Can you get around the Italian Lakes without a car?
If you want to explore the lakes for a longer period of time without a car, a boat is the best way to get around, as there are no winding roads and no parking problems. The 3 big lakes offer crossings to reach the different coastal villages.
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The lakes feature colourful gardens, ancient hillside villas, harbours full of fishing boats and grand 19th century hotels all set against the backdrop of distant alpine peaks and azure blue water. Getting to the Italian Lakes by train is easy and the Alps offer fabulous scenery en route.
The Price of visiting Lake Como and Lake MaggioreThe Italian Lakes are definitely not a budget destination, however, there are ways to make a trip there more affordable. Due to the increased popularity, Lake Como is more expensive than Lake Maggiore in terms of accommodation and food.
It will be difficult to see everything: the Italian lakes region is rich and full of surprises! However, if you want to discover the must-see places of the 3 main lakes, we recommend you to leave for a minimum of 7 days, ideally 15 days.
Lake Garda is easier to get to from Venice and Verona; Lake Como is closer to Milan. Lake Garda is east of Lake Como, so it's easier to get to from Venice and Verona.
Lake Como is more touristy than Lake Maggiore and has a slightly more mature and advanced tourism infrastructure. Known for its silk all over the world, Lake Como counts some of the most well-known celebrities as the connoisseur of its beauty and silk.
Further north, one of the most beautiful areas to live on Lake Maggiore is the village of Cannero Riviera. The village is famous and appreciated for its particularly mild microclimate, which favours the flourishing of luxuriant Mediterranean scrub.
The lake is wonderful to swim in with crystal clear water and average water temperatures in the peak Summer months between 21 and 26 degrees. In most parts of the lake, the water slopes gently away from the shore, making it safe for even younger children.
As compared to Lake Como, Lake Garda is less refined, but in a mystifying and wild way that makes you feel like automatically relaxed amongst the hues of greens, blues and wooden accents. Even the towns and villages sprinkling the shoreline are far more subtle and more traditionally Italian than Lake Como.
Lake Orta is arguably one of the most heavenly spots in northern Italy. Set in peaceful surroundings in the foothills of the Alps, there's plenty to explore in the area, including its famous sister lakes – Como and Maggiore.
The easiest and most enjoyable way of getting around Lake Maggiore and visiting the most popular villages and towns is by taking one of the ferries that cross the lake. You needn't worry if you have a car since Lake Maggiore has vehicle ferries.