Lake Como or Lake Garda?

I'd pick the one that fits your travel itinerary.

Thanks, Sam. Either would work equally.

I would say Como. I like both but Como is more elegant and Italian (colorful villas, smaller - though not small, so it feels more intimate, and just stunning villages) where Garda is more alpine and German (jagged mountains, large lake, villages are also beautiful but more spread out bc the lake is bigger). Both beautiful but if you can only visit one, I'd pick Como.

Thanks, Jessica appreciate the input. Where have you stayed on Lake Como that you would recommend?

hey hey Bob
how many are "we?" what are your dates/how many nights? will you have a car or just public transportation, where are you coming from and heading to milan for a flight back to? if you are renting a car get your IDP (aaa.com/IDP) mandatory in italy
we stayed on lake garda in bardolino and loved it. we were there for their annual festa dell uva (wine festival) late sept/early oct few years back right on the lake. the lake is gorgeous with water views, mountain views, small villages all around the lake, boat/ferry rides up and down the lake. loved the lake, restaurants, cafes
lakegardatravel.net
earthtrekkers.com/ lake garda bucket list
gardavisit.it
lake como can get really crowded since it's all over instagram/social media. they stop for a photo shoot along with all the others holding blue & yellow tour guide books, like a zoo. have fun & enjoy
aloha

Thanks for the information. It's my wife and I and we will be there in mid-June. We will be taking public transportation. We already have a reservation for a place to stay in Varenna, but I was just wondering if Lake Garda may be an option instead.

If you have a reservation in Varenna, I would stick with it.

I'd stick with the Varenna reservation, too, but others considering a visit to these lakes shouldn't discount Lake Lugano. It's also gorgeous, and the town itself is very appealing.

Ive been to both and did not find Como to be more crowded (on Garda I stayed in Limone sur Garda, and did day trips to Malcesine and Riva del Garda). At Como I stayed in Varenna one trip and Bellagio on another. I agree that if you have reservations in Varenna, stick with that.

Thank you all for your thoughts,