Riva del Garda Off The Beaten Path Tips by sandysmith Top 5 Page for this destination

Cascata Varone

Just 3km from Riva del Garda are the cave and waterfall park of Varone. Only takes about 30minutes to visit but is well worth this short stop and the entrance fee of 5 Euro. We stopped here first on our way to Arco. The lower cave allows the last part of the waterfall to be seen whilst the upper cave, some 40m higher allow views of the waterfall as it tumbles from high above over the cliff edge - a mesmerising sight with the rainbows it forms!

Wet gear protection would be advisable for all the spay and mist (esp for cameras) but its great place to cool off on a hot day. A picnic are is also available with lovely views of the surrounding hills and valley.

Website: http://www.cascata-varone.com/

Lago di Ledro

Over the western side of the hills from Riva through a long tunnel in the rock a littlel italian lake gem can be discovered. Lago di Ledro was created by the blocking of a moraine from the ancient glacier of Garda. Molina di Ledro is a peaceful town with an interesting Museum, well known in Europe for the artifacts from a lake village of the Bronze Age where pile dwellers once inhabited. We saw the small museum (2.5 euros to enter but reallly the artifacts outside (such as the hut in main pic) and the lake views were more captivating to me. We were here early in the morning and the reflections were beautiful so naturally I took more interest in those ;-)

Tenno

The old mediaeval village of Tenno is a few kilometres before the lake of Tenno area. We also enjoyed a stop here to see the castle and church clinging to a rock face overlooking the Garda basin. Wonderful views and not a soul to be seen as we wandered the narrow streets of this rustic hamlet.

Lago di Tenno

The Varone waterfall arises from Lago di Tenno some 8 km further on from Varone. Its an idyllic spot (from the car park in the centre you have to descend several steps to reach it) Its well worth it to see the colour and light on the water. it really was a gem of a find to us. An easy path encircles the lake and makes for an enjoyable walk. A snack bar and toilets (modern and very clean) are at one end too. Picnic area if you wish to bring your own. In high summer months the waters are popular with bathers and lifeguards are on duty too! Probably needed as the average maximum depth of the lake is 47 m. At the bottom of the lake remains of a forest dating back to 15th century can be seen.
This was just typical of the places we could explore with the car and almost have the place to yourself :-0