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5 Things to do in Riva del Garda

If you are thinking about your next holiday on Lake Garda, and don’t know what town to use as a base… we are ready to welcome you! We recommend staying on the Northern shore of the lake, visiting the beautiful Riva del Garda, in Garda Trentino.

Its colourful historic centre is just breathtaking, surrounded by the old city walls, with stone gates, ancient churches, elegant streets and squares overlooking the largest lake in Italy.

Of course, a visit to Riva del Garda must include a walk along Via Dante, Piazza Erbe, Via Fiume and pictures of Via Marocco, the former Jewish quarter, continuing then to Piazza III Novembre and subsequently the Rocca with its moat, headquarters of the MAG – Alto Garda Museum, and of Santa Claus House in winter.

Having visited the centre, here are some “must-visit attractions”, allowing you to enjoy unusual views and experience new emotions.

 

Let’s start with the 5 places you cannot miss in Riva del Garda:

 

Climbing up to the Bastione with the new lift

The Bastione is the ancient ‘sentinel’ of Riva del Garda, a fortress located just above the historic centre, its light-coloured stone bricks standing out from the surrounding forest.

To reach it, you can walk along a short paved road, or make your trip even easier with the brand new lift that travels up to the Bastione – a short, but scenic journey with a view over the whole city and the town hall square. From up here, the view is magnificent, especially at sunset!

What can you do at this point? Visit the fortress, and then take a seat at the bar for a sunset drink with a view!

 

Scenic trekking on the Ponale road

If you love walking in the open air, you cannot miss the Ponale path, the most beautiful in the whole of Alto Garda. It is also accessible by mountain bike or ebike, and it’s not too steep, making it possible for everyone to enjoy its magnificent panorama. Don’t forget to take a break at the Ponale Alto bar, and then continue on to Pregasina!

Would you like to know a curious fact? Up until the end of the 1990s, cars and trucks travelled along this road, because it was the only way to connect the lake with the nearby Ledro Valley.

After the construction of the tunnel to Riva del Garda, the Strada del Ponale became exclusively for hikers and sportspeople. It’s a real gem, not to be missed!

riva-del-garda

 

Admire Riva del Garda from the Apponale Tower

The Apponale Tower is 34 metres high, overlooking the historic centre, the lake and the mountains.

It’s a historic place and symbol of the city of Riva, and on its summit stands a small angel, called “l’Anzolim de la Tor” (the Angel of the Tower). The tower can be reached by climbing 165 steps, up to the top, where you can admire the view and take a magnificent souvenir photo!

 

Visit the Varone waterfalls

5-minute drive from the centre of Riva, the Varone waterfalls take us back to the heart of the mountains, where water flows rapidly and falls through the rocks, creating incredible water features.

These waterfalls were already an attraction in 1874, the year of their inauguration – since then, the Varone waterfalls have enchanted thousands of tourists every year, attracted by the show of water cascading through the rocks, and the light show inside the caves.

Remember to bring a sweatshirt, or better, a rain jacket with you, because the air flowing in the caves is full of mist, so you’re very likely to get wet!

 

A boat tour on the lake

Last but not least, we recommend booking a ticket at the Navigarda office and hopping on a boat, to discover other beautiful villages on the lake. The shortest route from Riva leads to Torbole, while the longest reaches the southernmost point of the lake, the Sirmione peninsula.

During your boat journey, you’ll get wonderful view on the mountains, lemon groves, and small villages clinging to the rock, such as Limone, Gargnano and Malcesine.

 

So what are you waiting for to visit Riva del Garda? We are ready to welcome you with open arms!

 

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