Lakes & mountains holidays are getting more and more popular as people swap the beaches for the fresh air and scenery of the mountains. Many of the mountain lakes have superb beaches with wind surfing, boating and lidos that rival many of the beach clubs you find in the Med.

The lakes are great to visit any time of year but can get very busy in the peak summer months - late spring or early autumn are more tranquil and its easier to find good value accommodation in the best locations.

During the winter, its possible to combine your lakes & mountains holiday with a few days skiing - nearly all the lakes that we feature in Italy, Austria, France and Switzerland are very close to some of the best ski resorts in Europe.

Plus, there are several resorts, such as Zell am See, Hintertux or Zermatt where you can go summer skiing on the glaciers in the morning and sunbathe by the lake in the afternoon. Being so far south, you have the best of both worlds with a Mediterranean climate and the splendour and pristine natural beauty of the mountain lakes.