We woke up once again to glorious sunshine—luck was truly on our side with the weather throughout the trip. After breakfast, we headed north along the lake to visit two beautiful towns: Riva del Garda and Malcesine.
From our accommodation (Appartamenti Altea), Riva del Garda was about a 1.5-hour drive. We chose the scenic lakeside road so we could soak in as much of the breathtaking landscape as possible along the way.

Riva del Garda – A Northern Gem of Lake Garda

Riva del Garda is located on the northern shore of Lake Garda, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. It’s an ideal starting point for exploring the northern part of the lake. Nestled at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites, the town offers stunning natural surroundings and fresh, crisp mountain air.
Thanks to its proximity to the Dolomites, the lake’s water here is cooler and displays a deeper shade of blue—adding even more magic to the view. Riva del Garda is one of the most vibrant towns in the north, yet it feels less crowded than southern hotspots like Sirmione. It’s the second-largest town on the lake after Desenzano.
Its unique location makes it a fantastic destination for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and history buffs alike. The mix of cozy old-town alleys, a charming harbor, and majestic mountain backdrops creates a truly one-of-a-kind atmosphere.

Parking and Family-Friendly Tips

We parked in the paid parking lot, which is conveniently close to the old town. There’s also a public restroom right across the street, which we made use of before beginning our walk.
Liny rode in the stroller, but as always, we brought our baby carrier too—just in case. While the old town is fairly stroller-friendly, some narrow alleyways and cobblestone paths make the carrier a handy backup.

Top Sights in Riva del Garda:

You can easily browse and book tours on platforms like GetYourGuide or Tiqets, where you can compare different routes, prices, and reviews in advance.

La Rocca di Riva – The Medieval Fortress

Our first stop was La Rocca di Riva, a striking medieval fortress that sits right on the lakeshore. Built in the 12th century, it now houses the Museo Alto Garda (MAG). The museum features exhibits on local history, archaeology, and art—definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in the region’s heritage.

Piazza III Novembre – The Heart of the Old Town

We strolled through charming side streets until we reached Piazza III Novembre, the town’s lively main square. Surrounded by colorful medieval buildings, the old town hall, and plenty of cafés and restaurants, the square has an inviting atmosphere.
The morning sun was too tempting to resist, so we sat down at Antico Caffè Maffei’s sunny terrace to enjoy a croissant and a divine Italian coffee while watching the world go by. It was magical.

Torre Apponale – Riva’s Iconic Tower

One of the highlights of the square is the 34-meter-high Torre Apponale, a 13th-century tower and one of the town’s best-known landmarks. From the top—after climbing 167 steps—you get a spectacular view of the town, lake, and surrounding mountains.
Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit (it’s not open between December and February; it reopens mid-March, entrance €5). Still, relaxing with a coffee at its base was a wonderful experience. 😊

After our break, we explored more of the square and walked past the Venetian-style Palazzo Pretorio and Palazzo del Comune.

Bastione Fortress and the Panoramic Funicular

For nature lovers, a visit to the Bastione fortress is a must. Located 200 meters above town, it’s a relatively easy 30-minute walk via Monte Oro Street. The fortress was built by the Venetians between 1507 and 1508 and offers breathtaking views over the lake and town.
If you’d rather skip the walk, a scenic funicular can take you up in just three minutes.
Although we had planned to visit, we ended up opting for a longer stroll along the harbor so Liny could stretch her legs and watch the coots, ducks, and swans. If there’s one place in Europe where the meeting of mountains and water is truly fairytale-like, it’s along the Lungolago Marinai d’Italia promenade in Riva del Garda. Absolutely stunning.

Harbor & Boat Trips

From Riva del Garda’s harbor, regular ferries connect to other picturesque towns on Lake Garda, like Malcesine and Limone sul Garda. These boat trips are a fantastic way to explore the lake and offer unmatched views of the lakeside cliffs and villages.

