19 Epic Things To Do In Riva del Garda | Ultimate Travel Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Riva del Garda? I spent an amazing 4 weeks exploring and finding out what the best attractions in Riva del Garda are and I am sharing them all here. Along with a helpful map and restaurant recommendations.

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.

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. My partner and I spent our days hiking or cycling followed by evenings in cosy restaurants over a glass of wine, followed by gelato and atmospheric walk down the cute alleys home. Riva del Garda is a romantic destination perfect for couples who are looking to relax but also has adventurous hikes and cycles for those who like to be active on holiday.

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.

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Where to Stay in Riva del Garda: Best Areas & Hotels

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.

Riva del Garda Centre

If it’s your first time in Riva del Garda or you want to be in the heart of the action, this is the place to stay. You’ll be surrounded by historic buildings, lively piazzas, and easy access to bars, restaurants, and main attractions.

Recommended Hotels:

Porto San Nicolò

Just a 15-minute walk from Riva’s center, this area offers a peaceful atmosphere while keeping you close to the action. Perfect for those who want direct access to the beach and scenic lakeside walks.

Recommended Hotels:

Varone Area

For a more peaceful, budget-friendly stay, Varone is a great option. Just a 25-minute walk (or 10-minute cycle) from Riva del Garda, this area offers a quieter, more local experience. Family run Hotel Campagnola is a budget friendly option with spacious mountain view rooms (some with balconies), and a relaxing outdoor pool. A great option for anyone looking for comfort without breaking the bank.

19 Best Attractions In Riva del Garda

Outdoor Attractions In Riva Del Garda

1. Cycle Sentiero del Ponale – Lago di Ledro

Riva del Garda is an ideal destination for cyclists, and this 32-kilometre cycle is one of the best, with mixed terrain and incredible views. Peaking at 660 meters along winding cliff edge paths, this wins the award for the most breathtaking cycle I have been on. From the trail you have views of Lake Garda, distant mountains and Riva del Garda town.

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.

⚠️ 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.

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 awards you with 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.

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3. The Busatte Panoramico Loop

Spend your afternoon walking along stairs and platforms bolted to a cliff edge with sprawling lake and mountain views. This is the 441 meters high ridge of Monte Brione, starting in Torbole and ending in Tempesta. The total distance is 5 kilometres each way and is an easy to moderate difficulty.

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. 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.

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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, Mounte Baldo is easy to reach, just a short 10-minute journey from Riva del Garda.

Often referred to as the “Garden of Europe” due to its vast biodiversity. Other reasons to visit include:

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.

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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.

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. We went with Speedy Gonzale, who operates two routes,: the North Lake Garda tour & Girolago. We choose 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 during the weekends. 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 13^th 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 attractions in 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 Glass Funicular To The Bastione

You might find yourself on Riva’s main piazza 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 beautiful 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 menu of classic Italian dishes and seafood with panoramic views of Riva del Garda. One of the most scenic places you can have a glass of wine.

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 has changed a lot).

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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.

There are a total of 32 rides, including seven roller coasters. My 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.

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 13^th-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.

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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 1 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. I unashamedly came here at least twice per week during my month stay in Riva.

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

Of all the places I dined at in Riva, Ristorante Pizzeria Leon D’Oro stood out by far. 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 greeted us upon arrival.

Seated out on the atmospheric alley, I ordered the north Itallian speciality of risotto with cuttlefish ink, it was so cramy and tasty. Other menu highlights include, 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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