Lake Como or Lake Garda: Which Italian Lake is Right for You

Lake Como and Lake Garda are two of northern Italy’s most beautiful lakes set among the Alpine foothills at the base of the Italian Alps. Search for photos of either lake and, at once, you’ll dream of strolling through the lakes’ colorful waterfront villages, enjoying the incredible scenery and charm!

Italy is famous for this type of heart-throbbing sorcery! It’s only when the spell breaks do you realize that you have to choose…Lake Como OR Lake Garda! Alas, there are always more places to see and experience in Italy and never enough time.

So, in this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Lake Garda and Lake Como, as well as the similarities and differences between the lakes from transportation to cost to ambiance so you can decide which lake makes the most sense for your northern Italy trip.

Lake Como or Lake Garda

Lake Garda and Lake Como are the 1st and 3rd largest lakes in Italy, respectively. They’re part of northern Italy’s Lake District which also includes places like Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, and Lake Iseo. Together, the lakes spread across the northern Italian regions of Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige. Lake Como and Lake Garda touch all of those regions except Piedmont.

Both Lake Garda and Lake Como are fabulous destinations. If you have time for both, you won’t regret exploring each of their shores. And if you can only see one, take heart, you can’t make the wrong choice. Neither Lake Garda nor Lake Como will disappoint!

Having said that, Lake Como and Lake Garda each have specific characteristics that might make one lake the better choice for your travel style, trip vision, and budget. Let’s take a closer look at each lake to help you better decide!

Lake Garda

Lago di Garda (in Italian) is known for its outdoor activities like hiking, biking, sailing, climbing, paragliding, underwater diving, and windsurfing. Lake Garda also has several historic castles and ancient ruins from Roman times that fly under the radar compared to some of Italy’s more famous sights. And while some places are quite popular with visitors, the towns along the lake’s northern shores tend to be more laid-back and without huge crowds of people.

Many of the towns along Lake Garda are postcard perfect, while the views of the lake with the mountains as a backdrop are breathtakingly dramatic. If you can’t choose between a visit to the mountains or the ocean, Lake Garda is a great mix of both. It’s also the right spot for travelers who want to balance their time with sightseeing, outdoor pursuits, and relaxation near the water.

Lake Garda is family-friendly when it comes to hotels, dining, and activities. In particular, Lake Garda beaches can offer families the chance to enjoy the beauty of the lake while providing activities and relaxation to make all ages happy.

Regardless of where you are along Lake Garda, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect spot to sit back while savoring the local wine, cheese, and Lake Garda’s famous olive oil.

Lake Como

Lago di Como has undoubtedly been cast as the most glamorous northern Italian lake largely because of celebrities like George Clooney and Gianni Versace who have homes here. But also the elegance and luxury of the many waterfront villas set the scene as a retreat for the rich and famous. This distinctly romantic atmosphere attracts many people from around the world to visit.

Instead of medieval castles, several notable Lake Como villas are open for visits including Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina, Villa del Balbainello in Lenno, and Villa Monastero in Varenna. Rather than unrestricted nature, Lake Como’s beautiful gardens, whether independent or together with the grounds of a villa, are refined and precisely manicured. In addition, a bigger lakeside city like Como also offers traditional sightseeing experiences at grand cathedrals, as well as at art and history museums.

Lake Como restaurants and shopping are more upscale than not, as are the accommodations. And while visitors can absolutely find hiking paths or go kayaking on the lake, Lake Como’s vibe is more about strolling casually through picturesque villages and relaxing on a boat rather than paddling it yourself.

Lake Garda or Lake Como: First Questions to Ask

Now that you have an idea about what to expect at each lake, it’s important to think about a few logistical questions that could influence which lake you decide to visit.

What’s on Your Italy Itinerary?

Think about the places you plan to visit while you’re in the north of Italy.

Are you planning a couple of days in Milan? Then, Lake Como can be a logical next step. The southern shores of the lake and the city of Como are only 30 miles north of Milan. Whether you go by car or train, you can be there in less than 1 hour. This is ideal because you can move seamlessly, for example, from Milan to Lake Como without sacrificing too much time as you move between destinations and without the need to backtrack later in your itinerary to get to the lake.

