Riva del Garda, Lake Garda

Riva Del Garda

Lake Garda, Italy

Riva del Garda, simply known as Riva, is one of the main resort towns on Lake Garda with a lovely lakeside waterfront.

About Riva del Garda

The northernmost town on Lake Garda, Riva’s is an historic small town with a beautiful lakeside waterfront.

The temperate climate makes Riva an ideal place for relaxing in summer with plenty of cafes, shops, things to do and see.

In addition there’s a medieval fortress (La Rocca) and a belltower to see.

Riva del Garda is popular for sailing and windsurfing, rock climbing and mountain biking.

In the winter months, skiing is available on Monte Baldo with a lift to the mountain (in summer and winter) from the Lake Garda town of Malcesine.

LOCATION

Riva’s location on Lake Garda

Riva is the point furthest north on Lake Garda.

The town is connected by ferries to Limone and Torbole and is connected via the road network around the Lake and is not far from the A22 autostrada (motorway/freeway).

GOOGLE MAP

FERRY INFORMATION

Looking across Lake Garda at sunset

There are ferry boat services across the lake, the most frequent ones being to Limone and Torbole, others will be more infrequent. There are, however, tour boats available to various Lake Garda destinations.

Tickets can be bought directly from the ferry service website, except for fast boat tickets which must be bought at the ground station.

*All times approximate

FERRY WEBSITE

Riva History & Other Information

View across lake Garda from Riva

Riva del Garda belonged to the Republic of Venice, the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy and later (1815-1918) to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

During the Third Italian War of Independence, Riva del Garda was an important supply base for the Austrian navy and was the only town on the lake captured by Italian forces. In 1918, after the end of World War I, Riva del Garda, with the rest of the Trentino, became part of the Kingdom of Italy.

Things to see in Riva del Garda

View across lake Garda from Riva

THINGS TO SEE

The Museo Civico is located in the Rocca, a medieval fortress with quadrangular bastions, placed on the lake, bounded by a canal with drawbridge. It was the fortress of the noble family Scaligeri (1124), who became the Lords of Verona. It is frequently used for cultural activities, especially during the summer months.

The medieval Torre Apponale is a medieval tower first mentioned in 1273, but probably older. It belonged to the first fortress of Riva, that no longer exists.

The city gates Porta San Marco (11th century), built by the Venetians, and Porta San Michele (13th century), at the Piazza Cavour, are remnants of the medieval city walls. The Porta San Michele has a small battlemented belfry for the parochial church of Maria Assunta. This church was originally a romanesque-gothic building from the 14th century (attested by a medieval relief at its southern side), but was rebuilt in baroque style in 1728. The fresco in the dome is by the 17th century Baroque painter Giuseppe Alberti.

Sport in Riva & on Lake Garda

SPORT

If you want some sports activities, Lake Garda can offer you a variety of activities from sailing to canyoning, diving, stand-up paddleboarding plus canoeing/kayaking and mountain biking.

The Lake Garda cycle path is in the process of being made. Some sections are already open, though not yet to Riva.

There are a number of bicycle and ebike rental shops in Riva.

The most famous cycle path is the Ponale road and you can do this to Lake Ledro by e-bike (3hrs approx). More details here (use Google to translate if necessary)

Hotels in Riva del Garda

A selection of the most well-reviewed hotels in Riva include the following

HOTEL LUISE

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Hotel Luise

Hotel Luise is less than half a mile from Riva Del Garda’s historic center and a 5-minute walk from the lake. It features a choice of elegant rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, and free Wi-Fi throughout. Parking is free.

All rooms come equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and parquet or carpeted floors. Some rooms are complete with a balcony.

The new Millelire restaurant overlooks the swimming pool and is open in summer. The chef prepares international dishes and specialties from Trentino. Breakfast is a sweet and savory buffet, with hot and cold dishes.

The interiors of the Luise combine art, design and technology with a vintage atmosphere. Free bicycle rentals are available at the front desk and the garden has a playground.

information from Booking.com

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HOTEL VILLA ENRICA

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Hotel Villa Enrica

Set in Riva del Garda, 200 metres from beaches on the shores of Lake Garda, Hotel Villa Enrica offers a small swimming pool and modern rooms with lake-view balconies.

Villa Enrica is surrounded by gardens and offers a furnished sun terrace and a cosy lounge with bar. There are a number of cycle paths in the area and bikes are available to rent at reception.

Rooms come with a flat-screen TV, wood floors and a contemporary design. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Parking is free at Villa Enrica Hotel, one kilometre from Riva del Garda centre. The A22 motorway is 15 km away and the nearest train station is in Rovereto, reached by a local bus.

information from Booking.com

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GARDA LIFE HOTEL

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Hotel Garda Life

Located 550 metres from the lake shores, Garda Life offers accommodation with free WiFi in Riva del Garda. Guests can relax in the shared lounge or in the garden.

Rooms feature modern furnishings and wooden floors, and come with a satellite TV and a private bathroom. All guest rooms have air conditioning and a kettle. Some units also have a balcony.

The rich breakfast buffet includes sweet and savoury items, and guests will enjoy a drink at the on-site bar.

information from Booking.com

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Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort

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Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort

Du Lac and Du Park Grand Resort is set in parkland in Riva Del Garda. Guests have free use of its 2 swimming pools, wellness facilities, and fitness centre.

Rooms here come with air conditioning and satellite TV. Some have a balcony.

The Grand Resort’s outdoor swimming pool has beautiful mountain views which you can enjoy from the sun terrace with loungers. Bike rental is available so you can explore the surrounding area. Charging stations for electric vehicles are also available.

The hotel has a number of dining options including an a la carte restaurant serving local and national specialities, a poolside cafe and a snack bar. There is also a roof garden for seasonal outdoor dining.

The beauty spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments, massage and a sauna. The indoor swimming pool offers year-round relaxation and water aerobics classes.

information from Booking.com

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GRAND HOTEL LIBERTY

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Grand Hotel Liberty

This charming 4-star hotel has impressive Art Nouveau decor, a luxury spa and indoor and outdoor pools. It is in Riva del Garda centre, 5 minutes’ walk from the lake.

Grand Hotel Liberty offers classically furnished rooms and modern rooms. They all come with a minibar and a TV with satellite channels. Each one has a private bathroom with hairdryer and toiletries.

Dating back to the early 20th century, the property is surrounded by landscaped gardens. Indoors, the spa includes a fitness area, sauna and Turkish bath. A variety of massages and beauty treatments are also available.

Grand Hotel Liberty serves a buffet breakfast and the restaurant opens at dinner on demand. Liberty Cafe is ideal for drinks throughout the day and offers also a light lunch menu.

information from Booking.com

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