Move Over Lake Como! 4 Affordable Lake Destinations In Europe


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As far as European lake getaways go, one could argue Lake Como is the blueprint to rule them all… or is it?

One of the largest, glitziest, most iconic lakes in Northern Italy, fringed by luxurious villas and timeless small towns dominated by medieval belfries, it is the number one inland destination for water babies keen on beating the beach crowds this summer.

Move Over Lake Como! 4 Affordable Lake Destinations In Europe

The one downside, though? Well, apart from the crowds—which we bet you’ve been warned about by now—you better be prepared to shell out some serious cash.

We’re talking upwards of $400 per night on waterfront stays.

What travel agents won’t tell you, though, is how these 4 alternative European lakes offer similar Como vibes, with all the Old World charm and romance that goes with it, for about a quarter of the price.

Wondering which underrated waterside, crowd-free spots those might be? Let’s dive in.

PLUS: We’ve created an interactive quiz for you at the end of this article to find your perfect match, scroll down to check it out!

Lake Pamvotida, Greece

Ioannina Waterfront In Lake Pamvotida, Greece

The “Como of Greece”, Lake Pamvotida is a moody lake gem that often gets glossed over by Mykonos- or Santorini-bound hen do attendees. Still, it’s far from being another ultra-luxury, Hollywood-celeb-frequented villa getaway.

The lake is backed by the up-and-coming Ioannina, a historic, fortified Byzantine settlement doubling as a vibrant university city.

Ioannina has a walled-in Old Town, Ottoman mansions with the finely carved wooden elaborate front porches, and stone alleyways leading up to a hilltop castle. Waterside promenades, little boats bobbing by the harbour, and misty mountain scenery add to the overall atmosphere.

Ioannina is the main attraction here, but right in the middle of the lake, “Nisi” is a quaint island a short 10-minute ferry crossing from the city. Think a tiny monastic community dotted with stone fishermen houses, old monasteries covered in frescoes, and lakeside tavernas dishing out eel and local delicacies.

Nisi Island In Lake Pamvotida, Greece

Sitting right across from Ioannina, Perama is not to be overlooked.

Think more caves, natural formations, and cobblestone streets leading down to the lake. As for Ligkiades, it’s not directly on the water, but rather perched on a hilltop above the lake, and the panoramic views over Lake Pamvotida are hard to beat.

How Affordable Is Lake Pamvotida (Ioannina)?
  • Inexpensive meal in a local taverna: $12–$18
  • 3-course dinner in an upscale/mid-range restaurant (for two): $35–$70
  • Budget hostel bed (per night): $18–$35
  • 3-star guesthouse/small hotel (per night): $55–$110
  • Luxury Como-style boutique stay (per night): $220+
  • Public transport (one-way ticket): $0.80–$1.00

Averages drawn from a number of sources, including, but not limited to GetGreece, Travel Greece, World Travel Index

Lake Balaton, Hungary

Panoramic View Of Tihany In Lake Balaton, Hungary

Hungary is probably not at the top of your head when you think idyllic, summery European lakeside getaways. Maybe Budapest is well known, alright, but very few tourists are actually taking the train out of the city to explore the wider country.

If there’s one thing you should know about Hungarians, though, it’s that if they’re not braving the 800-mile drive down to the Adriatic Coast, or flying to some Greek island for their vacays, they’re likely camper-vanning around Lake Balaton for the weekend.

With some of the largest lakeside holiday resorts a short hour-and-a-half train ride from Budapest, Lake Balaton is Hungary’s summer capital, with resort towns defined by their spas and thermal baths, flowery lakefront walks, and peaceful harbors.

On the southern shore, Siófok even has something akin to a long, sandy beach, and shallow warm waters that feel almost Mediterranean in peak summer.

Balaton Waterfront, Hungary

On top of that, lots of bars, clubs, and summer festivals to keep things lively well into the night. Balatonfüred, on the other hand, is the more laid-back, elegant north shore alternative, with an underrated wine scene, a picturesque marina, and a classic Belle Époque feel.

Keen on finding that typically European, fairytale-esque small town that looks like it’s been cropped out of a storybook scene? You’ll want to head out to Tihany, home to an 11th-century abbey, cobbled lanes that have barely seen any change since maybe the Middle Ages, and lavender fields extending as far as the eye can see.

How Affordable Is Lake Balaton (Siófok)?
  • Inexpensive meal in a local restaurant: $9–$15
  • 3-course dinner in an upscale diner (for two): $45–$65
  • Budget hostel/low-end guesthouse (per night): $25+
  • 4-star guesthouse/mid hotel (per night): $60–$90
  • Luxury Como-style lakeside stay (per night): $150–$300+
  • Public transport (one-way ticket): $1–$2

Averages drawn from a number of sources, including, but not limited to Hikers Bay and TravelDojo

Bohinj, Slovenia

Bohinj Lake In Slovenia

Slovenia is a pretty offbeat country for first-time visitors to Europe already, and should they ever veer off the beaten track and add a little Slovene detour to their itinerary, chances are it’s riverside capital Ljubljana or photographed-to-death Lake Bled they’ll be checking out first.

Now, Lake Bled is absolutely stunning, with its iconic church on an islet right at the center and beautiful mountainous scenery all around, but if it’s a taste of truly unspoiled, untouched Slovenia you’re after, Lake Bohinj is where you should be heading off to.

It has waters that are just as turquoise, pine forests that climb up to year-round snow-capped peaks, and an almost eerie sense of calm. It’s way simpler than Lake Bled in the sense that it doesn’t really have a single “resort town”:

It’s mostly small villages scattered along its shoreline, yet it’s the whole quiet, slow-paced, alpine retreat that actually ends up selling it.

