Riva holidays

Riva has one of the largest pebble beaches on the north of the lake. Pini beach, or Pine Beach, and Spiaggia Sabbioni run along the promenade in front of the town. Both have plenty of facilities, including bars and cafés, playgrounds, floating platforms, sun loungers to rent and showers.

If you're looking to try another beach, Torbole is a stroll away along the promenade. Al Cor and Lido Blu are pebbled beaches with grassy areas.

The main inlet into Lake Garda is the Sarca River, which runs between Torbole and Riva and comes straight from the mountains. As there's a ban on private motor boats, the lake is particularly clear here.

The town hosts a fortnightly market, where you'll find traditional pottery and ceramics, leather goods, gifts and souvenirs.

Away from the lakefront, Riva has some excellent shops and boutiques. You can find anything from home wear to sports gear.

In Riva itself, you can find shops like Jack Wolfskin, Armani and United Colors of Benetton, alongside other boutiques selling high-end brands.

If you prefer a more laidback evening, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a spritz or ice-cream and watch the world go by.

Riva is one of the largest towns on Lake Garda and there's a lively vibe, with busy bars and cafés. You might even catch a fireworks display.

Serious ice-cream fan? Riva is the place to be. Dotted with gelaterias, you'll find somewhere different to go every day.

Most eateries are in the open piazzas and along the lakeside promenade. Find the right spot and you'll be able to savour the view as much as the food.

Local bus lines 1 and 2 run in opposite directions on a circular route through Riva, Varone and Arco. The main bus station is on Viale Trento, opposite the Hotel Astoria, but there are stops all along the main road in town.

You can catch a hydrofoil or a catamaran to take you north and south to most other towns on the lake. If you're planning on visiting more than one town in one day, a North Lake Hopper pass could save you some money.

Riva is a town made for strollers, with lots of narrow, winding streets and open piazzas, all surrounded by Roman town walls. The lakeside promenade runs for 3km all the way to neighbouring Torbole.

Start by walking around the small streets, through open piazzas and around the Roman town walls, before following the 3km lakeside promenade to Torbole. The path is flat and it should take you about 45 minutes or so.

A well-maintained cobbled path leads out of town and up the mountainside. The walk only takes around 45 minutes but is mostly uphill. There are plenty of benches along the way for breaks. At journey's end, you can explore the ruins of Bastione and take in the views over the rooftops of Riva.