Riva del Garda, Italy
About riva del garda
Riva del Garda is a bustling Italian town that doubles as a tourist resort, located at the northern end of Lake Garda. This is the dramatic end of the lake, with mountains rising on either side, and Riva sits comfortably on the shore, with a backdrop of lake, valley, and hills. Until the lakeside road was constructed, Riva was an important port for communications along the lake’s length.
The town was part of Austria until 1918 and there is still something sedate and un-Italian about the streets and architecture. Nowadays, it is in the Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige, within the province of Trento. After Desenzano, Riva is the second-largest town on Lake Garda, and it has a very different atmosphere from the other lake resorts: simultaneously alive yet staid.
Getting There
There are 3 airports in the Milan area – Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), and Bergamo (BGY). The closest airport to Riva is actually Bergamo, but it is very small. The second closest is Linate (LIN). Linate is a smaller airport and services mainly flights in Europe. If you fly through Heathrow, then flying into Linate is a great option. All flights in and out of USA go to Malpensa (MXP). The other options are to fly into Verona (VRN) or Venice (VCE).
From the airport, it is recommended to either rent a car, or arrange for a private car transfer.
Approximate Travel Times
Local Tips
Explore explore explore
There are so many options. Look to the sights and day trips section of this guide for some inspiration.
SAiling Tips
In a south wind start at the race committee and tack immediately to go to the right, and tack back onto starboard as close as possible to the rocks!!!
Lake Garda WebCams
This link is to three webcams so you can start to get a feel for the venue.
Local Cuisine
Try the local specialty Carne Salada. A high quality lean beef, stored for 25 days and then enjoyed. You will not be disappointed.
Cycle Path of Garda
This 2.5km bike/walk path parallels the road and overhangs Lake Garda. Take in the views and enjoy the Lake from about 50 meters up!
weather links
SAILING CLUBS
MarinAS/BOAT RAMPS
Marine Stores
Sails/Rigging
BOAT STORAGE
Fuel
LAUNDRY SERVICES
HARDWARE STORES
BIKE RENTAL
Grocery stores
SHOPPING
Blue Garden is the local landmark for shopping. Located in the heart of Riva, it has a total of 40 different shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a terrace with a panoramic view overlooking Lake Garda and its mountains.
RESTAURANTS
Lunch is usually served from 1:00pm to 2:30pm and dinner from 7:30pm to 11:00pm, and each restaurant is usually closed one or two days a week.
Founded in 1922 and arranged over four rooms with traditional vaulted ceilings and antique wooden furnishings, this pizzeria is a local treasure that offers a combination of classic and modern cuisine, with a nod to the traditions and cuisine of Trentino. Fabulous pizzas, meat, and fish dishes are the stars of this show.
Address: Via Fiume, 28, 38066 Riva del Garda (TN)
Phone: +39 0464 552341
Prices: $$
Villetta Annessa
Offering both tasting and à la carte menus, the restaurant is located within Hotel Villa Miravalle, and has a beautiful terrace and garden area with a spectacular view of the nature surrounding Lake Garda. An excellent place for homemade pasta and bread, meat or chicken straight from the grill, and a bottle of wine from their vast assortment of red and white wines from local Italian regions.
Address: Via Monte, Oro, 9 38066 Riva del Garda TN
Phone: +39 0464 552335
Prices: $$
Located in Castelletto, about 35 minutes south of Riva, Ristorante da Umberto overlooks the unique port of Castelletto di Brenzone- offering beautiful lake views and a welcoming atmosphere. Focused on fresh pasta, and especially seafood, the menu is varied and welcomes your interpretation.
Local Tip: The restaurant is owned by Luca Modena, who is a star sailor and quite famous. He is lovely, and is worth the trip to have a customized dinner for a group!
Address: Via Imbarcadero, 15, 37010 Castelletto di Brenzone (VR)
Phone: +39 045 7430388
Prices: $$
This local gelato shop offers eclectic artesian gelato flavors, with many vegan options. Enjoy a homemade gelato and coffee, or even a craft cocktail and a bite to eat. A lively contemporary atmosphere makes this a fun stop while perusing through town.
Address:Viale Rovereto 54, 38066, Riva del Garda TN, second location (downtown): Viale Dante Alighieri, 38, 38066 Riva del Garda TN
Phone: +39 0464 551671
Prices: $
As you explore the narrow streets that lead from the commercial port to the town center, you’ll come across Restauranta Al Volt, a restaurant comprised of several inter-connected dining rooms with low ceilings and antique furniture. The menu here focuses on Contemporary Italian Cuisine and Chef Tasting menus. Red roses and red accents offer the decor in this romantic spot- an excellent place for a romantic or quiet meal with friends or family.
Address: Via Fiume, 73, 38066 Riva del Garda, TN
Phone: +39 0464 552570
Prices: $$$
This popular dinner spot offers an eclectic, Italian seafood based menu with an extensive wine list. Off the beaten path, Osteria la Contrada is an elegant restaurant with a warm and inviting atmosphere. Osteria la Contrada is a wonderful spot to enjoy an intimate lunch or dinner of fantastic Italian seafood.
