Lake Garda vs Lake Como: Hotels, Activities, Cost & More

Lake Como and Lake Garda are probably Italy's two most popular lakes. They’re both hotspots amongst the rich and famous due to their stunning scenery, amazing restaurants, and beautiful shoreside towns. But, because these lakes are quite close to each other, most of us end up needing to choose between them, especially if you’re on a trip around Italy and time and funds are limited.
So, Lake Garda or Lake Como? Which one should you visit and why?
This is my in-depth guide to two of my favorite lakes in Europe. I’ll go through the important parts of a trip, point by point, so you can decide which one of these impressive lakes makes it onto your itinerary.
1. Lake Garda vs Lake Como: Arrival and Transport
In Short:
Both are in northern Italy with airports close by
Can arrive by train, rental car, and bus
Lake Como is closer to Milan
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake and Como is its third. This means that both are popular holiday destinations and you have several ways of getting to them, depending on where you start. They’re only about 2.5 hours away from each other and Milan is a good, central location for the two. By train, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to travel from Milano Centrale Station to Peschiera del Garda (a beautiful town south of the lake).
It’s a little quicker to arrive at Lake Como from Milan, with trains leaving Milano Centrale and arriving at Como Lago Station an hour later.
The closest airport to Lake Garda is Verona and the train from Verona Porta Nuova to Desenzano del Garda/Sirmione Station can take as little as 19 minutes. It takes around 3 hours, however, to get from Verona to Como Lago Station.
If you start in Venice, it takes around 2 hours via train to get to Lake Garda and 3.5 hours to get to Lake Como, with a stop in Milan.
Once you arrive at either lake, there are plenty of boat taxis and buses to transport you around the lakes. Of course, you could also arrive via car and drive around. Just bear in mind that traffic can be quite heavy in the summer months, especially at the weekend and when traveling from Milan.
2. Lake Garda vs Lake Como: Beauty
In Short:
Both are breathtaking
Lake Garda has a wilder feel to it
Lake Como is more elegant and luxurious
It’s impossible to say which of these lakes is more beautiful. They really are equally stunning but in slightly different ways.
Both have crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush green slopes and dramatic mountains. There are also many idyllic towns dotted along the shoreline which are amazing to walk around. But, you can definitely feel the wealth more in Lake Como, and some of the most impressive sights are the sprawling villas and their grounds from the water. They’re regal, colorful, and kind of what you imagine a James Bond villain to live in. Or George Clooney.
Lake Garda, however, is a little wilder – especially in the north. The views of the snow-capped Dolomites, pine forests, and slightly more understated towns set these two incredible lakes apart.
3. Lake Garda vs Lake Como: Prices
In Short:
More affordable options are in Lake Garda
Lake Como has a higher price tag overall
Lake Como is well-known for being a luxurious place and with that comes a higher price tag. In fact, northern Italy’s Lombardy region, where Lake Como is, is one of the more expensive regions in Italy. Prices there are enough to rival Tuscany.
You can expect to pay more for accommodation, especially those that are lakeside, and restaurants are generally more expensive too.
When you visit Lake Garda, however, you can find a wider range of accommodation options including family-friendly campsites, B&Bs, and apartments. Whether you stay in Riva del Garda or Limone sul Garda, you’ll find a mix of well-priced accommodation options.
4. Lake Garda vs Lake Como: Things to Do
In Short:
Lots of day trips to do on both
More villas to walk around if you visit Lake Como
More history on Lake Garda
The best shopping is in Lake Como
Lake Garda is more family-friendly
When it comes to visiting Lake Como or Lake Garda, both have plenty of things to do. If you like to swim and sunbathe, you’ll be spoiled for choice with sandy, pebbled, and grassy beaches. Abbadia Lariana is a beautiful beach on Lake Como that’s full of white pebbles and beautiful olive trees. One of my favorites on Lake Garda is La Baia delle Sirene, a serene and very relaxing beach with plenty of shade and beautiful blue water.
One of the most popular attractions to do on both lakes is take a boat trip. For example, on Como, you can take a day trip to Bellagio and Varenna, or on Garda, one of the best ways to see some of the top tourist sights is from an afternoon boat trip from Sirmione.
If you like a bit of history on your trips, then Lake Garda is going to come out on top. There are some amazing Roman ruins, including Grotte di Catullo, an impressive villa at the top of the peninsula in Sirmione. There’s also one of the most important Roman villas in northern Italy in Desenzano, which is worth visiting.
But, if it’s shopping you’re after. Lake Como is the one to go for. While there’s plenty of opportunity to shop on Garda, Como is full of designer shops and boutique shopping streets. With Milan so close by, it’s no wonder Lake Como is famous for its shopping scene.
Something many people need to consider when deciding between Lake Garda or Lake Como is which is more family-friendly. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities in both but Lake Garda has more amusement parks, including the famous Gardaland.
