to 50% off the trains, boats, and cable cars needed to conquer this breathtaking landscape.
LAKE COMO, ITALY
Here at The Coolecor, we’re firm believers that some destinations are just in a different league. Lake Como, frankly, is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Italian elegance. It’s a place that’s been the world’s most sophisticated getaway since the Roman Empire, and it hasn’t lost an ounce of its swagger.
This 20-mile-long, wishbone-shaped lake is a masterclass in drama: steep, pine-swathed mountains plunge into deep azure water, setting a breathtaking stage. The atmosphere is one of effortless chic, a blend of regal Italian charm and almost Caribbean-esque beauty that has, predictably, attracted everyone from Roman emperors to modern-day royalty like George Clooney.
The strategy here is simple: base yourself in a lakeside hotspot like Menaggio, or go straight for the jewel in the crown, Bellagio, with its lavish villas and knockout peninsula views. But the real way to understand Como is from the water. A private boat is your key to unlocking must-see landmarks like the stunning Villa Balbianello and the vibrant gardens of Tremezzo. This isn’t just a holiday; it’s an education in timeless, atmospheric cool.
BLED, SLOVENIA
Here at The Coolector, we have a serious appreciation for a destination that is, frankly, ridiculously good-looking, and Slovenia’s Lake Bled is the undisputed champion. This is a place that looks like a high-budget fantasy set, complete with a legendary clifftop castle and an iconic church on its own island, all surrounded by the rugged Triglav National Park.
Your “must-do” list here is simple. First, walk the pristine lakeside path, stopping for the essential local kremšnita cake. Next, take a traditional wooden Pletna boat to the island church—it’s where grooms traditionally carry their brides up the 99 stone steps.
For a dose of adventure, the nearby Vintgar Gorge walk is an epic day trip, and the local mountain offers “summer tobogganing.” It’s the perfect, stylish launchpad.
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