Lake Como vs. Lake Garda: Which One Is Better For You?
An Italian getaway is on everyone’s dream bucket list. Romance, food, wine, and majestic sights are just some of the things that await you in Italy.
But it’s important to make sure you’re going to the right places—and not just the overhyped ones. That being said, we’re here to give you the ins and outs of Lake Como vs Lake Garda so you can make the right decision when spending your hard earned money.
Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, your future wedding, or crossing one of the incredible Italian lakes off your bucket list, let’s find out if Lake Como or Lake Garda is better to visit!
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Overview of Italy’s Lakes
Lake Como 
Lake Garda
Did you know there are over 1,500 lakes in Italy? Yes, Italy is the famous pizza and pasta capital of the world, but there are also ethereal lakesides, with glittering water and quaint villages in the background. We’re not even generalizing or exaggerating, these lakes are truly a slice of paradise!
Lake Como, also known as Lario, is the epitome of a city escape nestled in the Italian Alps, but it’s one that attracts thousands of people each year, all year round. Lake Garda, attracts tourists and locals from far and wide with its comparable beauty. Lake Garda is also the bigger of the two lakes. Lake Como is the third largest lake in Italy, after Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore.
So, what’s the difference between Lake Garda and Lake Como? There’s a load of activities to do, incredible wines to drink, delicious food to eat and a rich history to explore. Let’s compare each so you can make a more informed decision on which Italian adventure to embark on with your partner, friends, or family.
Things to do in Lake Como or Lake Garda
Lake Como 
Lake Garda
Lake Como encompasses the true meaning of opulence, best for people looking for luxury and high-end shopping . Lake Garda is more simple and the greener of the two. History runs deep throughout all of Italy and you’ll be able to visit some exciting attractions in either lakeside retreats.
Lake Como
There are lots of things to do in Lake Como from shopping to sightseeing and even just lounging by the lake.
Villa Carlotta, in Tremezzo, is a villa-turned-museum and botanical garden that holds famous paintings, sculptures, and more. Its art collections attract people from everywhere, celebrities and tourists alike. It’s absolutely worth adding to your list when you’re in the area.
Another villa, Villa del Balbianello, is a popular film set and has been used in huge productions, like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. Although you can’t stay there, it can be rented for events, weddings, and private parties!
If you’re looking for something more active, there’s lots of cycling, hiking, kayaking and various other water sports.
While many honeymooners visit Lake Como each year, there are plenty of things to do in Lake Como with kids, such as a boat tour or visiting Villa Melzi Gardens.
And to top it off, Lake Como is home to delicious wineries where you drink the day away in the Italian sunshine and a great stop off on the way to or from Milan.
Other things you need to do:
- Browse the numerous museums
- Rent a boat and see Como from the water
- Go to Como’s iconic cathedral
- Visit Brunate
- Hike The Greenway
- Travel to the famous Bellagio
- Visit Varenna for a quiter peek into Italian lake life
Lake Garda
Aside from its natural beauty, your trip to Lake Garda will be filled with lots of sightseeing, charming old towns, and outdoorsy activities. The area is home to lots of Roman history, with ruins, historic buildings, and even castles!
Sirmione is arguably the most popular town and if you find yourself lucky enough to visit, then you’ll definitely be keeping busy!
If you find yourself with a free day, hit up Gardaland – the Italian amusement park visited by both the locals and tourists.
Other things you need to do:
- Visit Riva Del Garda
- Go to Torbole for windsurfing
- Visit the Varone waterfall
- For the best views hike Punta Larici
- Visit the medieval castles of Malcesine
- Ride the cable cars to Monte Baldo
Which lake has the best views?
Admittedly, they’re both absolutely stunning (which I’m, sure you already know based on the gorgeous photos of each!). There’s no doubt that whichever you choose, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most scenic views you’ve ever seen which you’ll never forget. The best way to take in the views is by boat or cycle.
Lake Como
In terms of the beauty, Lake Como might just take the cake. It boasts incredible views of the bluest water and coupled with the Italian architecture and greenery, it paints a perfect picture. And, if you haven’t already heard, it’s a popular destination for weddings. Couples from all over the world fly in to get married against the picturesque backdrop.
Lake Garda
There’s an abundance of natural beauty in Lake Garda too. It may not be as picture perfect, but it’s just as breathtaking. The unspoiled, traditional Italian villages with snow-peaked mountains in the background will make you stop in your tracks and grab your camera to capture the moment to remember forever. Quieter than Lake Como, you’re less likely to bump into hordes of tourists, which has its upsides, and will also give you a chance to stop and take it all in.
Lake Como vs Lake Garda: Cost
Lake Como 
Lake Garda
Ahhh, money. Unfortunately, it has to be one of the first things you have to think about when you’re planning a getaway—whether it’s local or international. The best way to enjoy your holiday is to do it within your own budget. Luckily, there are a few options based on your wallet.
Lake Como
Due to the high amount of tourists that visit per year, typically you will be paying more for food, accommodations and activities at Lake Como. Lake Como is considerably more expensive than Lake Garda. Both activities and accommodations can pull at your purse strings due to its upscale reputation and being a hotspot amongst A-list celebrities. We recommended saving up so you can enjoy yourself!
Lake Garda
Lake Garda typically has more affordable options for everyone, making this the Italian lake to choose if you are coming on a budget. Although it’s a little less accessible than Lake Como, it’s more popular with families and backpackers. It’s more quiet, less expensive and there’s more opportunity for physical activity. Plus, it’s not as famous for its glitz and glamor, making it the less frequented lake.
