You have just 1 day in Riva del Garda? This one day itinerary for my favourite Italian town Riva del Garda (aka one of the best places on Lake Garda) covers all the best things to do and eat! The day includes a cliff edge hike, an old fortress, beaches and sunset funicular ride.
Located on Lake Garda’s northern shore, Riva del Garda is a picturesque town that offers a little something for everybody. Adventure seekers will appreciate the hikes and water sports, romantics will enjoy strolling the cobbled streets and lakeside wine bars, while families can relax on the beaches, take scenic boat rides and visit some kid-friendly museums. It’s a must-visit on your Lake Garda itinerary. I wrote a complete guide to all the best things to do in Riva del Garda here.
Riva del Garda is one of the most beautiful towns I have visited in the world. I spent 1 month there and totally fell in love with just about everything this glamorous Italian lake town has to offer. Lazy mornings along the lake, gruelling but fun hikes, dining outside on the cobblestone alleys and sunset aperol spritz, as you can tell it was a hard month!
I have put together this 1 day in Riva del Garda day trip itinerary with everything I recommend you see and do during your trip here so you too will fall in love with this wonderful town.
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Riva Del Garda Quick Tips
- Best time to visit: May, June, and September when temperatures are pleasantly warm (20-25°C) without the intense summer heat or crowds. The conditions are perfect for exploring both the town and enjoying lake activities, though May + June can experience occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
- Car rental: although not a necessity for this 1 day itinerary it can give you a lot of freedom to see nearby towns and attractions. Book a car in advance via comparison sites for the best price.
- Travel Insurance: I recommend True Traveller for EU/UK citizens and World Nomads for anyone else. Both are highly reputable and reliable travel insurers.
- Bike Rental: Energia Bike is run by the friendliest local, we rented high quality e-bikes for an excellent price.
Read my detailed 19 best things to do in Riva del Garda here.
Where To Stay In Riva Del Garda
Spending the night? Riva del Garda is an excellent base to explore Lake Garda further or even the Italian alps (the Dolomites is an easy day trip from here). Riva del Garda accommodation tends to be expensive so booking early is key to snagging a good deal.
Hotels In Riva Del Garda
€: Eagle Rooms – renovated rooms, just a 15-minute walk to Riva’s town centre. Some rooms have a kitchen along with balcony overlooking the mountains.
€€: Hotel Sole – located in the heart of Riva del Garda on piazza. Includes a spa with sauna, hot tub, and Turkish bath. Rooms are clean, comfortable and cosy.
€€€: Du Lac Et Du Parc – the ultimate luxury resort in Riva. With 2 swimming pools (one is outdoors), a spa, and gym your only struggle will be leaving this hotel. Rooms are modern, some even feature a whirlpool on the balcony with mountain views.
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Looking for a place to stay on a budget? The mountain town of Arco has budget accommodation and is just a 10-minute drive from Riva del Garda.
Getting To Riva Del Garda
Flights To Riva Del Garda
The closest airport is Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport at 84 km away. However you also might have luck finding more affordable flights to Milan’s Il Caravaggio International Airport which has many more flights daily, and is 130 km from Riva.
Trains To Riva
The nearest train station to Riva del Garda is Rovereto. From there it is a 45 minute bus journey to Riva on the B332 and B3301. Buying tickets is easy with the Verona bus app (iOS / Android), but you can also pay onboard with cash.
Car Rental
Although Riva has excellent transport and even ferries, having your own car can provide so much freedom as the public transport does not cover the whole lake. For the best rates I advise renting a car in advance where you can compare different companies for the best rates for your needs.
1 Day Itinerary Riva Del Garda + Map
9AM: Breakfast
One often overlooked Italian delicacy is their breakfast. A creamy cappuccino with a decadent pastry such as a bomboloni, maritozzi or a cornetti is one way to start to your day in Riva del Garda on a high.
These are a few places for a nice coffee and pastry in Riva:
- Caffé Bellevue – overlooking the lake a breakfast here will kick your day off to a relaxing start.
- Pasticceria Dante 1265 – pistachio cornetti is delish.
- Casa del caffè – excellent coffee and selection of pastry. The apple strudel is the star.
