Best for: Cycling, Nightlife, Scenery, Walking, Culture, Active
Transfer time: Verona • 91km • 2hours
Riva is the biggest resort in the northern half of Lake Garda, with the great shopping and vibrant nightlife, it is also one of the most popular destinations on the lake. Set on the most northern corner of the lake in majestic mountainous surroundings, with towering rockfaces, it is a truly dramatic place. Riva also has plenty of style and character, with 12th century architecture, little shop lined side streets leading into wide bustling squares with elegant cafes and restaurants. Riva also has lovely parks and playgrounds, a long promenade and beautiful secluded beaches. Riva’s location also makes it an ideal resort for cycling, adventure sports and hiking.
The perfect situation of Riva with superb scenery, Mediterranean climate and lush vegetation makes is and ideal resort destination with activities to attract all ages. Riva has many fine buildings, notably the area around the colourful Piazza Tre Novembre and the 12th Century La Rocca castle dominating the waterfront, many of the fortresses, churches and sophisticated architecture have been preserved and are wonderful to discover. The old town’s maze of cobbled streets is bursting with a variety of terrace cafes and restaurants, shops and hotels.
The clean pebble beach is a great bathing spot and you can walk to Torbole along the lake. The market is held on the 2nd and 4th wed of every month. The Night of the Fable festival (Notte di Fiaba) will be held 23-26 Aug, celebrating the “Around the world in 80 days” story, with a big fireworks display on the Saturday evening. Enjoy a relaxing warm summer evening with ice creams or glass of Prosecco whilst you watch the sunset. And if you want to be out until the wee hours you will find lots of venues popular with tourists and locals.
Wind and water sports are very popular in Lake Garda, especially in the northern resorts where the wind is stronger and more reliable. Try your hand at sailing, from Dinghy to catamaran or windsurfing. Some of our holiday options can include pre-bookable windsurfing, dinghy, kayaking and bike options, including hire and lessons. There are many well marked local cycle routes worth exploring, taking you through the vineyards and to the Varone Waterfalls or for something more challenging take the Ponale road up the Rocchetta mountain. You can also cycle or walk along the Sarca river to Arco, which is good rock climbing area, with 30 limestone crags with climbs ranging from a single pitch to multi pitch routes up to 300m high. The area is also full of walking routes for all abilities, including any number of Via Ferata routes. Why not try the hike up to the St Barbara Chapel or for spectacular views of the Apponale tower and Catena Square walk up to the Bastione fortress at the base Mount Rocchetta.
An excellent and efficient ferry and hydrofoil service links Riva to the other lake resorts. There is a regular bus service that serves Riva and the rest of Lake Garda.
City Excursions
Verona
Venice
Florence
Milan
Other excursions
Verona Opera
Lake Garda tour
The Dolomites
Wine Tour
Bolzano and Renon
Mantova and Parc Sigurta
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