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Sport & outdoor
Twenty minutes from Riva del Garda, the turquoise waters of Lake Tenno feel like a completely different world. If you have half a day to spare, here is everything you need to know: how to get there, what to see along the path to the medieval village of Canale, and how to make the most of your time.
Lake Tenno sits at around 570 metres above sea level, cradled in a natural basin at the foot of Monte Misone. The water is clean enough for swimming — in 2026 the lake was awarded the Blue Flag for the third consecutive year, a mark of water quality and good facilities. The striking colour, shifting between turquoise and emerald green, comes from the rocky, vegetation-free bed that reflects the light with unusual intensity.
Just a short walk away is Canale di Tenno, a medieval village recognised as one of the most beautiful in Italy, with stone lanes, flower-filled balconies and an atmosphere that has barely changed since the thirteenth century. The combination of a wild mountain lake and a perfectly preserved hilltop village — reachable on foot with no significant climbing — makes this one of the easiest and most rewarding excursions from the northern shore of Lake Garda.
Lake Tenno is about 13 km from Riva del Garda along the SS421 road towards Terme di Comano. After passing through the village of Ville del Monte you will find several car parks: the ones closest to the lake are pay-and-display, while a free area is available in Ville del Monte itself, from where it is roughly a 20-minute walk down to the water. A medieval stone staircase leads from the main car park to the lakeshore.
If you prefer to avoid the pay car parks, drive straight up to Canale di Tenno, where free parking is easier to find, and walk down to the lake from there.
Guests staying at the Residence without a car can take the B211 bus from Riva del Garda bus station towards Ponte Arche; the journey takes around 30 minutes and stops at Lake Tenno. Check current timetables on the Trentino Trasporti website. If your accommodation provides a Garda Guest Card (a mobility and services pass included with many stays in the area), local public transport is free of charge.
Once you have descended the staircase, a flat path runs almost all the way around the lake. A twenty-minute walk brings you to the quietest stretches of shore, with small rocky beaches ideal for a swim or a rest in the sun. The water level varies considerably through the year: in summer, when levels drop, the small island at the southern end of the lake becomes a peninsula you can walk out to.
From the lakeshore, a short and technically straightforward path climbs to Canale di Tenno — calm enough to tackle with children. Bear in mind that the stone staircase access to the lake is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs; an alternative approach via an unpaved track from Canale is available for those who need it.
Arriving in Canale calls for a slow pace: the stone houses, vaulted archways and flower-draped balconies tell the story of a village that has attracted painters and artists from across Europe since the postwar years. Two stops are worth making: the Casa degli Artisti (Artists’ House), originally dedicated to the Turin painter Giacomo Vittone and now a venue for temporary exhibitions, and the small Museo degli Attrezzi, a collection of traditional farming tools and household objects. Opening hours for both are limited — check locally before you go, as they are typically restricted to summer months.
If your stay falls in the second half of August, look out for Rustico Medioevo: an annual medieval festival that fills the village lanes with period costumes, storytellers, open fires and traditional food.
Those setting out from Riva del Garda in the morning can build a great half-day like this: start at the Varone Waterfalls — the gorge park lies on the same road towards Tenno — then drive up to Lake Tenno for a swim and the walk to Canale, finishing with lunch at one of the village restaurants. Always check the waterfall park’s seasonal opening times before you go.
Practical information
Is Lake Tenno safe for swimming?
Yes. The lake has held the Blue Flag accreditation — an international standard for water quality and facilities — in 2026. The beaches are rocky, so water shoes make the experience more comfortable.
How long does the trip to Lake Tenno and Canale take?
The lake alone takes a couple of hours, including time for a swim. Adding the walk up to Canale di Tenno and a lunch stop, the whole excursion comfortably fills a half-day.
Can I get to Lake Tenno without a car?
Yes — take the B211 bus from Riva del Garda bus station (around 30 minutes). Always check current timetables and connections on the Trentino Trasporti website before you travel.
Is the walk suitable for children?
The path linking the lake to Canale di Tenno is flat and straightforward, well within reach of young children. The main stone staircase down to the lake is not suitable for pushchairs.
Can I combine Lake Tenno with the Varone Waterfalls in one day?
Yes — the Varone Waterfalls gorge park lies on the same road towards Tenno, making it a natural first stop on the way. Check opening times in advance, as they vary by season.
A morning at Lake Tenno is a simple way to discover a quieter, wilder side of Garda Trentino — just a short drive from Riva del Garda. Staying at Residence Centro Vela, you can plan your day entirely on your own terms, combining an early excursion with a relaxed lakeside afternoon. Browse our available apartments and find the option that suits you best.
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