When it comes to Italy’s stunning lakes, two stand out among the rest: Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. Both lakes are breathtakingly beautiful, but which one is the most picturesque? Let’s take a closer look at both of these stunning destinations to find out.
Lake Como
Lake Como is located in Northern Italy, close to the Swiss border. It is known for its picturesque beauty, luxurious villas, and vibrant nightlife. One of the main draws of Lake Como is Bellagio, a quaint town situated on the lake’s shoreline. Here you can wander through cobblestoned streets lined with colorful buildings, explore quaint cafes and restaurants, or take a leisurely boat ride around the lake.
The views here are simply spectacular – you can see snow-capped mountains in the distance, lush forests on either side of the lake, and glistening blue waters that stretch out into the horizon.
Lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore is another stunning Italian lake in northern Italy near Switzerland’s southern border. This lake is known for its Mediterranean climate and gorgeous scenery – from Alpine peaks to rolling hillsides and crystal clear waters. Visitors flock to this area for its sunny beaches, lush parks, and charming villages scattered along its shores. In particular, Stresa is a popular destination situated directly on Lake Maggiore’s banks; here, you can explore historic sites or take a boat trip to Isola Bella – an island home to an impressive palace surrounded by well-manicured gardens.
Where are Lake Como and Lake Maggiore Located?
Lake Como is located in Lombardy, a region in northern Italy on the border with Switzerland. It is one of the deepest and most famous Italian lakes, with a maximum depth of 1,400 feet (427 meters). The lake has an irregular shape, with many bays and promontories that make it especially attractive.
It is also known for its mild climate and lush vegetation, which makes it a great place to visit any time of year.
Lake Maggiore is located in Piedmont and Lombardy, just south of Lake Como. It is much larger than its neighbor, covering an area of 212 square miles (550 km2). This lake has more islands than any other Italian lake – more than 40! – making it an incredibly scenic destination.
Surrounded by mountains on all sides, it has remarkably mild temperatures due to its sheltered location. In fact, some Mediterranean plants grow around its shores!
Is Lake Como near Lake Maggiore?
Lake Como is approximately a 1-hour 30-minute drive from Lake Maggiore. The two lakes are close geographically but not adjacent to one another; they are separated by about 70 Kms of landmass, including valleys, mountains, forests, rivers, towns, etc. If you want to visit both lakes on your trip to Italy, you might need to plan an itinerary that includes enough time for travel between them or consider other modes of transportation, such as taking a train or renting a car for your journey.
Popularity of the Lakes
Ultimately it depends on what type of experience you’re looking for; both lakes offer something special that can’t be found anywhere else in Europe. If you’re looking for luxury resorts and world-class scenery, head south towards Lake Como; if you’d prefer something more laid back, then make your way north towards Lake Maggiore.
Whichever lake you choose, you'll find yourself among breathtaking natural beauty that will stay with you long after your trip ends!
Cost of visiting both the lake
Transportation Expenses
When traveling around either lake, your best bet is public transportation. Both have well-deve
loped public transport networks that make getting around easy and budget-friendly. Bus tickets start at €1 for a single ticket on a local bus and €4 for a regional train ticket. If you plan to use public transportation often during your stay, consider buying an electronic travel card or regional pass, as they offer discounts on fares up to 60%.
Additionally, if you want to explore more than one lake while in Italy, both lakes are connected by ferry service with fares starting at €5 per person for a single trip.
Accommodation Costs
Both lakes offer accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxurious villas with breathtaking views of the lake shores. Prices vary greatly depending on location and time of year; however, one night in a hotel near either lake can cost anywhere from €50-€200 per night if booked far enough in advance.
Additionally, if you want to explore more than one lake while in Italy, both lakes are connected by ferry service with fares starting at €5 per person for a single trip.
Accommodation Costs
Both lakes offer accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxurious villas with breathtaking views of the lake shores. Prices vary greatly depending on location and time of year; however, one night in a hotel near either lake can cost anywhere from €50-€200 per night if booked far enough in advance.
For those looking for something more unique (and costly), plenty of villa rentals are available as well, with prices ranging from €500-2000 per night depending on size and amenities offered.
Things to do in Lake Como
Explore Bellagio’s Historic Sites
No trip to Lake Como would be complete without visiting Bellagio, a stunning lakeside town that has been enchanting visitors since the 12th century. Make sure to check out some of the area’s historic sites, such as Villa Melzi, a 19th-century villa constructed in neoclassical style; Villa Serbelloni, an elegant estate with beautiful gardens; and Palazzo del Podesta, a 14th-century palace once used by the Podesta of Como.
Visit Varenna, Natural Wonders
Varenna is another beautiful town located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. Nature lovers will want to explore some of Varenna’s spectacular natural wonders, such as Orrido di Sogna Waterfall and Castello di Vezio. The latter is particularly impressive—it was built in the 12th century and sat atop a cliff overlooking the lake below.
Not to be missed is Punta Balbianello, a gorgeous peninsula just off the coast of Varenna that Napoleon Bonaparte once frequented. The peninsula boasts several hiking trails that offer unparalleled views of Lake Como and its surrounding mountains.
Take Part in Local Activities
If you’re looking for more active pursuits while visiting Lake Como, there are plenty of options to choose from! Take part in water sports like sailing and kayaking or go mountain biking through one of many trails in the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, try paragliding over Lake Como—it offers an unforgettable experience! Alternatively, enjoy some of Lake Como’s renowned golf courses and enjoy a relaxing round with friends or family.
Things to do in Lake Maggiore
Visit the Borromean Islands
The Borromean Islands are one of the most popular attractions at Lake Maggiore. This group of three islands are connected by bridges and offer breathtaking views and plenty of photo opportunities. Here, you can explore Isola Bella—a private island owned by the Borromeo family since 1632—home to several palaces and renowned for its terraced gardens. The two other islands, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori (Fisherman’s Island), also offer their own unique experiences.
Explore the Villages Around the Lake
Lake Maggiore is surrounded by many charming villages that offer a glimpse into local life here in Italy. One such village is Stresa — a bustling town filled with colorful buildings, cultural attractions, boat tours, and more. Other notable villages include Baveno and Cannobio, which boast cobblestone streets and small piazzas lined with restaurants serving delicious Italian cuisine.
Enjoy Nightlife Around the Lake
When it comes to nightlife around Lake Maggiore there’s no shortage of options available! Verbania — located on the western shore — is known for its lively bars and clubs, while Arona — situated on the southern shore — features a number of great pubs, live music venues, and late-night eateries that stay open until 2 am or later! For those looking for something more laid back, there are plenty of spots offering cocktails or wine tastings as well.
Conclusion
When it comes down to choosing between Lakes Como and Maggiore for your next vacation – it really depends on what you’re looking for! Both lakes offer breathtaking scenery and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities; however Lake Como has more cultural attractions while Lake Maggiore has more unique experiences like visiting Borromean Islands or exploring Sacro Monte di Orta pilgrimage site. Ultimately the choice depends on your preferences so plan ahead carefully before making your decision!
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We don't check credit scores so this payment Book Now, Pay Later method is available to everyone. You can book now and pay later in installments. There is no credit check with this fantastic pay later option.
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