Let’s face it: Lake Como is pretty special. With its elegant waterfront villas, Alpine backdrops and classy Italian villages, it’s easy to see why it’s one of Europe’s most coveted holiday destinations. But what if you could enjoy a similarly spectacular lakeside escape somewhere a little less obvious?
Enter the Balkans. This corner of southeastern Europe is home to some extraordinary lakes, from turquoise reservoirs that wouldn’t look out of place in southeast Asia to vast freshwater ecosystems teeming with wildlife. They’re not all Italian-style glamour, but that’s rather the point.
And with Undiscovered Balkans, you can discover many of them as part of a small-group adventure. Here are five of our favourite Lake Como alternatives to inspire your next trip.
Lake Ohrid
Macedonia/Albania
Great for: The riviera-like experience of Lake Como
If you’re looking for somewhere that replicates the Lake Como riviera vibe at a fraction of the price, Lake Ohrid is your answer.
Europe’s oldest lake, Ohrid was formed between 1.9 and 1.4 million years ago, around the same time as Lake Titicaca in Peru. Needless to say, the area has a lot of history. It’s also stunningly beautiful and home to more than 200 endemic species.
Enjoy swimming, sailing and kayaking in crystal clear water, or enjoy the views from traditional lakeside villages during a cycle or ramble.
The UNESCO World Heritage Ohrid old town on the Macedonian side is a must-visit with its lively bazaar, Ottoman houses and cobbled streets. Be sure to stop by one of the Ohrid pearl stores as well for a truly unique piece of jewellery.
The Albanian side of the lake is equally as pretty but less resort-like. On our Southern Albania holiday, we stop in a sleepy village there where we enjoy water sports and a gentle cycle ride along the shores. This lesser-known side of the lake doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but that’s why we like it.
Allow an expert local guide to show you the delights of Lake Ohrid on our Southern Albania and North Macedonia adventures.
Lake Skadar/Shkodra
Montenegro/Albania
Great for: Birdwatching, wild swimming, mountains
And from Europe’s oldest lake to southern Europe’s largest: Lake Skadar/Shkodra is a cross-border lake shared by Montenegro and Albania. A UNESCO biosphere reserve, this is the one for nature lovers, particularly birdwatchers as it’s home to a healthy population of Dalmatian Pelican and 280 other species.
Lake Skadar is where it all began for Undiscovered Balkans back in 2008 when founders Ben and Emma, fresh from backpacking in the African savannahs and great lakes, were astounded by such beauty right on their doorstep in Europe. The sheer natural beauty and abundance of wildlife reminded them of Lake Caribe.
Devote your entire holiday to Lake Skadar with a week of exploration at our traditional farmhouse Villa Miela. Or spend a couple of days there during one of our many Montenegrin adventure holidays.
The Albanian side of the lake (Shkodra) is equally as rich in nature. During our Albania and North Albania activity holidays, you’ll have a chance to glamp on its shores for a couple of nights when we base ourselves there for various water activities and visiting the historic city of Shkodër.
Related:
- Beyond the beaches: Exploring South Albania’s secret spots
- Dalmatian Pelican to wild horses: 14 wild animals found in the Balkans
- Komani to Shkodra: The 6 most beautiful lakes in Albania
Lake Prespa
Macedonia/Greece
Great for: Intrepid types and wildlife lovers
If you want the natural beauty of Lake Como but would rather swap its glamorous waterfront villas for wild beaches, mountain scenery and some of Europe’s most spectacular birdlife, Lake Prespa could be just the ticket.
One of the oldest lakes in Europe, Prespa is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour, Lake Ohrid. Yet this vast lake system, shared by North Macedonia, Greece and Albania, has a character all of its own. It’s actually made up of Great Prespa and Small Prespa, with the latter extending into Greece and Albania. The two lakes are an important wildlife habitat, particularly for Dalmatian pelicans.
On the North Macedonian side, the island of Golem Grad – better known as Snake Island – is one of the highlights. This protected nature reserve is home to an extraordinary mix of wildlife, including Dalmatian pelicans, cormorants and, as its nickname suggests, plenty of snakes (non venomous though, don’t worry). Undiscovered Balkans includes a visit to the island on its North Macedonia holiday.
Prespa isn’t as polished as Lake Como or even neighbouring Lake Ohrid, and that’s very much part of its appeal. You’ll find long stretches of sandy shoreline, quiet swimming spots and traditional lakeside villages. Infrastructure is relatively basic in places, and the lake is much quieter during the week, although local visitors flock to its beaches at weekends in summer.
