Italy's two most celebrated lakes, Como and Garda, have been drawing travellers since the Roman era, and by the 19th century organised tourism had become a thriving industry along both shores. Today, they remain perennial favourites: in 2024, Lake Como registered 4.3 million tourist overnight stays, while Lake Garda's Veneto shore alone recorded 14.7 million. But which one should you choose for your next Italian escape?
Lake Como: The epitome of Italian glamour
Lake Como, nestled in the northwestern corner of Lombardy, is synonymous with high-end luxury. Its shores are dotted with aristocratic villas, picturesque villages, and the jagged peaks of the Prealps rise dramatically from the inverted Y-shaped waters. This is where celebrities retreat, where films like Casino Royale and Star Wars: Episode II were shot, and where the world's best hotel, Passalacqua, welcomed guests in 2023.
For those seeking five-star indulgence, Como delivers. The Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, dating from the 1850s, and the Art Nouveau Grand Hotel Tremezzo are grand dames of the lake. Newer additions like The Lake Como EDITION and Mama Shelter Lake Como have opened this year, expanding the already impressive portfolio of upscale accommodation.
Food lovers will find a constellation of Michelin-starred restaurants. Al Lago, inside the Patricia Urquiola-designed Il Sereno, offers refined Italian cuisine. Kitchen, with its biodynamic garden, serves a tasting menu that celebrates local ingredients. Materia fuses Italian and Asian flavours with bold creativity.
Beyond the luxury, Como has a more accessible side. Bellagio, the pearl of the lake, is a hub of high-end boutiques and elegant lakeside cafés perfect for an aperitivo. Varenna, quieter and more intimate, charms with its steep stepped lanes and a romantic promenade. Horticulture enthusiasts should not miss Villa Carlotta's blooming botanical gardens or the landscaped estate of Villa del Balbianello, perched on a promontory near Lenno.
Budget-conscious travellers can still enjoy Como. Guesthouses and agriturismi set back from the shore offer more affordable rates. Instead of pricey private boat trips, hop on the scenic public ferry that chugs between towns. And you don't need a fancy hotel for lake access – there are plenty of free municipal beaches.
Lake Garda: Active, affordable, and diverse
While Como may be the poster child for glamour, Lake Garda offers far more variety for those watching their wallet. Stretching across Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige, Garda is Italy's largest lake. Campsites abound with pools, children's entertainment, beaches, and bike rentals. Hostels, B&Bs, and hotels can be found for as little as €70 a night.
But Garda is not just about budget. It has a growing number of hideaway resorts focused on wellness and tranquillity. Lefay Resort & SPA has won multiple awards, including for sustainability, with eco-friendly suites, seven saunas, 21 treatment rooms, and a 27-acre park. Cape of Senses, an adult-only retreat hidden in the hillside on the eastern shore, boasts a 2,000m² wellness centre with saunas, an infinity pool, a spa library, and a tea corner.
Garda is a magnet for active travellers. Torbole and Riva del Garda are hotspots for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with dozens of sailing schools and rental centres. Paragliding off Monte Baldo offers breathtaking views, while hiking, mountain biking, and canyoning in the surrounding peaks and valleys keep adrenaline seekers busy.
So, which lake is right for you? If you dream of sipping prosecco on a terrace overlooking a villa-dotted shoreline and don't mind the price tag, Lake Como will not disappoint. If you prefer a more active, family-friendly holiday with a wider range of accommodation options, Lake Garda is your best bet. Both lakes offer unforgettable Italian scenery, rich history, and the timeless allure that has captivated visitors for centuries.
For more Italian travel inspiration, check out Sardinia's top beach rankings or plan a journey along the new 3,500km wolf trail that links Poland to Italy.
