Five places to visit near Riva del Garda
A turquoise lake, the lanes of Limone, mountain views, a waterfall and a hilltop castle: five different ways to spend a day away from Riva’s old town. We suggest choosing one main destination rather than trying to fit them all into a single outing.
Lake Tenno: time by the water
Lake Tenno is a good choice when you feel like swapping town streets for water and greenery. Its colour shifts between turquoise and emerald, and the wooded surroundings make a lovely setting for a walk and a picnic.
Leave time simply to sit by the shore. Access from the Lago di Tenno and Matoni car parks involves a long stone staircase, while higher water levels can cover parts of the lakeside path. Choose your walk according to the conditions rather than counting on a complete circuit.
Limone sul Garda: lanes, lemon gardens and the lakefront
On Lake Garda’s western shore, Limone suits a day of wandering rather than hiking. Explore the narrow lanes of the old town, then leave time for a coffee or a leisurely lunch by the water.
For something beyond the promenade, add the Limonaia del Castèl. Its terraced citrus garden tells the story of lemon growing on this shore. Ceramic signs in the town centre help you find the entrance.
Monte Baldo from Malcesine: a day for mountain views
The cable car from Malcesine climbs to Tratto Spino at around 1,760 metres. The cabins on the upper section rotate, opening up changing views as you rise above the lake. This is the outing to save for a day with good visibility.
Take an extra layer and choose any walk at the top to match your experience and the mountain weather. You do not need to add a long hike just to enjoy the setting. Allow time in your plans for the descent and the journey back to Riva.
Varone Waterfall: inside the gorge
At Varone, the scenery changes completely: rock walls, rushing water and fine spray. The lower and upper grottoes offer two different viewpoints of the waterfall, connected by paths and steps within the park.
Pack a waterproof and wear shoes with a good grip: staying dry makes it easier to enjoy the visit. The route includes steps. Admission tickets are sold at the park.
Arco Castle: olive trees and views across the valley
Arco Castle stands on a rocky hill above the town. The approach from the old town climbs through olive groves, and the ruins look out over the Sarca valley. Choose this outing when you fancy a walk uphill with a little history along the way.
Wear suitable walking shoes and take the climb at your own pace. We recommend leaving time for Arco’s old town afterwards, rather than heading straight back. The castle’s historic section has an admission charge; the Prato della Lizza lawn is free to enter during opening hours.
Trentino Guest Card: ask us for yours
Apart Riva guests can receive the Trentino Guest Card on request. It includes free travel on Trentino Trasporti services in Trentino and eligible regional rail journeys within the province, subject to the card’s conditions.
Validate each journey using the Mio Trentino app, or ask about the transport-card alternative if you do not use a smartphone. Check boat and cable-car benefits separately: the card is not a blanket pass for every trip around Lake Garda.
Trentino Guest Card: transport and conditionsBefore you set off
Use the official links above for current admission prices, opening periods and access information. For Monte Baldo, check the mountain forecast and operating calendar together. If travelling by bus or boat, plan the return journey before leaving and leave room for connections.
The Garda Trentino mobility page brings together links to transport operators and timetables. Keep the day flexible: a destination that suits the weather and your energy is more useful than a long list of places to tick off.
Public transport and boats around Garda TrentinoBack to Riva’s old town
Apart Riva’s two holiday apartments are in Riva del Garda’s historic centre. Mountain View accommodates up to four guests and Romantic Street View up to six. Both have equipped kitchens, so a self-catering dinner is an option when you would rather have a quiet evening after your outing.
