Lake Garda vs. Lake Como: How to choose your perfect Italian escape

Before we wade too far into the Lake Como or Lake Garda debate, let’s talk about where you’ll find these sparkling gems. Lake Garda and Lake Como are two of eight glacial lakes found in the Italian Lakes District in Northern Italy. The mountainous region is part of the Alpine foothills and falls along Italy’s border with Switzerland. Como sits closer to Milan and offers dramatic mountain vistas, while Garda stretches further south near Verona, with a mix of rugged northern shores and gentle, vineyard-covered hills in the south. You can visit Lake Como on our Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice tour or explore Lake Garda on our brand-new Northern Italian Lakes & Alps tour.

Now let’s compare Lake Garda versus Lake Como, Italy’s two idyllic escapes.

Imagine steep mountains plunging straight into glassy blue water, lined with elegant villas and lush gardens. On our Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice tour, you’ll admire all of this classic Alpine scenery as you take a scenic cruise across the lake. “The best way to experience Lake Como is by boat, and the Lake Como Cruise is a must,” said staffer Claudia in our Lake Como Travel Guide. “You hop on a small cruise with your group and get to spend the afternoon exploring beautiful lakeside villages like Bellagio and marveling at some of Italy’s most stunning estates, including George Clooney’s breathtaking Villa Oleandra.”

Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake—more than twice the size of Lake Como—giving it more diversity in landscape and terroir than Como. The northern end of Lake Garda is rugged and Alpine, perfect for hikers and nature lovers, while the southern side has rolling hills, vineyards, and citrus groves. On our Northern Italian Lakes & Alps tour, you’ll have free time to explore picturesque towns, enjoy lakeside walks, or sip local wines while soaking in the idyllic scenery. Traveler Donna was very happy that she decided to add the Italian Lakes extension to her Switzerland, Germany & Italy tour. “We recommend it highly,” she said “The beauty of the lakes amid the mountains is spectacular.”

There’s a reason why so many celebrities are fond of Lake Como. You won’t just find sweeping views and crystal water here—you’ll also find the luxury boutiques and gourmet restaurants that give Lake Como its timeless elegance and sophistication. While Lake Garda wins our hearts for being more of a hidden gem with fewer crowds and more locals, if you’re the type of traveler who likes to sip Prosecco while taking in picture-perfect views of the shimmering water and the glamorous visitors, Lake Como is the place for you. When you join our Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice tour, you’ll visit the elegant lakeside town of Bellagio to stroll through cobblestone streets, shop the boutiques, and sip espresso overlooking the water.

Lake Garda is an easygoing, family-friendly destination that’s a favorite for both Italians and travelers, with plenty of opportunities to explore charming villages, sample local gelato, or watch sailboats drift across the lake. Ease into the local way of life on our new Northern Italian Lakes & Alps tour when you visit a working lemon farm. Due to its unique microclimate, Lake Garda is one of the few areas in Northern Italy where lemon trees thrive, distinguishing it further from Lake Como’s surrounding vegetable, fruit, and olive farms. On your visit, you’ll stroll through the perfumed groves and see the lemon houses, which are historic greenhouses built into the terraced hillside. First-time traveler Marsha was stunned by our Italian Lakes extension on her Switzerland, Germany & Italy tour. “The Italian Lakes extension is a must!” she said.

There are countless reasons why Lake Como is perfect for every personality type, but foodies might find its borderland cuisine particularly intriguing. “The food was delicious, although it didn’t strike me as what many might consider ‘typical Italian,’” said staffer Angus. “In Como, you’re 15 minutes from the Swiss border, and my food experience felt more like Germany than Italy. My dinner in Bellagio was thick, spaetzle-like pasta (a bit like gnocchi) with a cream sauce and pork.” On our Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice tour, you’ll have a chance to sample dishes that reflect the lake’s unique geographical character. Traveler Buffie enjoyed this tour with her husband recently. “Lake Como was our favorite part,” she said. “It was beautiful! The food and wine were amazing.”

Lake Garda is a paradise for food lovers who enjoy fresh, local ingredients—especially hearty Northern Italian fare made with fresh fish pulled straight from the lake. When you join our Northern Italian Lakes & Alps tour, you’ll taste regional dishes like bigoli con le sarde, a traditional egg pasta made with fresh sardines. For a truly memorable evening, join our Lake Garda Boat Cruise & Sirmione Dinner excursion, where you’ll glide across the crystal-clear waters and savor regional dishes on the picturesque Sirmione peninsula, surrounded by its Roman ruins and thermal springs.

While you may take a hike around Lake Garda, at Lake Como you’re more apt to stroll through a villa. Como is dotted with grand villas and picturesque villages that capture the romance of Northern Italy. When you join our Lake Como, the Italian Riviera & Venice tour, you’ll visit Villa Carlotta, where you can wander through terraced gardens overlooking the lake. The Villa itself houses an impressive art museum, while the grounds unfurl over 17 acres. “Villa Carlotta was a very nice surprise for me,” said staffer Marissa. “I was shocked to see how many different flowers and plants grew in the park. The most interesting part was the bamboo grove, which was surrounded by a waterfall. After an hour of wandering and enjoying beautiful views of the lake, I got a lemon gelato from a cafe on the grounds and sat in the shade in one of the gardens.”

You might already want to visit Lake Garda vs. Lake Como if you’re looking for something a little more laid-back, but there’s also a casual adventurousness to the area. Today’s Hollywood royalty may frequent Como, but ancient royalty once lived at Lake Garda. When you join our Northern Italian Lakes & Alps tour, explore castles like Scaligero Castle in Sirmione. Or, use your free time to combine outdoor adventure with relaxation. Swim in crystal-clear waters and watch the windsurfers glide through the air (or take a spin yourself!). After you leave the region, we’ll whisk you away to the nearby Dolomites, one of the world’s top national parks, for more exhilarating moments and breathtaking mountaintop views.