Choose Lake Como if…
- you want lots of private group options for friends to book together
- you love the setting: villas, gardens and ferries crossing between pastel villages
Choose Lake Garda if…
- you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat
- your date is outside peak summer: fewer activities here depend on the season
- you love the setting: italy's largest lake, with castle towns in the south, mountains in the north and vineyards on the shores
Side by side
| Lake Como | Lake Garda | |
|---|---|---|
| Best season | May to September | May to June, September |
| Getting there | Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Milan Linate (LIN), both about 1h15 by car to the central lake. | Verona (VRN) is 30 to 45 minutes from the south of the lake. Milan Bergamo (BGY) is about 1 hour, and Milan Malpensa (MXP) about 2 hours. |
| Car needed? | Not usually | Not usually |
| Activity prices | Mid-range | Mid-range |
| Group-friendly activities | 11 of 12 | 10 of 12 |
| Relaxed activities | 6 | 7 |
| Foodie activities | 4 | 5 |
| Adventure activities | 4 | 4 |
| Full-day trips | 2 | 2 |
| Seasonal activities | 3 | 0 |
| Budget eats on our list | 1 | 2 |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) | Euro (EUR) |
| Tipping | Not expected. Many restaurants add a small "coperto" cover charge per person. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10% for great service is appreciated. | Not expected. Many restaurants add a small "coperto" cover charge per person. Rounding up or leaving 5 to 10% for great service is appreciated. |
| Dinner time | Dinner usually starts between 8 and 9:30 pm. Many kitchens close between lunch and dinner. | Dinner usually starts between 8 and 9:30 pm. Many kitchens close between lunch and dinner. |
Top group activities in Lake Como
- Private speedboat tour: Bellagio, Varenna and Villa del Balbianello. See the famous villas from the water on a classic wooden boat. Fits small groups.
- Villa del Balbianello and Villa Carlotta gardens. Two of the lake's most beautiful gardens with a guide and ferry hops in between.
- Italian cooking class in a lakeside home. Make risotto and fresh pasta with a local cook, then eat on the terrace.
- Greenway del Lago guided hike. An easy walk through villages and olive groves above the western shore.
Top group activities in Lake Garda
- Boat tour around the Sirmione peninsula. See the castle, the Roman villa ruins and the hot springs from the water. Short and easy.
- Bardolino wine tasting at a family winery. Taste light reds and rosé among the vineyards on the eastern shore.
- Valpolicella and Amarone wine day. Visit two wineries in the hills above Verona, with an Amarone tasting and lunch.
- Verona day trip. The Roman arena, Juliet's balcony and the old town squares, 30 minutes from the lake.
Questions couples ask
Is Lake Como or Lake Garda better for a destination wedding?
Choose Lake Como if you want lots of private group options for friends to book together. Choose Lake Garda if you want plenty of casual, inexpensive places to eat.
When is the best time for a wedding in Lake Como and Lake Garda?
Lake Como: May to September. Lake Garda: May to June, September.
Which is easier for guests to reach, Lake Como or Lake Garda?
Lake Como: Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Milan Linate (LIN), both about 1h15 by car to the central lake. Lake Garda: Verona (VRN) is 30 to 45 minutes from the south of the lake. Milan Bergamo (BGY) is about 1 hour, and Milan Malpensa (MXP) about 2 hours.
Made your choice?
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