Riva del Garda
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Latest page update: 1 November 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where is
Where is Riva del Garda?
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Scenic Riva del Garda is a town located at the northern tip of Lake Garda in the province of Trento, Trentino-Alto Adige.
With a population of approximately 16,000, it is famous for its stunning mountain backdrop and outdoor activities such as hiking and sailing. Close by, visitors can explore nearby towns like Limone sul Garda and Torbole, as well as the beautiful Ledro Valley. |
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Comune di Riva del Garda
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Province: Trento
Region: Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol Population: 17,858 Size: 41 km² Elevation: 70 metres Travel facilities: ferries and buses Fly to: Verona Airport - 1 hour 30 minutes by car (96 km) Closest train station: Rovereto (43 minutes by bus) |
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Discover
Discover Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda is a lakeside town in the province of Trento, situated at the northernmost point of Lake Garda where the mountains of Trentino rise sharply from the water. Its position at the meeting of alpine peaks and the lake’s shoreline gives it a distinctive setting, marked by a cooler climate and striking contrasts of rock, forest, and water. The town’s centre combines elegant piazzas, historic arcades, and waterfront promenades, with views framed by steep cliffs and sailing boats on the lake.
Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Riva del Garda retains a Central European character in its architecture, seen in the Rocca di Riva, a lakeside fortress now housing the civic museum, and in the stately villas that line its boulevards. The surrounding area offers access to mountain trails and panoramic viewpoints on Monte Brione and Monte Rocchetta, while the nearby towns of Arco and Torbole add to the region’s appeal. With excellent connections by road and ferry, it serves as the natural gateway to the northern shores of Lake Garda and the alpine landscapes of Trentino.
Once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Riva del Garda retains a Central European character in its architecture, seen in the Rocca di Riva, a lakeside fortress now housing the civic museum, and in the stately villas that line its boulevards. The surrounding area offers access to mountain trails and panoramic viewpoints on Monte Brione and Monte Rocchetta, while the nearby towns of Arco and Torbole add to the region’s appeal. With excellent connections by road and ferry, it serves as the natural gateway to the northern shores of Lake Garda and the alpine landscapes of Trentino.
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Riva del Garda
Riva del Garda has an excellent selection of established hotels, with well-reviewed properties along the lakefront and at the base of the surrounding mountains. Most combine scenic settings with modern facilities, offering convenient access to the harbour, beaches and town centre.
Hotel Lido Palace is one of the standout choices, appreciated for its lakeside position, elegant interiors, spa facilities and consistently exceptional guest feedback (€€€). Grand Hotel Liberty offers a classic stay close to the centre, known for its historic charm, wellness area and spacious rooms (€€€). Hotel Luise provides a contemporary option near the lake, noted for its creative design, welcoming service and excellent breakfast (€€).
Hotel Lido Palace is one of the standout choices, appreciated for its lakeside position, elegant interiors, spa facilities and consistently exceptional guest feedback (€€€). Grand Hotel Liberty offers a classic stay close to the centre, known for its historic charm, wellness area and spacious rooms (€€€). Hotel Luise provides a contemporary option near the lake, noted for its creative design, welcoming service and excellent breakfast (€€).
Photo Gallery
Riva del Garda Photo Gallery
Things to Do
Things to Do in Riva del Garda
- Centro Storico di Riva del Garda combines cobbled lanes, pastel façades, and lively squares close to the lakefront. The heart of the town unfolds around Piazza III Novembre, framed by arcades and historic buildings. Cafés and boutiques occupy restored palazzi, giving a mix of local life and charm.
- Torre Apponale rises above Piazza III Novembre, once guarding the port and town. The 13th-century bell tower offers panoramic views over Lake Garda and surrounding peaks. Visitors can climb its winding steps to appreciate Riva’s strategic position.
- MAG Museo Alto Garda occupies the Rocca fortress, a medieval castle surrounded by water and reached by a small bridge. Inside are exhibits on local history, art, and archaeology, from ancient times to the present. The lakeside setting enhances its historical appeal.
