4°C
Riva del Garda: things to do and see
Riva del Garda, located on the northern shore of the lake and surrounded by the Rocchetta and Baldo mountains, is a unique destination that combines lakeside and mountain landscapes.
This town in Trentino offers around 150 accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs, and campgrounds, ensuring comfort and hospitality in a spectacular setting for nature lovers.
Riva is not only one of the most beautiful places to visit on Lake Garda. The heterogeneous conformation of the territory combined with the presence of the lake also offer the possibility of practising a multitude of sports.
In Riva del Garda, you can enjoy sports like cycling, rowing, sailing, trekking, windsurfing, yoga, and mountain biking, with activities suited to every skill level. For culture enthusiasts, the town offers historical landmarks like the Rocca, the Bastion, and the Apponale Tower, along with trails that evoke its past.
Choosing only three things to see and do here is difficult, but we’ll look at the must-visit spots. First, here’s how to get there.
How to reach Riva del Garda
- By car: from Verona, take the A22 motorway to Rovereto Sud, then follow the main road; from Brescia, take the Gardesana Occidentale.
- By train: arrive to the Rovereto Railway Station and continue with the B332 bus.
- By bus: use the ATV line 484 from the eastern shore or the ARRIVA line LN027 from the western short.
Regarding parking in Riva del Garda, we recommend the paid underground parking “Terme Romane” and the one on Via Filzi, both costing €2 per hour.
Alternatively, there are free options such as the parking lot on Via Ardaro, which is about a 10-minute walk from the center, or the unpaved parking area “ex ospedale” located on Via Sacro Monte.
YOUR GUIDE ON WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN RIVA DEL GARDA
The itinerary I propose will allow you to fully experience the stunning Riva del Garda, a five-star destination nestled between the lake and the mountains, giving you a complete immersion in its beauty.
With this article on what to do in Riva del Garda and its surroundings, you’ll discover the most iconic places and explore the nearby areas. Get ready to return home with an unforgettable memory of this gem of Lake Garda, capable of enchanting anyone who visits.
Riva del Garda: things to do and see
1. OLD TOWN CENTRE
2. ROCCA AND THE MAG
3. LAKEFRONT AND THE BEACHES
4. THE PONALE PATH
5. THE VARONE WATERFALL CAVE PARK
6. CANALE DI TENNO AND ARCO
1. THE OLD TOWN CENTRE
The first thing to visit in Riva del Garda is the historic center, a gem between the lake and the mountains, perfect for a half-day stroll filled with history and hidden corners.
In Piazza III Novembre, you’ll find the Apponale Tower, the symbol of the city, built in 1555 and standing 34 meters tall. Once a strategic control point, it was renovated in the 20th century and made accessible to visitors following a complete restoration in 2002.
If you’re not afraid of climbing, you can reach the top by ascending the 165 steps of the staircase located inside the tower, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views!
Looking up from the Apponale Tower, you’ll notice a small angel, the symbol of Riva del Garda, perched at its summit. The tower stands on the eastern side of Piazza III Novembre, the vibrant heart of the city, where you can admire the Pretorio and Town Hall buildings and enjoy an aperitif with a view of the lake.
As you continue through the streets of the town center, you’ll reach the picturesque “Marocco” district, built among large boulders known as “marocche,” which evokes the traditional way of life from times past.
2. THE FORTRESS AND THE MAG
The second must-visit stop is the MAG (Museum of Alto Garda), located in the Rocca, a medieval castle just 350 meters from Piazza III Novembre. In Riva you can find the museum’s main location, with a second section in Arco at the “G. Segantini” Civic Gallery.
Built in 1124 by the prince-bishop of Trento to defend Riva, the Rocca has had a turbulent history: renovated by the Scaligeri in the 14th century, it was looted multiple times during the Venetian and Visconti conflicts, later becoming an Austrian barracks in the 19th century before transforming into a museum in the 20th century.
Not sure what to do in Riva del Garda if it rains? The MAG is one of the things to do in Riva del Garda when it rains, as it offers a journey through local history and art in a unique and evocative setting.
Today, the Rocca is one of the symbols of Riva, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and small boats that enhance its charm.
The museum is divided into three sections: the Pinacoteca, featuring works of art from the Garda region dating from the 14th to the 19th century, as well as sections on archaeology and history.
