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.
People Also Ask
As you can see, this Lake Como itinerary is quite busy if you only stay there for 48 hours but it is possible. You could spend more time in the area and do these things in 3 or 4 days – but again, 2 days are enough to see the above-mentioned places.
If you love exploring small towns and villages and are willing to spend a bit more for that high-end, luxury experience, Lake Como is the best destination for you. However, if you're looking to enjoy a magical holiday with your children and grandchildren, Lake Garda is the right choice for your family.
If Lake Como is for relaxation plus some adventure, then the Amalfi Coast area is the opposite — plenty of adventure with the options of enjoying a beach day, should you chose.
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.
Which Italian Lake is Best to Visit? Let's be honest, the Italian Lakes are as scenic as they are idyllic. Crystal clear water flanked by mountains and vineyards, mild climates, pretty towns, great food and fantastic shopping… these lakes have got a lot to showcase.
It does not have to be expensive, but can be if you want it to be expensive. Typically I pay abot €11 for lunch in a bar and about €15 for dinner in a trattoria for dinner in the evening (both including wine). Restaurants will be more expensive.
Getting around the Great Lakes without a carWith the train, you can easily reach Stresa, Como, Lecco or Peschiera del Garda. 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.
Lake Garda and Lake Como – two supremely beautiful locations, flanked by gloriously ornate homes and hotels. Check in to one of these, and you'll be living the Italian highlife in no time.
Both are wonderful places to stop and spend time and are beautiful. The hiking in Cinque Terre is amazing but it will likely have larger crowds. Lake Como will be probably be more peaceful and relaxing.
Big is beautiful when it comes to the Italian Lakes. But small is perhaps even more beautiful, and certainly more intimate and less visited. So forgo the major lakes – the famous trio of Como, Maggiore and Garda – and consider instead the largely unsung quartet of Idro, Iseo, Varese and Orta.
Lake Lugano lies across the Italian-Swiss border, where lakeside villages back onto the surrounding mountains, including the World Heritage Site, Monte San Giorgio.
At a magnificent 370 square kilometers (143 square miles), it is more than 75% larger than Lago Maggiore (also known as Verbano, at 212 square kilometers / 82 square miles), and more than twice the size of Lago di Como (also known as Lario, at 145 square kilometers / 56 square miles).
The group is composed of (from west to east): Lake Orta, Lake Maggiore, Lake Varese, Lake Lugano, Lake Como, Lake Iseo, Lake Idro and Lake Garda. The three largest are all well over 100 km2, they are: Lake Garda (largest in Italy), Lake Maggiore (largest in southern Switzerland) and Lake Como.