Italian Lakes vs Amalfi Coast: which destination should you choose?

Two jewels of the Belpaese that capture every traveler's heart: on one side, the crystalline serenity of the Italian lakes in the northern regions, with their aristocratic villas and gentle sloping views; on the other, the energy of the Amalfi coast with its villages perched on the sea.

Both are iconic destinations among Italy's favorite Italian travel destinations, but different atmospheres offer different experiences.

Shall we start the challenge "Italian lakes vs Amalfi coast"?

Let's be honest right from the start: both destinations offer breathtaking scenery, so choosing between northern Italy's lakes and southern Italy's Amalfi Coast isn't about deciding which Italian destination is better, it's about embracing two completely different travel philosophies.

Think of it as having a helicopter view as we take you to Northern Italy's famous lakes (Como, Maggiore, and Garda) where time moves at a leisurely pace as you explore historic villas, stroll through botanical gardens, and wander the charming streets of lakeside villages.

Then we'll whisk you away to the Amalfi Coast to discover Amalfi, Positano, and Ravello, along with the thrilling experience of driving along the stunning SS163, one of the world's most spectacular scenic routes.

Let's explore together what makes each destination special, the must-see spots you can't miss, and finally, the strengths and things to consider for both of these incredible Italian travel destinations.

The three great lakes of northern Italy represent some of our country's most refined and romantic destinations:

Lake Como, with its inverted "Y" shape, is famous worldwide for the splendid villas overlooking its shores, aristocratic residences you can visit, immersing yourself in terraced gardens rich with azaleas, rhododendrons, and exotic plants

Lake Maggiore is characterized by the presence of the Borromean Islands: Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori, vacation spots for Lombard noble families, like the Borromeo family, who came here to spend their holidays and build sumptuous residences

Lake Garda, the largest of the three, offers 370 square kilometers of diversified landscapes: not only a destination for splendid cities like Peschiera del Garda, Sirmione, Riva del Garda, and Limone sul Garda, but also enchanting viewpoints and trekking paths

Italian lakes offer extraordinary artistic and naturalistic heritage. Lists are convenient to consult, so here's a brief checklist of what you cannot miss, but be careful, there's so much more!

On Lake Como:

- Villa del Balbianello in Lenno, famous for its terraced gardens and the Loggia supported by arches and columns covered with climbing fig that offers a dual view of the lake

- Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, famous for its museum and botanical garden with over 150 varieties of azaleas and rhododendrons

- Bellagio, nicknamed the "pearl of the lake," where you can stroll through medieval alleys and visit Villa Melzi with its gardens

On Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands are an absolute must:

- Isola Bella will amaze you with the Borromeo family's baroque palace and terraced gardens where free-roaming white peacocks create a fairytale atmosphere

- Isola Madre hosts one of Italy's oldest botanical gardens with rare plants and giant bamboo collections

- The village of Isola dei Pescatori: a small village with truly unique charm, featuring ancient multi story houses with long balconies used for drying fish

Lake Garda offers more varied and diverse experiences:

- In Sirmione, explore the 13th century Scaliger castle and the Grotte di Catullo, an ancient Roman villa

- Malcesine enchants with its medieval castle and the Monte Baldo cable car

- Gardone Riviera hosts the "Vittoriale degli Italiani", a monument commissioned by Gabriele d'Annunzio in memory of Italian soldiers and his final resting place

- Limone sul Garda, a true jewel box on the lake

The Amalfi coast is synonymous with overwhelming beauty and authentic Mediterranean life. This coastal strip welcomes you with vertical villages that seem to defy gravity:

- Positano with pastel colored houses sliding toward the sea

- Amalfi and the long staircase leading to the Cathedral

- Ravello perched on the Lattari Mountains with ancient villas and gardens suspended between sky and sea

Each village has its personality: you can sip limoncello on Ravello's panoramic terraces, shop in Positano's (expensive) boutiques, or explore the Path of the Gods that connects the various towns through ancient mountain paths.

There's a common thread that distinguishes and characterizes this Italian travel destination: the coastal road SS163, one of the world's most spectacular, with curves revealing truly breathtaking views.

The Amalfi coast is a succession of small villages clinging to rocks that appear as you travel the SS163, and these "apparitions" from the road alone are worth the journey.

If you decide to visit this narrow and winding tongue of land overlooking the Tyrrhenian sea, you cannot miss a visit to the most iconic, "Instagrammable," and popular villages of the coast. Here's what you absolutely must see.

