Lake Como or Lake Garda: which Italian idyll should you visit?
The scenic lakes of Northern Italy are practically unparalleled for their cinematic beauty, gorgeous gardens filled with thriving flora, pretty towns and fascinating culture. But a question that comes up again and again for travellers contemplating a trip to this beautiful part of the world is: Lake Como or Lake Garda?
Choosing between Lake Como or Lake Garda is certainly not an easy to decision to make. Each has unique draws, yet both share the natural splendour and appealing lakeside lifestyle that have made this region of Italy a European bucket list destination.
EXPLORE THE GARDENS OF ITALY WITH CHRISTINE WALKDEN
Does Lake Como or Lake Garda have a better location?
The largest of Italy's lakes, Lake Garda is located in northeast Italy, spanning the three regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. For those travelling by air, Verona is the closest airport, located around 22km from the south coast of Lake Garda – where you'll find resorts including Peschiera and Sirmione – a journey easily taken by car, bus or train.
EXPLORE THE ITALIAN LAKES WITH GH
A little further afield, Milan's Linate airport and the timeless city of Venice are also located conveniently close to Lake Garda (with fast trains from the latter taking only just over an hour), so it makes a great choice for anyone looking to go on a multi-destination Italian tour. And with Lake Garda's proximity to the Dolomites, you can also take a trip to Italy's beautiful mountains during your stay.
In the region of Lombardy, Lake Como is known for its convenient proximity to Milan – around 25 miles north of the city. It's easy to reach the shores of Como from central Milan in around an hour and a half by car or under an hour by train. Driving from either of the city's airports – Linate or Malpensa – is equally speedy, as you'll find out on GH's eight-day tour of Northern Italy's glorious gardens.
What can you do in Lake Como and Lake Garda?
When it comes to deciding between Lake Como or Lake Garda, you might ask yourself whether you want to spend your trip exploring charming towns, gazing at historic villas, cruising around on boat tours and relaxing on beaches. If the answer is yes, Lake Como might be the place for you. From Varenna to Bellagio and Como itself, there is seemingly no end of quaint towns to explore on the shores of this stunning lake.
Of course, they are also wonderful viewed from the water itself, as are the ornate villas and palazzos that stand majestically on the shore. Luckily, there are plenty of boat trip options to allow for this, from group tours to sleek private rivas (for a full dose of dolce vita glamour). On GH's tour, you'll discover the beauty of the Borromean Islands on a boat.
From Roman ruins to amusement parks, there's something for every traveller in Lake Garda. Starting in the norther end of the lake, which sits in Trentino, you can go windsurfing in Torbole, see the Varone waterfall and hike to Punta Larici for astonishing views – this is a truly action-packed area full of variety.
Over on the eastern side of Lake Garda, things slow down a little; here, you can visit Malcesine, a pretty and colourful town filled with narrow lanes. But it's Sirmione on the western side of the lake that is perhaps most popular, with an intriguing medieval city centre and striking castle.
When is best to go to Lake Como or Lake Garda?
Anyone asking themselves Lake Como or Lake Garda might be helped by considering what time of year they want to travel. Both lakes offer lovely warm weather in the summer months, with the advantage of proximity to water meaning swimming is almost always possible. Lake Como is generally the most crowded in July and August, so visiting in May, June or September might be preferable for those seeking peace and privacy.
Lake Garda tends to be less busy than Lake Como in the summer months, though it does get quite windy at other times during the year. If you're visiting in autumn or winter, you will want to pack some warm layers, especially if you plan on hiking or cycling, as it can get cool when temperatures drop.
What gardens can you see in Lake Como and Lake?
Of course, for anyone keen on horticulture, spring is an incredible time to visit Lake Como or Lake Garda. The latter is home to huge parks and public gardens that bloom with life each year; highlights for those seeking floral displays include the gardens at Riva and Parco Giardino Sigurta, while Parco Faunistico is home to more than 200 animals from across the world.
Lake Como is also rightfully regarded for its incredible gardens, from the formal landscaped beauty of the Borromean Islands to the grand, sprawling gardens that unfurl around the ornate palazzos that line the lake's shores. GH's garden tour allows you to get the very best of this, including stops at the spectacular gardens of Villa Carlotta, the historic sights of Isola Bella and the invaluable insights of horticulturist Christine Walkden.
Are there better restaurants in Lake Como or Lake Garda?
Whether it's Lake Como or Lake Garda, fresh local produce is always on the menu – with a particular focus on, and flair for, lake fish caught the very same day as you eat it. In Garda, you might try bigoli, a traditional Venetian egg pasta, prepared with fresh sardines caught from the lake, or risotto with tench, a tender lake fish, or the rich plum hue of Amarone della Valpolicella.
Similarly, in Como, traditional dishes include creamy risotto served with perch fish from the lake, or whitebait-like alborelle, fried and served simply with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of lemon. Both destinations have a range of restaurants, from charming and authentic osterias to more upscale fine dining spots – the best of which offer lake views, naturally.
Is Lake Como or Lake Garda better for couples' trips?
There's something timelessly romantic about a trip to Lake Como, with its storybook good looks and touch of glamorous luxury. Exploring the glorious gardens only adds to the air of romance, especially when the dazzling flora that flourishes here bursts into life – which you can witness on our horticultural tour.
GO ON A ROMANTIC GETAWAY WITH GH
Combining a trip to Lake Como with the beauty of the Swiss Alps is another great option for couples, and you can combine cruising on the lake with a ride on the iconic Bernina railway – not to mention a stop in the swish ski resort of St Moritz – on GH's Lake Como and Switzerland trip.
For more active couples, or those seeking a little more buzz during a couple trip, Lake Garda is perhaps the better option. Everything from walking to windsurfing is on offer here, and all with the scenic backdrop of the lake to gaze at with your beloved.
What are the best hotels in Lake Como and Lake Garda?
Both Lake Como and Lake Garda are home to some truly magnificent hotels. Como is known as one of the most glamorous, stylish destinations in all of Italy, and many of its grande dame hotels are to thank for this well-deserved reputation. International hotel chains have glorious outposts here, including Mandarin Oriental Lake Como.
But there are also some homegrown classics, like Ville d'Este, which has played host to rockstars and royalty for more than 150 years, and Grand Hotel Tremezzo and Passalacqua, which are sister hotels and among the world's finest.
Lake Garda also has its share of luxury hotels, with classic names full of charm including Villa Arcadio and Villa Cordevigo, as well as more modern spots like Locanda del Benaco. For the ultimate wellness resort, book a restorative stay at Lefay Resort & Spa, which offers unbeatable views of Lake Garda.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day Italian Lakes holiday takes in Lakes Como, Orta and Maggiore with Christine Walkden.
Good Housekeeping's eight-day Lake Como and St Moritz tour combines the beauty of the lakes with time spent in the magnificent Swiss Alps.
Good Housekeeping's nine-day Lake Maggiore trip includes trips to the Borromean Islands and the majestic peaks of Switzerland.
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