Lonely Planet, the world's leading travel guide, has included two Slovenian lakes, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, on its list of 12 "incredible lakes" it recommends for a holiday in Europe.

Lonely Planet compiled the list based on the opinion of its expert writers, who shared their favourite lakes for a holiday in Europe.

Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj were recommended by Mark Baker, a co-author of Lonely Planet's latest edition of Slovenia travel guide, which came out in May this year.

"Lakes tend to be drop-dead gorgeous or loads of fun to splash around in - but rarely both. Slovenia solves this problem nicely with two incredible lakes - Bled and Bohinj - just 25 km (15 miles) apart," he writes.

"With its dramatic alpine backdrop, Lake Bled is the looker, while larger Lake Bohinj, lined by kayak and SUP-rental outfits, is the fun one (but truth be told, it's a beautiful body of water as well)," he adds.

Lake Bled with the island. Photo: Bor Slana/STALake Bled with the island. Photo: Bor Slana/STA

He recommends visitors to start their exploration with a walk around Lake Bled and a visit to grand Bled Castle before hiring a pletna, a wooden boat that resembles a Venetian gondola, and sail out to tiny, magical Bled Island. Before leaving, visitors should treat themselves to kremšnita, Bled's legendary cream cake.

"Over at Lake Bohinj, in addition to swimming and kayaking, you can hike around the lake, rent bikes or even go horseback riding in the surrounding hills. Hotel Bohinj, a restored lodge at the lakeside hamlet of Ribčev Laz, is equal parts sumptuous and wacky, but spares no expense spoiling its guests. The chefs at Restaurant Triglav work wonders with locally sourced Bohinj trout, which diners often mistake for salmon because of the meat's pinkish colour," he writes.

The list of Europe's best 12 lakes includes those in neighbouring Croatia and Italy, as well as those in France and England, and Lake Constance, which leaps the borders of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.