Top Things to do in Riva Del Garda
10 Things to Do in Riva Del Garda That You Shouldn't Miss
Believe it or not, Nietzsche went on vacation—to this pretty town on Italy’s Lake Garda. Today, travelers can explore medieval fortresses and the town’s historic center. Or, just take relaxing walks along the lakeshore and wonder what in the world it would be like to vacation with Nietzsche.
Restaurants in Riva Del Garda
1. Santa Barbara Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
The small Chapel to Saint Barbara (m 625 – h 1,45 from Riva del Garda), was built in 1935 by the miners who worked on the conduits of the Ponale power plant. It is placed in a horrid and daring, yet panoramic position, on the slope of Mount Rocchetta near the start of the penstocks feeding the hydroelectrical plant. The Chapel is visible from afar thanks to nighttime lighting.
Reviewed By Peter_Megan - Berry, New South Wales, Australia
When we first arrived in Riva del Garda we were astounded when we spotted Santa Barbara Chapel perched high on the sheer mountainside overlooking the township. We soon discovered that there was a hiking track leading to the Bastion and then further onwards all the way to the Chapel. We are not particularly experienced or hikers but the challenge excited us and so we set out about 9am to see if we could do it. We wore our hiking shoes which were a must! The road leading to the Bastion is wide and smooth and although steep, quite doable. After the Bastion the track is much narrower, rocky, and steep. The climb is fairly relentless but we took lots of stops and lots of water to rehydrate with. The photo opportunities along the way are out of this world. We never felt unsafe on the track and made it to the top in a total of 1.5 hours (from the township). From the top the view is spectacular!! It took us only 45 mins to descend to the Bastion on the way down for the simple reason that gravity was working for us and not against us. We stopped and had refreshing drinks and a well deserved bruschetta for our lunch before the 15 minute downhill walk to our hotel. We gladly donned our swimmers for a well deserved swim in the lake!
2. Old Ponale Road Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 815 reviews
One follows via Gargnano (Gardesana Occidentale National Road SS 45bis) from the centre of Riva heading towards Limone. On the right before the tunnel, take the old road which once linked Riva del Garda with the Ledro Valley. From there one can enjoy breathtaking panoramas for once in a lifetime photo opportunities.
Reviewed By Nanette T
We saw this suggestion on Trip Advisor so we visited The Lab bike shop and rented e-bikes and they provided a map. It was an incredible day! We rode to Lago de Ledro and Pregasina and back to Riva del Garda. We loved it and we would recommend anyone who loves to bike do this ride. ❤️❤️
3. Valle di Ledro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
In Trentino, a pochi km dal Lago di Garda, ti aspetta la Valle di Ledro dove trascorrere la tua prossima vacanza a contatto con la natura con la propria famiglia o i propri amici. Guarda le offerte speciali per trascorrere le tue vacanze al Lago di Ledro. Cerca gli appartamenti disponibili e scopri gli eventi in programma...
Reviewed By Milnevet - Melbourne, Australia
Great morning out. Starts with beautiful lake views on old track, then nice valley, then small lake with villages around the edge. Small museum of stilt houses/natural history. Some steep bits, lanes, tracks, nothing technical unless you go to the adjacent MTB trails (these are heaps of fun, very steep, somewhat technical). 10 KMs up to lake from Riva, 1.2 km of climbing.
4. The Bastion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 714 reviews
The Bastione, a tower of grey stone, located at the foot of Mount Rocchetta, is one the symbols of Riva del Garda, overlooking the city and Lake Garda. It was built in the early XVI century, just after the end of Venetian domination over Riva. It was destroyed in 1703 by the French troops under leadership of general Vendôme, who mined the main body thus rendering it unusable. It’s a few minutes walk from the port of Riva, along a road that winds through the black pinewood of the lower Rocchetta. The path then rises further to the chapel of St. Barbara on the mountainside (610m) and the Rocchetta itself (1520m). The Bastione has recently been restored. Visitors may see the imposing external bodywork and what is left of the inside from a winding staircase. The locations enjoys an excellent view.
Reviewed By Shazzer1a - Letchworth, England, United Kingdom
Steep climb on a made path but worth the spectacular view and lunch at the end. I'm not good with slopes or hills but was pleased that I made it.
5. Monte Brione
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By little_miss_perfect - Essex, United Kingdom
My daughter and I climbed to the top one afternoon. We don't do much climbing/hiking, lol, but found it relatively easy with lots of steps most of the way up. The views are amazing over Torbole and we enjoyed the birds eye view of the windsurfers... There were hundreds of them! On the way up there are a few spots with no fence/handrail, just a cliff edge.... Made me a little bit nervous!
6. Inviolata Church (The Church of the Virgin)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
This church is the most famous monument in Riva. It was built in 1603 and it was consecrated in 1636 commissioned by Gaudenzio Madruzzo and his wife Alfonsina Gonzaga as a place of pilgrimage and custody of a miraculous shrine. The church is in an elegant Baroque style. On the outside it is square shaped, on the inside octagonal with five altars, three gates, vaults with frescos and stuccoes, confessionals in carved wood and marble pavements.
Reviewed By Chris S - Felixstowe
All Italian churches tend to be remarkable and this is no exception. It has the usual exceptional interior decoration but what stands it apart is the unusual eight-sided interior with entrance doors on three sides. The stained glass work is particularly attractive and this church is well worth a visit.
7. Catena Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
The name refers to the large chain which in the past centuries was stretched across the water in defence of the harbour. Until 1929, the piazza was home to the Imperial Customs House: a sign of the borderline which for centuries separated the northern stretch of the lake from the regions just a little further to the south. On this square the baroque statue of San Giovanni Nepomuceno, patron saint of the waters, can be found, which until the Great War stood in Piazza Benacense.
Reviewed By travelpassion - Belfast, United Kingdom
A lovely piazza in this beautiful lake side town, which you will stumble across when wandering round the town and cannot miss when arriving by boat.
8. Sabbioni Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Sue B - Manchester, United Kingdom
Had a great few hours sitting on a bench just people watching, water sports are lovely to watch and a totally different way of life to ours, young and old alike all having fun together.
lots of shade beneath the trees if you have had enough sun ( which we did as it was in the 30s )
I would recommend anybody to either sit and watch or stroll along the shingle you would love it.
9. MAG Museo Alto Garda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 347 reviews
Reviewed By MrsMichy - London, United Kingdom
With our Trentino pass we were able to gain free admission on a very hot August afternoon – a great place to escape the Sunshine for a couple of hours. The museum is like Dr Who’s tardis. It looks tiny from the outside but once inside…….
Don’t miss the leaflets scattered around. However, I do believe if it is their intention to attract tourists there needs to be more explanations in English on the exhibits. If this is not their wish then it is fine as it is.
Loved the black and white film and the old photographs of Lake Garda and surrounding areas were fantastic.
The steps up to the tower are not too challenging and worth the effort for the view.
We spent about an hour and half here, but depending on your interest in the subject matter I could imagine many could spend a lot longer.
10. Torre Apponale
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 292 reviews
Reviewed By travelpassion - Belfast, United Kingdom
A nice, medieval tower in Piazza 3 di Novembre which you will see as soon as you arrive by boat on the lake.
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