Holidays in Riva

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Riva

Riva is abundant in history, nature and full of walking opportunities. Monte Brione is right on your doorstep and a real gem when it comes to walking up to some incredible panoramas over Lake Garda- it's the perfect way to admire the fjord-like landscape of the lake from its most northerly point. If you're looking to head further afield, The Ponale Way is one of our favourite walks and ideal for a day trip. The route takes you all the way to Lake Ledro, Riva’s smaller neighbour, and has fantastic views of the lake. The path is flanked, for some of the way, by a limestone rock face. Riva also has some great family-friendly trails, such as the trails around the Varone Waterfall and Nature Reserve, where you can walk in and out of ancient caves or stroll through paths lined with rare Mediterranean vegetation. 

Bus

There are loads of towns to visit on Lake Garda and Riva’s in an ideal position for getting to other northerly towns on the lake. The bus is an affordable way to explore other towns or areas near Riva. Why not head over to Limone which is famous for its quaint cobbled streets and cosy atmosphere, it only takes 15 minutes on the bus (LN027). Alternatively take a day trip to Lake Ledro which is a hidden gem just 35 minutes from Riva on the B214 bus. Spend the day there and discover even more of what the Italian lake district has to offer – the walking there is also fantastic. Or, if you’re staying in one of our hotels which are further from Riva’s centre such as the Hotel du Lac e du Parc and don’t fancy the walk, then you can always hop on the bus to the centre of town, the journey takes about 7 minutes.

Ferry

The ferries from Riva are great for hopping to other towns around Lake Garda. You can get all the way from the North to the South of the lake directly, so why not take a day trip to somewhere like Garda, or perhaps stop off somewhere in between, like Limone or Malcesine. Head to Limone on the ferry and walk back along the Ponale trail which links Limone and Riva – this is a stunning panoramic trail to try out. Or, take advantage of even more walking opportunities on Monte Baldo in Malcesine. You can check out the ferry timetables on the Navigazione Laghi website.

Inghams Guided Walks are included on your holiday to Riva

We’ve included two guided walks per week in Riva, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional walking guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The walks will run every Monday and Friday from the 16th May-26th Sep 2025 and and 11th May-25th Sept 2026. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us.

For a break down of how we grade our guided walks head over to our walking grades page. Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below:

Nature Trail & Olive Oil Mill

Limone's Sentiero Natura (nature trail) is a really relaxed walk that allows you to immerse yourself in the nature around Limone sul Garda and admire beautiful views over the lake. It's a circular route starting from the town centre and passing the lake, beaches and mountains. You'll end this walk with a tasting of some fantastic quality olive oil from Lake Garda.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate (a standard fitness level is required)
• Distance: 7km
• Duration: Half day (Walking time approx. 1.5 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 200m
• Terrain: Asphalt, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: This walk begins in Limone. The meeting point is at the Navigarda ferry point in Limone near the Hotel All'Azzurro- from Riva you'll take a ferry to Limone- approx. €10 return. Along the walk, you'll stop at an olive oil mill for a tasting and a comfort break.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Fridays: 16th, 30th May, 13th, 27th Jun, 11th, 25th Jul, 8th, 22nd Aug, 5th, 19th Sept

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Fridays: 15th, 29th May, 12th, 26th Jun, 10th, 24th Jul, 7th, 21st Aug, 4th, 18th Sept

Monte Brione

Monte Brione, the dramatic fjord nestled between Riva and Torbole, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Begin your journey along a stunning lakeside promenade, where the calming waters of Lake Garda set the perfect backdrop. As you gently ascend, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the lake. Wander through sunlit olive groves, explore historic wartime fortifications, and savor one of the most scenic walks in northern Italy.

• Grade: Moderate (a decent fitness level is required)
• Distance: 9km
• Duration: Half day (Walking time approx. 3.5 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 300m
• Terrain: Asphalt, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: This walk begins in Riva del Garda. The meeting point is at the Riva Ferry Point.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Mondays: 26th May, 9th, 23rd Jun, 7th, 21st Jul, 4th, 18th Aug, 1st, 15th Sept

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Mondays: 11th, 25th May, 8th, 22nd Jun, 6th, 20th Jul, 4rd, 17th, 31st Aug, 14th Sept

Il Sentiero del Sole (The Sun Path)

The fantastic walk will take you through some of the most beautiful and less known streets of Limone. You'll get the chance to experience a really stunning stretch of the Sentiero del Sole, which has great views over-looking Lake Garda! You'll end the day with a visit to a waterfall and some historical WWI fortifications.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level is required)
• Distance: 8km
• Duration: Half day (walking time approx. 3 hours 30 minutes)
• Ascent/Descent: 200m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: This walk begins in Limone. The meeting point is at the Navigarda ferry point in Limone near the Hotel All'Azzurro- from Riva you'll take a ferry to Limone- approx. €10 return. You'll have a chance for a comfort break near the beginning and the end of the walk. Please make sure you bring a packed lunch and at least one litre of water with you as there will be no stopping places along the route. You'll be able to have your packed lunch in the open air on the walk.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Fridays: 23rd May, 6th, 20th Jun, 4th, 18th Jul, 1st, 15th, 29th Aug, 12th, 26th Sept

