World As Never Seen

Italy · Guide

Lake Como vs Lake GardaWhich Italian Lake Is Right for You?

Choose Lake Como for elegance: villas, gardens and steep mountains dropping into a narrow lake.Choose Lake Garda for variety and value: beaches, castles, water sports and more space for families.

Foto: Camera-man / Pixabay

✓ Facts checked · Updated 2026-11-03 · Ad*

The short answer

  • Couples, first visitLake Comovillas, gardens, dramatic views
  • FamiliesLake Gardabeaches, warm water, theme parks
  • Hiking and sportsNorthern Gardawind, bikes, Monte Baldo
  • No carLake Comotrain from Milan, ferries

Where the lakes are

MilanComoBellagioVarennaSirmioneMalcesineRiva del GardaVerona

Lake Como lies north of Milan, Lake Garda between Milan and Verona. Milan's airports serve Como; Verona is the closest airport to Garda.

What is the difference between the two lakes?

Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake, about 370 km², and changes character from south to north: flat and Mediterranean at Sirmione and Desenzano, Alpine and windy at Riva del Garda. Lake Como is much smaller, about 146 km², shaped like an upside-down Y and up to 425 m deep, with mountains rising straight from the water.

Como is about villas, gardens and slow boat rides between small towns. Garda is a holiday lake with beaches, campsites, castles and activities for every age.

Our tip: On Lake Como, buy ferry tickets for the central basin and hop between Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio: the boat is the best way to see the villas from the water.

Which lake is better for what?

  1. 1
    Lake Como
    Foto: Camera-man / Pixabay
    Good for: Couples, slow travel, day trips from Milan

    Lake Como

    Narrow and steep, framed by mountains. The classic base is the triangle of Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio, linked by short ferry rides. Elegant, romantic and on the expensive side.

    • historic villas and gardens such as Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta
    • short, scenic ferry hops between towns
    • easy by train from Milan
    • few real beaches, cooler water
    • pricier hotels and busy towns in summer

    $$$Not ideal for: Families who want a beach holiday.

    Try here: Risotto with perch fillets, the lake's classic dish.

    Hotels in Lake Como →
  2. 2
    Lake Garda
    Foto: Leonhard_Niederwimmer / Pixabay
    Good for: Families, active travelers, longer stays

    Lake Garda

    Large and varied: beaches and old towns in the south, windsurfing, sailing and mountain biking in the north. More hotels, campsites and apartments, usually at lower prices than Como.

    • beaches and the warmest water of the big lakes
    • Sirmione's castle and Roman ruins, Gardaland theme park
    • windsurfing, sailing and bike trails in the north
    • so big that you need a car or long boat rides
    • busy southern shore in July and August

    $$Not ideal for: Travelers who want quiet, villa-lined elegance.

    Try here: Olive oil from Garda's shores, one of the most northerly olive regions.

    Hotels in Lake Garda →

Where should you stay on each lake?

On Lake Como, stay in Bellagio for the views, Varenna for the train connection to Milan and Menaggio for a calmer, family-friendly base. Como town is practical for a short trip but feels more like a city.

On Lake Garda, stay in Sirmione or Desenzano for the south with trains and beaches, Malcesine for the Monte Baldo cable car and Riva del Garda for sports and the mountains.

Can you do both on one trip?

Yes. Both lie between Milan and Verona, roughly two hours apart by car. By train, Varenna and Como are about an hour from Milan, and Desenzano and Peschiera del Garda are on the Milan–Verona–Venice line. Two nights on each lake work well.

When should you go?

May, June and September are best for both. July and August are hot and crowded, especially in Bellagio and on Garda's southern shore. In winter many ferries run less often and many lakeside hotels close.

One day on each lake

Lake Como

  1. MorningTrain from Milan to Varenna, walk the lakeside path.
  2. MiddayFerry to Bellagio, lunch in the old town.
  3. AfternoonFerry to Villa Carlotta or Villa del Balbianello.
  4. EveningSunset on the Varenna waterfront.

Lake Garda

  1. MorningSirmione: the Scaliger castle before the crowds.
  2. MiddaySwim or lunch by the lake.
  3. AfternoonDrive or boat north to Malcesine, cable car up Monte Baldo.
  4. EveningDinner in Malcesine's old harbor.

Tours and experiences nearby

Affiliate links: if you book, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.

Plan my tripPick a route, change the days, done: hotels and tours for every stop included.Open the planner →

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Como or Lake Garda better?

Lake Como is better for elegant villas, gardens and dramatic views. Lake Garda is better for families, beaches, water sports and lower prices.

Which lake is better for families?

Lake Garda: warmer water, real beaches, campsites and the Gardaland theme park near Peschiera.

Which lake is easier without a car?

Lake Como. Trains run from Milan to Como and Varenna, and short ferries link the main towns. Garda is much bigger and slower to cross by boat.

Which lake is cheaper?

Usually Lake Garda. It has more hotels, apartments and campsites, while Bellagio and Lake Como's famous villas are pricey.

Can you visit both lakes in one trip?

Yes, they are about two hours apart by car. Two nights on each lake is a good plan.

You might also like

* Affiliate links: if you book through them, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.