At the northern tip of Lake Garda lies Riva del Garda, a town embraced by dramatic mountains that seem to rise straight out of the water. It’s a place where life slows to a pleasant rhythm—perfect for a base when exploring the lake.
The old town is best explored on foot. Beautiful cobblestone lanes lead into lively piazzas where cafés spill onto the streets, the smell of espresso mixing with the sweet scent of pastries from nearby bakeries. As you walk, the gentle hum of conversations and the clinking of wine glasses remind you that here, evenings are just as important as mornings.
In the very heart of Riva, the Torre Apponale rises above the rooftops. When visiting Riva del Garda, you can climb its 34 meters and pause as the bells chime across town. From the top, the view stretches wide: boats drifting on the lake, mountains rolling into the horizon, and the tiled roofs of Riva glowing in the sunlight.
A short walk uphill brings you to the Bastione di Riva, an old fortress perched above the town. The reward is not only the panorama but also the restaurant tucked here. Sit at a table outdoors and you’ll taste fresh local dishes while the breeze carries scents of rosemary and olive trees. With the lake shining below, every bite feels like part of the scenery.
Not far from the bustle, the Santa Maria Inviolata church offers a quiet pause. Its Baroque interior is small but ornate, a reminder that even modest corners of Riva are filled with beauty.
For those who love movement, Riva is a paradise. The Sentiero Ponale trail winds high above the water, giving spectacular views around every bend. The crunch of gravel beneath your shoes or bike tires is matched by the sound of the lake far below. Another favorite, the Sentiero Busatte Tempesta, offers sweeping views across cliffs and forests, with steel staircases clinging to the rock for an extra thrill.
Visiting Riva del Garda and staying in town, means you are also within easy reach of Limone sul Garda – The prettiest town on Lake Gada. Read more >>
By afternoon, many gather at Riva’s long beach, nearly two kilometers lined with soft grass and shady trees. Families picnic, children splash in the shallows, and the air is filled with laughter. It’s the perfect spot to slow down after a day of exploring.
Let’s share a few practical and essential travel tips for visiting Riva del Garda, on the biggest lake in Italy…
Parking around Lake Garda can be expensive—often €3 per hour—so book accommodation that includes free parking. From Riva, ferries leave roughly every 90 minutes, linking you to other towns across the lake. You can check the schedule here: Navigazione Laghi.
Spring (April–June) – Arguably the most magical time. The mountains are still crisp, flowers bloom along the lake, and the water sparkles in the sun. Temperatures are comfortable for walking, hiking, or cycling, and the crowds haven’t yet arrived.
Summer (July–August) – Warm, lively, and perfect for swimming or enjoying long evenings by the lake. Expect more tourists, especially around the lakefront restaurants and beaches. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy quieter streets.
Autumn (September–October) – The lake takes on a golden glow, vineyards turn amber, and hiking or biking trails are wonderfully peaceful. The temperatures are still pleasant, and the tourist rush has faded.
Winter (November–March) – Quiet and reflective. Many hotels and restaurants close for the season, but if you want a serene escape, it’s peaceful. The lake is calm, misty mornings are dramatic, and it’s ideal for a slow, cozy retreat.
“Taking the time to explore the local shops or supermarkets lets you see what people actually eat and drink, gives you ideas for picnic lunches or hiking snacks, and often leads to discovering little treasures, like specialty limoncello, handmade chocolates, or artisanal bread.
It’s one of those small joys of traveling — seeing the town through the eyes of the people who live there, not just as a visitor passing through.” – Elmari
There are a few chain supermarkets in or just outside town, like Coop, Conad, and Despar. You’ll find water, snacks, fresh fruit, cheese, bread, and ready-to-eat meals — perfect if you’re picnicking or self-catering.
Even when you’re stocking up for a picnic or hiking day, take a moment to soak in the street life. The aroma of fresh bread, espresso, and lake air is part of the Riva experience.
In towns like Riva del Garda, the lakefront restaurants tend to have the postcard views, but they’re sometimes more about the location. Step into the narrow lanes of the old town and you’ll notice smaller trattorias where the smell of garlic and fresh basil drifts into the street. These hidden spots often serve more authentic dishes, made with family recipes and local produce.
You’ll find homemade pasta, lake fish grilled with olive oil from the Garda hills, and simple pizzas baked in wood-fired ovens. The prices are usually gentler than those right on the water, and the atmosphere feels more local — you might sit alongside families speaking rapid Italian, making you feel as if you’ve been living in Italy all your life, or giving you a sense of belonging…
One of the joys of eating a little away from the shore is the intimacy. Stone arches, candlelit tables, the sound of footsteps echoing through cobblestones. It’s less about the view in front of you, and more about being wrapped up in the flavors and the warmth of the setting.
My advice: enjoy at least one meal by the water at sunset (it’s unforgettable), but then spend the rest of your dining exploring these tucked-away places. That’s where Lake Garda really tastes like Italy.
Riva del Garda and the northern part of the lake have a very specific tradition when it comes to fish.
The star is lavarello (also called coregone), a whitefish that lives in the deeper, colder parts of Lake Garda. It’s light, delicate, and usually served grilled with a drizzle of Garda olive oil and lemon. Some restaurants also prepare it in risotto or with fresh herbs — simple, letting the freshness of the fish shine.
You’ll also often see sardine-like lake fish, sometimes marinated (sarde in saor style, with onions and vinegar, a Venetian influence), or grilled as a starter.
Other local catches include trout (trota) and pike (luccio), sometimes cooked in stews with polenta, a typical mountain-lake pairing.
So when dining in Riva, if you see lavarello alla griglia or trota del Garda, that’s the local taste of the lake right on your plate. Paired with a glass of chilled white wine from the Trentino vineyards just above Riva, it doesn’t get more local than that.
In Italy, many restaurants include service in the bill or simply don’t accept extra tips at all. Some upscale or tourist-focused lakefront spots specifically ask that you do not add a tip to avoid confusion or double-charging. It’s not rudeness — it’s just how that restaurant operates.
Service included: Many high-end or popular restaurants add a “servizio” or “coperto” to the bill. That means the staff is already compensated, so extra tipping is unnecessary.
Policy varies by restaurant: Some restaurants politely refuse tips because they pool tips among all staff or because the owners prefer pricing to be transparent.
What to do: You can thank the staff verbally, smile, and don’t be surprised if they politely decline the tip. At some lakefront restaurants, staff may politely decline extra tips — don’t insist. Think of it this way: they are well-paid, and you don’t have extra expenses for this trip. A friendly “Grazie Mille” is always warmly received and adds a personal touch of appreciation.
When visiting Riva del Garda – If you can, stay in or near the old town. Places like Hotel Centrale. You’ll be just steps from charming streets, cozy cafés, and local shops. Early mornings here are pure magic, with sunlight spilling across the cobblestones and the town slowly waking up around you.
TRAVEL TIP: “Stay overnight in Riva del Garda. One of my favorite memories was strolling through the quiet streets just after sunset, listening to the cheerful chatter of locals spilling from the bars and restaurants — it felt like the town was softly welcoming me in. I just wanted to linger in the soft light, soaking in every second of the moment, not wanting it to ever end.” – Elmari
