Guide of Riva del Garda, Italy

Riva del Garda Riva Del Garda, Italy

A few steps from the Dolomites in Trentino Alto Adige, Lake Garda suddenly changes: the long, calm body of water becomes narrow and rough, watched over by the majestic Baldo mountain to the East and the Alto Garda mountains of Brescia and Trento to the West.

No other area of the largest lake in Italy offers a geography with such varied landscapes. Near the lake, the climate and vegetation are surprisingly Mediterranean, with lemon trees, cedars, and olive trees. However, at just a few hundred meters you find yourself at almost 2,000 meters above sea level and the climate becomes decidedly Alpine.

Facing the North-western shore of the lake, Riva del Garda is a strategic place you shouldn't miss to enjoy this extraordinary union of different climate types. Disputed by different landlords over hundreds of years, today you find an evocative community that has been able to preserve a small Medieval core sprinkled with porticos, historical palaces and two monuments you have to see: The Rock, connected to downtown through a drawbridge, and the Apponale Tower, from which you can admire the Square of November 3rd and part of the lake.

Riva del Garda is protected by mountains that offer a variety of breathtaking hiking paths to the lake, but is not protected from the wind that blows year round. The effect of the wind on the lake is evident every day: gusts that push a kaleidoscope of red sails, often on surf, windsurf and kitesurf gear. The "Peler" in the morning, and the "Ora" in the afternoon, are regular wind companions that literally drive an intense sailing activity, especially from April to November.

From the top and the Western face of Baldo mountain, numerous hikers and lovers of paragliding, climbing, mountain bike, Nordic walking and trekking observe people sailing while on breathtaking paths overlooking the lake, only to see them in the small, calm middle of Riva during the afternoon to enjoy the typical beef jerky, a nice wine from Trento or the inevitable grappa.

It is easy to extend your stay for a few days. There is a broad selection of hotels in Riva del Garda and events, from sailing and biking competitions to the Opera festival, band and dance contests, folklore and theater. Strange and unique in its genre, Ra.Ri., Radio Incontri di Riva del Garda, is an event in June characterized by meetings and shows about Italian Radio. In August, the fantastic trips of the Notte di Fiaba or Fairytale Nights transforms the lake and downtown roads in a magical scenery roamed by whole families to discover a different fairytale each year.

The community of Trento also offers theater, fairs and congress events. Its Palafiere and Palacongressi venues are to be expanded soon with ambitious, futuristic architectural projects.