The April showers are here - It's time for some all-weather fun in Riva del Garda!

Come rain or shine…

Riva del Garda, on the northern tip of Lake Garda is famous for its wind surfing, water sports and hiking opportunities. Luckily, when the eccentric April weather is upon us, there is still plenty to see, do and enjoy here. With this special all-weather guide, you can discover the resort’s welcoming mix of highlights, perfect for when the sun has lost his hat!

Cultural attractions            

Umbrella in hand, visitors can enjoy immersing themselves in the city, with a scenic walk through the historical old town and along the lakeshore; taking in the Rocca Castle, Torre Apponale, Porta San Marco, Catena Square, Porta di San Michele and the Jewish Ghetto as they go. Westwards from the historical centre, the Bastion is one of the top attractions to see when in Riva del Garda. Eastwards past the lake beach of ‘Spiaggia Sabbioni’, Forte San Nicolò can also be visited.

In the centre of town by the lake shore, The MAG Museo Alto Garda offers a contemporary all-weather indoor space, ideal for soaking up a day of art and culture. The Trentino Spettacoli also promises a wonderful year-round programme of live theatre and cinema, perfect for enjoying when those springtime showers approach.

Alternatively…

In the centre of town, Reptiland houses a unique collection of reptiles, arachnids and insects. This alternative all-weather visitor attraction is sure to be a hit with all ages, especially teenagers!

For those looking to explore a natural wonder for the day, the nearby Parco Grotto Cascate Varone in Tenno is ideal. The site invites visitors to explore the spectacular underground caves and dramatic waterfall, with the help of man-made bridges, paths, steps and walkways. Surrounded by a beautiful nature park, the attraction makes for a captivating distraction, away from the resort-city buzz.

And relax

For those looking to indulge and replenish the senses, the prestigious ‘Lido Palace’ hotel is home to the beautiful CXI Centoundici Spa, whilst the town’s Liberty hotel Beauty & Wellness Spa and the Garda Thermae spa in nearby Arco offer the perfect excuse to unwind in style and enjoy a beauty treatment, or two.

Aperitivo time

Riva del Garda is the perfect destination for foodie fans. Lovers of an ‘aperitivo’ can enjoy a carefree moment to savour a delicious sharing board, full to the brim with regional meats and local cheeses. These bountiful sharing boards are served at one of the many bars in the ambient old town and along the romantic lakefront. Accompanied by a traditional spritzer or a popular Trentino cocktail, ‘Hugo’ (Prosecco mixed with elderflower cordial), savouring an authentic ‘aperitivo’ is a magical holiday moment, whatever the weather.

For something more casual, the historical old town is also home to a handful of bars serving craft beers, such as ‘Panem’. The ambient Gastropub and deli shop Busàt also serves international beers and tasty ‘Tigelle’ bites (typical small flatbreads from Emilia Romagna).

For those not wanting to miss a Premiership football game whilst away, the authentic sports bar Moby Dick offers a laid-back ambience, and is located in the main lakeside piazza.

“Buon Appetito!”

When dinner time arrives, visitors have a wide range of casual eateries and fine dining restaurants to tickle the taste buds. The town’s unique cuisine is heavily influenced by its own identity and history, forged from its strong cultural ties with Italy and Germany. Popular regional favourites such as cured meats and Polenta dishes are all readily available.

Named after the Lake Garda wind, the inviting, multi-lingual Bar Gelateria Ristorante Pizzeria L’Ora features a striking glass-walled interior and is ideal for accommodating larger dinner groups. Alongside an offering of popular pizzas, the varied menu also serves typical Alpine and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, along with local Lake Garda specialities, such as ‘Trota Salmonata’ (rainbow trout) and ‘Carne Salada’ (cured beef salad with beans). Vegan and vegetarian options are also available. If you have any room left for ‘la dolce’, then the homemade ice cream is certainly worth a try!

Nestled in the heart of the old town, in the ambience of a 17^th century house, Al Volt is a beautiful family-run restaurant. Owned by the Poli family since 1965, the stylish and intimate-feeling restaurant serves exceptional traditional cuisine, with an uplifting modern twist. Enhanced by fresh lake produce and local land-based ingredients, the mouth-watering menu marries perfectly with the impeccable service.

With its authentic atmosphere, I Momenti is home to a well-stocked wine shop and offers a relaxed ambience, perfect for wining and dining away with loved ones and friends. From divine gourmet pizzas to beautifully-presented seafood dishes and regional sharing boards composed of regional cured meats, fantastic cheeses (including a 30-month old Parmegiano Reggiano and Piedmont Buffalo mozzarella), local fresh breads, extra virgin olive oil and local mustards, you won't go home hungry!

The Germanic restaurant Kapuzineram See is a popular choice for visiting Germans who enjoy the familiar tastes of home. As they serve the traditional Bavarian food and beers, the waiters wear typical ‘lederhosen’, whilst waitresses wear ‘dimdl’. The popular menu offers everything from tasty German sausages and schnitzels to hearty dumplings and pork knuckle, all washed down by a drink from the typical German beer list.

With full gusto, the ground floor hotel restaurant Ristorante Pizzeria RivaMia celebrates the very best of authentic Italian cooking and regional produce. From its ravishing range of pizzas to its tasty meat, gnocchi and seafood-based dishes, the restaurant invites diners to savour the typical flavours of the region, including rustic Tyrolean meat and potato hash with optional toppings, known as ‘Groestl’.

When the stars come out

With its atmospheric piazzas, buzzing bars and unique lakeside setting, the resort city comes alive at night. A firm favourite in Riva is the Sailing Bar, situated on a unique, stationary boat; with live music and relaxed lakeside vibes to complement fantastic, thirst-quenching cocktails.

For added wow factor, Rivabar promises luxuriant cocktails and glamour, whilst the lakeside Spiaggia degli Olivi offers an on-site restaurant, lounge bar and events space; for the ultimate party venue.

So, whether its relaxing in a spa, discovering an underground waterfall or sipping a tempting evening drink, Riva del Garda let’s you relish your holiday to the fullest - no matter what the weather is doing outside!