Experiences
Lake Como and Lake Garda: how to choose your lake, things to do and hotels
Villas with gardens running down to the water, boats between small towns and mountains plunging into the lake. How to choose between Lake Como and Lake Garda, and where to stay at both.
The boat pulls up at a narrow jetty, and a path climbs between camellias and cypresses to a yellow villa. Mountains rise above the lake, and on the far shore you can see the bell tower of Bellagio. It is quiet, apart from the idling engine.
Lake Como and Lake Garda are only a couple of hours apart in northern Italy, but they are quite different. Como is narrow and elegant, Garda is big and varied, with beaches, castles and theme parks. Here is what to do at each.
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Lake Como: villas, boats and Bellagio
Lake Como is shaped like an upside-down Y, and the best-known towns sit where the arms meet. Take the boat between Bellagio, Varenna and Tremezzo, and spend your days in gardens and villas.
Book the experience: See boat trips and activities on Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello
The villa sits at the tip of a peninsula near Lenno, with terraces and gardens running down to the water. You reach it by boat or on foot.
Villa Carlotta
In Tremezzo, Villa Carlotta is known for its large garden of azaleas and rhododendrons that bloom in spring.
Bellagio and Varenna
Bellagio sits on the point where the lake divides, with narrow stepped lanes and views in every direction. Varenna on the opposite shore is smaller and calmer, with a short promenade along the water.
Lake Garda: beaches, castles and mountains
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. In the south the land is flat and green, in the north the mountains drop straight into the water. That makes it versatile, with swimming, cycling, sailing and hiking.
Book the experience: See tours and activities on Lake Garda
Sirmione
Sirmione sits at the end of a narrow peninsula in the south, with a castle standing right in the water. At the tip you will find the ruins known as the Grottoes of Catullus.
Monte Baldo and Malcesine
From Malcesine the cable car takes you up Monte Baldo, with views over the whole lake. In summer there are good walking trails at the top.
Limone and the north
In the north the lake is ringed by mountains, and the wind makes it popular for sailing and windsurfing. Limone sul Garda has a cycle path that hangs out over the water.
Which lake should you choose?
Lake Como: for villas, gardens, boats and slow days. Ideal for couples.
Lake Garda: for variety, swimming, activities and families.
Both: they are a couple of hours apart and easy to combine with Milan or Verona.
Where to stay on Lake Como and Lake Garda
Stay in the middle of Lake Como for easy access to the boats. On Lake Garda the south-west shore has lovely hotels and easy access to Sirmione.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Grand Hotel Tremezzo is on the water in Tremezzo, looking across to Bellagio. It has a pool by the lake, and the boats leave from a jetty close by.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
In Bellagio.
Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Villa Serbelloni is in Bellagio, right where the lake divides. A classic grand hotel with gardens down to the water.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Hotel Villa Flori
On the water near Como.
Hotel Villa Flori
Villa Flori is on the water at the edge of Como town. Handy for trains from Milan, with a restaurant and a terrace facing the lake.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Villa Flori
Grand Hotel Fasano
On the water in Gardone Riviera.
Grand Hotel Fasano
Grand Hotel Fasano is on the lake in Gardone Riviera on the west shore of Lake Garda. A historic hotel with gardens and a jetty.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Fasano
Villa Cortine Palace
In parkland in Sirmione.
Villa Cortine Palace
Villa Cortine stands in large parkland on the Sirmione peninsula. The castle and old town are within walking distance, and the hotel has a spa.
Book your stay: See rooms at Villa Cortine Palace
When is the best time to go?
April and May: the gardens are in bloom and the boats have started their season.
June to August: hot and busy, with swimming and lively towns.
September and October: mild and calmer, good days for walking and wine.
Lake Como and Lake Garda FAQ
What is the difference between Lake Como and Lake Garda?
Lake Como is narrow and elegant, with villas and gardens. Lake Garda is larger and more varied, with beaches, activities and castles.
Where should I stay on Lake Como?
In the middle of the lake, in Bellagio, Tremezzo or Varenna, for easy access to the boats.
Where should I stay on Lake Garda?
Sirmione and the west shore are good choices. The northern end suits active holidays.
Can I combine the two lakes?
Yes, they are a couple of hours apart.
When is the best time to go?
From April to October. The gardens are at their best in spring.