Riva del Garda – The Pearl of Northern Italy on the shores of the Emerald Lake
Imagine a place where time slows down and where every day brings new enchanting experiences. A place where majestic alpine peaks meet the azure surface of a clear lake. A place that captivated the Roman patricians and Austrian nobility with its beauty and which still attracts visitors from all over the world. Welcome to Riva del Garda, a charming town at the northern tip of Italy’s Lake Garda.
Riva del Garda is located in the Tridentino-Upper Adige region, at the foot of the Dolomites. The landscape here is so picturesque and dramatic that it is nicknamed the “Swiss Riviera”. The panorama of the city consists of imposing mountain peaks towering over the lake, green olive groves and citrus orchards, ancient streets with colourful houses and an elegant promenade lined with palm trees. The history of Riva dates back to the Romans, who discovered the strategic and recreational potential of the place. In the Middle Ages the town was part of the Venetian Republic, later it became part of Austria. It was the period of Austrian rule that gave Riva the unmistakable character of a prosperous spa resort, where the elite from Vienna and Prague came for holidays.
The heart of Riva is undoubtedly the historic centre with its cobbled streets, Renaissance palaces and picturesque harbour. The dominant feature of the town is the massive medieval fortress of La Rocca, perched on a rock above the lake. Today it houses the town museum with archaeological findings and art collections. The main square, Piazza III Novembre, is decorated with the Renaissance Town Hall and the Baroque Assunta Church. A short walk away, on the seafront promenade, is the elegant Art Nouveau café Lido Palace.
But Riva is not only a town of history and architecture, but above all a paradise for lovers of nature, sports and active relaxation. Although there are no ski resorts in the town, the surrounding Dolomites offer great conditions for winter sports. The nearest ski resorts such as Pinzolo, Madonna di Campiglio or Folgarida-Marilleva are about an hour’s drive away.Thanks to regular winds, Riva is the best place in Europe for windsurfing and sailing. The surrounding mountains are interwoven with a network of trails for hiking and cycling. Do you prefer more adrenaline-filled activities? Then you can try paragliding, rock climbing or canyoning in the nearby canyons and waterfalls.
And if you just want to relax and swim? The beaches in Riva are pebbly and the lake is crystal clear. Gourmets will also enjoy the delicious Mediterranean cuisine based on fresh fish, pasta, olive oil and excellent wine in local restaurants and trattorias. A specialty are the dishes made from citrus fruits grown in the unique terraced gardens.
Riva del Garda is the ideal place for a holiday at any time of the year. In spring, you will be delighted by the lush vegetation and flowering gardens, in summer you will appreciate the refreshing swimming in the lake, in autumn you will be enchanted by the play of colours in the surrounding forests and in winter you will enjoy the peace, relaxation and tranquillity of the Advent markets. And if you feel like skiing, just take an hour-long trip to the nearby Alpine resorts.
Riva del Garda is simply a place you will love and want to come back to. A place where you can feel the genius loci of the old times, but at the same time enjoy life in the beautiful countryside. Let yourself be invited to this magical corner of northern Italy and experience unforgettable moments.
