Lake Garda is Italy’s biggest lake, and is shared between three regions: Trentino, Lombardy and Veneto. Riva del Garda is the main city of the Garda Trentino Region, located on the northern shore of the lake. With its Mediterranean climate and vegetation, its sunny beaches, and its fascinating panoramic landscape, it is the perfect place for an active vacation on the lake. Sport is the main reason why people choose Riva del Garda for their holidays: mountain biking, cycling, hiking, trekking, and, most of all, windsurfing and sailing.
1. Water Sports
Riva del Garda is very popular among windsurfers and sailing lovers, who take advantage of the Peler (in the morning) and the Ora (in the afternoon): two strong winds that blow on the lake’s shores. Riva del Garda is ideal for both, beginners and surf pros. On the lake, you’ll find numerous services, such as sailing clubs, board rentals and high-level windsurf schools. Furthermore, the town is home of many annual international major events which attract surfers from all over Europe.
2. Where to Stay
Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort is a four-star resort immersed in the green on the shores of Garda Lake. The resort includes a hotel, suites and bungalows, a spa, a sport and fitness center, and three gourmet restaurants offering regional, national and international dishes.
Where: Viale Rovereto 44, 38066 Riva Del Garda, Italy
Grand Hotel Liberty is another option for your stay in Riva del Garda. The four-star hotel is located only 200m away from the city center in a fabulous Art-Nouveau palace dating back to the early 20th century. The hotel includes a spa and wellness center, a sophisticated lounge bar, an indoor pool and an outdoor pool.
Where: Viale Carducci, 3/5, 38066 Riva del Garda, Italy
Another exclusive accommodation is the Hotel Kristal Palace: an elegant and sophisticated hotel with numerous dedicated services. The best one is for sure its amazing panoramic terrace with a sky pool and a sky bar. The hotel also organizes group activities, such as trekking, yoga, walks and aqua gym courses.
Where: Via Confalonieri 8, 38066 Riva Del Garda, Italy
3. Surf schools
Sailing Du Lac Multi Sports Centre is a water sports school situated in the garden of Du Lac et Du Parc Grand Resort, on the main beach of the town. The school organizes windsurf, kitesurf and sailing lessons for adults and children of all levels. If you don’t have your own equipment, you can rent everything you need directly on the spot.
PierWindsurf is another windsurf center offering both windsurf and kitesurf lessons and rental. The school is located 4km away from Riva del Garda (loc. Gola, 2), on the north western shores of the lake. You can even book some all-inclusive formulas, with both surf classes and hotel accommodation at the Surf Hotel Pier, located in Limone sul Garda (Lombardy Region).