- Bar Copat Pasticceria – brioches are filled on the spot with whatever flavour jam and cream you desire. They also have vegan brioches.
10 AM: Climb Torre Apponale
Torre Apponale (the clock tower) is an iconic landmark of Riva del Garda. Situated in the main piazza it dates back to the 13th century.
Pay €2 to climb up the 165 steps to the bell tower for panoramic views. It offers a beautiful viewpoint over all of Riva del Garda. You can see the expansive lake, the piazza and the endless sea of terracotta rooftops that dominate the skyline.
Heads up – if you are at the top on the hour you will experience the loud chimes from the bell tower. Don’t get the fright of your life like I did.
With stunning views of the town from above, you’re now ready to experience one of Lake Garda’s most spectacular trails.
10:30AM: Sentiero del Ponale
One of the most breathtaking walks you will find in Lake Garda, let alone Riva del Garda. Built in 1860 by the Austrian military as a lookout point, this trail features tunnels and trenches carved directly into the mountainside, with remains still visible at the second and third tunnels
This is a must-do Riva del Garda attraction that involves walking along the winding cliff edge trail for uninterrupted sprawling views of Lake Garda. While moderately challenging with a gentle slope reaching 660 meters, it’s doable for most reasonably fit visitors.
The path surface varies: starting with asphalt near town before transitioning to gravel, with some wilder forested sections, so proper footwear is essential. Watch out for mountain cyclists who frequently use this trail – they usually ring their bells when approaching corners, but stay alert and keep to the left.
After approximately 40-60 minutes (3km), you’ll reach the Belvedere restaurant which is perfect for a refreshing drink while enjoying one of the best views of any cafe in Riva. Many hikers choose to turn around here to head back to town.
For a greater challenge, continue 2km further to Pregasina, passing the Regina Mundi statue at the trail’s highest point. However, this extended route takes about 3 hours total and would impact the rest of your day’s itinerary.
If you would prefer to cycle this trail it goes all the way to Lake Ledro (32 km round trip through 6 tunnels). I wrote about this trail in more detail here, including where to rent a bike.
Whether you walk or cycle the Sentiero del Ponale it is one of the most memorable things to do in Riva del Garda.
1 PM: Lunch
Time for a lunch to refuel after the hike. You will have no trouble finding where to eat in Riva del Garda with many excellent restaurants and cafes tucked in every corner.
Here are a few favourite lunch spots I kept revisiting during my stay:
- Rostel (€) – golden crispy rosti’s filled with ham and cheese or as a pizza base. Enjoy on the lake for an insanely good al fresco lunch.
- Panem (€€)- in the mood for a hearty Italian sandwich? Panem has a sandwich representing each region in Italy on home-made bread. We had the Laziele and Calabrese.
- Ristorante Sud (€€) – fresh Neapolitan pizza and aracini, you can’t really go wrong. They also do pizza fritte (deep fried pizza, ridiculously good). I recommend the Capricciosa pizza, super tasty.
With your energy restored, it’s time to learn more about Riva’s history.
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2 PM: MAG ROCCO
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. Also known as the Rocca, this fortress dates back to 1124, and its strategic location overlooking the lake made it the perfect defense base for Riva.
During the Austrian occupation (1815-1918), it served as barracks for soldiers until it was eventually restored to its former glory. Today, you can see fragments of frescoes dating back to the Clesian period (1514-1539).
Tickets cost €5 per adult, € 10 for 2 adults with kids, and €5 for 1 adult with kids.
Now functioning as a museum showcasing the town’s past, exhibitions include ancient paintings of Riva del Garda, historical artefacts, and rotating temporary exhibits. I was pleasantly surprised, not normally a museum lover, I ended up enjoying the historical paintings that show how dramatically the town has transformed over the centuries while still maintaining its charm.
Don’t miss the spectacular lake views from the backyard area known as Parco della Rocca, they’re worth the visit alone!
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2:45 PM: Walk The Riva Promenade
After exploring MAG, take time to walk along Riva’s beautiful lakefront promenade to Spiaggia Sabbioni. It’s an easy stroll, just 15 minutes each way, with spectacular views of the lake, colourful boats gently bobbing up and down, and the dramatic mountain backdrop. It feels like you are in a painting.