Milan is also not far from Lake Garda. Trains can reach the southern towns of Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda in 1-2 hours depending on the train you take. Driving from Milan would take about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the southern shores of the lake.

On the other hand, if you’re in Venice, Verona, or Bologna, Lake Garda is closer than Lake Como. Verona is the closest city to Lago di Garda, so much so that you can reach the lake’s edge by train in as little as 15 or 30 minutes by car. You can also reach Lake Garda by train from Venice in about 1 hour and 45 minutes and from Bologna in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Will You Rent a Car for Your Italy Trip?

This decision will likely also help you know which lake is more suitable for your trip to Italy.

Are you planning to use just the trains to hop from place to place on your (northern) Italy itinerary?

Then, Lake Como will be easier to navigate via public transportation. Not only can you take a train to the city of Como on the southwestern side of the lake, but you can also use the train to travel up the eastern side of the lake to towns like Lecco and Varenna. This gives you several options to position yourself at the lake and then use ferries to hop to other towns.

Are you planning to rent a car for some or all of your Italy trip?

In this case, either lake is an option. But, in particular, Lake Garda is better visited with a rental car so you can get the most from your time.

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, and there are only 2 towns, Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano with train stations. There are bus routes that run along the lake but these can be time-consuming, as can be taking the ferry from the southern shore to the northern shore. Lake Garda’s ferries are more convenient when you’re going to a town nearby or one just on the opposite shore like from Malcesine to Limone sul Garda.

ProTip: Regardless of which lake you choose, if you have a rental car, be sure your accommodation has parking. Many of these lakeside towns are small and have very limited public parking. Especially in Lake Como, once you park your car, keep it there. Use the lake’s public transportation to get from place to place to avoid traffic and parking issues. The same is mostly true in Lake Garda. There is just 1 road that circles the lake and it can be congested in the busy season. Drive when needed to get around the lake but take advantage of ferries when you can.

What’s Your Travel Budget?

Lake Como is an expensive destination because it caters more to luxury tourism. The most popular towns on the lake, such as Bellagio and Menaggio, are less affordable than the bigger Como or the towns farther away from these main hubs. For example, in season, 5-star hotel rooms in Lake Como’s most coveted villages can be $2,000 a night and higher! Luckily, you’ll also find smaller boutique properties that are much less than that.

You’ll also notice higher pricing at restaurants and for activities in Lake Como. However, perhaps the trade-off is how inexpensive it is to get there via train from a city like Milan or Bergamo. Without paying for a rental car, your costs to get to and around Lake Como are quite affordable.

Overall, Lake Garda is far more manageable than Lake Como when it comes to cost. There are many family-run hotels and B&Bs where you can stay. Even 4 and 5-star properties in towns like Sirmione and Riva del Garda can be a third of the cost compared to Lake Como hotels in villages like Bellagio or Menaggio.

Many outdoor activities in Lake Garda are free or cost very little. It depends on the activity and whether you will rent an e-bike or go for a private boat ride. In addition, you’ll want a rental car to truly enjoy all that Lake Garda and the surrounding area has to offer which comes at a cost.

Lake Como or Lake Garda: Type of Experience

When you envision your time at one of the best Italian lakes, what does your ideal experience look like?

If your biggest goal is to simply spend time in a small village enjoying gorgeous lake views, then you can’t go wrong with either Lake Como or Lake Garda. Both lakes are absolutely worth visiting and are among the most beautiful places in Italy.

But are you hoping to visit the ruins of Roman villas or the extravagant villas owned by wealthy people who once lived along the water’s edge? Is your lake visit more of a romantic break or outdoor sightseeing on mountain bikes or along a walking trail?

Take a look at some of the best things to do around the shores of each lake to help you decide which lake is right for you!

Lake Garda Highlights

The most popular destination in Lake Garda is the town of Sirmione, located along a peninsula on the lake’s southern bank. Sirmione is known for its medieval fortress, the Castello Scaligero, and the incredible Roman ruins from the 1st century B.C. known as Grotte di Catullo. The town is also famous for its thermal baths and Jamaica Beach, named so for its aquamarine-colored water.

