Riva del Garda

Bask in the reflection of mountains at this lake town

The beauty of Italy’s largest lake, Garda, is best seen from Riva del Garda, a historic and colourful town on the northern edge of the water. This resort town is known for its picturesque medieval streets and spectacular views of the sparkling lake. It’s the perfect place to relax and indulge in some laid-back Northern Italian culture. 

As well as being perched on Garda’s shore, Riva is also just at the foot of the Italian Alps. As you explore the town, you’ll be surrounded by sloping, tree-covered peaks. If you’d like to get closer to the mountains, you can set off on a hike on one of the well-marked trails. The views of Riva and Lake Garda from above are something to behold. 

Just north of the town’s limit, you might want to take a short hike to the magical Varone Waterfalls (“Cascate del Varone”). These are a pair of thundering falls that tumble from the mountainside down into a deep cave. A sturdy walkway lets you get up close to the spray, and coloured lights give the cave an enchanting atmosphere. 

In the town itself, you’ll want to immerse yourself in the local history and culture. On the bank of the lake, discover the sturdy yet elegant Rocca di Riva castle, a medieval fortress once home to the Lords of Verona. Inside is the Museo Civico, where you can learn about the history of the region, town and castle itself. 

Central Riva is characterised by narrow streets of colourful houses, with charming restaurants and tempting “gelaterias” (ice cream parlours). Why not enjoy a traditional Italian lunch sitting al fresco at a local restaurant? Specialities include fresh fish from Lake Garda and rich risotto dishes.