The city of Riva del Garda is the main centre of the Trentino side of Lake Garda. It can be easily reached from the capital, Trento, and from Rovereto, but it is also well connected to the other towns on Lake Garda.

It offers many services for those who want to spend their holidays here: accommodation facilities, restaurants, bars, shops, and many opportunities for those who love sports and beautiful beaches overlooking the lake. The surroundings are a perfect spot for walking, trekking, cycling, and climbing fans.

Here, some suggestions of what to see in 3 days in Riva del Garda.

1) The historic centre of Riva del Garda

The historic centre of Riva del Garda is a small jewel nestled between lakes and mountains. The city has a layout built over the centuries, with Roman traces in the immediate periphery to which medieval and Renaissance buildings were later added.

The most interesting elements along the lakeside are undoubtedly the Rocca and only a few steps away, the Torre Apponale. Further inland, you can find the Church of the Inviolata, a small Baroque church.

2) The Varone waterfalls

The Varone waterfalls are one of the most famous natural attractions in this area. Excavated by the Magnone stream, they are a tourist destination since the 19th century.

They origin where the underground waters of Lake Tenno meet a softer sedimentary rock, creating a spectacular waterfall. They can be visited all year round; entrance is not free.

3) The beaches of Riva del Garda

Just outside the centre of Riva del Garda, the beaches stretch along the coast that connects Riva to Torbole. The beach of Punta Lido is the closest to the historic center of Riva del Garda, at the confluence of the Albola and Varone streams.

The largest beach, equipped with a bar, toilets, and showers, is the Sabbioni beach. Are you looking for privacy and intimacy? The Pini beach, which the locals also call "Purfina", is the right place to be!

4) The elevator to the Bastione

A few years ago an incredible panoramic elevator was inaugurated in Riva del Garda which goes up the mountain along the western side of the lake.

The cabin is entirely made of glass, so you can fully enjoy the 3-minute ascent. At the top, you'll find the Venetian Bastione, a building erected in the 16th century by the Serenissima, which now houses a bar-restaurant.

5) The Rocca of Riva del Garda

One of the symbols of Riva del Garda is the medieval fortification that rises in front of the centre, on the shores of the lake. The water around, designed in the past to guarantee the safety of the castle, today represents an element of sure charm.

Despite the changes that have taken place over the centuries, the fortress retains an austere yet elegant appearance. The building now houses the MAG – Museo Alto Garda, with its art collections.

6) The Ponale road

Very well known by hikers and bikers from all over the world, the Ponale road is one of the main attractions of Garda Trentino.

It starts immediately outside Riva del Garda, shortly after the historic hydroelectric plant, and goes up the side of the mountain until it reaches the Valle di Ledro and Pregasina. It takes about 3 hours to cover it all, with a vertical drop of 665 metres. It can be done on foot, or by mountain bike or electric bike and the view won’t disappoint you! 

7) Where to sleep in Riva del Garda

If you are planning to spend your next holiday in Riva del Garda, here some tips on where to stay.

Camping Al Lago, with its many different solutions, is the ideal starting point for exploring the city and its surroundings. Our mobile homes, as well as our Safari Tents and B&B rooms, have everything to make your stay special. If, on the other hand, you love the freedom of a camper, our large lake view pitches are ready to welcome you!