For an unforgettable experience, climb to the main tower, the Mastio, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and the lake.
My list of things to see and do in Riva del Garda continues with some information about the promenade and the beaches.
3. LAKEFRONT AND BEACHES
After your cultural immersion, relax at Spiaggia Sabbioni and Spiaggia dei Pini, or “Purfina.” Here, the vegetation is meticulously maintained, and the colorful flowers create a delightful chromatic harmony.
The pebble beaches, with expansive green areas and shaded zones, provide the perfect space to unwind in every season. The crystal-clear waters, framed by the mountains, create an almost surreal atmosphere: it’s the ideal spot for a refreshing swim and to be lulled by the sound of the waves, even on cloudy days when the landscape becomes even more enchanting.
4. THE PONALE PATH
Among the must-do experiences in Riva del Garda is the Ponale Path, one of Europe’s most beloved trails. This route connects Riva del Garda with the Ledro Valley, offering breathtaking views between rocky cliffs and the lake’s waters. Built in the 1800s and closed to traffic 20 years ago, it was converted into a cycling and walking trail in 2004. Today, it provides a round-trip path of about 20 km, ideal for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.
Once you reach the Ledro Valley, for a stunning view, you can continue on to the Madonna Statue on the panoramic terrace. From there, you can also head to the center of Pré di Ledro, Molina, Lake Ledro, or visit the Palafitte Museum.
No need to worry about the length of the trail; it’s accessible to everyone, whether on foot, by bike, or mountain bike. If you prefer, you can shorten the route by choosing the loop trail, which is just as beautiful but shorter.
For more details, you can read the following link.
Staying nearby but want to explore something not too far away? Here are some perfect ideas for day trips from Riva del Garda!
5. THE VARONE WATERFALL CAVE PARK
About 3 km from the center of Riva del Garda is the Varone Waterfall Cave Park, famous for its waterfall: a geological rarity formed by a valley eroded into rock around 20,000 years ago.
The park features two caves that offer views of the waterfall from above and below. Both are accessible via walkways, and colorful lights illuminate the water, creating a magical atmosphere. Between the caves, you can explore the botanical park and enjoy a picnic in the designated areas.
Bring a rain jacket to protect yourself from the spray! The park is pet-friendly, so you can bring your four-legged friend along for a refreshing experience together!
6. ARCO AND CANALE DI TENNO
Continuing toward Tenno, don’t miss the village of Canale di Tenno, located at 600 meters above sea level and recognized as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy.” Wander through its narrow streets and admire the stone buildings that seem frozen in time. Visit the Museum of Traditional Farming Tools and the House of Artists for a unique experience.
If you’re here in the second week of August, join “Rustico Medioevo“, an event blending culture and gastronomy. In December and January, the Christmas markets create a dreamy atmosphere.
Another must-visit spot is Lake Tenno, 14 km from Riva del Garda. Enjoy a 40-minute walk around the lake or take a dip in its turquoise, crystal-clear waters: a perfect place for moments of peace and relaxation.
Finally, just a 20-minute drive from Riva, discover the village of Arco, surrounded by greenery and filled with historic alleys, like those around Marchetti Palace. Be sure to visit the impressive Arco Castle, where the Renghena Tower offers spectacular views. Once back in the historic center, relax with a stroll through the Arboretum park.
Unsure about what to do in Riva del Garda with kids? You can find all the information you need in our article!
EVENTS
If the things to see and to do in Riva del Garda were not enough to convince you, let me tell you about the wonderful annual events.
- The Notte di Fiaba (Faity tale night) is a must-see event that bids farewell to summer, transforming Riva del Garda into a fantasy world for both adults and children.
- If you love cycling, don’t miss the FSA BIKE Festival, a three-day event dedicated to MTB, eMTB, and lifestyle, filled with exhibitions, presentations, and sports competitions.
- For an alternative way to celebrate Ferragosto, join the X Strada festival, where Riva’s streets come alive with live music and cheer until midnight!
Is Riva del Garda worth visiting? That’s for you to decide, but I hope all this information on this versatile and captivating destination helps you organize your trip, allowing you to experience every corner of this beautiful spot nestled between lake and mountains.
