A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Piazza Armerina vs. Lake Garda for Families, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Piazza Armerina and Lake Garda. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a historic, charming, and authentic town. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a scenic, playful, and fun lake. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Piazza Armerina and Lake Garda: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lake Garda than Piazza Armerina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lake Garda is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Piazza Armerina is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Lake Garda is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is popular for its beautiful setting, charming towns, and fun amusement parks. Also, Lake Garda is famous for Sirmione. Piazza Armerina is well known for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Lake Garda?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Lake Garda and Piazza Armerina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Piazza Armerina is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Lake Garda is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Piazza Armerina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lake Garda. While most people come for the natural beauty, there are also great castles that you can explore. Castello Scaligeri, Grotte di Catullo, and Castello Scaligero.


Is the Food Better in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Lake Garda. You'll find many great local restaurants in the area. Most make use of local ingredients such as olive oil, lemons, wine, and fish. Pasta and risotto are both popular throughout the area as well.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda Better for Nightlife?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is notable for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Lake Garda has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find clubs and bars in various towns that make for a great nightlife scene. You'll even find beach parties and fireworks shows during the most popular times of the year.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda Better for Beaches?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is notable for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Lake Garda for it's beautiful beaches. Despite there being no ocean, there are many great swimming beaches in the area. Many have sand and great places to relax. There's also plenty of watersports to choose from.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.


Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Piazza Armerina is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Lake Garda does not have a historic old town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda Better for Hiking?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Lake Garda is a popular spot for hiking. There are many great walking and hiking trails in the area that take you through the natural beauty, connect the charming towns, and offer spectacular viewpoints.

Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lake Garda offers some nice shopping areas. Many villages around the lake are great for shopping. You'll find clothing stores, jewelry shops, and souvenir vendors with something for everyone.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda Better for Families?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lake Garda is very family-friendly. The nearby amusement parks, including Gardaland, make this a popular destination for families. The area also has many places to swim, trails to explore, and castles to experience. Kids and adults alike will love this amazing kid-friendly area.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Lake Garda is a very popular place to visit for couples. You'll find a lot of families in the area because of the amusement parks, but that doesn't mean that this isn't a romantic and beautiful spot for couples. There are many charming towns to explore and scenic viewpoints to check out. There are also excellent romantic restaurants that you should try.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is a good destination for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lake Garda. There are a few good hostels around the lake that are affordable and fun. The area also see enough backpackers to keep the atmosphere fun and social.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.


Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Lake Garda is notable for its public transit. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Lake Garda has some very good public transit options. There are ferries, buses, and trains in the area.

Piazza Armerina has some public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Is Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina
Lake Garda

Piazza Armerina and Lake Garda both are superb when exploring on foot.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable town. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

Lake Garda is a very walkable destination. There are walking trails that connect the villages around the lake and this how many people choose to get around.

For even more information, also check out Is Piazza Armerina Worth Visiting? and Is Lake Garda Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Lake Garda or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

It's fun to spend time in either Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lake Garda due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Piazza Armerina, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lake Garda.

Families should spend more time in Lake Garda than Piazza Armerina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lake Garda, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lake Garda than Piazza Armerina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lake Garda that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lake Garda than Piazza Armerina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Lake Garda.


  • How many days in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda? Ideal Length of Stay
    Piazza Armerina 1-2 
    Lake Garda 2-4

One day in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

With museums and food around the historic town of Piazza Armerina, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Piazza Armerina, one day is sufficent for most.

