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General Description of Riva del Garda
Although one of the most well-known resorts in the area (it was already a popular tourist destination in the early 1900s), Riva has managed to retain some of its original charm. Measuring 2½ mls across, the town is restricted from expansion by tunnels at either end, and has a pedestrianised, historic centre clustered around the very tip of the lake. The old town is dominated by a 13th-century watchtower and a moated 12th-century fort (La Rocca), complete with drawbridge. Fashionable shops, along with numerous cafes and restaurants, are situated along the promenade and near the harbour. To the E lies the more modern part of town, which is crowded and unattractive, linked to the old centre by a noisy, dirty main road. The main hotels are located in this part of town, comprising many bland apartment blocks and buildings dating from the 1970s.
Market/Suitability
Mid- to upmarket singles, couples and groups of all ages. Very popular with British tourists.
Location/Contact
Location: In N Italy, on the N tip of Lake Garda. 126 mls NE of Milan. 137 mls NW of Venice. 50 mls NW of Verona and its airport.
Position: In the NW corner of Lake Garda, W of where the river Sarca flows into the lake. The Arco valley (the so-called "Gateway to the Dolomites") lies behind, with mountains to the E and W.
Postcode: 38066
Accommodation
Numerous hotels of all ranges, although choice is very limited in the old town.
Beach
Pebbled beaches on either side of town.
Shopping
Plenty of fashionable shops. A large open-air market every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.
Entertainment
Daytime: exploring the old town, including the Apponale watchtower and other old buildings on Piazza 3 Novembre, the fort and several interesting churches; local history and civic museums; 16th-century Venetian bastion; Reptiland reptile centre; water sports including windsurfing, canoeing and sailing; mountain walking; biking; bowling.
Nightlife: discos, piano bars and bars; theatre.
Eating Out
Numerous pizzeria-style restaurants scattered throughout the old and new town. A couple of local trattorias. Many cafes and ice-cream parlours.
Public Transport
Good bus links to both sides of the lake and to Milan, Verona and Trento. Regular ferry service to other lakeside towns.
Local Excursions
Half day: Varone Waterfalls; nearby town of Arco with its castle; year-round cable car up Monte Baldo, known as the "botanical garden of Italy". Full day: Dolomites and town of Trento; Lake Garda tour; Gardaland theme park; water parks; Venice (long day). Two days: Florence.
Serving Airports
Verona Valerio Catullo Villafranca (VRN)
Flight time from the UK: 2 hrs
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 ALBUFEIRA, ALGARVE | | BAVENO, ITALY | | BENALMADENA, COSTA DEL SOL | | BENIDORM, COSTA BLANCA | | CALPE, COSTA BLANCA | | COSTA TEGUISE, LANZAROTE | | DUBLIN, IRELAND | | FUENGIROLA, COSTA DEL SOL | | FUNCHAL, MADEIRA | | FURNAS, AZORES | | HAMMAMET, TUNISIA | | IXIA, RHODES | | KALATHOS, RHODES | | KILLARNEY, SOUTH WEST IRELAND | | LA GOMERA, CANARY ISLANDS | | LAGOS, ALGARVE | | LIMASSOL, CYPRUS | | LLORET, COSTA BRAVA | | LOS GIGANTES, TENERIFE | | MACHICO, MADEIRA | | MAGALLUF, MAJORCA | | MARIA ALM, SALZBURGERLAND, AUSTRIA | | PAPHOS, CYPRUS | | PLATJA DE ARO, COSTA BRAVA | | PLAYA BLANCA, LANZAROTE | | PLAYA DE LAS AMERICAS, TENERIFE | | PORT EL KANTAOUI, TUNISIA | | PORT ERIN, ISLE OF MAN | | PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC | | PRAIA DA ROCHA. ALGARVE | | PUERTO DE LA CRUZ, TENERIFE | | PUERTO RICO, GRAN CANARIA | | QAWRA, MALTA | | RIVA DEL GARDA, ITALY | | SALINA BAY, MALTA | | SCHLADMING, AUSTRIA | | SEEFELD, AUSTRIA | | SELVA, ITALY | | SOLL, AUSTRIA | | SOUSSE, TUNISIA | | STRESA, ITALY | | TAVIRA, ALGARVE | | TORREMOLINOS, COSTA DEL SOL |
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