Sirmione’s position along the southern shore of Lake Garda and its closeness to Verona, Venice, and Brescia makes it a popular day trip. But stay in one of the town’s hotels and you’ll get to enjoy Sirmione’s spectacular Lake Garda views almost to yourself.

Opposite Sirmione, Riva del Garda is a stunning town on the far north bank of Lake Garda. The town’s lakeside promenade has pastel-colored houses and a 13th-century tower that overlook the lake’s deep blue water and the magnificent surrounding Alpine landscape. Above the town, you can walk or take the lift up to the Bastion, the remains of a military fort, and then continue on foot for a challenging hike to Chapel Santa Barbara.

Riva del Garda’s main square, Piazza III Novembre, is the perfect place to sit with a gelato or Aperol Spritz to people-watch. But if you prefer to stay active, walk or take an e-mountain bike up the Old Ponale Road path. The road begins in the middle of Riva del Garda and travels along the lake, before ascending for sweeping panoramic views. For history lovers, don’t miss the perfectly preserved medieval village of Canale di Tenno just a short drive from Riva del Garda.

Limone sul Garda, along Lake Garda’s western shore, is where you’ll find a picturesque blend of the Mediterranean and Alpine landscapes. Cypress and citrus trees grow surrounded by the neighboring rocky peaks. As the name implies, the town is surprisingly famous for its lemons! During the 18th century, special greenhouses in stone and wood were built to protect the citrus plants.

Today, people love to visit to see the famous greenhouses and the museum, Limonaia del Castel, to learn about the town’s lemon history. Don’t leave the small museum before picking up a lemon-themed souvenir, like a bottle of authentic limoncello!

Malcesine is a small, historic town on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. Pay a visit to the famous Castello di Malcesine in the historic center positioned along the shores of the lake. The views are stunning!

Also, while you’re in Malcesine, don’t miss the chance to take the cable car up to Monte Baldo, where you will enjoy a spectacular view over Lago di Garda. Follow the path from the cable car for just a few moments for a breathtaking panorama! If you’re lucky, you might also see some paragliders leaping from the mountainside towards Lake Garda below.

Bardolino is another pretty village on the eastern shore of Lake Garda that is famous for olive groves that produce sumptuous olive oil and vineyards with grape varieties of local wines. In fact, it’s a perfect spot if you’re hoping to go for a wine-tasting experience while visiting Lake Garda. If you’re traveling with kids, Lake Garda’s amusement parks of Gardaland, Movieland, and Caneva Acquapark are less than 30 minutes from the town of Bardolino.

Lake Como Highlights

Lake Como has many lakeside towns you can visit. The most famous towns are Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio, all three located in the central part of the lake and are easy to go between using the lake’s ferries.

Varenna sits along Lake Como’s eastern shore and is considered one of the prettiest villages in the region of Lombardy. Its lakefront, called Riva Grande, is lined with cafes and restaurants. You won’t find a more postcard-perfect spot to sit for dinner with a bottle of wine enjoying the views of Lake Como. Be sure to stroll along the Passeggiata degli Innamorati, the romantic lake promenade that connects Riva Grande to the boat landing.

In Varenna’s historic center, wander the narrow streets, each seeming to be prettier than the next. Make your way to Piazza San Giorgio where you’ll find the 13th-century Church of San Giorgio built in a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

And of course, a visit to Villa Monastero is a must! It was once an old monastery before becoming a family villa. Today, visitors can tour the house and the gorgeous gardens. Also in Varenna, you’ll see the elegant Villa Cipressi. Although it’s now a hotel, you can visit the spectacular grounds and botanical garden.

Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down “Y” and Bellagio stretches right in the center. Known as the “Pearl of Lake Como,” Bellagio is undoubtedly the most popular spot to visit in Lake Como. Its waterfront scene with restaurants, hotels, and residences is the picture of opulence.

