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Lake Garda
Riva del Garda has the advantage of being located at the northern end of the lake, in a position from which the entire Lake Garda opens up southwards like an endless panorama.
This makes it one of the most interesting departure points for exploring the lake by ferry: you can reach almost any destination, cross between the Brescia and Verona shores, travel all the way to the southern part of the lake and return in a single day.
Staying at Residence Centro Vela means having the port of Riva del Garda just a short walk away. For guests who want to experience the lake beyond the beach or cycling routes, ferries are a perfect alternative: relaxing, scenic and ideal for families, as children love sailing on the lake while adults can enjoy the views without worrying about traffic or parking.
Public ferry services on Lake Garda are operated by Navigazione Laghi, the public transport company connecting the main lakeside towns from Desenzano in the south to Riva del Garda in the north.
During the summer season, services are frequent and cover all shores of the lake: the Brescia shore, the Verona shore and the Trentino section of the upper lake.
From Riva del Garda, ferries and hydrofoils depart daily to many of the lake’s most popular destinations, including Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, Gargnano, Bardolino, Garda, Sirmione and many others.
Visitors can either choose a single destination or purchase the “Whole Lake” day pass, which allows unlimited travel on all ferries throughout the day—an excellent option for those who want to explore multiple stops without planning every detail in advance.
Guests staying in Garda Trentino can also take advantage of the Garda Guest Card, which offers discounted rates on Upper Lake day tickets (“Alto Lago” day passes), making ferry excursions even more convenient and affordable.
For updated schedules, prices and fares, the official Navigazione Laghi website remains the best source of information. Timetables vary depending on the season: June, July and August offer the most frequent services, while May already provides enough connections to organize enjoyable day trips.
The first destination we recommend for visitors departing from Riva is Limone sul Garda, on the Brescia shore.
It is the closest destination—about 20 minutes by ferry—and immediately offers some of the most iconic scenery on the lake: lemon groves, colorful houses perched on the mountainside and dramatic cliffs plunging into the water.
Limone is a small and charming village that is easy to explore on foot. Families particularly enjoy strolling through its narrow streets, stopping for an ice cream or a snack along the way.
The ferry journey itself passes through one of the most beautiful stretches of Lake Garda, with steep cliffs descending directly into the water and Monte Baldo rising in the background.
It is an ideal first ferry excursion, simple and enjoyable for visitors of all ages.
Another favorite destination among our guests is Malcesine, located on the Verona shore.
The ferry from Riva takes approximately 30–40 minutes and arrives directly in one of the most beautiful villages on Lake Garda.
Malcesine is famous for its Scaliger Castle overlooking the water, its well-preserved medieval center and the cable car that climbs to Monte Baldo.
The cable car ride is one of the area’s most popular experiences. For families with older children, combining a ferry trip with a visit to Monte Baldo creates one of the most memorable days of a holiday in Riva del Garda.
If you would like to discover more hiking opportunities and mountain excursions, you can find additional inspiration in our blog article dedicated to the best trekking routes and peaks of Garda Trentino.
For those wishing to travel further, ferries make it possible to reach the southern part of the lake in a single day.
The most interesting destinations in this direction are Sirmione and Bardolino.
Sirmione is the most famous peninsula on Lake Garda, known for its medieval castle overlooking the water and its historic center surrounded by the lake on three sides.
It is a fascinating destination for families and history enthusiasts, although it can become very crowded during peak season. Arriving in the morning allows for a more relaxed visit before the busiest hours.
Bardolino, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back atmosphere, a beautiful lakeside promenade and a strong food-and-wine tradition. The Bardolino wine is among the best-known products of the region.
For visitors looking for a slower pace and a chance to enjoy the authentic lakeside atmosphere, Bardolino is an excellent alternative.
The journey from Riva to the southern lake takes approximately four hours by standard ferry. By hydrofoil, the travel time is reduced to around two hours and fifteen minutes, although without the pleasure of slow navigation and panoramic views.
For this reason, trips to Sirmione or Bardolino are best planned as full-day excursions, departing in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.
For families and visitors planning multiple stops in one day, the Navigazione Laghi “Whole Lake” day pass is the most convenient option.
It allows unlimited boarding and disembarking on all ferries throughout the day without purchasing separate tickets for each route.
It is particularly worthwhile when visiting three or more destinations or when you simply want the freedom to stop wherever you wish.
Guests with the Garda Guest Card can also benefit from discounted rates on Upper Lake day tickets, providing additional savings for ferry excursions in the northern part of Lake Garda.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the ticket office at the port or online through the Navigazione Laghi website.
Reservations are generally not required for regular ferry services, although booking ahead is recommended for larger groups or during peak season.
Exploring Lake Garda by ferry offers a completely different perspective: the mountains appear taller, the shoreline reveals countless hidden details and the villages seem even more beautiful than they do from the road.
It is a relaxing and enjoyable way to discover the lake, suitable for families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts looking to alternate active days with something more leisurely.
From Residence Centro Vela, a ferry excursion can be organized at any time during the season, with the port just a few minutes away and a comfortable, well-equipped base waiting for your return
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Viale Rovereto, 101
38066 Riva del Garda
TN, Italy
