Lake Como or Lake Garda? It’s an explorer’s dilemma – especially when you have limited time and/or a limited budget. While both lakes certainly have their charms, they appeal to different travellers. In this guide, I’ll use my own experiences to help you decide which destination suits you best.
To explore Lake Como or Lake Garda: The great Italian Lakes showdown
If you’re visiting Milan, you may want to plan some day trips out of the city, and a visit to Lake Como or Lake Garda is just the ticket. Situated around a two-hour drive away, these spectacular lakes have miles of beautiful scenery around their shores. Whether you’re looking for hotels in Italy on the lake shore or you want to take a road trip from Lake Como to Lake Garda, we’ve got some expert tips.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is one of the most beautiful locations for north Italian lake holidays. The lake is fringed by the Parco dell ‘Alto Garda Bresciano National Park, which has some excellent hiking trails. The climate at Lake Garda is unusually mild because of the cooling effect of the lake water, making it a popular destination to escape the summer heat.
“When possible, choose hotels on Lake Garda’s banks, or even one of its plenty of popular campsites, that gives you options for caravans or glamping stays.”
Lake Como
Like Lake Garda, Lake Como is a majestic lake in northern Italy. It’s famous for its stunning views and historic lakeside towns. The terrain at Lake Como is slightly more mountainous than at Lake Garda, and the lake’s northern tip lies near the foothills of the Alps, making for some spectacular scenery.
Comparing Lake Como and Lake Garda: How big is Lake Garda vs Lake Como?
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy and is a wonderful holiday destination for all types of travellers. At its deepest point, the lake is around 350m deep, but around parts of its shoreline the calm, clear waters are shallow enough for even the youngest of swimmers. The lake also has a range of outdoor activities on offer, from rock climbing to cliff jumps, and many family attractions.
Slightly smaller than Lake Garda, Lake Como is still one of the largest lakes in Italy and has just as much to explore. Its upside-down Y shape means that Lake Como has a slightly larger shore area compared to Lake Garda, and many visitors opt to explore just one of Como’s banks. The most popular is generally the southwestern tip, which ends in Como city.
Best times to visit the Italian lakes
Before you decide whether to head to Lake Como or Lake Garda, it’s a good idea to consider which season you’d prefer. Both lakes tend to stay cool around the perimeter during the summer, making them extremely popular tourist destinations. If you want to hit the beaches, the summer is the best time to swim, as this is when the lake water is at its warmest.
Lake Como is particularly popular, both with locals from Milan and people travelling from overseas. The beaches around Lake Como are generally the most crowded in July and August, so aim to travel in May or June if you want a more peaceful stay. This is also a great time to visit the Villa Melzi d’Eril gardens in Bellagio, as the villa’s rare plants and flowers will be in full bloom.
Lake Garda is also blissfully warm in summer and is usually not as busy as Lake Como. The temperature does not often go above 30°C, which can be a relief in the hot summer months. If you visit Lake Garda during the off-season, you’ll find that it can get quite windy. Make sure you take some warm layers if you plan to hike or go cycling during the cooler months.
Best things to do at Lake Garda
Planning your visit to Lake Como or Lake Garda involves thinking about what you want from your trip. If you’re travelling with family or as a solo budget-conscious traveller, you’ll want to make different types of plans. These are some of the best things to do at Lake Garda.
For solo travellers: Grotto di Catullo
One of my favourite places to visit at Lake Garda is the Grotto di Catullo in Sirmione. These stunning Roman ruins date back to the first century and sit perched on a peninsula that juts into the water.
“I have so much fun wandering around and imagining all the history that took place overlooking the majestic lake. Personally, I think it’s a great place to visit alone to soak up the atmosphere.”
For family groups: Gardaland
If you’re visiting Lake Garda on a family holiday, visit Gardaland Theme Park, located on the southeast shore. Gardaland has a host of great rides, an on-site aquarium, and conveniently located hotels. The resort gets pretty crowded in summer but is also open in winter if you want to go off-season. Winter visitors can explore Santa’s village or take a spin on the skating rink.
For couples: Thermal spas
Couples looking for a relaxing Italian trip will find Lake Garda a fantastic option. The lake has numerous thermal spas, including the Aquaria spa in Sirmione, which offers massage treatments, outdoor saunas, and an outdoor heated pool overlooking the lake. The spa also offers a range of romantic couples’ treatments, like candlelit massages or a private hot tub.
Best things to do at Lake Como
Lake Como also has a great range of activities to choose from. These are some of my top picks.
For active travellers: Hike to the Devil’s Bridge
If you love to stay active consider hiking around Bocchetta di Lezzeno near Bellagio, on the south bank of Lake Como. This area is home to famous landmarks, like the Devil’s Bridge, and scenic lookout points, like the Punto Panoramic. You can hike from Lezzeno to Bellagio, one of the most popular towns on Lake Como’s shore, in around three hours, and hiking tours around this area are some of the cheapest Como offers.
For a peaceful getaway: Nesso
The historic charm of Nesso, located just north of Como, is hard to beat. This gorgeous little village is filled with ivy-clad villas and is home to the beautiful Orrido di Nesso – a deep gorge where water spills out into the lake.
When it comes to natural beauty, it’s almost impossible to choose between Lake Garda or Lake Como. Both are stunning and have a unique set of attractions. If you’re looking for a lakes and mountains holiday in Italy. the north of the country is a great place to start.
