‘Gorgeous lakes and majestic mountains’: readers’ ideas from Europe

For a couple of Dolomites extra, Italy

Alleghe in Belluno, 80 miles north of Venice, is a picturesque city by a surprising lake, framed by the majestic japanese Dolomites. We discovered the streets actually charming, the native delicacies distinctive and loved exhilarating hikes on which we barely encountered one other soul. Alleghe was the proper base for exploring certainly one of Italy’s most enchanting and unspoiled areas.
Lorna Younger

Rock home windows and waterfalls, Slovenia

Kranjska Gora within the Julian Alps has some glorious peaks for thrill-seekers. Strive Prisank (2,547 metres) and look ahead to the superb rock window on the best way up. Mala Mojstrovka (2,332 metres) has fantastic views and is less complicated to climb. We beloved the stroll to Zelenci’s emerald inexperienced swimming pools and visited Martuljek waterfall, passing by lovely woodland. We relaxed on the shores of Lake Jasna, absorbing the 360-degree views, and ate scrumptious creamy kremna rezina cake on the lakeside cafe. Subsequent, we cycled into north-east Italy on the incredible off-road path.
Matthew

Albania’s Accursed however lovely peaks

The Albanian Alps, or Accursed Mountains, supply dramatic peaks, bucolic pastoral valleys, and freezing turquoise rivers. Whereas many vacationers go for a fast go to to stroll the 11-mile Theth to Valbonë cross, we spent 5 days in Theth, staying on the fantastic and homely Bujtina Vellezerit Grrela (doubles from £49 B&B), which supplies glorious conventional Albanian meals. Comparatively undeveloped, Theth is a soothing base from which to recuperate from the difficult mountain hikes. Distinctive views and heat June evenings spent watching the swallows and fireflies in opposition to the backdrop of the peaks had been actually memorable.
Emily

Lakeside monasteries, North Macedonia

At Lake Ohrid, certainly one of Europe’s deepest lakes, we just lately spent fantastic days exploring the monasteries and ruins round by the water’s edge. We had lunch on the wood veranda of a restaurant, jutting out so you’ll be able to drop your ft within the clear water, and completed the day with a tasting at a neighborhood vineyard. North Macedonia has a singular mix of Balkan and Mediterranean influences, from the domed church buildings to the scrumptious plates of grilled greens, lamb and recent sheep’s cheese. Sofia

Going solo on Lake Bracciano, close to Rome

Lake Bracciano, an hour’s drive north of Rome, was the proper place to relearn learn how to take pleasure in (actually take pleasure in) a solo vacation, after fully shedding my journey mojo in the course of the pandemic. Motorboats are banned and the water is cool, clear, and ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and lazing round. The three sleepy cities on the lake – Bracciano, Anguillara, Trevignano – boast a staggering array of eating places and aperitivo spots. I felt cosseted by the locals, who had been eager to listen to my ideas for visiting the islands of Scotland (the place I’m from) and had been affected person with my dodgy Italian. I’m already planning my return.
Ealasaid

Impressed by Newby in Italy’s Apennines

We explored the mountains of Italy’s Emilia Romagna area, impressed by Eric Newby’s ebook Love and War in the Apennines, which recounts his experiences hiding from the German military on mountain farms in the course of the second world conflict. We adopted in his footsteps within the mountains south of Parma, mountain climbing by wooded areas to succeed in the primary crinale (ridge), from the place you get a incredible view of the Ligurian coast. The paths are effectively marked, and we stayed in one of many rifugios (alpine huts) run by the Club Alpino Italiano (from €55 half board). Meals is seasonal and native: assume mushrooms, polenta, do-it-yourself pasta and cured meats.
RW

Break for the border on the native practice, Slovenia to Italy

To get from Lake Bled to Italy you is perhaps inclined to return to Ljubljana and take a quick practice or bus to Trieste. As an alternative, take one of the scenic rides in Slovenia – the regional practice from Bled Jezero station (on the western finish of the lake) to the Slovenian city of Nova Gorica on the Italian border. The 90-minute journey, which solely price us €7.30 every, took us from Lake Bled by the Bohinj valley, providing views of the Julian Alps and emerald inexperienced waters of the River Soca. As soon as at Nova Gorica, stroll about 20 minutes to cross the border to enter Italy on the fairly city of Gorizia.
Frances Li

Glacial sojourn close to Chamonix

Chamonix is greatest referred to as a ski resort however it’s simply as charming within the hotter months. Setting off from the village of Les Praz, on Chamonix’s outskirts, we hiked by the peaceable forest, stopping a number of instances to absorb the breathtaking views of lush greenery in opposition to snowcapped mountains. Within the forest we found Chalet de la Floria, at 1,350 metres, the place we loved an omelette and tarte myrtille (blueberry tart). The subsequent day we took a funicular practice to the ice grotto within the Mer du Glace glacier. It was beautiful: the chilly was intense, there have been spectacular ice sculptures and we realized fascinating particulars on the historical past of the glaciers.
Nitika

Gliding throughout Lake Lugano, Switzerland/Italy

Lake Lugano is shared between Italy and Switzerland and final summer season we discovered a wonderful method to discover each elements of it. We took the gleaming white Swiss public Navigazione Lago di Lugano ferry on a £20 day return. Setting off at 10.30am from Porto Ceresio in Italy, the vessel glides alongside super-smooth waters, crisscrossing the lake, stopping at villages with stone homes, alternating stops in Switzerland and Italy, together with on the good Swiss Miniatur miniature open air museum at Melide. All through the journey there are views of pine tree-adorned slopes and distant snowy peaks. Arriving at Lugano after simply over an hour, we explored the attractive city and even managed a dip within the lake, returning at 7pm to absorb the sundown views.
Nigel

Successful tip: such larks in Interlaken, Switzerland

My husband and I took our four-year-old son on his first overseas journey, travelling to Interlaken through Amsterdam utilizing in a single day ferries and trains. We arrived, drained from the journey, to see Thunersee’s good turquoise waters glistening in early summer season sunshine. Simply to the east of Interlaken is one other lovely lake: Brienzersee. Within the following days, we explored the encompassing mountains, mountain climbing to Mürren from the Lauterbrunnen cable car. It was an unforgettable journey for us all.
Hannah