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Coasting gently along the shores of Lake Garda

Riva del Garda: like stepping into a painting

After an energising coffee at the café in the Canale di Tenno square, you’re ready to face the final stage of the Do-Ga tourist cycling route, your way to explore Trentino on the saddle of a bike.

In less than half an hour, the long descent from Tenno will take you from a mountain environment into a Mediterranean setting. Before you know it, you’ll be there at Riva del Garda. The town is bordered to the south by the lake itself, while the high limestone walls to the east plunge down into to the waters like cliff faces.

 

A final detour before your destination

Before your tour draws to a close, a small detour as you approach the entrance to the town will enable you to visit the Varone Waterfall. Here, the waters of the Magnone river plunge 100 metres through a gorge. Access is granted by boardwalks, but remember to bring a waterproof jacket with a hood!

The time has come now for the beginning of the end of your trip: after crossing 4 valleys and 100 km from the Dolomites to Lake Garda, this fascinating tour is almost, but not quite, over!

 

The Do-Ga cycling route: the final stage in Riva del Garda

Exploring Riva del Garda on foot

Riva del Garda is a beautiful little town with a lot of different facets to explore: history, relaxation, water sports and mountain sports, not to mention the sun-soaked beaches and uninterrupted view stretching towards the infinite horizon.

The Do-Ga cycling route ends in Piazza III Novembre, which opens onto the little harbour with a distinctive Lombardy-Veneto style. Thanks to your bike, you’ll find it easy to get around the historic centre, starting with the Torre Apponale clock tower in the corner of the square. You can go inside and climb the 165 steps leading to the top, where you can enjoy a view of the entire town.

Wander wherever your fancy takes you, losing yourself among the alleyways behind the square. Here, you’ll find boutiques and craft workshops tucked away down the narrow streets, packed with one-of-a-kind items: why not treat yourself to some shopping?

And don’t forget to visit the Marocco quarter, one of the historic neighbourhoods of Riva del Garda, which takes its name from the debris that fell from Monte Rocchetta in a landslide. Homes here jostle against each other for space, brightly coloured in pastel hues: a typical Italian village scene.

The Do-Ga cycling route: the final stage in Riva del Garda

If you’ve got another day in your holidays, there are a number of paths which start from Riva del Garda. Of these, we particularly recommend the Ponale, a path which follows an old carriage road (now open only to cyclists and pedestrians) along the right-hand side of the lake, leading to Lake Ledro.

But Riva del Garda also offers a well-earned opportunity to relax after days spent in the saddle. The lakeside, which alternates between gardens and beaches, is just the place to unwind and enjoy a meal in an authentic local restaurant. Try some of Trentino’s specialities, like carne salada or strangolapreti or even a dish with fish from the lake, like perch.

The little roads around Riva are perfect for a walk, perhaps by evening or at sundown, basking in the warm atmosphere of the lake.

Discover the full Do-Ga route

Discover the full Do-Ga route

by bike
Published on 06/06/2023

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