Riva del Garda is spectacularly positioned at the northernmost tip of Lake Garda, surrounded on three sides by sheer rocky cliffs, and by the serenity of Lake Garda on the other. This is the dramatic end of the lake, and the best places to stay in Riva del Garda don’t have a monopoly on the best views in town, you’ll find fantastic panoramas everywhere. Turn corners in amongst its historic architecture and you’ll suddenly hear your own intake of breath as the lake views open out in front of you… Riva del Garda has a broad variety of accommodation, including a five star palace, a great hotel for active families, and an impressively large resort hotel — one of the few on Lake Garda. And if you don’t find somewhere perfect to stay here, you can head just up the hill to pretty Arco.
Some of our recommendations are in the historic heart of town, around the Piazza III Novembre, and there are certainly a number of architectural charmers around the square, including the Torre Apponale, a 13th century clocktower you’re most welcome to climb. This is the Austrian end of the lake, and the architecture and atmosphere are a little more staid than at the southern end, but there’s still a relaxing buzz of life in the waterfront cafes and bars and the food is wonderfully varied. There are good options for hotels in the hills just behind the town too, where the views are arguably even more spectacular!
Riva del Garda is a larger centre, with public transport links and plenty of useful facilities, so it’s a good choice if you don’t have a car, or want to explore without using one. It’s also much loved by walkers, hikers and climbers. We also think it's a good choice for anyone who fancies a beachier break, with some watersports thrown in — Riva del Garda has a lovely long beach, and this is a famous spot for windsurfers and sailors. Riva del Garda can also be lively of an evening if you want it to be.
Just don't forget that this is a seriously busy spot in the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Riva del Garda, get organised and book well ahead.