Riva del Garda is perfect for families from spring through fall. Maybe it’s because there’s a vacation atmosphere here most of the year, or maybe it’s because Lake Garda is so vast it reminds you of the sea, or perhaps it’s the colors of the mountains reflected in the water… the fact is, it’s truly a wonderful place to be.
And between sports, walks, activities, and guided tours… you’ll be spoiled for choice. So here’s a list of things to do in the area that will help you plan your trip better, without risking missing out on that one thing you would have really enjoyed.
MAG ALTO GARDA MUSEUM
Located within the Rocca, the unmistakable lakeside fortress in the heart of Riva del Garda, the MAG—Museo Alto Garda is a regional museum that captivates visitors with its archaeological collections, art gallery, and historical artifacts. For children, there’s INvento, a space dedicated just to them, and the book *Colora il Museo*. Don’t miss the climb up to the keep and, just a short distance away, the climb up the Apponale Tower (part of the MAG-Museo Alto Garda—separate admission required) with its 165 steps andthe Anzolim de la Tor, to see the city from an unusual vantage point. After the visit, you can relax in the gardens in front of the museum.
PANORAMIC ELEVATOR
In less than three minutes, thepanoramic elevator, with its all-glass cabin, will take you to the Venetian Bastion, whose white stone ruins stand out on the clearest days. You can buy a round-trip ticket, but a good alternative is a one-way ticket, then walking back down in about half an hour. You can’t miss it on clear days, but it’s also stunning at night, when the entire Busa is lit up.
SMALL CHURCH OF SANTA BARBARA
If you’re tireless hikers, from the Bastion you can continue on to the Little Church of Santa Barbara, at an elevation of 625 m (another 425 m of elevation gain). This little white church, illuminated at night and easily spotted on the mountain, was built in 1927 by the miners who had worked on the pipelines for the new hydroelectric power plant. Plan on at least another hour of a pretty tough climb, and set out only if you have children who aren’t too young and are up for the challenge. It’s best to go in the morning: by early afternoon, the trail and the church are already completely in the shade.
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT
The hydroelectric power plant , one of the city’s most interesting buildings, both historically and architecturally. It was designed by Giancarlo Maroni, the architect of the Vittoriale (he also designed the nearby Spiaggia degli Olivi and the entrance building to the Grotta Cascata Varone Park). Here, water from the Ponale River and Lake Ledro is channeled to be converted into energy.
VARONE WATERFALL
The Varone Cave and Waterfall Park is a must-see for anyone visiting Riva and is probably the city’s most popular attraction. The waterfall plunges into a gorge carved by water into the rock. Walkways allow you to enjoy the spectacle up close, but be sure to bring (or buy on-site) a raincoat or a light rain jacket. The park features a botanical garden, and there’s also an area with picnic tables. We highly recommend it on hot days—you’re guaranteed to cool off!
BEACH, RELAXATION, AND WATER SPORTS
In Riva del Garda, you can’t miss taking a dip or a swim in the cool waters of the lake. Here you’ll find the largest beaches in the northern part of the lake: Sabbioni Beach with its well-equipped playgrounds, Porfina Beach and Porto San Nicolò, which are surrounded by many campgrounds and where you can try the most popular water sports, from classic windsurfing to sailing to the new wing foil—we recommend stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), which is truly accessible to everyone! If you’re feeling confident, you can paddle all the way to the Ponale Waterfall for a truly unforgettable experience.
BOAT, BARGE, OR PEDAL BOAT RIDE
A boat trip is also a great option, whether on a pedal boat or a classic ferry (you can go as far as Torbole and walk back along the bike path, or as far as Limone or Malcesine). It’s an experience not to be missed, allowing you to admire the city from the lake and enjoy the breeze that always blows through this area in the afternoon. You’ll also get to see windsurfers and sailboats whizzing past you.
HIKING ON THE BRIONE AND FORTINI
The fortifications of Monte Brione can be reached by an easy walk starting from Porto San Nicolò: the trail climbs steadily up the slopes of this small mountain, through woods and olive groves, until you reach the first fort: Forte Garda. Continue on to Batteria di Mezzo and, if you’d like, further on to the antenna and the last fortification. You can then complete the loop or return the way you came (a couple of hours in total). There are stairways along the trail; therefore, this route is not suitable for strollers.
THE PONALE TRAIL AND SHORTCUT
Probably the most beautiful walk around the entire Lake Garda. The Ponale Trailclimbs steeply above the lake up to the Belvedere, from where you can also see the Ponale Waterfall (it’s also possible to descend toward the old harbor, but the trail is NOT suitable for children). The road was built in the last century to connect Riva del Garda and the Ledro Valley and was then converted into a bike and walking trail about twenty years ago. It offers breathtaking views. The Ponale Cut is also a must-see—an incredible feat of military engineering, with tunnels and stairways winding through the mountain on multiple levels. It can only be visited with a guide.
RIVA-LIMONE BIKE PATH SUSPENDED
While waiting for the new section—currently nearing completion—which will soon connect Riva del Garda to the existing section, it’s worth “venturing” a few kilometers into Lombardy to explore, on foot or by bike, this incredible bike and pedestrian path built cantilevered over the lake. Because Lake Garda, no matter where you look at it from, is always a new discovery.
Susatti Via Ferrata – Cima Capi
The hike we’re suggesting today is the perfect blend of adventure, spectacular views, and high-altitude fun. We’re talking about the Susatti Via Ferrata to Cima Capi, an exciting route above Lake Garda, ideal for those new to via ferrata, but also for children and teens curious to test themselves with heights, cables, rungs, and short exposed sections. All the info HERE.
For more information, please visit the website www.gardatrentino.it
- If you’re looking for a unique family experience in Garda Trentino, check out the ones we’ve selected and tried out for you: CLICK HERE
- You might also be interested in “Things to Do in Arco in the Summer”: HERE is our mini-guide, perfect for active families—and more.