Ah, Riva Del Garda, my “if I won the lottery I’d live here” destination. Many of my daydreams involve me sitting on the town’s quaint cobbled streets, Hugo spritz in hand, eating a Caprese salad gigantic pizza while watching the sun go down over the dramatic lakeside landscape. Ah, that would be nice. I may not have a house there (praying to the lotto gods) but I did spend an amazing 4 weeks exploring Riva del Garda finding out what the best things to do here are.
Situated north of Lake Garda, Italy‘s largest lake, Riva del Garda appears to be ripped straight from a fairytale book. Encased by mountains, the narrow and cobblestoned alleys are lined with charming restaurants, delicious gelato shops, cafes and boutiques. Riva del Garda is a glamorous, yet relaxed destination that will appeal to many different travellers.
- Relaxation: By day you can lounge beside the lake topping up the tan and by night you slip on a summer dress for cocktails, pasta and gelato.
- Adventurers: Riva has plenty of hikes, cycles, windsurfing, rock climbing and parasailing to keep your adrenaline spiked
- Couples: Scenic boat rides, intimate restaurants, cocktail bars and lakeside walks promise a romantic trip.
- Families: Kids will be entertained at Gardaland, Legoland, a reptile museum and fun cycle routes.
As you can tell, there are an abundance of activities to ensure you will not get bored. My Riva del Garda travel guide covers all the best things to do, where to stay, restaurants and useful tips.
Please note some of my links are affiliate links, if you purchase via the link I might make a small commission. This does not change the price for you.
I have created a shared map that has every place I mention in this blog post. The map also includes where to eat, drink, and sleep.
Where to stay in Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda is a fantastic place to base yourself in Lake Garda. It offers the best hikes and cycle routes for any outdoor enthusiasts, and although it has village vibes, it is a town with lots of restaurants, cafes, bars and boutiques.
Prices for hotels in Riva del Garda see a sharp increase during the Spring and Summer months. If the prices are hard to swallow then the nearby village of Arco might be the answer. Located just 3.5 miles (5 km) from Riva del Garda, you can easily cycle, drive (10 minutes) or take a bus to Riva del Garda for a much more affordable nightly rate.
These are a few nice hotels in Arco:
- Pace 1954 Hotel has large spacious rooms with complimentary bikes
- River Inn Arco is a guesthouse with river views, some rooms even feature a kitchen
- Hotel Garden Arco has an incredible outdoor pool with a mountain view
19 Best Things To Do In Riva del Garda
Outdoor Things To Do In Riva Del Garda
1. Cycle Sentiero del Ponale – Lago di Ledro
Riva del Garda is a cyclist’s dream, with mixed terrain, incredible views and amazing weather, this 32-kilometre cycle is one of the best cycles in Riva. Peaking at 660 meters along winding cliff edge paths, this wins the award for the most breathtaking cycle I have been on
There are plenty of bike shops in Riva del Garda, and if you’re not a regular cyclist, you can rent an electric bike to tackle the hills. I rented my bike from Energia Bike, and the owner was very helpful. He gave me a small map, which was great as mobile coverage is unstable in the area.
- Beginning at the Sentiero del Ponale, cycle uphill for 5km to Bar Ponale Alto Belvedere
- After the bar, there’s a crossroads, turn right and continue for 2km on the road Val di Ledro, in the direction of Biacesa – Prè.
- At the end of the Ponale road, follow the signs that state “recommended MTB route”. This will keep you off the main roads.
- From here, follow the signs for Prédi Ledro. I highly recommend taking a rest break at Prè, as there are a few challenging steep climbs ahead. But once you reach Lago di Ledro, the rest of the path is easy.
- For the return journey, I choose to cycle on Strada Statale 240. This is a main road, mostly downhill, and it takes about 20 minutes to reach Riva. You can cycle back the way you came, but I found Strada Statale 240 much faster, more fun, and with different views.
⚠️ The terrain is a mix of loose chippings, dirt track and road, so make sure you have appropriate tyres. Moreover, this is a busy path, with lots of walkers and speedy mountain bikers, therefore a bike with a bell is advisable.
Map of Route – Lago di Ledro
Check out my handy map below outlining the route.
