Walking in Riva

Walking Trails:
600km of walking trails

Terrain:
Lakeside promenades, mountain routes, forested trails, elevated panoramic paths built into the cliffside

Riva at a glance

  • Italian
  • Euro (EUR)
  • Manchester Int. (MAN), London Gatwick (LGW), Birmingham Int. (BHX), Bristol (BRS), Edinburgh (EDI), London Stansted (STN), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Newcastle (NCL), Belfast Int. (BFS)

Travel included to Riva

Depart on: Wednesday or Saturday

Arrive into: Verona airport

Transfer time: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes by coach

Included on your holiday

  • Inghams Guided Walks included from 16 May-26 Sept 25 and 11 May-25 Sep 26
  • Included Digital Trentino or Garda Guest Card with free use of public buses and trains in the Trentino region and discounted entry to selected museums and attractions (selected hotels only)
  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Expert based in Lake Garda
  • Inghams Digital Resort Guide with things to do, walks and useful information on holiday
  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation

Walking in Riva

Walks and hikes

Walking Trails:
600km of walking trails
Terrain:
Lakeside promenades, mountain routes, forested trails, elevated panoramic paths built into the cliffside

Walking holidays in Riva are a dream for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most scenic trails in Italy. Nestled between the shimmering waters of Lake Garda and the towering peaks of the Dolomites, Riva provides a stunning backdrop for every adventure. Explore the historic Ponale Way, a breathtaking route carved into the cliffs, leading to the turquoise beauty of Lake Ledro. Monte Brione is also 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.

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 16 May-26 Sep 25 and and 11 May-25 Sep 26. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through Manage My Booking or by calling.

Routes may vary from week to week but as a guide you can see some of our planned routes below.

Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Walks depend on weather, guide availability, and group size, and routes may change. Details are provided on arrival, and some may include a small local transport fee. Walks are not suitable for under 12s (under 18s must be with an adult). Please ensure the walk is right for you, our guides have the final say. See our booking conditions for full details.

Our guided walks in Riva

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: 5km
  • 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. Information on getting to the starting point of the walk will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide before departure (some extra travel costs may apply).

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Fridays: 16 May, 30 May, 13 Jun, 27 Jun, 11 Jul, 25 Jul, 08 Aug, 22 Aug, 05 Sep, 19 Sep

Summer 2026- This walk will run on Fridays: 15 May, 29 May, 12 Jun, 26 Jun, 10 Jul, 24 Jul, 07 Aug, 21 Aug, 04 Sep, 18 Sep

Head up Monte Brione, a natural panoramic platform with a spectacular viewpoint over Lake Garda, which separates Riva del Garda from Torbole. Covered with olive trees, it bears witness to the Mediterranean climate all year round.

  • 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. Information on getting to the starting point of the walk will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide before departure (some extra travel costs may apply).

Summer 2025 – This walk will run on Mondays: 26 May, 09 Jun, 23 Jun, 07 Jul, 21 Jul, 04 Aug, 18 Aug, 01 Sep, 15 Sep

Summer 2026 – This walk will run on Mondays: 11 May, 25 May, 08 Jun, 22 Jun, 06 Jul, 20 Jul, 04 Aug, 17 Aug, 31 Aug, 14 Sep

This 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)
  • Ascent/Descent: 200m
  • Terrain: Asphalt surfaces, dirt tracks, natural trails
  • Useful information: This walk begins in Limone. Information on getting to the starting point of the walk will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide before departure (some extra travel costs may apply).

Summer 2025 – This walk will run on Fridays: 23 May, 06 Jun, 20 Jun, 04 Jul, 18 Jul, 01 Aug, 15 Aug, 29 Aug, 12 Sep, 26 Sep

Summer 2026 – This walk will run on Fridays: 22 May, 05 Jun, 19 Jun, 03 Jul, 17 Jul, 31 Jul, 14 Aug, 28 Aug, 11 Sep, 25 Sep

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. Information on getting to the starting point of the walk will be provided in your Digital Resort Guide before departure (some extra travel costs may apply).

