Di Gusto in Gusto Christmas Market
The local Christmas market offering typical products and festive atmosphere.
PlizioGo
Thinly sliced marinated beef; try it 'cotta' (briefly seared) served with traditional beans (fasoi).
Sourced from the world's northernmost olive groves; buy it directly at the Agraria Riva del Garda shop.
A rare local variety of broccoli harvested in winter; often served as a side to lake fish.
The premier spot for local wines, oils, and Trentino specialties all in one place.
Explore the alleys behind Piazza III Novembre for high-quality Italian leather goods.
A peaceful spot for a lakeside stroll early in the morning before the beach crowds arrive.
A cool retreat inside a natural gorge; visit right after opening for the quietest experience.
Water temperature…
The local Christmas market offering typical products and festive atmosphere.
A scenic half marathon running along the shores of Lake Garda.
Enjoy the timeless music of Gianni Morandi right on the shores of Lake Garda during an atmospheric open-air concert in Riva del Garda.
A series of jazz concerts in various locations around the northern lake shores.
Magical fairy tale festival concluding with a massive fireworks display over the lake.
Europe's primary season-opening event for mountain biking enthusiasts.
Riva del Garda stuns with its dramatic setting at the narrow, fjord-like northern tip of Lake Garda. Flanked by the precipitous Monte Oro to the west and Monte Brione to the east, its geography channels the consistent 'Ora' and 'Peler' winds, making Riva a global Mecca for sailors and windsurfers. The historic center features pastel-colored facades and narrow alleys leading to Piazza III Novembre, home to the leaning Torre Apponale tower dating back to 1220. The 'Rocca' fortress, encircled by water-filled moats, now houses the city museum. Riva remained part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, a history still reflected in its architecture and local cuisine. Beyond water sports, the area is world-renowned for its via ferratas and the spectacular Ponale road, a favorite for hikers and mountain bikers.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -3 | -1 | 3 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 3 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 50 | 57 | 78 | 106 | 97 | 98 | 109 | 92 | 99 | 109 | 58 |
See what it looks like near Riva del Garda right now.
Riva del Garda › South: Pier Watersports Center · 0.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day begins at the lively Piazza III Novembre, the heart of Riva, where the historic Torre Apponale stands guard over the harbor. A quick climb up the tower rewards you with a wide view over the sparkling water. In the late morning, explore the Rocca di Riva, a medieval lakeside fortress that now houses valuable art treasures. Afterward, stroll along the elegant promenade, enjoy the lake breeze, and find a nice spot for lunch. In the afternoon, head for the views: take the modern glass funicular up to the Bastione, a limestone ruin perched majestically above the town. An aperitivo here tastes best with the fantastic panorama unfolding below. To wrap up the day, visit the Church of Santa Maria Inviolata, the most significant Baroque building in Trentino. Its simple exterior hides an interior filled with gold and stucco, a perfect place for a moment of quiet reflection.
In the morning, we use the porticos of Piazza III Novembre to stay dry. At noon, the Rocca museum provides an ideal indoor sanctuary. In the afternoon, the covered panoramic lift takes us to the Bastione for a moody view of the misty lake. In the evening, the Church of Santa Maria Inviolata offers a peaceful retreat while the rain falls outside.
The winter morning starts fresh by the lake, often with crystal-clear views of snowy peaks. At noon, we warm up in the heated rooms of the Rocca. In the early afternoon, we catch the last daylight at the Bastione before the sun disappears behind the mountains. The evening ends peacefully at the Inviolata Church.
Start your bike tour on the scenic lakeside promenade heading east. The path is flat and offers constant views of the shimmering water. The first highlight is the ascent of Monte Brione. The winding road leads through olive groves up to old fortifications and offers arguably the most iconic panorama of Riva and Torbole. Back in the valley, cycle to the impressive hydroelectric plant by the lake. Then, head to Piazza III Novembre for a well-deserved lunch break. In the afternoon, the route climbs gently towards the Varone Waterfall. Inside the cool cave, the water plunges spectacularly into the depths. On the way back, pass through Porta San Marco and enjoy a relaxed ride back into the old town.
Despite the rain, we start along the promenade where the asphalt remains grippy. At noon, we climb Monte Brione on paved paths surrounded by mystic mist. In the afternoon, the hydroelectric power plant offers a fascinating indoor break. We finish at the Varone Waterfall, where you get wet anyway, but the spectacle is even more powerful in the rain.
On a clear winter morning, we cycle along the lake in a fresh breeze. At noon, the path leads us up Monte Brione, where the winter sun bathes the olive groves in soft light. In the afternoon, we warm up during the power plant tour. The ride to Varone Waterfall is chilly, but the frozen spray on the rocks is a rare and magical sight.
By car, you can easily reach the Varone Waterfall as your first stop of the day. The cool cave air is especially refreshing in the morning. Head back towards the town center to the magnificent Baroque Church of Santa Maria Inviolata. From here, it's just a short drive to the Rocca di Riva by the lake, where you can park and dive into the town's history. After the museum visit, stroll to Piazza III Novembre. In the lively streets of the old town, you'll find plenty of restaurants for a classic Italian lunch. Crown your afternoon with a trip up to the Bastione via the panoramic funicular. Enjoy the sweeping views over the entire northern shore of Lake Garda before heading back home.
Rainy days are perfect for a car tour. In the morning, we visit the Varone Waterfall, which swells even more impressively with the rain. At noon, we park conveniently near the Inviolata Church and the Rocca to enjoy culture while staying dry. We spend the afternoon in the old town, appreciating the short distances between parking garages and the porticos.
Winter days in Riva are quiet and relaxed by car. In the morning, the Varone Waterfall is pleasantly empty. At noon, we enjoy the warmth of the car between sights. In the afternoon, we drive to the Bastione lift and enjoy the panoramic view of the deep blue winter lake. The short walks to the warm car interior make sightseeing very comfortable.
German widely spoken due to Austrian/German tourism.
Resting by the serene waters of Lake Garda, Spiaggia dello sperone creates an easy on the eye lakeside retreat in Riva Del Garda. This destination is well-suited for scenic strolls by the water and enjoying a relaxed swimming experience. The natural surroundings lend themselves well to quiet moments of contemplation. Visiting during the pleasant summer afternoons will ensure a memorable outing.
