Riva del Garda at a glance
Riva del Garda lies on the north shore of Lake Garda, in the region of Trentino. This is the narrow end of the lake, where mountains drop almost directly into the water. Torbole, 5 kilometres east by road, sits where the river Sarca flows into the lake, and the two towns are the lake's main base for windsurfing and sailing.
Riva is also the northern end of the main passenger boat line from Desenzano and Peschiera. That makes it an easy base if you want to travel by water, hike, cycle or simply walk along the harbour.
What to see in Riva
Four stops that fit into a day, most of them within walking distance of the harbour.
Bastione and the panoramic lift
The Bastione is a Venetian bastion built in 1507 and 1508 on what was then the border with the Prince-Bishopric of Trent. A panoramic lift, 208 metres long, climbs 130 metres in about three minutes and carries up to 17 people. The walk back down into the centre takes about 20 minutes.
Torre Apponale and the MAG museum
The 34-metre Torre Apponale stands over the lakefront and is first recorded in the 13th century. The tower has stairs and no step-free access. The Museo Alto Garda (MAG) is the town museum.
Cascate del Varone
This waterfall lies just outside town and has free parking at the entrance. A local bus runs from Riva. There is an entrance fee, so check the current price at the gate.
Lakefront cycle path
The first section of the Trentino lakeside cycle route runs from Riva to Sperone beach. It is 2.2 kilometres long and open.
Tours and activities around Riva del Garda
Boat trips, sailing, activities and day trips from the north shore, with live prices and availability.
Prices and opening times 2026
Adult prices. Check the day before you go, as lifts and museums change their hours at the end of the season.
| Attraction | Price | Opening |
|---|---|---|
| Bastione lift | €6 single; €10 return from 1 June to 30 September, €9 return otherwise | Daily 10:00 to 19:00 from 5 October to 8 November |
| Torre Apponale tower | €2 | Hours change by season, so ask at the museum |
| MAG museum | €5; €4 reduced; family of two adults €10 | Hours change by season, so ask at the museum |
| Cascate del Varone | Entrance fee at the gate | March and October 9:00 to 17:00; November 10:00 to 17:00; April and September 9:00 to 18:00; May to August 9:00 to 19:00; December to February 10:00 to 17:00. Closed 25 December |
Children under 120 cm and people with disabilities ride the Bastione lift free, with a paying companion. Ask the staff for the free ticket. The museum is free for children up to 15. A Garda Guest Card, issued by taking part accommodation, includes one free return ride on the lift.
Wind and water sports
Riva and Torbole are known for steady winds that follow a daily pattern.
In fair weather the wind switches twice a day, so there is usually something to sail on. Torbole is the centre for windsurfing, with rental shops and courses. The two main winds are the Pelèr in the morning and the Ora in the afternoon.
| Wind | Direction | When | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelèr | North | Starts between 2:00 and 3:00 at night and fades towards midday | Up to 13 m/s, about 47 km/h |
| Ora | South | From about midday to sunset, strongest in high summer, weak in winter | Over 10 m/s, about 36 km/h |
| Balinot | North-west | With cold fronts, storms or snowfall | Over 20 m/s, about 72 km/h |
| Vinessa | South-east | Two to three days at a time, with weather over the Adriatic | Varies |
The Ora is weak in winter, so the water sports season is concentrated in the warmer months.
Getting to Riva del Garda
By car from the Brenner motorway, leave the A22 at Rovereto Sud, the exit for the north end of the lake. From Peschiera del Garda the drive is about 78 kilometres, or around 70 minutes without traffic. Limone sul Garda is 10 kilometres away (13 minutes), Torbole 5 kilometres (10 minutes) and Malcesine 14 kilometres beyond Torbole (18 minutes).
By boat, the passenger line runs from Desenzano via Peschiera to Riva. The full trip with all stops takes 3 hours 10 minutes. In autumn 2026 the last boat south leaves Riva at 16:40 and reaches Desenzano at 19:40. Passenger boats stop after 1 November and return on 13 March 2027. The adult day ticket for the north part of the lake is €27, and the whole lake costs €39.50.
Nearby towns and trips
Where to go next from the north shore.
Limone sul Garda
Lemon house and a cycle path above the water, 10 km from Riva.
Malcesine
Castle, harbour and the start of the Monte Baldo cable car.
Monte Baldo
Cable car prices, seasons and what to expect on top.
Weather and best time
Month by month, with the seasons of lifts and boats.
Riva del Garda: frequently asked questions
How much is the Bastione lift in Riva?
A single ride costs €6. A return ticket is €10 from 1 June to 30 September and €9 for the rest of the year. Children under 120 cm ride free.
When is the best time for windsurfing in Riva and Torbole?
Mornings bring the northerly Pelèr, usually from early morning until midday. The southerly Ora follows from midday to sunset and is strongest in summer. Both are reliable in fair weather.
Can I reach Riva del Garda by boat in winter?
No. Passenger boats stop after 1 November 2026 and return on 13 March 2027. In between only the car ferry between Maderno and Torri del Benaco runs, so travel to Riva by car or bus.
How far is Riva from Limone sul Garda?
It is 10 kilometres by road, about 13 minutes by car without traffic.
What does the Garda Guest Card include?
Guests of taking part accommodation in the Garda Trentino area receive it. It offers more than 100 discounts, including one free return ride on the Bastione lift.