2. Hike to Chapel Santa Barbara
Standing at 625 meters tall, Chapel Santa Barbara overlooks all of Riva del Garda and Lake Garda. Constructed in 1935 by miners, the church offers incredible views and a stellar workout. In addition to helping us get calves of steel, we witnessed many exotic lizards, birds and insects along the way, which made it even more fun.
The hike difficulty level is medium, it is steep in some parts and when combined with the hot Italian sun it can increase the intensity levels. It takes about 2.5 hours in total for a round trip.
I strongly recommend shoes with a good grip, limestone is very slippery in some parts, I learned this the hard and painful way. Some of the path is shaded, but during the summer months, it can still get very hot, so pack lots of water.
3. The Busatte Panoramico Loop
This incredible hike takes you along the ridge of Monte Brione at a height of 441 meters, offering breathtaking views of Lake Garda and the surrounding towns. The total distance is 5 kilometres each way, starting in Torbole and ending in Tempesta.
If you are arriving from Riva del Garda, you can take the B332 or 484 bus to Torbole. From Torbole, head to Busatte Adventure Park, where the panoramic loops start. Along the route, you will be walking on stairs and platforms bolted into the side of Monte Brione, enjoying views of the lake, Riva, and Torbole. Your final destination is Tempesta. You can either turn around and walk back, or take the bus. The entire hike takes approximately 4 hours and is one of the most adventurous and fun things to do in Riva del Garda.
4. Monte Baldo
With incredible views, a cable car ride (or hike) and even a few restaurants at the top, Monte Baldo is definitely worth adding to your Riva del Garda itinerary.
Located in Torbole, it is easy to reach, just a short 10-minute journey from Riva del Garda. It has a vast biodiversity, often referred to as the “Garden of Europe”. Other reasons to visit include:
- Rotating Cable Car: this is one of the more exhilarating cable cars I’ve experienced. Rotating 360 degrees you get panoramic views of Lake Garda and the mountainside. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
- Cima Valdritta trail: the peak of Monte Baldo, at 2,218 metres (7,277 ft), takes about 4 hours it is a 7 km round trip. The trail starts at the San Michele cable car station and is moderately challenging.
- Sentiero delle Crestetem trail: easier than the aforementioned Cima Valdritta trail, it begins at the second (higher) cable car station Tratto Spino. Mostly flat, it follows the mountain ridge, resulting in constant spectacular panoramic views.
- Dolomites: On a clear day the Dolomites can be viewed in the distance.
- Mountain biking, paragliding and in the winter asking are all popular activities here.
You may also be interested in discovering Madonna della Corona Sanctuary, a cliffside sanctuary on Mont Baldo.
5. Wind + Kite Surfing
Did you know that Riva del Garda is one of the best locations in the world to practice wind and kite surfing? It is even the location for many surfing tournaments such as the Torbole PWA World Cup. What makes Riva del Garda so perfect you ask? Thanks to the mountains the lake gets very windy, especially during Spring and Autumn. Not only this but the dramatic landscape adds to the thrill and experience.
There are many local surf schools and rental shops for beginners to more seasoned surfers. Alessandro Tomasi, WWind Square, Pier Windsurf, and Sailing du Lac Multisport Centre are very popular surf schools in the area.
6. Beach Hop
Riva del Garda has many beaches to relax on, the beaches tend to be pebbled and grassy rather than sandy but they have a peaceful atmosphere and of course breathtaking views. The water is clear and usually good for swimming, optimal temperatures are from June to September.
- Spiaggia Sabbioni: largest beach in Riva, plenty of space and shade
- Pini Beach: mainly grassy, many beach bars are nearby
- Porto San Nicolo: this is a port but also has a pebbled beach. Forte San Nicolò adds to the beauty
- Miralago Beach: located beside Spiaggia Sabbioni, this is a smaller and quieter beach
7. Relaxing Boat Trip
Lake Garda has many picturesque towns dotted around its beautiful shores and it would be a shame to miss out on visiting a few of them. I highly recommend exploring these towns by boat. It is a relaxing way to catch a glimpse of these other towns, and all the towns are walkable, so you can see plenty in just a few hours.
There are many companies that offer this tour. I went with Speedy Gonzale, who operates two routes,: the North Lake Garda tour & Girolago. I chose the North Lake Garda tour, which lasts a total of 6 hours (including stops) and takes you to the towns of Malcesine & Limone. Both towns are lovely but can get quite busy. I found 2 hours to be enough to explore each town. You have two hours in each town to look around. The boat journey was the highlight for me, as it provided a different perspective of the mountains and offered views of numerous windsurfers.
