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Lifestyle - Sport & outdoor
When talking about Arco, one immediately thinks of rock walls. Over the years, this charming village on Lake Garda has attracted thousands of sport climbing enthusiasts, becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
What many don’t know is that Arco offers much more than climbing cliffs: medieval castles, lush gardens, and incredible landscapes make this town a must-visit even for those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground.
Let’s explore what to see in Arco during your holiday at Lake Garda.
Let’s start with the undisputed symbol of Arco: its majestic castle, which dominates the town from the top of an imposing rocky cliff. A pleasant 20-minute walk among olive and cypress trees leads to Arco Castle, offering an extraordinary panoramic view over Lake Garda and the Sarca Valley.
Here, you can admire the ancient Sasso Prison, the battlemented towers, and medieval frescoes that tell the story of this fascinating fortress. Legend has it that the ghost of Antonio d’Arco, a ruthless nobleman killed by the people in 1389, still haunts the castle.
No matter the season, a stroll through Arco’s historic centre is always charming. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with shops selling local products, while the elegant townhouses create an old-world atmosphere.
Naturally, there’s no shortage of climbing and outdoor gear shops, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. In summer, when the heat becomes relentless, you can find refreshment and shade in the Public Gardens, a green space created around 1870, hosting a rich botanical heritage.
A must-visit is the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, the imposing baroque church that stands over Piazza 3 Novembre. Also worth a visit is the Evangelical Church of the Trinity, the only Protestant church in Trentino, featuring an intriguing coloured tile roof.
If the castle is the symbol of Arco, the cliffs are its soul. As we’ve already mentioned, Arco is internationally renowned for sport climbing. Its rock faces attract thousands of climbers every year, tackling routes that reach grade 9 and beyond.
Arco offers routes for both beginners and expert climbers, thanks to the hundreds of climbing walls in the area. Among the most impressive is Erebor, said to be Italy’s hardest climbing wall and one of the toughest in the world, first opened by Stefano Ghisolfi and later climbed by Czech champion Adam Ondra.
Would you like to see these champions climb live? Then don’t miss Rock Master, one of the world’s most famous climbing competitions, held in Arco at the end of summer.
In short, if you love the silence of the rock and chalk-covered hands, Arco is the perfect place for you.
North American conifers, sequoias, and Californian cypresses—we’re not talking about a US forest, but about the Arciducal Park of Arco. This fascinating botanical garden was created by Archduke Albert of Habsburg, when the Austrian imperial court chose Arco as its winter retreat.
Here, you can admire plant species from all over the world, including palm trees, cedars, magnolias, and Southeast Asian plants. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing walk immersed in greenery.
After a day of exploration and sport, what could be better than some relaxation? Arco offers several wellness centres, from spas to thermal baths, where you can enjoy rejuvenating treatments and massages for both your body and mind.
Here are some wellness facilities in and around Arco for your well-deserved moment of well-being:
We’ve explored what to see in Arco during your holiday at Lake Garda. Whether you’re a history lover, nature enthusiast, sports fan, or relaxation seeker, this charming village is a destination that captivates everyone who visits.
Do you want to experience everything Arco has to offer, while staying close to the lake? Then we look forward to welcoming you at Residence Centro Vela, for a unique stay in the heart of Alto Garda.
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Viale Rovereto, 101
38066 Riva del Garda
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