Stemming away from the waterfront promenade, you’ll find small alleyways with staircases leading you up to the town’s next level. Picturesque in their own right, boasting buildings of pink, orange, and yellow lining the way and shops offering plenty of good reasons to stop for a rest. But it’s at the top, where you can take in the entirety of the scene with the lake views in the background that will have you snapping for than a few photos.

Once on this level of the village, admire the historic Basilica of San Giacomo, as you walk to Punta Spartivento for gorgeous lake views.

Back in the center of Bellagio, walk the lakefront promenade or opt for a scenic ride aboard the town’s tourist train to reach Villa Melzi. Although the villa isn’t open to the public, you can see it from the outside and walk through the spectacular gardens set right alongside the lake. If you’re lucky (or better yet a great planner), book tickets in advance to tour the gardens of Villa Serbelloni with a guide. The gardens and the views overlooking Bellagio and Lake Como are worth the extra effort.

Despite its location just across from Bellagio and Varenna on the western side of Lake Como, Menaggio can feel worlds away from the many day-trippers who arrive on the lake’s shores every morning. Menaggio’s lakefront offers the same stunning lake vistas as Bellagio with a much more laid-back vibe.

Piazza Garibaldi positioned in front of the lake is a great spot to have an aperitivo. From there, you can stroll down Via Calvi for some boutique shopping. If you visit on a Friday night in summer, don’t miss the market in Piazza Garibaldi and along the waterfront with artists selling handicrafts. At the end of Via Calvi, take a few moments to admire St. Stevens Church.

And when you’re hungry, there are delicious restaurants like Osteria Il Pozzo where you can enjoy dishes prepared by a local family.

If you’re hoping to visit the most beautiful Lake Como villas, then you simply can’t miss Villa Carlotta in Tremezzina or Villa Balbainello in Lenno.

Villa Carlotta is a 17th-century estate on Lake Como’s western shores, south of Menaggio and across from Bellagio. It’s arguably the most majestic villa along the lake and, today, visitors can tour the house and stroll the villa’s vast gardens. Ferries run from towns like Bellagio and Varenna and stop directly in front of Villa Carlotta from Spring to Fall.

Villa del Balbainello is positioned on a bluff above the shoreline of Lake Como. From the water, the view of the villa and its gardens, surrounded by water on 3 sides and with the green Pre-Alps in the background, is likely what you envision when you imagine the luxurious homes you’ll see on a trip to Lake Como. For this reason, the villa is especially popular during the summer high season. You’ll need to book a guided visit in advance to see the inside with its artwork and period pieces of furniture.

Como is the lake’s largest city and the access point for many visitors arriving from Milan. Once in Como, it’s easy to take one of the ferries to other Lake Como towns. But it’s worth it to spend some time in Como, as well!

In Como’s historic center, you can visit the majestic Duomo di Como, the cathedral built in Romanesque and Gothic styles, and the Basilica of San Fedele. The neoclassical Villa Olmo is another of Lake Como’s famous villas to see during your time at the lake. Walk along the lakeside promenade for about 20 minutes before reaching the villa and its manicured gardens.

Be sure to ride the funicular up to Brunate, a village overlooking Lake Como. You’ll have panoramic views of the lake from several viewpoints at the top and a gorgeous setting for sunset. The little village offers a couple of cafes in season and is the starting point for several hiking trails.

So, Should You Visit Lake Como or Lake Garda?

Is Lake Garda or Lake Como the place for you? It all comes down to what you are looking for in your Italian lake experience!

Lake Como is the perfect getaway from Milan, and you don’t need to rent a car to travel to it or to get around its towns. Lake Como is a great choice for your holiday if you want to spend some time relaxing surrounded by beautiful views while visiting sumptuous lakeside villas and indulging in high-end shopping and dining.

Lake Garda is a great option if you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, set among lovely, less crowded towns than those set along Lake Como. At Lake Garda, you can drive and use short ferry connections from nearby towns to have a balance of outdoor activities and historic sightseeing.

All in all, both Lake Garda and Lake Como offer all-encompassing views of the mountains, gorgeous lakefronts, and authentic Italian experiences. Whichever lake you choose as your destination, you’re sure to have the best time!