When you reach Spiaggia Sabbioni, you’ll find a relaxed beach area where the water is perfect for swimming. You can choose to lounge on either the pebbles or find a spot on the grassy areas that line parts of the shore.
I loved getting a rosti in the nearby rostel, finding a snug spot on the grass while overlooking the lake and just taking in the views.
4 PM: Explore The Town
Yes, Riva del Garda’s main selling point is its position at the top of Lake Garda but the town is just as charming and picturesque as the lake.
Walking along the narrow cobbled stoned paths, past shops selling fresh pasta and limoncello with mountains peaking out behind buildings, it feels like you are in a fairytale. Just a few minutes exploring this town you’ll discover why I think it’s one of the best places on Lake Garda.
Gelateria Etabeta
This is a gelato shop that is a cut above the rest. Expect lines because this is truly one of the best gelatos in Lake Garda and the one that locals go to. A little bit away from the more touristy areas, I couldn’t help but feel I stumbled upon a little secret.
The gelato is creamy, it’s not too sweet and the fresh ingredients really shine through. The portions are large and they even have vegan options and gluten free cones. Aside from the tasty gelato, the staff are exceptionally friendly and welcoming. Undoubtedly one of the tastiest things to do in Riva del Garda.
Tip: If you’re asked do you want some nutella on top, trust me, just say yes it’s so so good. Just make sure to check your face, I wore most of it on my chin.
Churches
Don’t miss exploring Riva’s churches between all the incredible lake views and delicious gelato. They are packed with history. These are some local churches to visit:
- Chiesa di Santa Maria Inviolata: The region’s most impressive Baroque building, surviving a 1906 earthquake with its ornate interior still intact.
- Parrocchia di Santa Maria Assunta: Features the remarkable “Our Lady of Sorrows” painting. Interestingly, the bell tower isn’t actually attached to the church, instead it’s located at Porta di San Michele
- Chiesa di San Michele: Dating to 1159, is tucked away along the medieval walls near Piazza Cavour, with its facade positioned away from the street.
- Chiesa di San Rocco: A poignant war memorial where only the central altar and San Rocco statue survived a direct WWI bombing, standing as a testament to Riva’s resilience.
Porta di San Michele + Porta San Marco
Although most of Riva’s old city walls are no longer standing, these two medieval gates are the last bits left.
Porta San Michele (at Piazza Cavour) Originally “Porta d’Arco” from the 13th century, this gate-turned-watchtower was cleverly repurposed in the 1860s as the bell tower for the neighboring church.
Porta San Marco Built in the 14th century and later embellished by Venetian rulers, this gate features Bishop Bernardo Clesio’s family coat of arms (look for two lions on the north side) and now houses the local mountaineering society
Although these gates might not look like much at first glance, they’ve been standing there watching over Riva for over 700 years as borders changed hands between Venice, Austria, and finally Italy. These medieval structures also give the town of Riva another layer of charm. Definitely worth checking out while you’re exploring the town!
6 PM: The Bastione
After wandering Riva’s picturesque streets there is just one place left to check off, the Bastione, one of Riva del Gardas top attractions and we are going there in time for sunset. Built as a defence fortress by the Venetians in 1507, the limestone tower sits on Monte Rocchetta overlooking the town and the lake. Much of it was destroyed by French troop in 1703 but was restored in 2007.
You can reach the Bastione by a 3 minute panoramic glass funicular ride, which is also one of the most fun things to do in Riva del Garda. It climbs 208 metres all the while allowing you beautiful views.
Tickets cost €7 for a round trip or €4 one-way. You can also hike to the top in 20-30 minutes, the path is lit up at night.
Along with the Bastione there is a very nice bar and restaurant at the top, Bastione Lounge & Restaurant. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset in Riva del Garda, aperol spritz in hand of course.
7:30 PM: Dinner
After unwinding with a sunset cocktail it’s now time for dinner. The province of Trentino, where Lake Garda is located is known for its German influence. It’s a blend of Italian, Alpine, and Central European cuisine. Although you’ll find plenty of the usual Italian dishes, these are some traditional dishes specific to the area to keep on an eye out for:
- Bigoli con le Sardelle: thick spaghetti-like pasta traditional to Veneto, served with fresh lake sardines
- Strangolapreti: potato and spinach gnocchi enriched with cheese
- Risotto al nero di seppia: a black squid ink risotto that’s deliciously creamy
During the peak season I recommend booking restaurants in advance to ensure you get a table.