- Sentiero del Ponale is a scenic path carved into cliffs overlooking the lake, once used as a road linking Riva with Ledro. The route passes through tunnels and rock galleries with dramatic views across the water. It’s popular with both walkers and cyclists.
- Guided lake and mountain tours from Riva del Garda include boat trips, cultural walks, and hikes through the Dolomites. Local guides share insight into the region’s geology and traditions. They offer an ideal way to explore the area’s scenery and history.
Tours and Activities
Riva del Garda Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Riva del Garda
Dining in Riva del Garda reflects the meeting of Trentino’s alpine traditions with the Mediterranean flavours of Lake Garda. Restaurants and trattorias line the harbour, Piazza Catena, and the narrow streets of the old town, many offering outdoor seating with views of the lake and mountains. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with menus focused on fresh ingredients, lake fish, and local produce. Lunch is usually served between 12:30 and 14:30, with dinner beginning from about 19:30.
Local cuisine includes bigoli con le sarde del Garda (pasta with lake sardines), canederli al burro fuso (bread dumplings with melted butter), and trota alla griglia (grilled trout). Starters often feature salumi trentini and cheeses from nearby valleys, while desserts like strudel di mele and torta di noci are typical. Wines from the region include Marzemino, Teroldego Rotaliano, and Nosiola, typically €5–€7 by the glass or €18–€30 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto trentino (€10–€14), bigoli con le sarde del Garda (€13–€17), trota alla griglia (€22–€30), and strudel di mele (€5–€6). A typical meal with wine costs around €40–€50 per person.
Local cuisine includes bigoli con le sarde del Garda (pasta with lake sardines), canederli al burro fuso (bread dumplings with melted butter), and trota alla griglia (grilled trout). Starters often feature salumi trentini and cheeses from nearby valleys, while desserts like strudel di mele and torta di noci are typical. Wines from the region include Marzemino, Teroldego Rotaliano, and Nosiola, typically €5–€7 by the glass or €18–€30 per bottle.
Typical Prices of Popular Dishes
Antipasto trentino (€10–€14), bigoli con le sarde del Garda (€13–€17), trota alla griglia (€22–€30), and strudel di mele (€5–€6). A typical meal with wine costs around €40–€50 per person.
Day Trips from [Place Name]
Day Trips from Riva del Garda
From Riva del Garda, there are many opportunities for day trips around the northern lakes and into the mountains. A short drive south leads to Limone sul Garda, where ferries connect with other lakeside towns such as Malcesine and Gardone Riviera. Inland, the Val di Ledro offers walking trails, forest scenery and a lakeside village with prehistoric pile dwellings, while the Tenno Lake area combines turquoise waters with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Further north, the Val di Non region is characterised by orchards, castles and quiet villages set among rolling hills. The city of Trento lies less than an hour away and makes a rewarding cultural day trip with its Renaissance buildings and museums. Travelling west, the road into the Brenta Dolomites reveals mountain passes, alpine meadows and hiking routes through some of Trentino’s most dramatic landscapes.
Further north, the Val di Non region is characterised by orchards, castles and quiet villages set among rolling hills. The city of Trento lies less than an hour away and makes a rewarding cultural day trip with its Renaissance buildings and museums. Travelling west, the road into the Brenta Dolomites reveals mountain passes, alpine meadows and hiking routes through some of Trentino’s most dramatic landscapes.
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Riva del Garda
By Rail: Riva del Garda does not have its own train station, but the nearest one is in Rovereto (about 25 kilometres away) on the Verona–Brenner line operated by Trenitalia. Trains from Rovereto reach Verona Porta Nuova in roughly 45 minutes, Trento in about 20 minutes, and Bolzano in around 1 hour. From Rovereto, Riva del Garda can be reached by taxi or by bus along the SS240, with a journey time of about 35 minutes.