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Fridays: 22nd May, 5th, 19th Jun, 3rd, 17th, 31st Jul, 14th, 28th Aug, 11th, 25th Sept

The Ponale Way

This is a relaxed walk which offers stunning views of the lake. You'll walk along the ancient Ponale road which overlooks the glistening lake. This is a great way to learn about the history of the area, as our guides are very knowledgeable and are always happy to teach you about different sections of the routes.

• Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a decent fitness level is required)
• Distance: 10km
• Duration: Full day (walking time approx. 4 hours)
• Ascent/Descent: 440m (ascent) & 440m (descent)
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails
• Useful information: This walk begins in Riva del Garda. The meeting point is at the Riva Ferry Point. You'll have the chance to buy a packed lunch at the beginning of the walk which you'll be able to eat in the open air on the walk.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Mondays: 19th May, 2nd, 16th, 30th Jun, 14th, 28th Jul, 11th, 25th Aug, 8th, 22nd Sept

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Mondays: 18th May, 1st, 15th, 29th Jun, 13th, 27th Jul, 10th, 24th Aug, 7th, 21st Sept

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rain jacket, a warmer layer, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash for mountain huts/transport. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Forts of Monte Brione

This historic circular walk takes you to the historic forts of Monte Brione which were built in the mid-19^th Century during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. They are the remains of the fortified area of Riva and today you can still see the remains of trenches, observation posts and combat trenches from the First World War. Starting at the Porto San Nicolo, near the Garda Fort in Riva the route heads up the Peace Path and continues up to the Fort of San Alessandro, where you’ll turn back.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 6.1km (walking time approx. 3 hours)
• Ascent and descent: 375m
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, forested trails, walking paths, dirt roads

The Ponale Way (Riva to Pregasina)

Walk to Lake Ledro and explore a hidden gem for the day; why not visit Lake Ledro’s Pile Dwelling Museum? The Ponale Way was originally created to link Lake Garda and Lake Ledro, and to connect Ledro to the rest of the Trentino region. You can take a beautiful walk along the route from Riva to Pregasina or you can fork off towards Lake Ledro. Both options are fantastic and will give you the chance to have a drink or a bite to eat when you finish the trail. At the end you can either head back on the bus or walk back.

The Ponale Way is abundant in incredible views of Lake Garda and flanked by limestone-white rock face for some of the way and walking along raised asphalt paths for other legs of the journey. This route is one of the most famous in Northern Lake Garda and whilst it is a relaxed walk it has some of the most fantastic panoramic routes in the whole of Lake Garda, which a panoramic trail which has been carved into the rocks, leading through small tunnels and forested sections.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 10km (walking time approx. 3 hours)
• Ascent and descent: 470m (ascent) 5m (descent)
• Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, forested trails, walking paths, ascents and descents

Monte Corno and Busa dei Capitani

Starting in Riva’s neighbouring town of Torbole this easy circular walk passes by strongholds of the First World War on the Austro-Hungarian front line. It’s a great walk for history buffs, as it showcases military ruins, including trenches, artillery stations. The area is known as the Busa dei Capitani and has fantastic views of the Lake flanked by ancient fortified walls.

• Grade: Easy-Moderate
• Distance: 3.4km (walking time approx. 1.5 hours)
• Ascent and descent: 316m
• Terrain: Curated paths, asphalt trails, forested paths, dirt tracks, roads
• Getting there: Head to Torbole on the 484 bus from Riva which takes around 10 minutes, or you could walk which takes between 45 minutes to an hour

The Varone Waterfall, Caves and Nature Reserve

Not a walking route as such, but the Cascate del Varone (Varone Waterfalls), the Nature Reserve and caves are wonderful places to walk around, particularly with a family. There are all manner of rare Mediterranean plants in the nature reserve, which you can admire from specially curated pathways. If you enter the caves (payable locally), it’s like walking through a labyrinth of underground tunnels, cocooned by damp rocks and jagged walls. You’ll be expecting a Minotaur to jump out at any second! We love taking a picnic to the waterfall and watching the water cascading down the rocks, whilst chomping on sandwiches and planning your next holiday activity.

• Getting there: You can head up on the bus which takes about 15 minutes (B861) or you can walk up which takes around 45 minutes.

For more information on walking routes around Riva, check out the Garda Trentino website

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps

For a paper walking map we’d recommend using the Kompass Map 697, Lake Garda (1:35,000) or the Kompass Map 690, Alto Garda and Ledro (1:25 000).

