12 Best Things To Do In Riva Del Garda, Italy

things to do in Riva Del Garda
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

Riva del Garda, Italy, is known for its medieval fortresses and its historic center. If you want to explore a place with beautiful scenery, a relaxing ambiance and, of course, delicious food, Riva Del Gara is the place for you!

1. Old Ponale Road Path

Lake Garda, old road to Pregasina
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Henning Leweke used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Old Ponale Road Path is between Riva del Garda and the valley of Ledro, which lies north of Lake Garda, in Trentino. In 2004, a spectacular highway on the lake was transformed into a trail, which is also open to bicycles. It is well known for its historical and environmental characteristics and it is the most well-known European trail. You should visit this path if you love nature, cycling or long walks.

Old Ponale Road Path

Address: Via Gargnano, Riva del Garda, 38066, Riva Del Garda, Italy

Website: Old Ponale Road Path - in Italian)

Visited this place?

2. Santa Barbara Church



This church is dedicated to Saint Barbara, who is the patron saint of engineers and construction workers. On the outside wall of the church is a dedication in Latin to the memory of construction workers killed during the building of the Kariba Dam and a plaque, with the names of those who lost their lives, is found inside. The church has beautiful stained glass windows and an open-air design, which is perfectly suited to the hot climate of Kariba. The church also has a wonderful view of downtown Riva del Garda.

Santa Barbara Church

Address: Monte Rocchetta, 38066, Riva Del Garda, Italy

Website: Santa Barbara Church

Visited this place?

3. Valle di Ledro



The Valley of Ledro is a valley in southwestern Trentino. It takes its name from its ancient inhabitants, known as the Leutrenses by the Romans. This valley holds a lake, set amidst green mountains. Ledro Valley also has a museum, a beautiful and amazing lake and they also have an area known as Ledro Land Art, a project design to support art that features large sculptures in natural settings.

Ledro Valley is waiting for you to spend your next vacation here. Here you will experience or you will have a contact with nature and you will certainly enjoy this with your family or friends. If you love travelling and want to see beautiful and amazing views, you should visit this valley!

Valle di Ledro

Address: Ss 240, 38060, Riva Del Garda, Italy

Website: Valle di Ledro

Visited this place?

4. The Bastion

A post shared by Alex (@alexbarpar) on Aug 26, 2017 at 4:08am PDT


The Riva del Garda Bastion is one of the city’s symbols. Located on the slopes of Mount Rocchetta, it was built in the 15th century, as a point of protection of the ancient village. You can use the path to arrive at the Santa Barbara Church, which will take you 15-20 minutes.

The Bastion offers a great panoramic view of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains and a bar and restaurant are open here, during the spring and summer.

The Bastion

Address: Mount Rocchetta, 38066, Riva Del Garda, Italy

Visited this place?

5. Piazza 3 Novembre


This is the city square of Riva del Garda that is surrounded by 14th-century porticos and features the Palazzo Pretorio that is from the 14th century, as well as the Apponale Tower that is built during 1220 and raised in 1555. The Piazza 3 Novembre is situated between the tower and the harbor. Take a stroll in this square, which also has a beautiful and stunning view of the lake.

Piazza 3 Novembre

Address: Near Town Hall, 38066, Riva Del Garda, Italy

Website: Piazza 3 Novembre

Visited this place?

6. Torre Apponale

Torre Apponale rises above the terracotta rooftops of Riva del Garda like a medieval skyscraper.TIt is located at the center ofthe town and in front of the old-piazza and it is one of the oldest buildings in Riva del Garda.

This tower is open for visitors and this tower willhelp you see the beautiful scenery or view of Riva del Garda. This is a best place in visiting Riva del Varga because if you are tired, you can just stroll around the area and see cafe’s and restaurants. So if you visit this place, I will assure you that you will think of visiting it again!!

And for reminder, Torre Apponale is close during January and December.

Torre Apponale

Address: Piazza III Novembre, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy

Website: Torre Apponale (in Italian)

Visited this place?

