Three Perfect Days in Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda is the northern gateway to the lake, where the mountains of Trentino meet the azure waters of Lake Garda. It is a complete destination: sports, culture, nature and gastronomy come together in an irresistible mix. Here’s how to best experience three days in this beautiful town that combines Alpine soul with Mediterranean flair.
Day 1: The Historic Center and Lakefront
Start the morning with a walk along the lakefront, admiring the landmark Apponale Tower. Climb to the top for a 360-degree panoramic view of the lake and mountains. Continue to the Rocca, which houses the MAG (Museo Alto Garda), where you will discover the area’s thousand-year history with artifacts from the Bronze Age to the Risorgimento.
For lunch, stop at one of the downtown restaurants to try bigoi con le sarde, a traditional Garda dish that combines fresh pasta with lake fish. In the afternoon, explore the old quarter with its hidden squares, craft stores and medieval arcades where life flows quietly.
In the evening, treat yourself to an aperitif on the lake at sunset-the colors reflecting on the water are unforgettable. Bars along the harbor offer spritzes with views of Mt. Brione.
Day 2: Adventure and Nature
The morning is dedicated to sports. Riva is the windsurfing and sailing capital of Europe: the Pelér wind that blows from midnight to the early morning hours and the Ora in the afternoon create perfect conditions. If you prefer something quieter, rent an e-bike and ride the bike path suspended over the lake to Limone – an experience you will never forget.
Alternatively, tackle the Ponale Trail, the most famous hike in the upper Garda region: an old military road carved into the rock with breathtaking views of the lake. About 2 hours of walking through tunnels, overhangs and vantage points where you can take a break with a view.
In the afternoon, reach Varone Falls, a spectacular 100-meter waterfall that cascades into a deep gorge. An immersive nature experience just 2 miles from downtown. Admission is charged and includes boardwalks into the gorge to feel the power of the water.
For dinner, head up to the panoramic restaurant in Tenno and try carne salada, a Trentino specialty that reaches levels of excellence here. Served raw with arugula and Garda oil or cooked on the griddle, it is a real treat.
Day 3: Villages and Flavors
Devote the last day to exploring the surrounding area. Reach the medieval village of Canale di Tenno, voted one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. The stone houses, narrow alleys and atmosphere suspended in time will captivate you. Here artists and artisans have opened stores and galleries that enliven the village year-round.
Continue to Lake Tenno, a small alpine lake with incredible turquoise waters, perfect for a refreshing dip. The color of the water changes with the sunlight, from emerald green to deep blue-it is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Trentino.
On the way back, stop at one of the local farmhouses for lunch with zero-mile products. Trentino cuisine here is genuine and hearty: dumplings, strangolapreti and homemade strudel.
Before you leave, take one last trip to the Saturday morning market (if you are on a Saturday) to bring home extra virgin olive oil from Garda, cheeses from Trentino, and local Nosiola wine.
Excursions from Riva del Garda
If you have extra time, numerous hikes depart from Riva: Mount Brione for an easy walk with a view, the Via Ferrata Cima Capi for the adventurous, and the Vallagarina bike path to Rovereto for a scenic ride.
How to Get There
Riva del Garda can be reached by car from the A22 (Rovereto Sud exit) in 20 minutes, or by boats of the Navigarda service from Desenzano and Peschiera. In summer there are also frequent bus connections from Verona and Trento. The nearest train station is Rovereto (25 km), connected to Riva by regular buses.
Where to sleep
Riva offers accommodations for every budget: from lake-view hotels to campsites on the shores, from B&Bs in the historic center to apartments with swimming pools. In high season (July-August) book in advance. The harbor area is the most convenient for exploring on foot.
