Riva holidays

Popular holidays

Whether you want to relax or get active, holidays to Riva on the northern shore of Lake Garda have it covered.

Historical harbour town

There’s heaps of history on show in Riva, from the town’s Roman walls and Medieval castle to the centuries-old clock tower that watches over the waterfront. To get a bird’s-eye view of it all, you can hop on the funicular up to the Bastion Tower. Built as a lookout back in the 16th century, it’s your go-to spot to snap a panoramic photo of the town and lake. Then once you’re back down on street level, follow the buzz of conversation to the bars and restaurants that line the harbour to settle in for a long lunch or a sunset spritz. Now that’s the good life.

World-beating watersports

The breezes that blow across Riva’s shoreline make this a standout spot for watersports of all kinds. And there are plenty of places where you can hire gear and have a lesson if you fancy getting stuck in. Or simply stick to dry land and watch the dinghies, windsurfers and kiteboarders with an ice-cream in hand instead. If paddling in the shallows is more your style, you’ve got some of the longest beaches on the north of the lake here too. Spiaggia Sabbioni and Pini beach are both close to the promenade and have cafés, playgrounds and swimming platforms to help keep the holiday feels flowing.

Strolling and rolling

The lakeside promenade to Torbole is a good pick if you’re after a gentle potter. Or you can follow the Ponale trail that winds through tunnels to the Cascata del Verone – a duo of waterfalls that tumble over a 90m drop into an underground cave. For some two-wheeled exploring, try hiring an e-bike and crunching along gravel tracks to nearby Lake Ledro. And for a route where gravity does all the work, catch a bus into the hills above Riva and freewheel back into town through vineyards and olive groves.

Out and about

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in Riva:

• Lakeside path
• Lake bathing
• Boat trips
• Sailing
• Guided mountain walks
• Waterfalls
• Markets

Popular hotels in Riva

Top things to see and do in Riva

Beaches

Readymade for shoreside days

You’ve two of the longest beaches on the lake’s northern shore on your doorstep. Spiaggia dei Pini and Spiaggia Sabbioni both run along Riva’s promenade, so you're never far from the action. And with cafés, sun loungers to rent, floating platforms and playgrounds on hand, it's easy to settle in and let the day drift by.

Make a splash with watersports

Breezes blow like clockwork here, so it’s no surprise that sailors, windsurfers and kiteboarders are some of Riva’s biggest fans. Eager to join the fun? You’ll find most of the main watersports schools nearby Spiaggia Sabbioni beach. Or for something gentler, canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore the shoreline at a relaxed pace.

Cool off in crystal clear water

The northern end of Lake Garda is some of the clearest you'll find – and for good reason. With private motorboats banned from this stretch, the water stays beautifully calm and clean, making it just as tempting for a swim as it is for paddling or sailing. The Sarca River feeds in here too, running straight down from the mountains between Torbole and Riva and keeping things refreshingly cool.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The town hosts a fortnightly market, where you'll find traditional pottery and ceramics, leather goods, gifts and souvenirs.

Mid-range buys

Away from the lakefront, Riva has some excellent shops and boutiques. You can find anything from home wear to sports gear.

Designer buys

In Riva itself, you can find shops like Jack Wolfskin, Armani and United Colors of Benetton, alongside other boutiques selling high-end brands.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

If you prefer a more laidback evening, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a spritz or ice-cream and watch the world go by.

Lively evenings

Riva is one of the largest towns on Lake Garda and there's a lively vibe, with busy bars and cafés. You might even catch a fireworks display.

Food & drink

One scoop or two?

Serious ice-cream fan? Riva is the place to be. Dotted with gelaterias, you'll find somewhere different to go every day.

A table with a view

Most eateries are in the open piazzas and along the lakeside promenade. Find the right spot and you'll be able to savour the view as much as the food.

Getting about

Buses

Local bus lines 1 and 2 run in opposite directions on a circular route through Riva, Varone and Arco. The main bus station is on Viale Trento, opposite the Hotel Astoria, but there are stops all along the main road in town.

Passenger ferries

You can catch a hydrofoil or a catamaran to take you north and south to most other towns on the lake. If you're planning on visiting more than one town in one day, a North Lake Hopper pass could save you some money.

On foot

Riva is a town made for strollers, with lots of narrow, winding streets and open piazzas, all surrounded by Roman town walls. The lakeside promenade runs for 3km all the way to neighbouring Torbole.

Walking

A lakeside walk

Start by walking around the small streets, through open piazzas and around the Roman town walls, before following the 3km lakeside promenade to Torbole. The path is flat and it should take you about 45 minutes or so.

Stroll to the ruins

A well-maintained cobbled path leads out of town and up the mountainside. The walk only takes around 45 minutes but is mostly uphill. There are plenty of benches along the way for breaks. At journey's end, you can explore the ruins of Bastione and take in the views over the rooftops of Riva.