With sheer cliffs, a mild climate and the beautiful ruins of a medieval castle adding a romantic touch to the overall atmosphere, Arco provides the perfect holiday spot from which to relax and enjoy the must-see activities and attractions of the area. Located in Trentino-Alto Adige, 9.8 km north of Riva del Garda on Lake Garda, the resort town provides a delightful destination for a holiday set at your own pace and tons of things to do in Arco as well as its surrounding area.
So read on and find out the best things to do in and around Arco!
![Arco, the climbing hotspot of located at the foot of the Dolomites, with its beautiful Castle of Arco overlooking the town.]( "Arco with its beautiful Castle of Arco overlooking the town.")
The unique landscape of Arco, with the Arco CastleGet active - what to do in and around Arco
Taste the adrenaline rush at Italy’s climbing capital
For those in the know, Arco is an international hotspot for climbing. With a 40-year pedigree established from becoming the free climbing capital of Italy in the 1980s, to staging the top global competitions of today, including the IFSC Youth World Championships in 2015 and 2019, Arco is a climber's dream destination! Thanks to its ideal climatic conditions, indoor centre and stadium, Arco provides a fantastic all-weather activity for all ages and abilities to enjoy anything: from bouldering and aided climbing to free climbing, with equipment readily available to hire. Enjoy tranquil swims in Arco or windsurfing at Torbole
Whether it’s in the river, on the lake or in a pool, there's a wealth of water-based activities to enjoy in Arco and the surrounding area. Locally on the doorstep, the Lido of Arco provides a picturesque spot to enjoy a sunny river swim or an afternoon nap on the grassy lawn or stone beach. The lido is well serviced too, with a café, shower and toilet block, as well as a bike, sailing and windsurfing centre.
![A woman enjoying windsurfing on Lake Garda in Italy from the international windsurfing hub Nago-Torbole in August.]( "A woman enjoying windsurfing on Lake Garda in Italy")
Surf up the legendary winds of Nago-Torbole
A local swimming spot can also be enjoyed in località Moletta. Overlooking the River Sarca, this child-friendly spot features a small beach and soothing shadows of the trees, alongside a snack bar, kid’s playground, toilets and a small car park. Reach this timeless idyll either from the cycle path or by car (heading towards Trento, turn left at the traffic lights and off the main road). Just a 10-minute drive away, Ceniga di Dro also offers a pretty pebble beach, perfect for taking some time out to admire your surroundings in peace, with the ancient ‘Roman bridge’ leading from Arco to the ancient hamlet of Ceniga providing a truly timeless backdrop!
Those looking for a classic dose of poolside bliss can dip into the outdoor pools on offer in the nearby hamlet of Prabi. With an Olympic-size pool with 3 diving boards to leap off and a kid’s pool complete with a small slide, it offers the perfect choice for enjoying some carefree swim time. The local resorts of Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda are also famed for their excellent windsurfing, water sports and sailing opportunities, ensuring water-based amusement for all!
Go solo or group cycling in Arco
Cyclists will relish the bicycle routes here: from mountainous, downhill and flat riverside paths to scenic lakeside, the region offers a timeless diversion for making the most of the great outdoors on two wheels! Hugging the lakeside of Lake Garda, the scenic ‘Ponale road’ (also known as Alpine trail D 01) follows the original route of the first road between Lake Garda and the Ledro valley, starting from the lakeside resort of Riva and passing through the picturesque village of Limone sul Garda.
![A woman cycling near Arco on Lake Garda, Italy, with panoramic mountain views]( "A woman cycling near Arco on Lake Garda, Italy")
Hike through the classic scenic routes
Perfect for enjoying some lake view escapism for the day, Monte Brione (6.9km away) offers the perfect mountain location for enjoying scenic hiking and sightseeing. When you’re up there, you’ll also be able to explore the disused fortifications, which date back to the 1800s. Also nearby, the 11.5km long walking route of Sentiero Busatte Tempesta offers a classic Trentino hiking path, with panoramic views across Lake Garda to take in from an altitude of 320 metres. Monte Bondone (47km away) boasts ski slopes and scenic summer hiking paths for those searching for the ultimate day out! Its 2000m altitude guarantees good weather and sunshine, whatever the season, whilst its 50km worth of pristine ski slopes and snow parks will attract any avid skier and snowsports fan. Families can make the most of the broad slopes, its ski school and dedicated kids’ zone.
Capture some culture
Looking to go sightseeing in Arco? The resort town and its surrounding area boast a treasure trove of cultural attractions! Perched high above the town, the iconic Arco Castle (Castello di Arco) was built by residents back in medieval times, becoming the property of the noble Counts of Arco. Today, visitors can enjoy walking up 1 of the 3 routes up to the castle. From the top, you’ll be able to take in the views across the River Sarca plain and Arco town, whilst also taking in the restored features of the castle, including some beautifully restored medieval frescos.
