Lake Como vs Lake Garda: Which Should You Visit?

When people ask me which Italian lake they should visit, Lake Como and Lake Garda are usually the first two that come up.

They are both beautiful, both easy to include in an Italian itinerary, and both have charming towns, spectacular scenery and plenty of places worth exploring.

Having travelled around Italy many times, I’ve found that choosing between them really depends on what kind of trip you want.

Lake Como: Elegant, Scenic and Romantic

Lake Como is probably the first image that comes to mind when people think about the Italian lakes.

The scenery is dramatic, with mountains rising directly behind the water, beautiful villas and gardens, and small towns connected by ferries.

Places such as Bellagio, Varenna and Como are particularly popular, and for good reason.

For example, you could spend the morning walking around Varenna, stop for lunch overlooking the lake, take a ferry to Bellagio in the afternoon and simply enjoy the views rather than trying to fit ten different attractions into one day.

If you’d rather have part of the day organised, you can also Browse tours and experiences with GetYourGuide.

Lake Como also has a more elegant and romantic atmosphere. Some of the accommodation can be quite expensive, especially in the most famous towns, but you don't necessarily need to stay in the most expensive location to enjoy the lake.

You can compare hotels and accommodation options on Klook.

One practical tip: don't automatically book accommodation in Bellagio just because it is famous.

It is beautiful, but staying somewhere such as Como or Varenna can make more sense depending on your itinerary and transport plans.

If you are arriving from Milan, for example, Como can be particularly convenient for a short stay.

If you’re planning to explore more of Italy without renting a car, I’ve also written about How to Travel Around Italy Without Renting a Car.

Lake Garda: Bigger, More Active and More Varied

Lake Garda feels different almost immediately.

It is Italy's largest lake, and because of its size, the landscape and atmosphere change quite a lot depending on where you stay.

You have historic towns such as Sirmione, mountain scenery around the northern part of the lake, and places such as Malcesine and Riva del Garda that are particularly appealing if you enjoy outdoor activities.

This is one of the main reasons I would recommend Lake Garda for families or for travellers who don't want their holiday to revolve around sightseeing.

There is much more opportunity for activities such as cycling, hiking, sailing, windsurfing and swimming.

And if you are travelling with children, the area around Lake Garda offers plenty to keep them entertained.

You can also combine a lake holiday with nearby attractions, which makes Garda particularly flexible for a longer trip.

For example, you could spend a few days exploring the lake and then include Verona or other destinations in northern Italy.

Lake Como vs Lake Garda: The Main Difference

Choose Lake Como if you want:

• A romantic getaway
• Beautiful lake views
• Elegant towns and villas
• Ferry trips between villages
• A slower pace
• A shorter stay
• A trip focused on scenery and atmosphere

Choose Lake Garda if you want:

• More outdoor activities
• Swimming and water sports
• A family-friendly destination
• Cycling and hiking
• More variety between different areas
• A longer lake holiday
• Easy access to other northern Italian destinations

How Long Do You Need?

For Lake Como, I think three nights is a very good starting point.

That gives you enough time to explore without turning the trip into a race between ferry timetables.

If you only have two nights, you can still enjoy it, particularly if you are combining it with Milan.

For Lake Garda, I would ideally allow at least three or four nights, especially if you want to explore more than one part of the lake.

Because Garda is so large, travelling from one side to another can take more time than you might expect.

This is something I would always consider when planning accommodation.

Before choosing where to stay, it’s also worth checking a few things beyond just the location, I explain what I look for in What Should I Check Before Booking a Hotel?.

Don't look only at the distance on a map. Look at how long it will actually take you to get around.

Can You Visit Both?

Yes, if you are spending two or three weeks travelling around Italy, visiting both can make perfect sense.

If you have only seven days in Italy, however, I would probably choose one.

For example, if you are flying into Milan and have a week available, you could combine Milan with Lake Como quite easily.

On the other hand, if you are planning a northern Italy road trip and want to include Verona, the Dolomites or other destinations, Lake Garda may fit better into the route.

The better lake is the one that fits your itinerary.

And if you are still undecided, think about the holiday you want to remember when you get home.

Do you picture yourself sitting beside the lake with an aperitivo, watching the boats go past?

Or do you picture yourself cycling, swimming, hiking and exploring different towns?

That answer will probably tell you which Italian lake is right for you.