A beautiful lake, with its glassy surface and spectrum of colors, can showcase some of water’s most mesmerizing qualities. Found all around the world, from Bolivia to Siberia and Malawi to Pakistan, some of these spectacular natural and man-made wonders might even make you forget about beaches altogether. (And if their crystalline or wildly colored waters don’t do the trick, then the diversity of wildlife they often attract just might.)
While these examples may go by different names (lake, laguna, lago, etc.) they’re all equally stunning—and worthy of a visit. From luxurious vacation spots in Italy to hidden wonders in Myanmar, these are the 36 most beautiful lakes in the world.