5. Lake Garda vs Lake Como: Outdoor & Fitness Activities
In Short:
There are many outdoor and fitness activities in both
Garda is more known for its watersports
Another reason why both are popular holiday destinations is the sports you can enjoy there. Both have incredible hiking trails that offer stunning views over the lakes, mountains, and picturesque towns. One of my favorites in Lake Como is the trail from Lenno to Tremezzo along the Lake Como Greenway.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could always start your walking holiday in Lake Como and hike to Lake Maggiore, there are plenty of villages to stop off along the way and the views have to be amazing.
Lake Garda is also known for its famous hiking trails but you’ll find more water sports here, especially in the north of the lake. Riva del Garda is a famous spot amongst windsurfers and kitesurfers. You can go canoeing, sailing, and canyoning in various villages around the lake too.
6. Lake Garda vs Lake Como: Atmosphere
In Short:
Villages in Garda tend to be a little more spread out which can make them feel busier as it’s harder to travel between them.
Lake Como has an air of sophistication and is perfect for shopping, relaxing, and admiring the views.
Lake Garda is great for relaxing, with many of the northern towns having a laid-back, sporty atmosphere.
Because Lake Garda is the largest Italian Lake, a lot of the tourism is concentrated in the southern towns and villages to make it easy to get between them. This makes the southern shore and the towns, such as Sirmione, have a very lively atmosphere. Desenzano is another town to the south of the lake that has plenty of restaurants, bars, and cafes and is a great place for drinks after sunset.
However, the north of the lake is much more relaxed, as are other towns that are more off the beaten track. While perhaps not as luxurious as Lake Como, there are plenty of opportunities to get away from the crowds and enjoy nature too.
Lake Como exudes elegance, mainly down to the grand villas that line its shores and the very fancy boats going up and down the water. Como and Bellagio are the most popular towns on the lake and are certainly busier during the summer months. Because everything is more expensive in Como and there are more upmarket restaurants, hotels, and shops, it tends to maintain a sophisticated atmosphere, regardless of how many people there are.
7. Lake Garda vs Lake Como: Hotels and Accommodation
In Short:
You can find luxury and budget hotels in both but the real luxury and the real prices are definitely in Lake Como.
More budget-friendly options and campsites are in Lake Garda than in Lake Como.
If you want to experience real luxury, then some of the world’s best hotels are in Lake Como. From lesser-known names to huge hotel giants, such as the Mandarin Oriental, you can find them all on Lake Como.
Best Hotels on Lake Como
($$$) Il Sereno Lago di Como
You will enjoy world-class treatment in this 5-star hotel, with views over the lake, an outdoor swimming pool, and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
($$) Como City Home
This apartment is clean, bright, and right in the heart of Como town. It’s well connected by train and close to the lake and other tourist attractions.
($) Camping La Breva
This is a wonderful campsite and motorhome that is located in the north of Lake Como, right on the lakeside. It’s peaceful, clean, and well-equipped.
Best Hotels on Lake Garda
($$$) Quellenhof Luxury Resort Lazise
This 5* hotel has rooms with a patio and lake views. Breakfast and a 6-course dinner are included in the price, which can be enjoyed on the hotel’s rooftop terrace.
($$) Hotel Désirée
Located on the peninsula in Sirmione, this hotel is close to tourist attractions and great beaches. Some of the rooms have lake views and there’s also an outdoor pool.
($) Mobilhome Victoria Bella Italia
This campground is great for families, with an outdoor pool and indoor play area. It’s right by the lake and the mobile home is clean, spacious, and well-equipped.
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Lake Garda vs Lake Como – Frequently Asked Questions
💲Which Is Cheaper, Lake Garda or Lake Como?
Lake Garda is more affordable overall. There’s more variety when it comes to accommodation and budget food options compared to Lake Como which is more luxurious.
🚉 Are Lake Garda and Lake Como Good Day Trip Options from Milan?
Lake Como is the perfect day trip from Milan. You can easily take a train in the morning, enjoy the lake, and head back in the evening. Garda is also possible, although it’s further away.
🚗 Is Lake Como or Lake Garda Easier to Get to?
That depends on where you start but both are relatively easy from close by airports and cities.
Lake Garda vs Lake Como – Final Words
Choosing between Lake Garda and Lake Como ultimately depends on you, who you're traveling with, and what kind of accommodation and activities you're after. Here's a final breakdown of both.
Reasons you should visit Lake Garda:
It’s incredibly beautiful with its picturesque towns like Sirmione and Malcesine
You get different vibes depending on where you’re staying
More budget-friendly options
Family friends with numerous amusement parks and beaches
Lots of historical sites to visit
Amazing for sports enthusiasts including windsurfing and hiking
Reasons you should visit Lake Como:
It’s absolutely beautiful with a luxurious atmosphere
It’s a favorite amongst celebrities!
Many 5-star hotels
Beautiful beaches and towns to visit
Get for a romantic getaway with charming villages such as Bellagio and Varenna
Great hiking opportunities
They’re two of Italy’s most famous and most beautiful lakes and there’s a reason so many of us keep going back. Whether you want designer shops or to learn how to kitesurf, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And, if you can’t choose, you can always visit both as they’re just a couple of hours away from each other.
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