The largest settlement on the lake is Ribčev Laz: it has a bus stop, making it convenient to reach by public transport, restaurants, and boat rentals, plus a famous church and those ridiculously photogenic lake views that are hard to beat.

Panoramic View Of Bohinj, Slovenia

If you’re keen on doing some hiking, you’ll want to hit up Stara Fužina instead: set right near the lake, it’s the starting point for many hikes, including the ones that lead to the dramatic Mostnica Gorge and Voje Valley, and it has that peaceful, “real village” vibe.

For absolute near-to-zero crowds and proper solitude, Ukanc at the far western end of the lake takes the cake for me. It’s the closest to the Vogel cable car leading up to some of the most impressive alpine views anywhere in Europe, and the cascading Savica Waterfall.

There are fewer services, granted, but it’s so scenic and unbothered you’ll barely register the limited infrastructure.

How Affordable Is Bohinj?
  • Inexpensive meal in a local gostilna/tavern: $10–$16
  • 3-course dinner in an upscale restaurant (for two): $40–$80
  • Budget hostel/dorm bed (per night): $22–$45
  • 3-star guesthouse/mid-range apartment (per night): $55–$120
  • Luxury Como-style alpine or lakeside stay (per night): $250+
  • Public transport (one-way ticket): $1–$2.50

Averages drawn from a number of sources, including, but not limited to Hrvatska.net and Tdbohinj.

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

…and Albania
Centuries Old Church On Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

We might just have saved the best for last. Perhaps the ultimate Lake Como dupe, Lake Ohrid can only be described as Balkan, sun-drenched summertime bliss.

The southern heart of North Macedonia, a backwater Eastern European country most people can’t even point to on a map, it is spearheaded by the namesake Ohrid Town, the Jerusalem of the Balkans. As in, it has a church for every day of the year, basically, except unlike the Holy City, there’s currently no geopolitical tensions or major unrest to dampen your summer.

This is just how safe North Macedonia is to visit right now, according to reports by recent visitors: a stellar 85/100 score on the Traveler Safety Index.

Instead, you get pebbly shores straddling Mediterranean-like crystal-clear waters, Byzantine monasteries perched on small cliffs overlooking a body of water so vast it might well be an ocean, and cobbled lanes lined with timber-framed, whitewashed houses that date back centuries.

A 30-minute drive from Ohrid town, Gradishte Beach is a pebble beach known for its laid-back bars, sunbeds that cost about $10–$15 to rent for the entire day, and clear water. The perfect balance of lively beach club energy and natural tranquillity.

On the northern shore, where the Black Drin River flows into the lake, Struga feels like a mini, less developed Ohrid, with a long river promenade, casual cafés, and even partly-sandy strips.

A Boat In Lin, Lake Ohrid, Albania

Here’s the little twist:

Lake Ohrid may be more commonly associated with North Macedonia, perhaps due to the fact it is named after the UNESCO-protected Macedonian town, but it is a body of water shared with Albania. On the Albanian side of the lake, you can visit Pogradec, a chill waterfront town with a plethora of cafés, boardwalks, and an unrivaled local vibe.

Near Pogradec, a little Albanian gem, Lin just happens to be Europe’s oldest lake town, and it was recently acknowledged by UNESCO. As you can see, plenty to keep the culture buff and lake lover in you busy.

Just make sure you plan your travel day around long border delays, as North Macedonia and Albania are not in the Schengen Area and passport checks do apply.

Aerial View Of Ohrid, North Macedonia

On that note, also make sure you verify the Entry Requirements that apply to American citizens traveling to different European countries here.

How Affordable Is Ohrid?
  • Inexpensive meal in a local tavern/bakery meal: $6–$10
  • 3-course dinner in a lakeside restaurant (for two): $22$55
  • Budget hostel bed (per night): $10$18
  • 3-star guesthouse (per night): $35$70
  • Luxury Como-style boutique stay (per night): $140+
  • Public transport (one-way ticket): $0.50$1.50

Averages drawn from a number of sources, including, but not limited to MapSorted, Go Tripzi, BudgetYourTrip.


Now take this quiz to find your perfect Lake Como alternative!

Step 1 of 3

What is the primary vibe you want for your lake vacation?



Step 2 of 3

What sounds like the perfect afternoon activity?



Final Step

What kind of setting do you prefer?



🇬🇷

Lake Pamvotida, Greece

The “Como of Greece”

Why: You love history and unique settings! Ioannina offers Byzantine settlements, Ottoman mansions, and misty mountain scenery.

Note: A 3-star hotel runs just $55-$110 per night! Be sure to take the ferry to “Nisi” to explore stone fishermen houses and old monasteries.

🇭🇺

Lake Balaton, Hungary

Hungary’s Summer Capital

Why: You prefer lively resorts and unique landscapes! Balaton is perfect for camper-vanning, enjoying thermal baths, and partying in Siófok.

Note: It’s just an hour-and-a-half train ride from Budapest. You can score a mid-range hotel for $60-$90 per night!

🇸🇮

Bohinj, Slovenia

The Unspoiled Alpine Retreat

Why: You want nature and zero crowds! Lake Bohinj offers turquoise waters, pine forests, and dramatic hikes like the Mostnica Gorge.

Note: It’s simpler and quieter than Lake Bled. Look for a guesthouse around $55-$120 a night and enjoy the real village vibe of Stara Fužina.

🇲🇰

Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia

The Jerusalem of the Balkans

Why: You want Mediterranean bliss and history! Ohrid offers crystal-clear water, pebbly shores, and Byzantine monasteries on small cliffs.

Note: It scores a stellar 85/100 on the Safety Index! Enjoy an upscale dinner for two for just $22-$55. Don’t forget, the lake is shared with Albania!





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Recent Reviews







2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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