Arco town and castle from Comano Terme

Arco is roughly 26 km from the Comano Terme area and only a few kilometres north of Riva del Garda. From Casa Regina 21 in Cares, the road normally follows the mountain route through Fiavè, Ballino and Tenno before descending into the lower Sarca valley.

Road conditions and journey times change with traffic, weather and the season. Open the live route from Casa Regina 21 to Arco before leaving and use it to confirm the best approach and parking.

Arco’s centre curls around the foot of the castle rock. Start in Piazza III Novembre, where the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta, the Moses Fountain and historic palaces introduce the town without requiring a fixed itinerary.

Continue through Via Vergolano and the narrower lanes towards Porta Stranfora. Cafés, ice-cream shops and specialist outdoor stores reflect both sides of modern Arco: a historic town and one of Italy’s best-known climbing destinations. The official Garda Trentino town walk links these landmarks in a practical loop.

The castle is reached only on foot. The Comune di Arco describes an uphill walk of about 20 minutes from the historic centre, with roughly 120 metres of ascent through the olive grove. Comfortable shoes, water and sun protection make the climb much more pleasant.

Inside the historic area, the main sights include the Prato della Lizza viewpoint, Torre Grande, Prigione del Sasso and Sala degli Affreschi. Opening periods and admission can change, so check the official Arco Castle page shortly before the visit.

The Arboreto di Arco is a quieter counterpoint to the castle climb. It preserves part of the Archducal Park created in 1872 by Archduke Albert of Habsburg, with mature trees and plants that thrive in Arco’s unusually mild climate.

It works well after the old town or as the main green stop for anyone who does not want the steep ascent. Check the official Arboretum page for current seasonal opening information.

The official visitor route recommends Caneve parking, approximately five minutes on foot from the centre. Paid alternatives include Foro Boario near the bridge and the parking area near the post office. Signs, restrictions and availability can change, so confirm them on arrival or ask at the Arco information office.

The path to the castle is uphill and is not accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs. Visitors who need a gentler day can stay in the historic centre, visit the Collegiata and Arboretum, or check the programme at the Galleria Civica Segantini.

1. leave Cares after checking the live route and castle opening information;
2. park once and begin with Piazza III Novembre and the historic lanes;
3. climb through the olive grove while the temperature is comfortable;
4. return to town for lunch or a relaxed break;
5. finish in the Arboretum or Galleria Segantini before driving back.

Arco can fill a day on its own. If you prefer to combine two shorter stops, pair the town with the ideas in our Riva del Garda and Varone guide, or return to the Comano Terme destination guide for a quieter alternative.

Hero photo: “Castello di Arco 02” by Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.