Como, Garda or Amalfi?

All three are the Italy of postcards, and people ask which is better constantly. They are different trips: two alpine lakes near Milan and a sea coast five hours south. Here is the honest comparison.

Side by side

Lake Como or Lake Garda?

Lake Como is the more beautiful of the two for most people: narrow, deep, surrounded by mountains, and lined with 17th- to 19th-century villas and gardens. Lake Garda is bigger and more varied, with beaches, a flat and busy southern shore around Sirmione and Desenzano, windsurfing and theme parks, and alpine scenery at its northern end. For a day from Milan, Como is closer and simpler; for a family beach week, Garda wins.

Lake Como or the Amalfi Coast?

They are not really alternatives. Amalfi is a sea-and-cliffs trip in the south, best reached from Naples or Rome; Lake Como is an alpine lake an hour from Milan. If your trip is built around Milan, Venice or Switzerland, Como fits; if you are flying into Rome or Naples, Amalfi does. On a first trip to Italy, the lake is calmer, cheaper to reach and far easier to see in a day.

And the most beautiful place near Milan?

For most visitors, Lake Como, specifically the mid-lake view from Bellagio or Varenna. Close contenders are Lake Maggiore’s Borromean Islands and the upper town of Bergamo. To see Como in a day, start with the day trips from Milan or the train guide.