Coasting gently along the shores of Lake Garda

Exploring Riva del Garda on foot

Riva del Garda is a beautiful little town with a lot of different facets to explore: history, relaxation, water sports and mountain sports, not to mention the sun-soaked beaches and uninterrupted view stretching towards the infinite horizon.

The Do-Ga cycling route ends in Piazza III Novembre, which opens onto the little harbour with a distinctive Lombardy-Veneto style. Thanks to your bike, you’ll find it easy to get around the historic centre, starting with the Torre Apponale clock tower in the corner of the square. You can go inside and climb the 165 steps leading to the top, where you can enjoy a view of the entire town.

Wander wherever your fancy takes you, losing yourself among the alleyways behind the square. Here, you’ll find boutiques and craft workshops tucked away down the narrow streets, packed with one-of-a-kind items: why not treat yourself to some shopping?

And don’t forget to visit the Marocco quarter, one of the historic neighbourhoods of Riva del Garda, which takes its name from the debris that fell from Monte Rocchetta in a landslide. Homes here jostle against each other for space, brightly coloured in pastel hues: a typical Italian village scene.

If you’ve got another day in your holidays, there are a number of paths which start from Riva del Garda. Of these, we particularly recommend the Ponale, a path which follows an old carriage road (now open only to cyclists and pedestrians) along the right-hand side of the lake, leading to Lake Ledro.

But Riva del Garda also offers a well-earned opportunity to relax after days spent in the saddle. The lakeside, which alternates between gardens and beaches, is just the place to unwind and enjoy a meal in an authentic local restaurant. Try some of Trentino’s specialities, like carne salada or strangolapreti or even a dish with fish from the lake, like perch.

The little roads around Riva are perfect for a walk, perhaps by evening or at sundown, basking in the warm atmosphere of the lake.