I've been to Lake Como and we stayed in Varenna and took the ferry to Bellagio, Menaggio, etc and loved it. I'm looking for a similiar experience in either Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda. Surprisingly, Rick doesn't have a section on Lake Garda in his Italy 2011 book but there is a section on Lake Maggiore. I am looking for your opinions on which lake to visit for a few days. We enjoy walking around & taking pictures so I'm looking for whichever lake is more scenic. Since I really enjoyed Varenna & Lake Como, what are your suggestions? Also, how many days do you suggest for a visit of either lake? Thank you in advance for your responses.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Lake Como/Varenna will always be no. 1 to me. Lake maggiore and staying in Stresa is very nice but no match for Lake Como IMO. It is also a gd last stop bef flying out of Malpensa as they have a shuttle to airport during some seasons. No exp w. lake Garda yet. If you haven't been to Amalfi coast it tops Lake Como and staying in Sorrento. Very scenic everywhere!
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
If you go to Lago di Garda in July or August, you'd better brush up on your German...
Posted by
Napa, CA
3580 posts
I stayed in Stresa one year. On L. Maggiore you can take ferries to the various islands for the day. One island had a hotel and restaurant. If the weather is good, the day can be spectacular. I haven't been to L. Garda, but it may be more convenient if you are traveling Venice to Milan.
Posted by
OP
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
I will be traveling to the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites, Venice and the Cinque Terre and since I enjoyed Lake Como so much I figured I'd add either Lake Maggiore or Lake Garda to my itinerary for 2 days but I'm not sure which lake I'd enjoy the most. If I visit Lake Maggiore, would 2 full days be enough time there? Thanks again for all the replies.
Posted by
San Francisco, CA, USA
125 posts
We visited Lake Como and visited Varenna, Belliago and really enjoyed the area in July 2009. This June 2010 we started out by visiting Lake Maggiore and stayed in Stressa for 2 nights. Did not enjoy Lake Maggiore as much. 2 days should be plenty for the Stressa area.
Posted by
Lock Haven, PA
44 posts
Been to both. Lake Garda hands down. Go to the north end - Riva de Garda. GREAT with spectacular setting. Lake Garda not in Steves' book? Hooray! We only spotted (or heard) one American in two days. Thanks to our host the CT is overrun with Americans...and to quote Seifeld, "not that it is a bad thing". :)
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Sheron, I can't comment on Lake Garda, but a few good points to consider about Lago Maggiore and Stresa. There are some good sightseeing possibilities there, and three days would be a good time frame for that area. For example, you could spend one day touring Isola Bella, Isola Madre, etc.) and perhaps Mt. Mottarone; one day for a trip to Locarno (Switzerland) via the scenic Cento Valli Railway, returning to Stresa by boat (it's a nice trip, albeit a long day); the final day just exploring Stresa and the restaurants and shops. Happy travels!
Posted by
Mpls, MN
1003 posts
Have only been to Lake Garda and we loved it! Were there in early August 2007 and the weather was stunning! Some of the villages we enjoyed were Riva del Garda on the north end, Sirmione on the south and on the east side Torri del Benaco, LaZise, Bardolino and Garda. Have heard Malcesine is nice too. Rick S. has never included Lake Garda in his book but Lonely Planet does. There are many Germans who vacation here but that didn't bother us in the least. If you stay on the east side of the lake you can easily visit Verona and Padova if you wish. We really liked Verona. Padova is nice too with the Scrovegini Chapel (sp?)
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
My neighbor here in Dallas lives full-time in Italy. She always recommends Lake Garda. It is breathtakingly beautiful (according to her) and less developed, less touristy, and less crowded.