Lake Bled and Como make the list of course, but there are many secret springs and rivers to discover too.
ADVERTISEMENTIf the start of summer has got you craving a lush body of water to cool off in, there are countless kinds to discover.
Europe is home to a rich and intricate network of rivers, lakes, waterfalls and natural pools, from the spectacular to the calmly trickling.
So many holidays, experiences and tourism hotspots are based around water, as we look to splash around - or just enjoy the serenity of its liquid movement.
With the continent’s water resources threatened by climate change, it pays to have an even closer appreciation of the health and life within our precious waterways.
In celebration of the life-sustaining element, we’ve compiled a list of the nine best natural water spots in Europe.
Secret Lagoon, Iceland
The Secret Lagoon was first used as a water source in 1891 and is the oldest lagoon in Iceland. All the sulphur-rich thermal water is provided by a nearby geyser which spurts every few minutes.
Tara River, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Passing through Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Tara River cuts through mountains and the Tara River Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the deepest canyon in Europe. The river is home to an abundance of wildlife and is popular with white water rafters.
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Found in the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is of glacial origin and is a favourite with honeymooners drawn by the romantic setting.
Cachat Spring, France
The reason that Evian water is globally famous is the Cachat spring - formerly known as the Saint Catherine Fountain - which runs all year round. It is said to have cured the kidney stones of Count Jean-Charles de Liazer, an aristocrat fleeing the French Revolution.
Inland Beach in Bornos, Spain
A special protection area for birds, the Bornos Reservoir is also well known for the yearly Lake Festival. This natural pool in Andalusia has clear waters that are perfect for swimming and fishing.
Valsan River, Romania
The Valsan River in Romania is home to a ‘living fossil’. The asprete is a fish that has been around for millions of years and can only be found on a 1 kilometre stretch of this river, as hydroelectric dams and other environmental impacts have eradicated it from elsewhere.
Mardalsfossen, Norway
At 705 metres high, Mardalsfossen is one of the highest waterfalls in Europe and could power the whole of Norway. Surrounded by stunning scenery, the two-tiered waterfall cascades into a hanging lake.
Lake Como, Italy
In the foothills of the Alps, Lake Como is an ideal holiday destination and hosts many resorts. The third biggest of Italy's great lakes, Como is a staggering 425 metres deep, making it one of the deepest lakes in Europe.
Caragh River, Ireland
One of the top salmon-catching spots in Ireland, the Caragh River flows through Country Kerry in Ireland’s south west. The river falls under the category of a Special Area of Conservation along with nearby Killarney National Park - and is home to the rare Kerry Slug.
