Lake Como and Lake Maggiore are two of the most beautiful lakes in Europe, less than two hours apart, and both easy to reach from Milan. Travellers often ask us which one to choose. As a team based on Lake Como, we know both well, and the truth is that they offer quite different experiences.
Lake Como: dramatic, glamorous and iconic
Lake Como is famous for its steep mountains plunging into the water, its romantic villages and its legendary villas. Bellagio, Varenna and Menaggio form the heart of the lake, connected by boat, while villas such as Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta and Villa Monastero are among the most beautiful in Italy.
Lake Como is the more glamorous of the two, with iconic hotels, stylish restaurants and a lively atmosphere in summer. It is perfect for honeymooners, first-time visitors to the lakes and anyone who dreams of a private boat tour past grand villas.
Lake Maggiore: elegant, spacious and peaceful
Lake Maggiore is larger, wider and more open, with softer hills and a refined Belle Époque atmosphere. Its highlights are the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella with its baroque palace and terraced gardens, Isola Madre with its botanical gardens and the fishing village of Isola dei Pescatori.
Stresa, with its grand hotels and lakeside promenade, is the classic base, and the gardens of Villa Taranto are spectacular in spring. Lake Maggiore is generally quieter than Lake Como and often offers better value, making it ideal for travellers who prefer a calmer pace. Its northern tip is in Switzerland, a separate country, so Swiss towns such as Locarno and Ascona are easy to visit.
How they compare
- Scenery: Lake Como is more dramatic, with steep mountains; Lake Maggiore is wider and gentler.
- Highlights: Lake Como is famous for its villas; Lake Maggiore for its islands and gardens.
- Atmosphere: Lake Como is more glamorous and lively; Lake Maggiore is more relaxed and peaceful.
- Getting there: both are about an hour from Milan, with Lake Maggiore closer to Malpensa airport.
- Best for: Lake Como suits honeymoons and first visits; Lake Maggiore suits garden lovers and travellers seeking calm.
Why not visit both?
Because the lakes are so close, many of our clients combine them in one journey: three or four nights on Lake Como, then two or three on Lake Maggiore, with a visit to the little gem of Lake Orta on the way. With a private driver, the transfer is easy and part of the experience.
Discover more on our Lake Como and Lake Maggiore pages, or see how we combine the lakes in our sample journeys.
Planning a trip to the Italian lakes? Tell us about your journey for a free, tailor-made proposal, or book a free 30-minute call with our team.