Riva del Garda and Varone Waterfall from Comano Terme

Riva del Garda is roughly 25 km from the Comano Terme area. From Casa Regina 21 in Cares, the practical route follows the SS421 through Fiavè, Ballino and Tenno. It is a mountain road, so journey time depends on traffic, weather and the season.

The Varone Waterfall Cave Park is on this same approach, about 3 km north of Riva del Garda. That makes the waterfall the logical first stop. Open the live route from Casa Regina 21 to Varone before leaving rather than relying on a fixed travel time.

The Magnone stream, fed by underground water from Lake Tenno, falls into a gorge that is almost 100 metres deep. The visit combines the lower cave, a terraced botanical garden and the upper cave, giving two very different views of the water and rock.

Opening hours and admission arrangements vary during the year. Check the official Varone Waterfall website shortly before the trip, especially in the busiest summer weeks.

The path is paved, but the route to the upper cave includes about 70 long steps. The official attraction information says the park is not equipped for wheelchair visits. Dogs are allowed on a lead.

Water spray and moving air make the caves cooler and wetter than the car park, even on a warm day. Shoes with grip and a light waterproof layer are useful. If stairs or mobility are a concern, read the current Garda Trentino accessibility information before travelling.

Varone is only about 3 km from Riva del Garda. Use the live route from the waterfall to the old town, then park once and explore the centre on foot.

Piazza III Novembre and the old harbour form the historic heart of Riva. Torre Apponale rises 34 metres above the square; when the tower is open, 165 steps lead to a broad view over the roofs and Lake Garda. Check the official Torre Apponale page for current access.

From the old harbour, follow the waterfront at an easy pace. The contrast between the lake, the steep mountains and the colourful centre is the main reason to keep this part of the day unhurried.

Parking and seasonal shuttle arrangements can change. In busy periods, check the official Rivetta park-and-ride information or the Riva del Garda information office before choosing where to leave the car.

From the old harbour, continue east along the lakefront to Sabbioni Beach. This free-access beach combines a grassy area with a pebble shoreline, making it an easy place to pause, picnic or swim on a warm day. Bring a towel and footwear suitable for the stones if you plan to enter the lake.

Swimming conditions, supervision and seasonal services can change, so follow the signs displayed at the beach and check the official Garda Trentino beach guide. When the seasonal C+S shuttle is operating from Rivetta car park, its Viale Rovereto stops are about a five-minute walk from Sabbioni Beach.

1. leave Cares early and check the live road, weather and Varone opening information;
2. visit the lower and upper caves before the busiest part of the day;
3. change or dry any wet outer layer before continuing to Riva del Garda;
4. walk through Piazza III Novembre and the old harbour, then continue along the lakefront to Sabbioni Beach;
5. return over the SS421 with enough daylight and time for mountain traffic.

This outing pairs one concentrated natural attraction with a relaxed lakeside town. For a quieter lake day, compare our Lake Tenno guide, or return to the Comano Terme destination guide for more nearby ideas.

Hero photo: “Riva del Garda, Panorama” by Cristian Lorini, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.