Over one million tourists grace Italy’s Lombardy region to visit Lake Como and its dazzling villas each year, and while we’re never one to argue for an Italian getaway, it’s still worth noting that there are dozens of other stunning lakeside landscapes across the continent waiting to be explored (and many with much fewer crowds).
Take Lake Ohrid, a massively underrated body of water stretching between two equally underrated destinations, Albania and North Macedonia, which was just named the most beautiful place in Europe by ‘s travel writers.
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While Lake Como draws A-listers and crowds in equal measure, Lake Ohrid – one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes – offers a quieter, more affordable alternative without skimping on scenery. Think glassy blue water, mountain backdrops and a shoreline dotted with historic towns that feel frozen in time.
On the North Macedonian side, the lakeside city of Ohrid is the star of the show with cobbled streets, hundreds of medieval churches (the city is famous for once housing 365 churches, one for every day of the year) and terracotta rooftops spilling towards the water. It’s where you can spend the day swimming and exploring ancient ruins, and the evening watching sunsets dip behind mountains – all without Lombardy’s staggering price tags.
Hop to the Albanian side, and you’ll find more rugged landscapes and sleepy villages. The village of Lin is home to mosaic ruins and scenic campsites that can be booked near the water, sun loungers included.
Elsewhere on ’s list you’ll find a unique trulli town in Italy’s Puglia region, London’s plant-packed Kew Gardens, and a Gaudí masterpiece in Barcelona.
There are the 10 most beautiful places in Europe, according to travel writers
1. Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia
2. Saturnia Hot Springs, Tuscany, Italy
3. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland
4. Alberobello, Apulia, Italy
5. Počitelj, Bosnia and Herzegovina
6. Norwegian Fjords, Norway
7. Kew Gardens, London, UK
8. Prinsengracht Canal, Amsterdam, Netherlands
9. Mosel Valley, Germany
10. Casa Batlló, Barcelona, Spain
Check out ’s full list of the most beautiful places in Europe.
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