Address: Via Bastione Riva del Garda – 38066
Phone: +39 0464 521695
Prices: $$
This striking glass-walled restaurant is located right on the lake shore. The name of the establishment, L’Ora, refers to the famous Garda wind- the reason why the restaurant is so famous with windsurfers, sailors, and kite surfers alike. The restaurant offers excellent pizza, as well as an extensive wine list. Dishes of Mediterranean and Alpine flavors make L’Ora one of the best places to sample traditional Lake Garda specialties like trota salmonata (rainbow trout) and carne salada (cured beef, generally served with beans).
Address: Viale Rovereto, 101 – 38066 Riva del Garda (TN)
Phone: +39 0640 556100
Prices: $$$
Officina Verde is located in San Giacomo, about 20 minutes walk from the lakeside. So, it’s probably not the best choice if you’re looking for a Riva del Garda with a view, but a wonderful option if you’re vegetarian, vegan or want to escape the touristy historic center and try something different. The restaurant is run by a friendly young couple, and everything you’ll see on the menu is organic and either sourced from small local producers or homemade from scratch – like the wonderful seitan!
**ADULTS ONLY +14**
Address: Località San Giacomo 6, Riva del Garda, Italia
Phone: +39 0464 791012
Prices: $$$
Eating at Peter Brunel is known to be more of a gastromic experience than simply a meal. Located about a half mile from the shores of Lake Garda, Chef Peter Brunel’s Michelin starred gourmet restaurant offers guests a unique and exceptionally creative take on contemporary Mediterranean fare. The ambiance is modern and minimalistic, with warm pops of unique color throughout the space, and the wait staff and chef are very active in the dining room- this is a place where the chef will without a doubt visit your table. The restaurant is split into rooms, yet there are no walls or doors, creating an open kitchen and floor plan that is warm and welcoming. From the waiters and the chef beautifully describing the multiple menu options, to the exceptional sommelier pairing your wine, Peter Brunel Gourmet Restaurant is simply next level. Clearly put: this is one of the best restaurants in the world. The food is stellar, in taste, creativity, and presentation- this is art, no question about it. Foodies do not miss this restaurant! No one should miss this restaurant. Period. Reserve your table ASAP!
Local Tip: Recommended by 4 time Olympian and local Riva sailor Giulia Conti!
Address: Via Linfano, 47, 38062 Arco TN, Italy
Phone:+39 0464 076705
Prices: $$$
The Agritur Madonna delle Vittorie is a farm, winery, and extra virgin olive oil mill that features a fabulous restaurant. Serving traditional regional Trentino dishes, as well as multiple chef features daily, the menu is focused on homemade pastas, meat from the farm’s own cattle, cheese and ham from small local farmers, and dishes featuring the farm’s own extra virgin olive oil. All of the wine served at the restaurant is from the winery, and is known to be excellent and well priced. Needless to say, this is some of the freshest food available in the region. In a beautiful setting, with the option to dine outside amongst the olive trees, a meal at Agritur Madonna delle Vittorie is sure to please every palette.
Local Tip: There are often wine and EVOL tours and tastings available, check their website for details.
Address: Via Linfano, 81, 38062 Linfano TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 505542
Prices: $$$
Located in Malcesine, approximately 25 minutes from Riva via car, Speck Stube is a restaurant with a menu that revolves around the wood fired spit- a method of cooking to create the most tender, tasty, and low-fat meats possible. Serving foods only from the Italian territory, Speck Stube’s menu features only the freshest regional meat available. Known and loved for their Whole Roasted Chicken and Tiramisu, as well as their excellent German beer, Speck Stube is an awesome spot to enjoy a Bavarian inspired meal outside, under the shade of olive trees.
Local Tip: This is the place where all the sailors go! Take your crew and go enjoy a sunny evening out under the trees.
Address: Via Navene Vecchia, Località Molini, 139, 37018 Malcesine VR, Italy
Phone: +39 340 630 7182
Prices: $$
Located in Campi Valley, a small mountain hamlet in the municipality of Riva del Garda, Malga Grassi is a unique and beautiful restaurant to enjoy local traditional Italian mountain food. Set at an altitude of 3,460 feet, the views are spectacular and so is the food! The cuisine is fresh and delightful, and the service is exceptionally warm and friendly. From rabbit, to goulash, sausages, and ribs, all cooked on a wood fire grill- to huge bowls of homemade spaghetti, and their famous Potato Polenta, Malga Grassi is an excellent spot for a traditional mountain meal, as well as a picturesque hiking or mountain biking adventure. Most people arrive to Malga Grassi by foot or bike, but know that driving there is perfectly acceptable.
Local Tip: Malga Grassi is surrounded by multiple trails, making it an awesome spot for a pre or post hiking/biking meal or Happy Hour!