It’s also a region undergoing change. A new border crossing between North Macedonia and Greece is being developed after decades of closure, with the potential to make cross-border journeys much easier and create new tourism routes.
If you’re looking for somewhere a little wilder, with exceptional birdwatching and plenty of room to explore, Prespa deserves a place on your Balkan itinerary.
Lake Komani
Albania
Great for: Spectacular scenery and kayaking
If Lake Como is all about dramatic mountain backdrops and beautiful water, Albania’s Lake Komani delivers on both. This vast reservoir is surrounded by sheer, karst mountains that plunge straight into impossibly turquoise water, creating a landscape that feels more like Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay or Thailand’s Khao Sok Lake than somewhere in Europe.
Komani is an artificial lake, created by the construction of a hydroelectric dam, so its appeal is more about the extraordinary scenery than natural wildlife. It’s not somewhere we’d recommend primarily for swimming, either. The water can be extremely cold, and the steep, rocky shoreline makes getting in and out tricky in many places. Instead, this is a destination for boat trips, photography and exploring the landscape from the water.
We don’t stay overnight on Komani, but the lake features on our Albania and North Albania holidays; we take a two-hour ferry journey through the dramatic mountain scenery, giving you plenty of time to sit back, relax and take it all in.
For a different experience, take a boat trip along the Shala River, a hidden canyon feeding into the lake. Here, you can stop off at intimate white pebble beaches and paddle in crystal clear water. With beach bars, cocktails and sunbathing spots giving it something of a laid-back, tropical holiday feel, you’ll do well to remember you’re in the Albanian Alps. It’s a great place for a few Instagram-worthy photographs, a leisurely afternoon and perhaps a spot of kayaking.
Lake Komani might not have the natural ecosystem of Prespa or Lake Skadar, but when it comes to the scenery, it’s hard to beat.
Baćina Lakes
Croatia
Great for: Family fun and an Italian vibe
Want a taste of the Italian lakes without the Lake Como price tag? Croatia’s Baćina Lakes (Baćinska Jezera) offer a wonderfully laid-back alternative. Sometimes described as the five ‘pearls of Teuta,’ after the Illyrian queen who is said to have enjoyed spending time here, this cluster of interconnected lakes is a little-known gem in southern Dalmatia.
The lakes have a lovely Mediterranean feel with plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. They’re particularly good for swimming, thanks to a mixture of warmer areas and cooler, spring-fed spots that offer welcome relief on the hottest summer days. There is established swimming infrastructure, too, making this a particularly appealing option for families.
Don’t expect the polished glamour of Como or the picture-perfect hotels of Lake Bled. Accommodation around the lakes is relatively modest, with a mixture of older, Yugoslav-era properties and small-scale local stays. But what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in genuine hospitality and an unpretentious atmosphere. This is somewhere to slow down, spend time outdoors and enjoy a more authentic side of Croatia.
The nearby port town of Ploče is hardly a Mediterranean beauty spot, with its functional, distinctly Yugoslav architecture, but it’s an affordable and practical base for exploring the area. That’s increasingly valuable in southern Dalmatia, where accommodation prices in the more fashionable coastal destinations have been climbing. Stay here and you can enjoy the lakes while keeping the rest of the region within reach.
Visit the Baćina lakes on our Southern Dalmatia adventure holiday.
FAQs
What are the best alternatives to Lake Como in Europe?
The Balkans offer some beautiful alternatives to Lake Como, including Lake Ohrid and Lake Prespa in North Macedonia, Lake Komani in Albania, Lake Skadar (Shkodra) on the Montenegro-Albania border and Croatia’s Baćina Lakes. Expect dramatic scenery, limpid water, spectacular wildlife and a more off-the-beaten-track experience.
Which Balkan lake is best for swimming?
Croatia’s Baćina Lakes and Albania’s Shkodra Lake are among the best Balkan lakes for swimming, with established beaches and clear water. Lake Prespa also has sandy swimming spots, while Lake Komani is better suited to boat trips and kayaking.
When is the best time to visit the lakes in the Balkans?
The best time to visit Balkan lakes is between May and September. Spring is particularly good for birdwatching and wildlife spotting and June and September offer warm weather and fewer crowds, while July and August are warmer for swimming and enjoying the beaches.
Explore some of the Balkans’ best lakes stress-free on one of our adventure holidays in Montenegro, Croatia, Albania or Macedonia.
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