Skip to content

With a dog

Riva del Garda with a dog: beaches, rules and tips

Garda Trentino is very dog-friendly, but in summer Riva's beaches have clear rules. Here is where you can go with your dog, how to get around by public transport and where to stay.

Illustration of a person walking a dog on the Riva lakefront

At a glance

Riva's beaches in summer
Dogs only on the paved lakefront promenade (20 June – 10 September)
Dog areas in Riva
Via Sudermann, Monte Brione, Parco della Pace
Nearby dog beaches
Torbole, Arco (River Sarca), Ledro (Pur)
Navigarda ferries
Lead max 1.5 m, muzzle to hand
Bastione lift
Free for dogs
Our apartments
Pets welcome in both

Many of our guests travel with their dog, and they mention it in their reviews too. Riva makes it easy: the old town is pedestrianised, the lakefront is long and shady, and dedicated areas and beaches are just minutes away. The one thing to know before you set off concerns the beaches in high summer.

Beaches: where and when

Rules for dogs on the beaches of Garda Trentino
PlaceRule
Riva del GardaFrom 20 June to 10 September dogs are only allowed on the paved lakefront promenade, not on the beach
Torbole and Lido di ArcoSame restriction from 1 June to 15 September
Torbole, Lungolago Conca d'Oro (towards Malcesine)Stretch set aside for dogs, on a lead and no swimming
Arco, Bau Beach on the River SarcaDog beach on the river
Lake Ledro, Bau Beach at PurDog beach on the lake

Riva's dog areas

Riva has three areas where your dog can roam more freely: Via Sudermann, Monte Brione (accessed from Porto San Nicolò) and the Parco della Pace, near the bus station. In the old town and on the lakefront, keep your dog on a short lead: it gets very busy in high season.

Ferries, buses and cable cars

  • Navigarda ferries: lead no longer than 1.5 m and a muzzle to hand, which staff may ask you to use. Dogs up to 50 cm at the shoulder travel free; others pay the reduced fare. When the ferries are full, the captain may refuse dogs.
  • Buses: lead no longer than 1.5 m and a muzzle. Small dogs carried in your arms travel free; others need a ticket, space permitting.
  • Bastione lift: free for dogs. At the top is one of the finest views over Riva.

Our tips

  • In summer, go out early in the morning or in the evening: the lakefront tarmac gets very hot.
  • Walks: the lakefront towards Torbole and the Monte Brione trails are ideal for a long walk.
  • Always pick up after your dog and carry water with you.

Where to stay with a dog

Both our apartments, the Deluxe and Urban with Terrace, welcome dogs and other pets. Urban has a private terrace in the courtyard, handy if you are travelling with a dog. Just let us know when you book.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs go on the beach in Riva del Garda?

From 20 June to 10 September, dogs in Riva del Garda are only allowed on the paved lakefront promenade, not on the beaches. Outside this period the rules are less strict. For a summer swim, there are the dog beaches at Torbole, Arco and Ledro.

Are there dog beaches near Riva del Garda?

Yes: at Torbole on the Lungolago Conca d'Oro towards Malcesine (on a lead, no swimming), the Bau Beach on the River Sarca at Arco and the Bau Beach at Pur on Lake Ledro.

Can dogs travel on Lake Garda ferries?

Yes, on Navigarda ferries, on a lead no longer than 1.5 m and with a muzzle to hand, which staff may ask you to use. Dogs up to 50 cm at the shoulder travel free; larger dogs pay the reduced fare. When it is very crowded, the captain may refuse dogs.

Do the Dolceriva Downtown apartments accept dogs?

Yes, both the Deluxe Apartment and Urban with Terrace welcome dogs and other pets. We just ask you to let us know when you book.

Sources

WhatsApp Book