Not to be mistaken with the larger lake of the same name on the River Shannon, Lough Derg in Co. Donegal is a renowned place of pilgrimage. A traditional three-day pilgrimage takes place each August, but the Lough is open to visitors (including anglers!) year-round. The Lough is composed of over 30 islands and inlets, the most famous of which is Station Island - it is said that when St. Patrick traversed Ireland converting kings to Christianity, Jesus appeared to him here and revealed the entrance to Purgatory! The Lough's name comes from the Irish word "dearg" (red) as a local legend holds that a local mortal once called the magic powers of the lake to transform a worm into a vicious cow. Once defeated, the red blood of the cow changed the colour of the rocks (which are in fact sandstone) to red.

One of the least known lakes in northern Italy, and much quieter than Garda. Check out the Franciacorta wine-growing district, south of the lake, or head to Monte Isola – the largest lake island in Europe, mercifully free of cars! To get here take the frequent train from Brescia to the pretty town of Iseo, and then the lake ferry.

The landmark of the city, also known as Elephant Hill, looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the river with its long trunk. Other famous spots here include Shuiyue Cave (水月洞), Puxian Tower (普贤塔), Xiangyan Rock (象眼岩), Dagoba Tower (舍利塔), Yunfeng Temple (云峰寺) and three amusement islands by the lake. The park is great for spending an idyllic afternoon.