We are planning a trip to Italy in August, with 2 children. Yes, we've been told August is not the best month to visit, but because of my job its our only option. We're going to Tusacny for a week, and want to go to either Garda or Como for the other. I've heard from some people that Garda can get very smelly in the summer months, which is putting us off - can anyone confirm if thats true??

If so, is Como any better?

Thanks, Mark

Yes, but a couple of sprays of Right Garda will take care of it. (Sorry, couldn't resist.

good one!!

Huh???

Hi mark,

we ended up going to garda with our kids in august about 4 years ago. Iti was hot, but not unbearably so, and busy, but I certainly don't remember its being smelly.

if garda were smelly, Como could well have the same problem.

Garda is great for a family- there are nice boat trips round the lake, child-friendly hotels and restaurants, the water-park, and gardaland [hellon earth for parents but great for the kids for a day].

go for it!

regards, ann

Right Garda, ha ha ha...

As far as I know and have experienced, Garda and Como do not get smelly in the summer. But if some people have experienced it, perhaps I'm wrong. I know it is not a normal thing. These are large, freshwater lakes. If they smelled, I do not think that they would be so popular in August.

Go and enjoy.

We were there for several days in September, and didn't smell anything bad. We walked right beside the lake for several miles, so I think we would have noticed. We highly recommend going there. It's gorgeous, and the food was outstanding. We stayed in a great hotel called Giuletta y Romeo in Garda.

This might be the explanation for the rumors:

There is only one spot in Sirmione where there are sulphur springs. There is smells, of course. But it is a tiny spot. And the hot sulphur springs are famous for their health benefits since Roman times.

August is a great time for Lake Garda, however somewhat crowded.

I may add: Lake Garda is perfect for swimming. Lake Como is very cold, even in August.