Walking guidelines

The mountains and lakes are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain enjoyable and safe places for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
• Italian Emergency Services: 112
• Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

Make good use of the Trentino Guest Card app

When staying at a selection of our hotels in Riva you'll get access to a Trentino Guest Card app which entitles you to:

• Free use of all public trains and buses in the Trentino region
• Discounted entry to over 60 museums, 20 castles & 40 attractions in the Trentino region

The guest card applies to affiliated hotels, these include: Hotel du Lac et du Parc, Hotel Sole Relax & Panorama

Enhance your holiday with the Garda Guest Card app

When staying at a selection of our hotels in Riva you'll get access to a Garda Guest Card app which entitles you to:

• Free use of all public trains and buses in the Trentino region
• Discounted entry to over 60 museums, 20 castles & 40 attractions in the Trentino region
• Discounts on various experiences throughout the Trentino region
• Discounts on entry to various activity sites such as spas, swimming pools, golf courses and more.

The guest card applies to affiliated hotels, these include: Hotel Gabry

Things to see and do

There’s lots to see and do in Riva. We love the town’s historic, cobbled square. You can spend a few hours in the boutiques picking up some souvenirs or just grab a table outside and order a drink while you enjoy the atmosphere. Dive deeper into Riva’s history by visiting the Museo Alto Garda. It’s in an ancient medieval castle and has exhibits dedicated to archaeology, paintings and life around Lake Garda in the past. It’s great for little ones too with lots of hands-on experiences. Plus, you get some of the best views of the lake from the tower.

It’s easy to explore from Riva, too, with ferries that run to nearby towns like Malcesine and Limone. If you want to escape the crowds then why not swap Lake Garda for the emerald waters of Lake Ledro for a day. This hidden gem is just a half-hour bus ride away from Riva. This high alpine lake is another irresistible swimming spot, as well as a great place for delving into the region’s pre-Roman history at the open-air Pile-dwelling museum. The panoramic Strada del Ponale (Ponale Road) is a fantastic walk which links the two lakes, with some of the best lake views you can get!

Activities

Riva caters well for walkers of all abilities. There’s something so relaxing about taking lakeside walks here – they’re nice and flat and you can walk for miles. The walk to nearby Torbole is particularly nice and you stop there for lunch before walking back. You need to head higher for some of the best scenery though. Strada del Ponale is our favourite trail for bird’s eye views of the town and lake.

The north of Lake Garda has some of the best cycling trails in Europe. Challenge yourself with the steep routes down Monte Altissimo that has the famous Seicentouno. It’s not for the faint-hearted! There’s plenty of less scary options too. They involve gentle rides along the lake and heading up hills for beautiful views.

Windsurfing is very popular in Riva and you can normally see it taking place from the piazza. Get involved and try it for yourself, there are plenty of places locally to book lessons or rent equipment. If you’d rather relax then sit yourself down on the white pebble beach. It’s a popular spot for swimmers and sunbathing.

Plenty of water sports opportunities

Head to the lakeside and rent out a paddle board or a kayak. This is the best way to get some family bonding time in, there’s nothing better than gliding across the water on a paddle board- for more of a challenge you could even try tandem paddle boarding. Sailing is also a great way to get youngsters trying their hand at something new – the wind conditions in the North of the lake are perfect for watersports, so you won’t struggle to get going!

Beaches packed with family activities

If you want a day by the beach then head to the family friendly Sabbioni beach. The beach has a mixture of grassy and shingle sections on the lake shore. It’s a good size so there’s lots of space to spread out and lie down with a good book in the sun. Young teens can head to the trampolines, volleyball and basketball courts or rent a canoe at the rowing club, while parents relax in one of the bars with a drink in hand. For younger children there’s also a playground to burn off some energy!

Family walking adventures

There are some fantastic walking spots around Riva which include Monte Brione which has views over Riva and the fjord-like Lake Garda. There are trails up here suited for all walking abilities, so we’d recommend putting on your hiking boots and seeing which paths you can find for a family walk with some incredible views!

Head to the Varone Waterfall is an 100 metre high waterfall which you can walk to with the family, stopping off for a picnic along the way this is a fantastic area to walk around and take in some striking natural sites. The Varone Caves are a natural phenomenon which you can walk through on bridges and walkways and gaze in awe at the incredible rock formations surrounding you. It’s surrounded by a small protected nature reserve and there’s even a botanical garden in the park which has been beautifully curated with Mediterranean plants and rare types of vegetation. Why not see how many different types of plant the children can spot as you walk through! To enter the park it costs between €19-€28 per family, depending on family size.

