10 things to do in Riva del Garda
Feel good and relax in the pearl of Lake Garda
Riva del Garda, the main town of Garda Trentino, is located 50 km away from the city of Trento. If you arrive by car from the A22 Brenner motorway, you can exit at Rovereto Sud and follow the direction towards Lake Garda. If you’re traveling by train, get off at Rovereto station and, from there, you can continue on public transport, which connects it to the lake.
The charm of the lakefront and the Mediterranean climate give Riva del Garda the air of Saint-Tropez-like Lake Garda. After a walk or a bike ride, this area of Trentino delights you at the table: extra virgin olive oil, very delicate freshwater fish and Torbole broccoli, a Slow Food Listed Product.
Below we suggest what to do in Riva del Garda in 10 quick and practical points!
Stroll in the historic centre
Riva del Garda is the pearl of Lake Garda. Its small historic centre has many points of interest, and it is really pleasant to stroll through its streets. We recommend a stop in one of the small bars on Piazza 3 Novembre, the beautiful main square overlooking the port.
Climb to the Bastion
The Bastion of Riva is a Venetian tower, built by the Most Serene Republic between 1507 and 1508 above the village of Riva. You can reach it in about 20 minutes on foot from the centre, or by means of a comfortable and fast panoramic lift. Up there, you can enjoy a unique view and a pleasant break at a bar-restaurant.
Visit the MAG Museum
The MAG, Alto Garda Museum, is located in the Rocca di Riva, a medieval fortress on the shore of the lake. In addition to an art gallery full of works of painters in love with Garda, it hosts temporary exhibitions and creative workshops for children. The panorama from the Mastio, the tower of the Rocca, is not to be missed.
Visit the Church of the Inviolata
Open to visits all year round, the Church of the Inviolata is the most important Baroque church in Trentino. It has an octagonal plan with five altars, three doors, frescoes and stuccoes, carved wooden confessionals and marble floors. The fresco of the Madonna with Child, considered miraculous, deserves its own mentioning.
Visit the Hydroelectric Plant
A historic plant, built in the 1920s to a design by D’Annunzio’s architect, the creator of the famous Vittoriale degli Italiani artistic complex. The interactive and multimedia itinerary inside the plant is suitable for everyone and explains very well how water is transformed into clean energy.
Take the Ponale Road
Charming, indeed beautiful! The Ponale Road, dug out of rock in the second half of the 1800s, starts from the Riva Hydroelectric Plant and climbs up to points where the view of the lake is breathtaking. It can also, and easily, be traveled by bike.
See the Varone Waterfall
The waters of Lake Tenno go underground up to Varone where they meet a softer sedimentary rock, creating a spectacular waterfall through the rock walls. The Varone Waterfall can be visited along a dedicated route inside a park.
Relax at the beach
Beach life here is freshness and peace. The beaches, made of grass or white pebbles, are safe and spacious, also ideal for children. All accessible for free, they are well-equipped, even with windsurfing equipment available for rent, in case you want to try this sport!
Experience the Cima Capi via ferrata
The Cima Capi via ferrata, or Fausto Susatti via ferrata, is easy and also suitable for beginners. The extraordinary panorama overlooks Valle di Ledro, with its meadows and villages, and Lake Garda, with Monte Brione in the background.
Taste the extra virgin olive oil from Garda Trentino
PDO Garda Trentino extra virgin olive oil is the oil produced farthest north in the world. Its scent is delicate with hints of almond and artichoke and a light and fruity flavour. If you are in the area in November, during olive harvesting, the mills are open for visits and tastings.
