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 or tailormade break. Here are five of our favourite Lake Como alternatives to inspire your next trip. Lake Ohrid North 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 its extraordinarily clear waters, or enjoy the views from traditional lakeside villages with relaxed, beach vibes. The UNESCO World Heritage Ohrid old town on the Macedonian side is a must-visit with its cobbled streets, Ottoman houses and medieval churches. 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 pretty but much less resort like, aside from Pogradec, the main town here. On our Southern Albania holiday, we stop in a sleepy fishing
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