Summer 2025 – This walk will run on Mondays: 19 May, 02 Jun, 16 Jun, 30 Jun, 14 Jul, 28 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 08 Sep, 22 Sep

Summer 2026 – This walk will run on Mondays: 18 May, 01 Jun, 15 Jun, 29 Jun, 13 Jul, 27 Jul, 10 Aug, 24 Aug, 07 Sep, 21 Sep

Our favourite self-guided walks in Riva

Arco Castle, Trentino, Lake Garda, Italy

Discover the historic heart of Arco on this delightful urban trail—perfect for first-time visitors to Garda Trentino eager to explore the town! Nestled in a rocky outcrop crowned by the ancient castle, Arco's history dates back to the 1000 BC, with archaeological findings revealing an even older human presence.

  • Grade: Easy
  • Distance: 3km
  • Walking time: 1 hour

Embark on a thrilling hike from Riva del Garda to the iconic Bastione and Santa Barbara chapel, perched high above the town! Though they seem distant from below, reaching these symbols of Riva del Garda is quicker than you’d think. Once there, you'll be rewarded with breath-taking views of the town and lake.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging
  • Distance: 2.8km
  • Walking time: 2 hours
Lake Tenno, Trentino, Italy Summer Holidays

Get ready for an exhilarating hike through the vibrant Lake Tenno (the turquoise lake) and charming ancient villages! This hike is packed with breath-taking scenery and historic charm!

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging
  • Distance: 15.3km
  • Walking time: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Our accommodations in Riva

Discover Riva

  • Dive into endless watersports, from thrilling windsurfing and paddle-boarding to serene sailing adventures
  • Savour a refreshing aperitivo by Riva's iconic Apponale Tower
  • Take a scenic walk along the historic Ponale Way to the turquoise waters of Lake Ledro

Riva holidays offer the perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure. In the far north of Lake Garda, Riva rolls out a waterfront that’s almost as grand as the mountains behind. Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic and Austro-Hungarian rulers have all occupied this prized position between the Italian Alps, lakes and plains, leaving behind a richly decorated lakeside promenade and old town. Thanks to the Mediterranean climate, olive, cypress, palm and lemon trees thrive in Riva, making for some of the most scenic walking and cycling paths in Italy. Plus, the jagged peaks of the Dolomites are on the doorstep… if you can bear to peel yourself away from Riva, that is.

Life revolves around the water in Riva del Garda. Day-trippers come and go by boat and restaurants and cafés set out their tables along the sun-trapped promenade. There are so many activities for families who love getting out and about in nature, particularly if you're watersports lovers! This stretch of shore is a favourite spot for windsurfing, canoeing and sailing aficionados.Families also love to head over to Lake Ledro for the day on the bus, and take advantage of even more watersports opportunities on this relaxed and very safe lake.

In Riva, it's easy to stroll or cycle along the promenade to neighbouring Torbole, passing sand and pebble beaches along the way. Your family will find that it’s nearly impossible to resist abandoning your bike or boots for a dip in the lake.

Riva has one of the most picturesque waterfronts in Lake Garda, with grand waterfront buildings dressed in alpine shades of blue, buttercup and rose. Don’t miss the car-free, flower-filled old town, Venetian city gates, cobbled main square and baroque fresco-adorned churches. Even the museum, Alto Garda, has extravagant trappings; this medieval fortress was once owned by the powerful Scaliger family. A glance at the restaurant menus reveals specials of schnitzels and strudels, as well as delicious mountain cheeses, cured meats such as mortadella and fruity red wines.

Boats regularly set off from Riva’s harbour, bound for the villages of Lake Garda. Each one has its own forte. You could visit Malcesine and catch the cable car up Monte Baldo, explore Limone’s (you guessed it) lemon growing history, and even sail as far south as castle-topped Sirmione. Hold on to your hat whilst speeding across the lake aboard catamarans and hydrofoils, or choose one of the leisurely ferries that meander through the lake and mountain scenery at a more holiday-like pace.

Buses

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.

Ferries

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.

