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).

Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy, covering a surface area of approximately 370 square kilometers (143 sq miles). It is significantly larger than Lake Maggiore, which is the second-largest Italian lake with a surface area of about 212 square kilometers (82 sq miles). While Lake Garda is the "heavyweight" in terms of size and tourist volume (famous for its southern amusement parks like Gardaland), Lake Maggiore is often considered more "elegant" and is known for its beautiful Borromean Islands and luxury period villas. In 2026, travelers choosing between the two often find that Lake Garda offers more variety for families and active water sports, whereas Lake Maggiore provides a quieter, more sophisticated atmosphere perfect for garden lovers and hikers. Geographically, Lake Garda is located between Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino, while Lake Maggiore straddles the border between Italy and Switzerland, adding a unique international flair to its northern shores.