At a glance
- Easiest area without a car
- Old town
- Closest to the water
- Lakefront and beaches
- For windsurfers
- Torbole (about 4 km)
- For climbers
- Arco (about 6 km)
- Old town
- Pedestrian area, car parks on the edge
- Old town to the beach
- About 600 m on foot
Riva del Garda is the largest town on the Trentino shore of the lake. Within a few kilometres you have a medieval old town, a lakefront with beaches and parks, a more modern district towards Torbole and, behind it all, the mountains. To decide where to stay, start with one question: how will you get around on holiday?
The areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old town | Couples, families, anyone arriving without a car | Everything on foot: square, restaurants, lake 8 minutes away | Pedestrian area: the car stays in a nearby car park |
| Lakefront and beaches | Those who want the lake on their doorstep | Beaches, parks, walks along the water | The busiest area in high season |
| Viale Rovereto and around | Travelling by car | Hotels and residences with parking, easy access into town | Busy road, old town 10–15 minutes on foot |
| Torbole (Nago-Torbole) | Sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing | Schools and rentals on the lake, sporty atmosphere | Small village, fewer options in the evening |
| Arco | Climbing, mountain biking | Crags and trails close at hand, quiet old town | The lake is about 6 km away |
Old town: everything on foot
Riva's old town is built around Piazza III Novembre and the Torre Apponale, with narrow lanes, arcades and shops. It is a pedestrian area: from your front door you can walk to restaurants, ice-cream shops, the harbour and the lakefront. It is the most convenient choice if you want to leave the car for the whole holiday or if you arrive by bus.
The trade-off is the car: you leave it in one of the car parks on the edge of the old town. The closest to us is Parcheggio Monte Oro, about 350 metres away. There is more in our parking guide.
This is where we are. Our two apartments are at Via Fiume 16 and Via Marocco 24, 50 metres from the square: the Deluxe with a cellar for bikes and Urban with a private terrace.
Lakefront and beaches: the lake on your doorstep
Along the lake, to the west and east of the harbour, you will find beaches, lawns and parks with facilities. Staying here means breakfast with a view and a swim before dinner. In July and August it is the liveliest and busiest area; the old town is still only a short walk away.
Viale Rovereto: handy if you travel by car
This is the main road from Riva towards Torbole, lined with hotels and residences that have their own parking. It is practical if you often drive, for example on mountain day trips. Walking into the old town takes 10–15 minutes, depending on where you are.
Beyond Riva: Torbole and Arco
Torbole, about 4 km away, is the sailors' village: the steady morning and afternoon winds have made it an international destination for windsurfing and sailing. Arco, about 6 km inland, is the capital of sport climbing, with crags and trails everywhere. Both are linked to Riva by bus and cycle paths, so they are easy to reach if you stay in Riva too.
How to choose, in three questions
- Arriving without a car? The old town: everything is on foot, and the bus stop is close by. See our guide to getting here without a car.
- Bringing bikes? Look for accommodation with lockable storage. Our Deluxe has a private cellar. See Riva by bike.
- Travelling with a dog? Check that pets are allowed (ours welcome them) and read Riva with a dog.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in Riva del Garda?
It depends on how you travel. The old town is the most practical choice if you want to walk everywhere between restaurants, the main square and the lakefront. The lakefront is ideal if you want the beach on your doorstep. Torbole is the natural base for sailing and windsurfing, Arco for climbing.
Is it worth staying in Riva's old town?
Yes, if you want to leave the car and do everything on foot: the square, the restaurants and the lake are a few minutes away. The old town is pedestrianised, so the car stays in a car park on the edge, such as Monte Oro.
How far is Riva's old town from the beach?
From the main square, Piazza III Novembre, the lakefront beaches are about an 8-minute walk.
Riva, Torbole or Arco: which is better?
Riva has more services and restaurants and the largest old town. Torbole is smaller and geared towards sailing and windsurfing. Arco lies inland at the foot of the crags: perfect for climbers, less so if you want the lake.