By Road: Riva del Garda is located at the northern tip of Lake Garda, about 40 kilometres southwest of Trento. The drive from Trento takes around 45 minutes via the SS45bis and SS240. From Verona, it is approximately 90 kilometres, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A22 motorway and the Rovereto Sud–Lago di Garda Nord exit. From Brescia, the distance is around 110 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 2 hours via the A4 and A22 motorways. Parking is available near the harbour, along the lakefront, and at several car parks around the town centre.
By Bus: Riva del Garda is well connected by Trentino Trasporti bus routes that serve the northern side of Lake Garda. Regular services operate between Rovereto, Arco, and Torbole, with onward links to Malcesine and Limone sul Garda. Buses from Trento reach Riva del Garda in about 1 hour, while those from Rovereto take approximately 35 minutes. From Verona Villafranca Airport, travellers can take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova, continue by train to Rovereto, and transfer by bus to Riva del Garda.
Nearest International Airports:
Ferry Connections:
Riva del Garda is the northernmost ferry terminal on Lake Garda, with regular passenger services connecting with Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, Desenzano del Garda, and Sirmione. Services run throughout the year, with more frequent sailings in summer. Crossing times range from 30 minutes to around 3 hours depending on the destination and ferry type.
By Road: Riva del Garda is located at the northern tip of Lake Garda, about 40 kilometres southwest of Trento. The drive from Trento takes around 45 minutes via the SS45bis and SS240. From Verona, it is approximately 90 kilometres, taking about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A22 motorway and the Rovereto Sud–Lago di Garda Nord exit. From Brescia, the distance is around 110 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 2 hours via the A4 and A22 motorways. Parking is available near the harbour, along the lakefront, and at several car parks around the town centre.
By Bus: Riva del Garda is well connected by Trentino Trasporti bus routes that serve the northern side of Lake Garda. Regular services operate between Rovereto, Arco, and Torbole, with onward links to Malcesine and Limone sul Garda. Buses from Trento reach Riva del Garda in about 1 hour, while those from Rovereto take approximately 35 minutes. From Verona Villafranca Airport, travellers can take the Aerobus to Verona Porta Nuova, continue by train to Rovereto, and transfer by bus to Riva del Garda.
Nearest International Airports:
- Verona Villafranca Airport: Located about 85 kilometres south of Riva del Garda, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A22 motorway. It offers a range of domestic and European services and is the most convenient airport for reaching the town.
- Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport: Approximately 140 kilometres southwest, taking about 2 hours via the A4 and A22 motorways. It mainly serves low-cost and European destinations.
- Venice Marco Polo Airport: Roughly 180 kilometres southeast, with a driving time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes via the A4 and A22 motorways, offering extensive international connections.
Ferry Connections:
Riva del Garda is the northernmost ferry terminal on Lake Garda, with regular passenger services connecting with Limone sul Garda, Malcesine, Desenzano del Garda, and Sirmione. Services run throughout the year, with more frequent sailings in summer. Crossing times range from 30 minutes to around 3 hours depending on the destination and ferry type.
Private Transfers
Riva del Garda Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Riva del Garda, with a professional local driver providing direct, door-to-door service. It’s an ideal option for visitors heading to this northern part of Lake Garda, where train access is limited and public transport connections can require multiple changes.
Transfers can be arranged from Verona Airport, Bergamo Airport, or Milan Malpensa Airport, all of which serve regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Riva del Garda with nearby destinations such as Limone sul Garda, Arco, and Trento, allowing you to travel easily and at your own pace through Trentino and the Lake Garda region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Transfers can be arranged from Verona Airport, Bergamo Airport, or Milan Malpensa Airport, all of which serve regular domestic and international flights. Private transfers also connect Riva del Garda with nearby destinations such as Limone sul Garda, Arco, and Trento, allowing you to travel easily and at your own pace through Trentino and the Lake Garda region.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