Other reputable companies that operate boat tours include:
Garda Express – their boat goes between Malcesine and Limone
Garda Tours – they offer tours of the Sirmione peninsula and the island of Garda. They also provide private tours
Bertoldi Boats – they offer an extensive list of private tours, but they are on the more expensive side. Ideal for a romantic date or sightseeing if you have the budget.
Sightseeing & Cultural Experiences
8. Clock Tower / Torre Apponale
A nice short activity for the afternoon is a climb up Torre Apponale (the clock tower). Situated in the main square of Riva del Garda, it is a historical and iconic landmark of the town, dating back to the 13th century.
For a small fee, you can climb the 165 steps to the bell tower at the top for panoramic views. It is one of the best viewpoints of Riva del Garda, you get a birdseye view of the piazza
If you are at the top of the hour you will experience the loud chimes from the bell tower. I personally was not aware of this and almost passed out from the noise *facepalm* thankfully I lived to spread the word.
9. Ride The Funicular To The Bastione
You might find yourself on Riva’s main pizza wondering what on earth this glass box is on the side of the mountain. No, it’s not a torture chamber, designed to make guests internally combust from the hot Italian sun! I mean that is close, but it’s actually just a glass funicular to the Bastione.
Needless to say, it does get very hot in this glass box but it’s a short and fast journey so there will be no internal combustion (I promise, please don’t sue!)
What the funicular takes in sweat it more than makes up for in views and fun! Once you reach the Bastione you will be rewarded with stunning views of Riva del Garda and you can explore the remains of the well-preserved Bastione.
There is also the Bastione Lounge & restaurant, which serves a wide-ranging menu of classic Italian dishes and seafood with panoramic views of Riva del Garda.
10. MAG Museo Alto Garda
The next thing to do in Riva del Garda is for the history buffs. One of the best ways to learn about the history of Riva del Garda is by visiting MAG Museo Alto Garda.
Home to contemporary art and artefacts, this museum showcases both Italian and international artists through paintings, sculptures and photography.
Visiting here to take shelter on a rainy day, I was pleasantly surprised, not normally a museum lover I ended up enjoying the historical paintings of Riva del Garda, and witnessing how much it has changed (spoiler, it’s. changed a lot).
11. Reptiland
Amongst the restaurants, boutiques and picturesque piazza is a… reptile museum! Equally random as it is fun, Reptiland is full of scary snakes and spiders. Many snakes were very active some were eating and others were moving around their cage. There are some pretty cool snakes here and each cage offers a few facts about its inhabitants including which ones are toxic, making it an interesting visit.
Although it is quite small, Reptiland is a fun place to check out, guaranteed kids will love this fun, yet random thing to do in Riva del Garda.
Riva Del Garda Day Trips
12. Gardaland Amusement Park
Gardaland Resort is Italy’s number 1 amusement resort, comprising of Gardaland Amusement Park, Legoland Waterpark, Sealife Aquarium, and three themed hotels. It is operated by the same guys behind Alton Towers in the UK, Merlin Entertainments.
Located only 90 minutes from Riva Del Garda, this amusement park is one of the most fun day trips from Riva del Garda.
With a total of 32 rides, including seven roller coasters, Gardaland Amusement Park has something for thrill-seekers of all levels. My personal favourites are Fuga da Atlantide—the biggest log ride in the park, I Corsari: la vendetta del fantasma (a 4D ghost ship), and Flying Island (a spinning platform that takes you up very high, offering amazing views).
The major roller coasters are Blue Tornado, Raptor, Shaman, Oblivion, Kung Fu Panda Master, Mammut, and the kid-friendly Ortobruco. Other adrenaline-inducing rides include the Colorado boat (log ride), Space Vertigo, and the magic house.
If you prefer a more relaxed day instead of being turned upside down and spun around, don’t fret, there is still plenty you can do, such as the carousel, Flying Island, riding the monorail, trying the jungle rapids (which are not scary or fast), and experiencing the 4D rides Jumanji, ghost ship, and the 4D cinema.
Check this website for constant live updates on queue times for each ride.
Tickets Gardaland
There are a variety of ticket options available depending on the areas that you would like to access and the time of day. Check the ticket option here.