In Positano, after the classic walk among exclusive boutiques and bars perched over the sea, stop at the Church of Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica dome, then dive into the blue waters of Marina Grande and Fornillo.

In Amalfi, the Cathedral of Sant'Andrea awaits you with its Arab-Norman facade and golden mosaics, the Paradise Cloister with its interlaced arches, and the naval shipyard of the ancient Maritime Republic, where ships were built and repaired. The Amalfi Arsenal preserves its original structure dating back to the early Middle Ages.

In Ravello, the "city of music," don't miss:

- Villa Rufolo and its gardens that inspired Wagner for Parsifal

- Villa Cimbrone with the famous Terrace of Infinity, considered one of the world's most beautiful views

- the 11th-century Cathedral housing the remarkable marble pulpit

And then there's Cetara, a tiny fishing village famous for anchovies, Furore with its hidden fjord, and Conca dei Marini with the Emerald Grotto.

Tranquility and aristocratic charm

If you're looking for a vacation focused on tranquility and wellness, Italian lakes are the ideal choice. Here you can enjoy walks along lakeside promenades, boat trips between historic villages, and visits to centuries-old botanical gardens. The atmosphere is that of an aristocratic open air salon.

Activities are designed for those who love contact with nature without giving up comfort: you can practice trekking on panoramic trails surrounding the lakes, do water sports in crystalline waters, or simply relax in luxury spas that exploit the beneficial properties of local thermal waters.

Adrenaline and dynamic experience

The Amalfi coast is the right destination if you love adventure and breathtaking landscapes. Here you can explore marine caves like the Emerald Grotto, hike mountain trails with sea views, or participate in traditional cooking courses to learn how to prepare gnocchi alla sorrentina or lemon delight.

The life is vibrant and you'll never be alone: from traditional taverns where you can taste fresh fish and buffalo mozzarella, to chic venues with panoramic terraces where you can sip cocktails at sunset. Music, colors, and Mediterranean scents will accompany you at every moment of the day. Silence? In August, nowhere to be found.

Children or teenagers in tow? 

For families with children, Italian lakes generally represent the more family-friendly choice.

The lakes have swimming areas and well equipped beaches, while numerous parks and gardens offer green spaces for safe play.

Boat trips or visits to historic villas are easily accessible even with strollers. Near Lake Garda, there's also the famous amusement park that takes its name from the lake: Gardaland, a beloved destination for children and adults alike.

The Amalfi coast, while extraordinarily beautiful, presents some more challenging characteristics for families with small children: narrow and winding roads can cause problems for those suffering from motion sickness, while beach access often requires long staircases.

However, it can be an unforgettable experience for families with teenage children who appreciate spectacular landscapes (and related selfies), sea diving, evening and nightlife, and the possibility of meeting many peers from other nationalities.

When is the best time to visit? 

Italian lakes offer their best face during late spring (May-June), when the climate is mild and gardens are in bloom. Summer can be very crowded, especially on weekends, while winter has its own particular charm.

The Amalfi coast experiences its moment of maximum splendor from May to September, with July and August representing the tourist peak. Spring and autumn are ideal for those who prefer milder temperatures and less crowding, while maintaining the possibility of swimming.

August is very crowded with tourists and makes it more difficult to enjoy the enchantment of these places. Winter can be suggestive but many hotels and restaurants might be closed.

Lombard lakes are easily accessible:

- by car

- by train from Milan, Bergamo, Brescia, and Varese

- by plane with the nearest airports of Malpensa and Linate, then rent a car or use public transport to reach your chosen city

The Amalfi Coast is easily accessible:

- by car from Rome, Naples, and Salerno

- by plane with Rome Fiumicino and Naples Capodichino airports, then car rental.

From Naples and Sorrento there are also Sita buses and, in summer, ferries and hydrofoils.

Positano is the first Amalfi coast town you encounter coming from the north.

There is no right answer to the question "Italian lakes vs Amalfi coast?" - there is only the destination most suited to your current desires and your travel group composition.

If you dream of quiet days among historic villas and Alpine panoramas, if you love the peace of botanical gardens and the discreet charm of Lombard aristocracy, the lakes await you with their timeless elegance.

If instead your heart beats for the vivid colors of the Mediterranean, if you love the energy of panoramic roads and the taste of southern tradition, the Amalfi coast will conquer you with its beauty and "joie de vivre."

Italy has this extraordinary gift: offering you completely different experiences just a few hundred kilometers apart. Lakes or coast, north or south, tranquility or adventure - whatever your choice, Visit Italy awaits you.