Wandering the Old Town & Culinary Delights

We circled back to the main square and continued toward Piazza Cavour, home to the beautiful church Parrocchia di Santa Maria Assunta. Along the way, we picked up a few of the must-have souvenirs.
Later, we stopped for a relaxing lunch at Café Maroni, where we enjoyed delicious sandwiches and mouthwatering desserts. The cozy outdoor terrace was the perfect place for another short break.

We continued our stroll along Via Roma, gradually making our way out of the old town through the Porta di San Michele gate. A lovely Christmas tree stood in the square just outside the gate. From there, we followed Viale Dante Alighieri—lined with modern boutiques and orange trees—back toward the parking lot.

A Place That Has It All

Riva del Garda is the perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Whether you’re after leisurely walks, cultural experiences, or active adventures, this town has something for everyone. It’s guaranteed to be one of those destinations that leaves a lasting impression!

Malcesine – A Charming Medieval Town on Lake Garda
Malcesine is located on the northeastern shore of Lake Garda, just 18 km from Riva del Garda. It’s one of the most enchanting small towns around the lake. Nestled at the foot of Monte Baldo, this picturesque village offers narrow cobbled streets, a captivating medieval atmosphere, and stunning panoramic views over the lake—making it an unforgettable destination.

Arrival and Parking

On the way to Malcesine, Liny luckily fell asleep. About 30 minutes later, we arrived at the parking lot, where we left our car and we spent about three hours exploring the town.

Malcesine Old Town – A Walk Through History

This clifftop town is a true hidden gem. We climbed the steep cobbled streets to reach Malcesine’s iconic castle. Located in the heart of the old town, the Scaliger Castle (Castello Scaligero) was built in the 13th century and is one of the town’s most remarkable landmarks. Towering above the lake, the fortress offers breathtaking views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains.
Inside the castle, there’s also a museum that tells the story of local history and the lake’s fascinating ecosystem.

The old town feels like stepping into a time capsule—a maze of narrow alleyways, cozy cafés, and tiny boutiques that deliver an authentic Italian experience. It was the perfect spot for an afternoon stroll.
Shops and restaurants in the town center offer a variety of local products, such as olive oil, wine, and handmade crafts.
Pushing the stroller was a bit tricky on the uneven cobblestones at times, but Liny happily walked and explored the charming surroundings.

Palazzo dei Capitani – Traces of the Venetian Past

Next on our walk was the Palazzo dei Capitani, a beautiful Gothic-style building by the lake. Once the residence of Venetian captains, this historic palace features a peaceful inner courtyard with palm trees and stunning lake views.

Monte Baldo – Sweeping Views from Above

There’s no shortage of things to do in Malcesine, but one of the top attractions is the Monte Baldo cable car. In just a few minutes, it whisks visitors up to an elevation of 2,218 meters. It’s one of the only rotating cable cars in the world, offering a unique 360-degree view of the lake and mountains.
In summer, Monte Baldo is a paradise for hikers, paragliders, and nature lovers.
While we didn’t go up this time, it’s definitely on our list for a future adventure!

A Lakeside Walk to Remember

During our walk, we passed ancient stone walls lined with pomegranate and citrus trees. In the old harbor, traditional fishing boats gently bobbed on the water.
The quaint houses, little piazzas, and arched porticoes made us feel like we had stepped right into a painting.

Heading Back and Unwinding

After soaking in the town’s atmosphere, we made our way back to the parking lot, savoring every last moment of this charming lakeside village.
From there, we headed back to our accommodation, about an hour’s drive from Malcesine.
We ended the day with a cozy dinner—finishing the delicious leftovers from the day before—and enjoyed a well-earned rest after another day full of memories.

Riva del Garda and Malcesine are true jewels of Lake Garda, offering magical experiences in every season. If you love medieval charm, stunning views, and lakeside strolls, these towns are the perfect getaway! 😊