![The atmospheric cobblestone streets and buildings at Canale di Tenno, with flowered balconies]( "Cobblestone streets and buildings at Canale di Tenno")
Walk slowly, absorbing the cobblestone architecture at the Canale di Tenno, Lake Garda
Within the old centre of Arco, enjoy a historical walk along the streets, which hug the castle cliff, for a journey back in time—starting from the 15th-century monastery Sanctuary of Our Lady of Grace, which displays original features in its cloister and the internal wooden shrine of the Virgin Mary. Also along the way, make time to go into the Collegiate Church of the Assumption, a 17th-century marvel by the Imperial Court architect, G.M. Filippi. Inside, take in the paintings, altars and statues designed by prominent artists and sculptors of the 16th – 18th century.
Other local landmarks to visit along the historical route include the town’s fine Palazzos, including the 16th century ‘Palazzo Marchetti’ (Palace of St Peter), home to the illustrious Counts of Arco until the mid-18th century, as well as a host of frescoes by famous artists such as Giulio Romano (1499 – 1546). The imposing ‘Palazzo dei Panni’ (Palace of the Cloths) was built for the Arco count in the last 17th century, before its conversion in the late 18th century into a productive woollen mill, hence its affectionate nickname. There are also some landmark buildings which convey Arco’s prestige as a winter health destination for past royalty and high society in the 19 century; with resort villas, bathhouses and a former casino (now the library to name a few) forming part of Arco’s fascinating urban fabric.
Just 12.8km away, the ancient landmark of Tenno Castle (Castello di Tenno) is a privately-owned castle worth admiring as you pass by the old road to Lake Garda. Other local nearby heritage sites include the Romanesque Church of Apollinaris in Prabi (3.4km), which offers some beautiful 14th-century frescoes and a 15th – 16th-century painted façade.
Within a short 15 minutes drive away, visitors will reach the famous heritage beauty spot as well as the location of our latest local office, Torbole sul Garda. Immortalised by the artists and poets of the ‘Grand Tour’ days, including Goethe, this picturesque destination still oozes its quaint fishing village charms and landmark sights including the Old Customs house and the 15th-century Casa Beust. Nearby Riva del Garda also offers a fantastic range of all-weather activities and things to do, so make sure you have the time to explore this beautiful Lake Garda resort! Tastes of Arco: What to eat in Arco?
![Strangolapreti, a sumptuous Italian dumpling with spinach and a popular local dish in the Trentino-Aldo Adige region]( "Strangolapreti, a sumptuous Italian dumpling with spinach")
Strangolapreti, an Italian dumpling and a popular local dish around Lake Garda
Being on holiday can be hungry work, so whilst eating out, make sure you take the opportunity to sample the famous local specialities. The delicious cuisine comes into its own during the winter season, with ‘gnocchi’ and speck, rocket and ricotta cheese, Franciscan tagliatelle, Ravioli with speck, apples with nuts and melted butter, Spaghetti guitar with crisp vegetables and also the cream of potato and leeks with crispy speck–all popular local dishes. The wider Trentino-Alto-Adige region offers a wealth of culinary treats to sample too, so why not savour as many as possible whilst staying here? Get swept up by the natural beauty
Nature fans will enjoy exploring the local walking and swimming beauty spot of Lago di Tenno (13.6km away from Arco) as well as the passing Sarca riverside, which is popular for fly fishing and walking. Nearby, the botanical park of Cascate del Varone in Tenno is home to a fantastic underground cave system with a 100m waterfall fed from the underground valley River Magnone, which runs from Ravizze to Lake Garda. It’s ideal for geologists, nature fans and those looking to enjoy a scenic walk in unique surroundings. ![Aerial view of the turquoise and swimmable Lago di Tenno in proximity to Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole sul Garda]( "Lago di Tenno in proximity to Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole sul Garda.")
Tenno Lake, a turquoise jewel with swimming waters near ArcoHow to get to Arco?
Verona Airport, on the east side of the lake, is the closest to Arco. With a rental car, visitors can come directly from the airport on the E45 (A22 highway Brenner-Moden, direction Brenner) until Rovereto Sud (Rovereto South) and then travel in the direction of Lake Garda North. Or visitors can use the airport shuttle that leaves every 20 minutes and goes to the main train station Porta Nuova. From there, they can take the train to Rovereto (1 hour) and then from Rovereto to Arco, a bus that leaves every hour.
Hike through the classic scenic routes
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The unique landscape of Arco, with the Arco Castle
Surf up the legendary winds of Nago-Torbole 
Walk slowly, absorbing the cobblestone architecture at the Canale di Tenno, Lake Garda
Strangolapreti, an Italian dumpling and a popular local dish around Lake Garda
Tenno Lake, a turquoise jewel with swimming waters near Arco