You can also purchase season passes that allow users unlimited access between certain dates.
Getting to Gardaland
The 484 bus will take you to Garda, in Garda you will need to switch to the number 16 bus that will take you to Gardaland. From Riva Del Garda it takes a total of about 90 mins and the majority of the journey is unbelievably scenic.
13. Visit Lake Garda’s Nearby Towns
Although Riva del Garda has a lot to offer travellers it is close to some beautiful small towns on Lake Garda that I think you should visit. The below towns can be reached by bus or ferry.
1. Castelletto sul Garda
Castelletto sul Garda means “little town on the lake”.
- Visit the ruins of a 13th-century castle that is located on top of a hill.
- Visit the well-preserved remains of the ancient Roman village Villa Romana di Castelletto. This village was believed to have been built in the 1st century AD
- The church Chiesa di San Zeno de l’Oselet is located below Mount Baldo, it offers a panoramic view of Castelletto sul Garda
2. Malcesine
Malcesine is a popular tourist town on the eastern shore of Lake Garda. This medieval village is a must-visit, wander the narrow streets and explore the charming shops and cafes. That’s not all you can do here though!
- Visit the medieval clifftop castle – Castello Scaligero di Malcesine. Make sure to check out the panoramic views from the towers.
- Take the cable car to Monte Baldo
- Eat in some beautiful restaurants. I recommend L’Artigiano dei Sapori for their delicious gelato, Taverna Dei Capitani for authentic Italian food in a relaxing environment, or Bar Pizzeria da Pedro for some of the best pizza you will eat during your trip
3. Limone
It may come as no surprise that the town of Limone is well known for its lemons, they are some of the best in the world. You can learn about the local lemon cultivation at the lemon museum and try some refreshing lemon-inspired beverages like iced limoncello or a shot of the alcohol limoncello.
I challenge you not to purchase a ridiculous amount of lemon-themed souvenirs, from magnets, bags, jewellery and food, it’s a citrus lovers’ fetish paradise.
4. Sirmione
Last but not least is Sirmione, the striking town on the southern shore of Lake Garda. The easiest way to get to Sirmione from Riva del Garda is by ferry, I recommend this boat trip that takes you to Sirmione and Bardolino.
Things to do during your visit to Sirmione:
- Check-in to Aquaria Thermal SPA. Sirmione was known as a spring of ancient water, it is a popular choice amongst visitors.
- Visit the 13th Century Scaliger Castle.
- Discover the local beaches – Jamaica Beach, Sirmione Beach, Spiaggia del Prete, Lido delle Bionde.
- Take in the views at Tomelleri Public Park.
14. Dolomites Day Trip
Formed 230 years ago, the Dolomites are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. This UNESCO heritage site boasts heights of 3,000 metres with 18 dramatic peaks & deep narrow valleys. The highest mountain in the Dolomites is Marmolada at 3,340 meters. Home to diverse wildlife, from black bears, marmots, and deer to eagles and snakes, the Dolomites cover almost 142,000 hectares. The most popular areas are located in South Tyrol, Belluno and Trentino.
I took a full-day bus tour to the Dolomites from Riva del Garda, I wrote about this in detail in my blog post “Riva del Garda to Dolomites“
Visiting the Dolomites was an incredible and unforgettable experience. Standing on the Pordoi Pass felt like I was on a different planet with the silver rocks and being so close to the clouds.
I highly recommend the tour, it was one of my favourite day trips from Riva del Garda.
Check the availability of full day bus tour to the Dolomites.
15. Venice Day Trip
Venice is 200km from Riva del Garda, it is a bucket list destination for many, including myself. So when I saw a 3.5 hour bus journey could make this dream a reality, I jumped at the chance to visit this enchanting city. You can read about my One Day in Venice itinerary here.
In total, you have approximately 5 hours to explore Venice. This timeframe allows for visiting many of the central sights, taking a gondola ride, and enjoying some delicious food. However, keep in mind that Venice is an extraordinarily busy city, so you may have to skip a few attractions due to time constraints.
According to the ATV website, the bus departs from Riva del Garda at 7.00 am and stops in Torbole, Navene, Malcesine, Cassone-Assenza, Porto di Brenzone, Castelletto, Pai, Torri del Benaco, Garda, Bardolino, Cisano, Lazise, Pacengo and Peschiera before arriving in Venice (Tronchetto) at 10.30 am.