Address: Localita’ Grassi, 1, 38066 Riva del Garda TN, Italy
Phone: +39 0464 501181
Prices: $$
SIGHTS
Morning Hike up to Bastione & Church in river del garda
The Bastione can be seen from the lake on the wooded hillside a couple of hundred meters above the town of Riva del Garda. Built on the lower slopes of Monte Rocchetta in the early part of the 16th century, it was designed as a protective structure for the settlement below as Venetian power diminished. Its military value was eventually destroyed by the French army in the 18th century and the remains now serve as a museum, and as a restaurant with a panoramic view. The Bastione can be reached in half an hour’s walk from town.
See the View of Riva del Garda from the Town Tower
The Torre Apponale, the town tower, is located in the heart of Riva del Garda in the Piazza III Novembre near the waterfront. It was built in the 13th century as another means of protecting the access to the lake and the town around it- and at one point was connected to the Rocca via an underground passage. The Torre Apponale is 34 meters high and can be climbed by 165 steps during the summer months. At the top of the tower is the “Anzolim” (little angel) weather vane – a symbol of Riva del Garda.
Ferry Ride from Riva del Garda to Limone
The town’s name has really nothing to do with the centuries-old cultivation of lemons. Instead, it seems that the name comes from the Latin word “Limem” which means border. In the past, Limone was extremely isolated and could only be reached by the lake. The Village’s economy was based on fishing and the growing of olives and lemons. It was not until 1932 that Limone was finally connected to the other towns of the Riviera when the western Gardesana Street.
The people who lived in Limone, from poor farmers to fishermen, quickly became great hotel keepers, changing the little and characteristic town of fishermen into one of the most important tourist centers in Lake Garda. The people who live in Limone are proud not only of the historical center and the fragrant citrus cultivations of their famous little town but also of their DNA. In fact, in 1979, Limone became famous soon after a particular protein was found in the blood of aboriginals which seemed to have a positive influence on their health and longevity.
DAY TRIPS
Day Trip to Malcesine
Malcesine is a village on the eastern shore of Lake Garda about a 20-minute drive from Riva del Garda. Malcesine is truly a gem along Italy’s Lake Garda — a colorful town with stunning views, and great shopping and dining.
For a spectacular view over Lake Garda there is nothing to beat a ride on the Malcesine cableway, which rises to 1600 m in just ten minutes and reaches an altitude of 1760 m at the top of Monte Baldo. On a clear day you can see the whole of the lake, from Riva to Peschiera del Garda: a breathtaking panorama! The Malcesine cable car is unique in the world: on the upper section the cabin slowly rotates offering a view of 360° and the sensation of flying…It was completed in 2002.
Once at the top, there is a restaurant and many paths to walk along. The paths vary from easywalkways to more vigorous trails. Often the shepherds are tending flocks of sheep on Mount Baldo and you can watch the dogs herd the sheep with the shepherds. Sometimes you will also see the paragliders and free flyers taking off from the side of the mountain!
The Pieve di Santo Stefano dates back to the 8th century and stands in the place of a pagan temple that was transformed into a place of Christian worship. The church was completely restored at the beginning of the 14th century and completely rebuilt in the 18th century. Now, the church has only one nave, a vaulted ceiling with awesome paint works and three altars on each side.
Day Trip to Lago di Ledro
High above the north-western shore of Lake Garda, Lake Ledro lies embedded in the most enchanting alpine scenery. The landscape is picturesque with the deep blue water of the Lake and the dense mountain forests surrounding it. Directly on the shore three villages and a holiday resort are situated. The tourist center is Pieve di Ledro. In Molina you can visit the remains of a 4000-year-old settlement with buildings on stilts, which was discovered in Lake Ledro in 1929.
Around the Lake there are many pretty spots to have a swim as well as several possibilities to hire surfboards, pedal and rowing boats. The surroundings of the Lake are ideal for hikes. You can get detailed walking maps in the tourist offices. In Bezzecca, the main village of the Ledro Valley, the visitor is invited to learn about the region’s past, which has seen many severe battles against the Austrians.
NOTE: In the summer the lake reaches temperatures of 75 degrees, making it perfect for swimming!
Day Trip to Sirmione
Sirmione is a resort town on the southern bank of Lake Garda. It’s known for its thermal baths and Rocca Scaligera, a medieval castle overlooking the lake.
The peninsula of Sirmione is protected by an imposing medieval fortress: the Scaliger Castle of Sirmione. This castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Italy, and a rare example of lake fortification. Above all, Scaliger Castle is steeped in history and a magical atmosphere, surrounded by the crystal clear water of Lake Garda. The town center of Sirmione, to which the castle provides access, is located on the southern shore of the Lake, on a peninsula that acts as a watershed between the territory of Brescia and Verona.
**Note: that the city center is closed to traffic. If you choose to visit the Scaliger castle, you must park outside the town walls.