The scenic destination of Lake Garda offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

With food and museums around the destination of Piazza Armerina, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

The lake of Lake Garda offers food and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

Piazza Armerina, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lake Garda is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This lake offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

Piazza Armerina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Lake Garda. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Lake Garda or Piazza Armerina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Piazza Armerina is €93, while the average daily cost in Lake Garda is €166. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Piazza Armerina and Lake Garda in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piazza Armerina 56
    Lake Garda 84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piazza Armerina 112
    Lake Garda 168
Compare Hotels in Piazza Armerina and Lake Garda

Looking for a hotel in Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Piazza Armerina


Hotels in Lake Garda


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Lake Garda 66

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lake Garda

Also for Lake Garda, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Verona VRN Airport to Lake Garda: $109
  • Verona Opera Arena: Transfer from Lake Garda & Opera Ticket: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

Prices for flights to both Lake Garda and Piazza Armerina change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Piazza Armerina 33
    Lake Garda 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Fresh Pasta and Tiramisù Private Cooking Class with Meal : $65
  • Valpolicella Wine and Food Tour: $75
  • Cusina - Cooking Class: Fresh Pasta with wine tasting: $86
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Cecina with Show Cooking: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Lake Garda 30

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241
  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225

Tours and Activities in Lake Garda

For Lake Garda, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Gardaland SEA LIFE Aquarium: Open Date Entry Ticket: $9.62
  • Lake Garda Mini Cruise: Sirmione Peninsula: $13
  • Hotel Villa Cariola Pool Entry Ticket: $20
  • From San Felice del Benaco: Islands Boat Tour: $27
  • Sunset Tour in Sirmione : $27
  • Tour in the Winery and tasting: $32
  • Bardolino: Vineyard Tour with Wine, Olive Oil & Food Tasting: $37
  • Lazise: Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience: $42
  • Beekeeping Farm Tour and Tasting Experience in Lazise: $43
  • Winery Tour and Tasting of Garda Wines in Lazise: $44
  • Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione from Garda/Bardolino: $48
  • From Garda/Bardolino: 4-hour Guided Boat Cruise to Sirmione: $49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piazza Armerina 13
    Lake Garda 19

Sample the Local Flavors in Lake Garda

Also in Lake Garda, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Bardolino: Wine tasting at Cantina Valetti: $26
  • Wine Tasting and Tour of Lugana Wines in Sirmione: $32
  • Wine Tasting with Local Food in Lazise Countryside: $32
  • Vineyards Tour and Wine Tasting: $42
  • Garda Hills Wine Tour and Tasting: $42
  • Wine Tasting in Historical Center of Lazise: $44
  • Art Experience with Food and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $55
  • E-Bike Tour and wine tasting in Lazise Countryside: $87
  • E-Bike Tour and Wine Tasting in Lazise: $87
  • Lazise: Bike Tour and Wine Tasting: $90
  • Castles boat tour with Bardolino wine tasting and nibbles: $98


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Piazza Armerina and Lake Garda, we can see that Lake Garda is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Lake Garda would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lake Garda than you might in Piazza Armerina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Piazza Armerina Expensive? and Is Lake Garda Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda in the Summer?

Both Lake Garda and Piazza Armerina during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Piazza Armerina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lake Garda for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Piazza Armerina is around the same temperature as Lake Garda in the summer. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 26°C (79°F) in July, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Lake Garda, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. In the summer, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 286 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in July than Lake Garda. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F) 
    Lake Garda 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Lake Garda. Also, many visitors come to Lake Garda in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Lake Garda. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Piazza Armerina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Lake Garda averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Piazza Armerina usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during autumn. Piazza Armerina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F) 
    Lake Garda 14°C (57°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Lake Garda. Many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lake Garda for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Lake Garda can be very cold during winter. In January, Piazza Armerina is generally much warmer than Lake Garda. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 10°C (51°F), and Lake Garda fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Piazza Armerina often gets more sunshine than Lake Garda. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lake Garda receives 98 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Lake Garda. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F) 
    Lake Garda 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Lake Garda in the Spring?

Both Lake Garda and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lake Garda because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Lake Garda in the spring. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Lake Garda fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Piazza Armerina. Piazza Armerina usually receives more sunshine than Lake Garda during spring. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Lake Garda receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Lake Garda. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Lake Garda receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F) 
    Lake Garda 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lake Garda and Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina Lake Garda
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 9°C (47°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 3°C (37°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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