One is Italy’s largest lake, the other is George Clooney’s favorite—here’s how to choose between the two.
As much as we wish we could have all the vacation time in the world to visit every destination on our travel list, the fact is that sometimes we have to choose between two fantastic places. Sometimes that choice is made for us based on individual budget, weather, or the time of year we’re planning to travel. Other times, that choice falls squarely on our shoulders, leaving us to research each destination and weigh the pros and cons of visiting two otherwise fabulous locales.
Italy’s Lago di Garda and Lake Como are two such destinations that are well worth a trans-Atlantic flight and a visit of their own. Roughly two to three hours apart by car, Lago di Garda’s closest airport is Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport (VRN), while Lake Como’s is Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP). Not only are the two destinations somewhat close, but they share similar seasons, with the best time to visit Lake Como being April to June and September to October, and the best time to visit Lago di Garda being April to May and September to October.
Sure, you could visit both destinations in one go (and if you have the time, you absolutely should), but if you only have a week in Italy, for many it comes down to a choice: will you fly into Verona and spend a few days in the fabled town of Romeo and Juliet, followed by a few nights on Lago di Garda? Or, will you fly into Milan, walk in the footsteps of the late Armani, sip aperol spritzes in front of the Duomo, then make your way for a night or two on Lake Como?
Both trips are wonderful in their own right, although they offer different experiences entirely: one is rooted in history, wellness, small towns, and laid-back vibes, the other is a parade of pure indulgence, from the fashion houses of Milan to the 5-star hotels of Lake Como.
If your budget and time don’t allow for the ultimate Italy trip to both locations, it comes down to a choice: Lago di Garda vs. Lake Como, and here’s how you choose.