7. MAG Museo Alto Garda

A post shared by Luca Ciminelli (@okkidinutella) on Aug 14, 2015 at 12:22pm PDT



This museum is part of the Trentino Great War Network. Visitors in this museum should be 15-65 years. You can buy ticket in group, family and promotional tickets. This museum has three permanent sections, spaces for temporary exhibitions, and a workshop. This also has another venue that is called Galleria Civica G. Segantini in Arco which is standing at the foot of the Castle Mount that dominates the entire Sarca valley.

So if you want to go to Riva del Garda and don’t know where to go, MAG Museo Alto Garda will always be open for you!!

MAG Museo Alto Garda

Address: Piazza Cesare Battistii 3/A, 38066 Riva del Garda, TN, Italy

Website: MAG Museo Alto Garda

Visited this place?

8. Sabbioni Beach

Silence before nightfall
Source: Photo by Flickr user Zoltán Vörös used under CC BY 2.0

The beach Sabbioni is one of the largest and best-equipped beaches of Lake Garda Trentino with gravel and lawns. It offers various services like renting chairs abnd chairs and it also has a playground fore kids to play and have fun to. This is a great spot to sunbathe and swim too, so if you want to tan your skin or enjoy the sun or stroll around, Sabionni Beach is always here for you!!

Sabbioni Beach

Address: Via Filzi, 2, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy

Visited this place?

9. Camping Monte Brione

PICT1668
Source: Photo by Flickr user Joss Smithson used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Camping Brione Riva del Garda is amongst the very few 4 campgrounds in Trentino, it is an ideal place to enjoy the nature of Lake Garda without sacrificing the comfort of the structure that is equipped with every comfort. This campground has many things that will make you more comfortable and will make you have more fun than usual. If you want to have family bond and family time, you should go to this campground.

And if you are a environmental and love hiking kind of person, you should certainly visit this beautiful place and just have fun!!

Camping Monte Brione

Address: Via Brione, 32, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy

Website: Camping Monte Brione

Visited this place?

10. Catena Square

Riva del Garda - Statue of San Giovanni Nepomuceno
Source: Photo by Flickr user Elliott Brown used under CC BY 2.0

The name “Catena Square” refers to a large chain, which in the past centuries was stretched across the water in defense of the harbor. Catena Square is a lovely piazza in the beautiful lake side town, which you will stumble across when wandering around the town and you should certainly try riding a boat in going here.

Catena Square will fill you with foods and of course memorable memories, so if you want to have a fun moment with yourself or love one’s, you should go to this square, because i tell you, it will definitely be worth it!!

Catena Square

Address: Piazza Catena, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy

Dummy Airbnb/Vrbo

Price: from xxx USD

Number of Guests: xx

Book Now

Visited this place?

11. Stroll the castle walls at San Michele City Gate


San Michele City Gate is the entrance to an area full of restaurants and shops. The imposing gate leads you to an area where there are no vehicles, which makes for a quiet experience. It’s possible to stroll along the castle-style walls. From there, the views are very nice for photos and selfies. The gate used to be the main connection to the world.


Repaired and renovated in the 19th century, it brings historic charm. The belfry bells ring regularly for the church of Santa Maria. Good espresso and breakfasts in the area will get your energy levels back up after taking a look around. Once you discover this gate, it will become a landmark for you, and the restaurants will take you back for more local cuisine.

San Michele City Gate

Address: Via Dante, accesso a Piazza Cavour, 38066, Riva Del Garda, Italy

Visited this place?

12. Enjoy the Rocca Castle museum


Rocca Castle’s origins go back to 1124. Since then, it was a fortress, the home of princes, a barracks, and now it’s been restored and is presented as a museum. When you visit, make sure to get up to the keep as there are wonderful views from there. Allow yourself about three hours to enjoy browsing the exhibits. On display, you will find a large section on Riva, plus old photos, World War items, and sections on archaeology. Outside, street entertainers blend in with nice cafes and shops. Set next to the lake, the attractive area is both interesting and relaxing.

Rocca Castle museum

Address: Piazza Garibaldi, 38066, Riva Del Garda, Italy

Visited this place?

Why visit Riva del Garda?

Visit Riva Del Garda not only because you will enjoy your time here but you’ll also have the opportunity to try things that you didn’t try or do before. Here, you can explore medieval fortresses and the town’s historic center, so it is really worth your time to make a stop if you are in the region. Riva Del Garda is a good choice for a romantic holiday or some quality family time!

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Riva del Garda
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.