The return trip departs from Venice (Tronchetto) at 5:15 pm. A return trip costs €45.
If you would prefer a bus tour with a guide then check out this full-day tour of Venice or book bus tickets to Venice.
16. Verona Day Trip
The city that inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Verona is 220 km from Riva del Garda and is easily reached by train from Rovereto and bus. The B332 bus goes to Rovereto and then you will need to switch to a train that will take you to Verona. The total journey is approximately 2 hours. Bus & train times to Verona can be found here.
I recommend taking a full-day tour to Verona which includes a return trip and tour guide around the Roman amphitheater Verona Arena. In addition, you get many hours to explore Verona self-guided.
Foodie Things To Do In Riva Del Garda
17. Eat Traditional Potato Pancakes At Rostel
A simple, yet undeniably delicious thing to do in Riva del Garda is to devour the rostis from the unique and delicious Rostel. Rostis are made from fried potatoes, similar but more delicious and crispier than a hash brown (sorry McCains!), they are also gluten-free!
The menu at rostel features tortels (rosti sandwich), wurstel (rosti sticks), the classic rosti pancake and panzarotto. We went a few times and my favourite thing to order was the prosciutto tortel.
Make sure to order yours to go as they are best enjoyed outside, on a bench overlooking the lake.
18. Get A Sugar Rush At Flora
Flora, a popular gelato spot with two locations in Riva is the perfect place to take some shade and indulge in one of Italy’s best sweet treats, gelato! The menu is large with sundaes, waffles, crepes, cannolis, cakes and coffee.
The sundaes are where it’s at though! Although the portions are huge you probably won’t want to share! Thick and creamy gelato scoops, drenched in a rich sauce, whipped cream and toppings (as per the flavour you choose).
Flavours include beuno, strawberry tiramisu, niccolonne, and pistachio, and alcohol-infused sundaes with amaretto and baileys. They even have vegan (soy) milk gelato options.
19. Ristorante Pizzeria Leon D’oro
Established in 1922, Ristorante Pizzeria Leon D’Oro is a landmark in Riva del Garda. Family-owned by the Salvaneschi family, the owner, who has been part of the restaurant since 1938, warmly greets guests upon arrival.
Of all the places I dined at in Riva, Ristorante Pizzeria Leon D’Oro stood out by far.
Menu highlights include risotto with cuttlefish ink, risotto with porcini and black truffle served in a parmesan cheese basket, veal ossobuco with potato polenta, and large ravioli filled with spinach and three types of ricotta.
You will not regret booking a table here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to stay in Riva del Garda?
I have outlined plenty of amazing things to do during your stay in Riva del Garda. To get a holiday that is equal parts relaxation, adventure and fun I would recommend at least 4 days. This will allow you to go on a hike, relax on the beach, take a day trip and spend time in Riva del Garda.
5 – 7 days will allow you to incorporate more day trips and outdoor activities.
Is Riva a good base in Lake Garda?
Riva is an excellent base, offering adventure, romance, scenery and incredible restaurants, it has something for everyone. At night, the town comes to life with live music on the main piazza and bars sprawling out onto the cobbled streets. Additionally, the bus service allows you to visit many nearby towns around Lake Garda.
What is the best month to visit Lake Garda?
The summer months of June, July and August see the warmest temperatures along with a few thunderstorms. For outdoor activities, this will be the optimal time to visit. It is also the peak tourist season, so expect large crowds and more increased accommodation prices.
May and September are also great months to visit, although temperatures are slightly cooler there are significantly fewer tourists. Therefore, if you like a quieter experience September will be ideal for you.
Can you walk from Riva del Garda to Limone?
No, you cannot walk between Riva del Garda and Limone. You can either drive, get the bus, or get the ferry.
Buses RL202 and LN027 go between Limone and Riva del Garda on a quick 15-minute journey, while Navigazione Laghi has a fantastic ferry service reaching many towns on the lake. The ferry between Limone and Riva takes 35 minutes.
Is Riva del Garda the same as Lake Garda?
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, Riva del Garda is a town on the north shore of the lake.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Riva del Garda?
Yes, tapwater is safe not only just in Riva del Garda but all across Italy. Meeting the strict EU regulation you can drink the tap water and water from public fountains.
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