Over a decade ago we took a Rick Steves tour that included a short stay in Varenna on Lake Como. We are starting to plan another trip that will focus on the lakes and the Dolomites. We loved staying in Varenna and strolling along the waterfront of Lake Como as well as taking a ferry to other parts of the lake but are wondering if we should try something different. We've heard a lot about Lake Garda. Has anyone been to both and can compare the two? Or if you've only been to Lake Garda, what does it have to offer for someone staying 4 or 5 days? What small town or area of the lake would you recommend staying in?
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
If you go to the Dolomites then Lake Garda is perfect because it's right there about one hour drive from the Dolomites.
I recommend the towns on the north side of the lake such as: Malcesine, Limone, Torbole, Riva, etc. The northern side is more mountainous so it is a more dramatic landscape than the flatter south.
There is a lot to see and do, and in fact it is the most popular lake with European tourists. I recommend you rent a car, not so much for the lake (although there is stuff to see near the lake that requires a car), but to see the Dolomites.
Some ideas below:
https://www.visitgarda.com/en/garda_lake/
https://lagodigardaveneto.com/?lang=en
https://gardalombardia.com/en
https://www.gardatrentino.it/en
Posted by
OP
186 posts
Thanks for the suggestions, Roberto. We plan on staying at a different location for seeing the Dolomites --- possibly Bolzano or Castelrotto. After spending several days there we would come to one of the lakes. So it's not a big factor how close they are to the Dolomites. We just want to find a place that has enough to offer for a 5 day stay. We are in our 70's and not into mountain climbing or extreme hiking. Also not golfers. We do like leasurely hikes and exploring cute shops. Also always enjoy short guided tours of the area (historical, cultural, food tours, etc.) Where would be the best places to stay for our interests?
Posted by
11606 posts
We stayed in Saló on the SW coast and Malcesine on the NE coast . Saló was nicer, more upscale but Malcesine had better views of the mountains. We liked Lake Garda but love Lake Como! We also like Lake Maggiore. The Dolomites are breathtaking! Enjoy.
Posted by
San Diego, California
5648 posts
I love Lake Como!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17560 posts
We have been to both lakes, staying in Varenna on Lake Como (twice) and Malcescine on Lago di Garda ( once, and would love to go back). We much prefer Garda and specifically Malcescine. We ran out of things to do in Varenna after 2 nights there. Plus the water was not clean enough for swimming—-too many ducks fouling the water.
Malcescine is a nice little town with a ruined castle, a nice historic center, a cablecar ride up Monte BLdo, good ferry connections and more. Plus some nice beaches. Try to get Hotel Castello, which has its own beach right below the castle.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11798 posts
Having been to both and as a regular visitor to the Val Gardena, my thoughts run to Lake Como for ease of access via public transportation. We so enjoyed our time there with leisurely walks/light hikes. We found Garda frustrating as we had to have a car and so did everyone else visiting Malcesine! There was a lot of traffic!
Depending on what you want to see and do, and how long you have, the area of the Do,o it’s yo7 are heading to does not require a car, IMO. Once you make your way to Bolzano by train, buses take you to Castelrotto or or to the Val Gardena (better location!). Ortisei, my favorite, is only a bit over an hour by bus, less with a taxi. A taxi will cost about €90 and take you Station-to-door, which we like these days. We have never rented a car here and have no regrets. So much less stressful and kind to the environment to use the excellent systems they have in place.
Ortisei is a great base for many easy hikes. A bus pass is included with your lodging for use up and down the valley and back to Bolzano. Lots of cute shops and good restaurants.
When is your trip?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
Of the two you listed, my choice would definitely be Lake Como. You could also have a look at Lake Maggiore, as it's also very beautiful. If you stay in Stresa, you could take a day trip to Locarnno CH, travelling there via the scenic Cento Valli railway and returning by boat in the evening.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17560 posts
A car is not essential at Malcescine. Many hotels will provide a shuttle from Verona or Rovereto train station (extra fee, but not too high). We had that service booked through Hotel Venezia for our trip last September. In the end, we had to cancel the Garda part of our trip due to flight cancellation by British Airways, so we did not actually stay this time, but we were satisfied we would have plenty to do there without a car.
On our previous visit to Malcescine, our rental car stayed parked the whole time we were there. We only used it to get there from Venice and back to Venice.