robincal

Some of my fondest European travel memories include time spent on European lakes or the Med/Adriatic. In terms of swimming in lakes I think the Worthersee in SE Austria is hard to beat. The water is pretty warm for a semi-Alpine lake, and the scenery, while not stunning is still lovely. In terms of overall beauty for lakes, I'd lean toward one of the Swiss lakes like Lake Lucerne, or further south perhaps Como.
In terms of seacoasts and beaches, I haven't been to that many, but the Sorrento Amalfi coast region stands out for beauty, and I did enjoy a week on the beach in Calabria, near Tropea. Not a stunning area, but a nice beach area.
I'd like to hear other people's insight on this, also perhaps some have a less well-known place that they like.

HappyTrvlr

Lake Como; Lake Maggiore; and Lake Garda, all in Italy; Collioure, France; Santa Margherita Ligure,Italy;Naoussa, Paros, Greece, Chania, Greece, Napflio, Greece; Hondarribib, Spain; Baiona, Spain.

maitaitom

It does not get any more beautiful than Plitvice Lakes National Park.

The view of the Adriatic Sea is marvelous from the perch at the Buza Bar (wine helps).

A pletna ride on Lake Bled out to the island after downing a kremna rezina is memorable.

Lake Hallstatt (and the town) looks like it jumped off a postcard.

Judy

HappyTrvler and maitaitom pretty much covered my favorites. I would add Folegandros, Greece.

ashwinb

I love the Gosausee and Halstattersee in the Lake District in Austria. Gosausee is lesser know and a gem. Have a look at my page on Gosausee: http://ashwinbahulkar.wordpress.com/...blic/gosausee/