Biking around Riva

Biking is popular in Riva. Again, Monte Brione is a great place to go for a cycle. There are specific cycle paths and paved roads on the mountain so it’s not hard to find an easy biking route that will be suitable for children – there’s a great loop which takes about an hour to complete, which is worth trying out with the family. If you want something more challenging, there are plenty of thrill-seeker mountain biking trails to try your hand at.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Valpolicella Wine Tour from £62 per person (full day)

Who doesn't love a wine tour. On this trip you'll get to visit a traditional wine cellar in Valpolicella, where you'll have a wine tasting with a very knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a lunch of fresh, local ingredients where you can experience 'agri-turismo' first-hand. After lunch, you'll be taken to the historic church and cloisters of St Giorgio. There's no better way to spend a day than by indulging in wine, food, history and stunning vineyard views.

Departs on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Venice Classic from £82 per person (full day)

Venice is not to be missed! This excursion allows you to explore the city with a guide and at your own pace. You’ll arrive by coach and grab a water taxi to the centre. You’ll also have the option to add on a gondola ride (payable locally). There’s plenty of time to take in sights of the Basilica, Doge's Palace, St Mark's square and the Rialto bridge  – this is the perfect introduction to one of Italy's most magical cities.

Departs Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

Majestic Dolomites from £59 per person (full day)

Start with a scenic drive through the exceptional South Tyrol, Val di Fiemme, Cavalese and Moena regions. You’ll then stop off at Passa Pordoi and take in the incredible views from this 2,000-metre-high vantage point. There’s some free time to explore the terrain at your own pace, either by taking one of the trekking paths or simply enjoying an Aperol at a rifugio and taking in the views. A stop off at the chocolate box town of Ortisei is included on the way back to your hotel as well as plenty of stops for photo opportunities in this awe inspiring landscape.

Departs on Mondays and Fridays. Guests may have the opportunity to go up in a gondola for an additional fee of approx. €23pp. Make sure you take some warmer clothes as temperatures really drop when you get up to the top!

Tour of Lake Garda from £56 per person (full day)

Get ready to explore the best of Lake Garda on this excursion – there’s so much natural beauty and picturesque towns to discover. See the spectacular mountain scenery of the north and the sunny plains of the south. Travelling by both coach and ferry, the tour itinerary for this excursion varies depending on where you start but will usually follow the famous Gardensana road lined with fragrant olive and lemon trees to reach the likes of Malcesine, Sirmione, Salo and Limone. This is the ideal taster tour of the entire lake where you'll get to spend a short period of time in a variety of stunning towns.

Departs on Mondays. 

Verona from £54 per person (full day)

Verona is one of Italy’s most charming little cities. This day trip dips into the romance of the medieval city, reliving the scenes from Romeo and Juliet while wandering around through the cobbled streets and past ancient buildings. On a walking tour of the city you'll see the impressive 2,000-year-old Roman arena (entry not included). It's one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world and is currently home to the Verona Opera. Explore the marble paved shopping street of Via Mazzini which leads to the pretty market square Piazza Delle Erbe.

Departs on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Book locally

Verona Opera (evening)

The Verona Opera is definitely one for the bucket list! The season runs from mid June to early September and covers all the classics including Aida by Verdi or Turnadot by Puccini. Whichever performance you choose; you’ll have an incredible evening.

Lake Molveno with Honey and Grappa Tasting

Spend the day exploring the Trentino region, led by a guide. You'll travel from place to place on a bus, learning about the Trentino region's local produce and discovering hidden gems. One of the highlights of the excursion is Lake Molveno, surrounded by the stunning Brenta Dolomites mountain landscape. Whilst at the lake you'll have the chance to take a dip in the water and cool off, before heading to a honey mill and distillery. Learn about the local bee-keeping industry and taste some home-made honey and grappa.

Departs on Tuesdays.

Bolzano & Renon

Head to Bolzano with a local guide for the day and spend a few hours exploring the historical streets, fruit and vegetable market and the town's archaeological museum. This beautiful mountainous region is a lovely contrast to Italy's lake district and will give you a taste of a different aspect of Italy's northern landscapes. Later you'll hop on a funicular and a cable car up to Renon where you'll have more free time to scope out the famous natural pyramids in Collalbo and soak up the incredible scenery surrounding them.

Departs on Mondays and Thursdays. Travel on the cable car is included in the price of the excursion.

Mantua History & Culture Tour

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Mantua is incredibly beautiful to walk around. Its medieval streets and monuments sit side by side with lakes and lush greenery. Famous as the city of Virgil and the noble Gonzaga family, it's teeming with Renaissance gems; from the Ducal Palace and the Castle of San Giorgio with Andrea Mantegna's Bridal Chamber. Make sure you head to the central square while you're there and admire the fantastic architecture of the Basilica of St Andrea. The excursion also includes a visit to the Virgil museum, where you can learn even more about this prolific Roman poet.

Departs on Wednesdays.

Please note that the price of excursions will vary depending on the resort you are staying in. We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our Terms & Conditions.