Europe is home to many major metropolitan cities, but it is also to many quaint and scenic lakeside towns and villages. During both summer and winter months these lakeside destinations are great ideas for vacation spots.

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Morcote, Switzerland

A town situated on Lake Lugano, this former fishing village is a great place for a quiet relaxing getaway. With less than a thousand inhabitants it’s the perfect place for a vacation from a busy city.

The village was voted Switzerland’s most beautiful village in 2016 because of its both beautiful shoreline and architecture. Morcote is located in the Italian speaking region of Switzerland, but also has four official languages, German, French, Italian and Romansh, a regional dialect.

Salo, Italy

Salo is a town located on the western side of Lake Garda and on the southern end of Gardone Riviera. This town has both long and beautiful lakefront promenades and other architectural sites to see when visiting. The clocktower in the center of the town is beautiful in the baroque style along with the Chiese della Visitazione church which is also in the baroque style. There are many activities to enjoy in Salo both in the town and on the lake.

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Ohrid, Macedonia

Another great idea for a lakeside getaway is the town of Ohrid which is located in Macedonia on Lake Ohrid. This town has an old and vast history, it was an ancient Greek colony and is one of Europe’s oldest settlements. Ohrid also has great beaches, historical villages and architecture.

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Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt, a traditional village located in Austria on the Hallstatter Sea which is 8.5 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide, is a great vacation stop. The town has lots of opportunities to explore the natural wonders of the region as well as the historical village. On the Hallstatter Sea there are many activities that one can enjoy like fishing and boating, even on their traditional flat bottom boats, as well as enjoying the great views.

Because of the town’s close location to nearby Dachstein mountain range there are also great hikes and biking opportunities. Hallstatt also has beautiful and historical architecture, located in the town of Hallstatt there is an original 19th century Evangelical Church to visit for its beautiful architecture.

You can also visit the old Hallstatt salt mines to explore the history of the region. You can also explore the natural wonders of the Dachstein caves, which are 1,174 meters deep with many unique ice curtains and sculptures. The towns Obertraun and Steeg are also other villages on the shore of the Hallstatt Sea that you can visit for a relaxing and scenic vacation.