Riva del Garda
A palette of colours for the pearl of Lake Garda
On the northern shore of Lake Garda lies Riva del Garda, a place where the azure of the water and the sky, the green of the Mediterranean vegetation, and the white of the beaches combine to create a work of art.
Where to find it
We are on the northern shore of Lake Garda, 50 kilometres from Trento. Riva del Garda has about 17,000 inhabitants, and is located at 65 metres above sea level. The town and its surrounding areas are so full of olive trees, lemon trees, and palms, that it is almost like being near the sea, but the mountains in the background remind us that we are not far from the Dolomites of Trentino.
What to do
First of all, you must stop at Rocca di Riva, home of the Museo dell’Alto Garda, and a Picture Gallery: dating back to 1124, the Rocca is home to artefacts dating back to prehistoric and Medieval times, all the way to the present day. In winter, at the Rocca, you will find the Casa di Babbo Natale [Home of Santa Claus], a true joy for children.
Continuing the tour, on foot, of the historical centre with its buildings in Lombardy-Veneto style, you will then reach and climb the Torre Aponale, 34 metres tall and located on Piazza 3 Novembre, the heart of the town. At the top of the tower, you will see the symbol of Riva, the Anzolim, a bronze angel. Another typical area of Riva is the Marocco district, where you will find truly picturesque views.
If, in addition to the cultural aspect, you are here for an active holiday, on the lake you can practise sailing and windsurfing, as well as walking, mountain biking, rock climbing, vie ferrate and canyoning in the vicinity: Riva del Garda is a true open-air gymnasium.
Another attraction in the area is the Varone waterfall, with the Parco Grotta Cascata Varone, a popular tourist destination owing to the picturesque 100-metre waterfall in the Magnone river, fed by the waters of Lake Tenno.
How to get there
Those travelling by car, from motorway A22 del Brennero, can exit at Rovereto Sud and follow directions for Riva del Garda. Those travelling by train can stop at the station in Rovereto and, from there, take a bus connecting the town to the lake and to the town of Riva.