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Holidays to Riva pair windsurfing and rock climbing with lakeside cafés and pretty parks.

Treats by the harbour

Lively harbour town Riva's full of traditional pavement cafés selling generous servings of limoncello and hunks of focaccia. Away from the fashionable waterfront on northern Italy's Lake Garda, it's got a 12th-century fortress, too. In the mountains north of town, the Cascata del Varone waterfall gets visitors gasping as it cascades through a limestone tunnel.

Get outdoors

Riva's a launchpad to a whole slew of outdoor activities, and hiking and biking trails criss-cross the hillsides around. The town's mountain neighbour Arco is a modern-day mecca for climbers, while nearby Val de Ledro offers canyoning through limestone walls smoothed by glacial meltwaters.

Windsurfers' capital

A 45-minute walk along the lakeside takes you to the windsurfers' hangout of Torbole. If you'd like to try your hand, there's a trio of surf schools along the shoreline that offer both classes and rentals. It's also a safe spot for children to splash around in, plus nearby play areas make it extra family-friendly.

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

Further Reading

  • Travel Advice
  • Things To Do

    • At a Glance

    • Get the best views around from the Bastione tower above town
    • Walk to the Varone waterfalls and click pics of the 90m cascade
    • Slip on a wetsuit and try your hand at windsurfing
    • Prep for your trip with our Holiday Extras

    Location

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    Best time to go to Riva

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    Top things to see and do in Riva

    Beaches in Riva

    Riva has one of the largest pebble and grass beaches on the north of the lake. Both Pini beach, or Pine Beach, and Spiaggia Sabbioni are along the promenade in front of town. Facilities at both beaches include, bars and cafés, playgrounds, floating platforms, sun lounger rental and showers.

    Head to Torbole

    If you’re looking to try another beach, jump on a bike or walk along the promenade to Torbole. Al Cor and Lido Blu are pebble beaches and grass areas. With showers, toilets, snack bars and restaurants, you’ll be set for the day – especially if you rent a sun lounger, too. Torbole is known for its watersports – have a go or watch the pros, and the not-so-pros, out on the water.

    Take a refreshing dip

    The main inlet into Lake Garda is the Sarca River, located between Torbole and Riva. This fresh mountain water, the ban on private motor boats, and the lake depth in the north makes this area the clearest and purest it can be – great for a refreshing dip.

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    Bargain Buys

    The best place to pick up a few bargains is the market, which runs every two weeks on a Wednesday. Browse traditional Italian pottery and ceramics, high-quality leather goods, clothing, gifts and souvenirs to take home. While prices may not be as low as you expect, the products are really good quality.

    Mid-range Buys

    Away from the lakefront, Riva has some excellent shops and boutiques. Riva’s Blue Garden Shopping Centre is open from 10am to 10pm, and has over 40 shops. Feel the Italian style at Piazza Italia or pick up some cosmetics from Wycon. Homewear and sports gear are just some of the other things available.

    Designer Buys

    You don’t need to leave Riva to splash some cash on a few designer purchases. Shops such as Jack Wolfskin, Armani and United Colors of Benetton can all be found in the town. Many other brands are also available from the boutiques and shops around the streets of Riva.

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    Lively Evenings

    Riva is one of the largest towns on Lake Garda and attracts many water sports fans, so it has a lively vibe and the bars and cafés often busy. Firework displays take place throughout the season and are a big draw for visitors. Speak to your rep to find out what’s happening during your holiday.

    Laid-Back Evenings

    Those who prefer a more laidback evening can sit back in Cristallo's, in the harbour, and enjoy a spritz while watching the world go by. Cristallo's also has an excellent selection of homemade ice-cream – get one to take away and stroll along the lakefront promenade.

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    Eating out

    Riva is packed full of gelaterias that are perfect for an ice-cream fix, and bars that are ideal for aperitivos and scenic nightcaps. Most eateries are in the open piazzas that are lined with pavement cafes, or along the lakeside promenade boasting beautiful views of the mountains.

    Five pages of pizzas at Ristorante Bella Vista

    Located on the lakefront is the intimate Ristorante Bella Vista. Along with the fantastic views of the lake and mountains, you have the option of regional, national and international dishes, including a five-page pizza menu.

    Authentic Italian at Ristorante Leon d'Oro

    You’ll find the Ristorante Leon d’Oro in the narrow alleys of Riva’s old town. The famous family-run restaurant has been owned by the Salvaneschis since 1938 and offers an extensive menu of regional and traditional Italian cuisine.

    Homemade wine and olive oil at La Colombera

    Positioned on the ground floor of a 16th century castle, La Colombera is known for producing its own wine and olive oil. You can sit on their outdoor patio, sheltered by overhanging vines, and enjoy traditional Trentino specialities cooked right in front of you.

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