Food in Lake Como and Lake Garda
It’s not just the views that attract visitors to the lakes of Italy – the different foods of each region are just as attractive. Italians are so passionate about their food, and the love they put into it is something you’ll experience in either place. And, if all else fails, there’s lots of pizza and pasta!
Lake Como
Some popular Italian dishes at Lake Como include polenta, risotto with perch (a fish straight from Lake Como), lots of types of cheese, braised wild boar, miascia, a type of sweet bread cake, and missoltini, a fish grilled and seasoned with oil and vinegar.
But of course, just because you’re on an Italian adventure, doesn’t mean you’re looking for even more adventure on your plate. There are options for everybody with restaurants that serve cuisines from all over the world.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is known for its mix of cuisines from Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino. Famous dishes to try in Lake Garda include risotto with tinca, pasta with sardines, grilled perch and polenta. Fun fact: the region is also known for their black truffles, so if you get a chance to try them, you should!
And again, there’s lots of different restaurants and cafes to try, so you won’t ever be left hungry. Lake Garda is also the more affordable of the two so you won’t have to shell out too much when paying for your meals. More wine for you!
Lake Como vs Lake Garda: Winery scene
Some of the finest Italian wines come from Northern Italy, which thankfully includes both Lake Como and Lake Garda! In fact, the Piedmont region is nearby, and is one of the best destinations in Italy for wine lovers! If you’re deciding where to go based on the kind of wine you like (you sound like our kind of person), then we’ll help you make your decision.
Lake Como
There are loads of wineries and vineyards in Lake Como which offer a one-of-a-kind Italian wine escapade. While there are no stand-out specialties, whether you go for the local white or red, there’s little room for disappointment. After all, the Italians know what they’re doing when it comes to wine.
Lake Garda
Garda probably wins when it comes to wine. The lake is surrounded by vineyards and wineries, there’s no shortage of homegrown wine to taste! Whether you’re enjoying a pink claret (Chiaretto) or a light red, the locals sure do know how to do it! You can also visit the wine museums and wineries to really get stuck into the cultural experience. You’ll be spoiled for choice with the local cheese and wines. The lake also neighbors renowned grape-growing and wine-producing areas you can explore.
Overall Atmosphere
Which one is more touristy?
Good question! We understand that you might have a preference based on how crowded it could be. Truthfully, they’re both tourist attractions. The Italian lakes are popular, no matter which you visit, and are bound to be packed especially during the peak summer seasons.
Lake Como is more well known compared to Lake Garda, especially more recently with the surge in European summer holidays, so it’s the more touristy one. But, like you may have already discovered throughout this blog, there are different reasons to go to both. Plus, more tourists just means that there’s more of a reason to visit—a compliment to the area itself!
When’s the best time to visit?
Northern Italy sees mild, Mediterranean climate. There are peak seasons and off peak seasons, like anywhere else. Be forewarned, tourists will be present. But hey, some places are worth bumping into other travelers constantly!
The best time to visit either Lake Como or Lake Garda between April and October when it’s still warm. Winters are usually cold and rainy, while summers are pleasantly warm—perfect t-shirt weather! Fair warning, it’s quite humid throughout the year. June and August are a particularly popular time for visitors, when the streets are bustling with local businesses open for summer and a gelato stand every few yards. So book your accommodation early!
How do I get to Lake Como or Lake Garda?
Train is the preferred mode of transport to get to the lakeside towns around Lake Como and Lake Garda. Of course, if you’re visiting more than one place, then you can always hire a car and drive from place to place. Although it might take longer, you won’t mind so much when you’re surrounded by breathtaking views and quaint, Italian towns at every turn.
Lake Como
The easiest way to get to Lake Como is by train from Milan. It’s only a 40 minute ride from Milano Centrale station which is the biggest train station in Milan. Before you know it, you’ll be at Como San Giovanni station, right at the heart of Lake Como. You can also get the train from two other stations from Milan; Milano Porta Garibaldi and Milano Nord Cadorna.
Lake Garda
Like Lake Como, accessing Lake Garda by train is the way to go. From Verona, it’s only a 19 minute train ride to Desenzano Del Garda-Sirmione station. From Milan’s biggest station, Milano Centrale station, you can take the train to either Desenzano del Garda-Sirmione or Peschiera del Garda. Both are just over an hour train ride.
What about a day trip to either lake?
It’s totally possible! Milan is the closest biggest city to Lake Como while Verona is very close to Lake Garda. So if you didn’t want to spend the time or money staying overnight, then you could always take the train to either of the lakes, like we mentioned above.
Lake Como might not be in everyone’s budget for an extensive trip, so a day trip may seem more appealing. Lake Garda, on the other hand, does have a lot to do and see and is a lot more affordable, so if you were deciding on staying a night, it might be the better option.
Lake Como 
Lake Garda
So, Lake Como vs Lake Garda: Which is better for you?
It really just depends on the kind of vacation you’re looking for! If you’re looking for a romantic, luxury getaway, sparing no expenses then Lake Como would be more your speed. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more family-friendly, adventurous holiday then Lake Garda is calling your name! We’ve given you all the ammunition you need to figure out whether Lake Como vs. Lake Garda might suit you better. Plus, who said you couldn’t go more than once? Or do both in the same trip?
Whichever you choose, it’s a guaranteed adventure waiting to happen. You’ll discover lots of amazing sights, beautiful views, and delicious food and drink. We’ll live through you until we get the chance to go to either again!