Riva del Garda Restaurants I Recommend
- Leon D’oro (€€) – charming family run restaurant dating back to 1938 serving fresh, authentic, and full of flavour meals. The owner, a nonna, warmly greets every guest each night. I highly recommend the squid ink risotto but other dishes include risotto with porcini and black truffle served in a parmesan cheese basket, veal ossobuco with potato polenta.
- Bella Napoli (€€) – has the best risotto I have ever had, a creamy wild Mushrooms and black truffle risotto serve in a crispy parmesan cup risotto. The pizzas are also excellent with light & crispy dough.
- I Momenti (€€€) – intimate fine dining restaurant with excellent selection of wine. They serve pizza here alla pala, which is different to other Italian pizzas, the dough is given a few days to rise, resulting in a thick and fluffy dough. There are many fish dishes including raw fish.
Room for more gelato? Flora has decadent sundaes, I became somewhat addicted to their pistachio one.
9 PM: Cocktails
You’ll find there is an excellent mix of bars in Riva from cosy Irish pubs, wine bars, lakeside terraces to fancy cocktail bars.
Due to there being mostly tourists each night during the summer is lively with a great atmosphere. There are often musicians on Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi and Piazza III Novembre.
Where To Go For Drinks In Riva del Garda
- Rivabar: a cocktail bar with creative drinks and great atmosphere. There’s also a DJ and it’s open until 2 AM.
- Busat: craft beer bar with both local and international selections.
- Pub all’Oca: cosy Irish bar with nice cocktails.
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Thank you for reading this 1 day Riva del Garda itinerary, one of the best places on Lake Garda. Keep reading for a bit more info to plan your trip.
Now that you’ve experienced a perfect day in Riva del Garda, let’s talk about when to plan your visit
Best Time To Visit Lake Garda
Lake Garda has its own special climate thanks to the surrounding mountains creating milder temps than nearby areas, especially in winter when it stays pretty comfortable by the lake.
Summer brings hot sunny days with temps hitting 27-30°C, though watch out for those quick afternoon thunderstorms when lake air meets mountain air! Don’t worry though, they tend to blow through fast, leaving perfect evenings for dining lakeside or enjoying a walk along the promenade.
Spring and autumn bring lovely balanced weather and fewer tourists crowding the spots. May and September are particularly enjoyable with daytime temps around 20-25°C, but keep in mind spring tends to be rainier, especially May with those afternoon downpours.
Winter has crisp days and temps around 5-8°C. The northern part gets chillier being closer to the Alps, while the southern shores stay a bit warmer. You might see snow on the mountain tops but it rarely settles at lake level, making Lake Garda a brilliant year-round destination!
Still have questions about visiting Riva del Garda? Here are answers to what readers frequently ask
Riva del Garda FAQ
As one of the most gorgeous places I have visited I have to give it a resounding yes. It’s a place with so much to do along with atmospheric alleys, lake views and mountains.
Riva is primarily known for its hiking and wind surfing activities. In addition it is celebrated for its dramatic mountain backdrop, historic fortress (Rocca), beautiful promenade, and as a gateway to hiking trails on the Dolomites.
Yes, it is compact enough to see on foot along with excellent pedestrian infrastructure to explore the lake. Most attractions in this itinerary are within a 10 minute walk of each other, making it ideal for exploring on foot.
While this guide shows you can experience highlights in one day, 2-3 days will allow you to fully appreciate the town, you can enjoy water activities, take a boat trip to other lake towns, and explore nearby attractions like Arco Castle, Monte Baldo and Lake Ledro.
Like most Italian lake destinations, Riva can be expensive, especially during high season. Budget accommodations are limited in town (consider nearby Arco for savings), but you can find reasonably priced meals at casual eateries like Rostel and Panem. Many Riva del Garda attractions, like walking the Lake Garda promenade or hiking Sentiero del Ponale, are free.
You can safely drink the tap water in Riva del Garda, there are a few water fountains located in the area so bring a reusable bottle for free water when out and about.