Trentino Guest Card

When staying at selected hotels in Riva, including Hotel du Lac et du Parc and Hotel Sole Relax & Panorama, you’ll receive access to the Trentino Guest Card app. This handy digital card gives you free travel on all public trains and buses across the Trentino region, along with discounted entry to over 60 museums, 20 castles, and 40 attractions. It’s a great way to explore more of the region with less hassle.

Garda Guest Card

Guests staying at participating hotels in Riva, such as Hotel Gabry, can enjoy the benefits of the Garda Guest Card app. Like the Trentino card, it includes free public transport across the region and discounts at dozens of museums, castles, and attractions. You’ll also get money off a range of experiences, from spa visits and swimming pools to golf courses and other activity sites—making it easier to pack more into your stay.

Travel to Riva

Travel by air

Flights to Verona depart on Wednesday or Saturday between 03 May - 25 Oct 25 & 02 May - 24 Oct 26

  • Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Stansted, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Belfast

Transfer times: 

  • Verona airport: approx. 1 hour 45 mins by coach

Private transfers are available on request, for a supplement.

Things to do in Riva

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.

Rocca Castle, Riva, Lake Garda, Italy Summer Holidays

There’s lots to see and do in Riva. We love the town’s historic, pebbled 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.

Family Holidays to Lake Garda, Italy

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!

There are loads of options for family walks around Riva and some fantastic areas to scope out including 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!

Why not spend a day discovering the Varone Waterfall, 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!

Cycling in Lake Garda, Summer Holidays

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 ex-Seicentouno. It’s not for the faint-hearted! There are plenty of less scary options too. They involve gentle rides along the lake and heading up hills for beautiful views.

Monte Brione's also 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 all ages- there’s a great loop which takes about an hour to complete, which is worth trying out if you're on a family holiday. If you want something more challenging, there are plenty of thrill-seeker mountain biking trails to try your hand at.

Windsurfing on Lake Garda, Family Holidays in Italy

Head to the lakeside and rent out a paddle board or a kayak. If you're on a family holiday, 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.

Windsurfing is also 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 sun bathing.

The wind conditions in the North of the lake are perfect for watersports, so you won’t struggle to get going!

from £62 per person

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.

Details: Departs on Thursdays. Available from Bardolino, Garda, Riva, Limone & Malcesine.

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.

from £79 per person

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.

You may also have the option to join an optional lagoon trip, which is a lovely opportunity to experience the lagoon and its monuments and learn more about Venetian history from the water (optional extra, payable locally to the excursion guide). If you're not going on the lagoon trip you'll have an hour of free time to roam around Venice at your own pace.

Details: 

  • Departs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Available from all Lake Garda resorts.
  • Guests taking part in this excursion on Monday 2nd June 2025 will need to pay a €10 tourist tax to enter Venice in addition to the cost of the excursion (ask your Destination Expert for more details on how to pay).

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.

from £59 per person

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. Make sure you take some warmer clothes as temperatures really drop when you get up to the top!

Details: Departs on Mondays & Fridays. Available from all Lake Garda resorts. Guests may have the opportunity to go up in a cable car for an additional fee of approx. €23pp (payable locally). 

Departure days by resort: 

  • Bardolino, Garda, Sirmione- Fridays
  • Riva, Malcesine, Limone- Mondays and Fridays

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.

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.

Details: Departs on Tuesdays. Available from Garda, Bardolino, Malcesine & Riva. You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert.

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.

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.

Details:

  • Departs on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Travel on the cable car is included in the price of the excursion.
  • Available from Garda, Bardolino, Limone, Malcesine, Riva.
  • You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert

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.

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.

Details: Departs on Wednesdays. Available from Garda, Bardolino, Riva, Limone.

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.

Malcesine, Lake Garda, Colourful Street in Malcesine Old Town
from £56 per person

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 Gardesana 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.

This excursion won't run on the 15th August 25, due to a public bank holiday

Details:

  • Departs on Mondays & Fridays (resort dependant)
  • Available from Bardolino, Garda, Limone, Malcesine, Sirmione and Riva
  • You can book this excursion locally with your Destination Expert

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.

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