Arco

Arco is town located about 5 km north of Riva del Garda, on the northern end of the lake, in the province of Trentino.

Although the region is a very productive agricultural zone mainly known for the production of wine and olive oil, the tourism industry has rapidly developed. Arco was a well-known holiday spot even in the second half of the 19th century, when it became the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty and wealthy Viennese started to spend their summers here.

Today Arco is home to modern hotels and spas. Known as the “The Nice of Trentino“, due to its mild climate it is famous for its huge range of activities: mountain climbing, free climbing, parasailing and hang gliding, mountain biking, archery, sailing, surfing, swimming, fishing, jogging, tennis and horse riding.

You will see mountaineers wandering through the small streets, with their equipment after a long day on the cliffs or on their way up. The mountains are made of limestone with more than 2000 routes in all with all levels of difficulty from steep canyons to gentle hikes.

Massone is one of Italy’s most famous crags as it offers something for every climber. With over 150 routes of all difficulties and the entire crag recently being re bolted, its is a climbers’ paradise. The only problems are its own popularity which may make it too busy at certain times of the year.

The crag can be divided up into three sections. The first, “Massone Basso“, is ideal for those who climb between 5a-7a, and the routes are on vertical or slabbed gray limestone. The second, “la Valletta“, requires stamina and finger strength for its 35m, slightly overhanging routes, ranging from 7a to 8a. The third, “il Pueblo” has become a reference point for the ultra-overhanging, where strength and stamina are never quite enough… from 7c and upwards.

Mountain Bikers will find tough trails and lonely smooth asphalt roads for the traditional Italian road racing.

Arco is not paradise for the mountain lover only. It has many historical buildings many of which can be found in the oldest part of the town which is still surrounded by medieval walls. The town is a maze of narrow alleys and small squares. Overlooking the Piazza Tre Novembre are the Collegiate Church, the Baroque Town Hall and Giuliani Palace with eighteenth century porticoes, Altamar Palace (1566), Calzà House (formerly of the counts of Arco) and the 18th century Panni Palace.

The Madonna delle Grazie Sanctuary in Ceole, on the border near Riva del Garda, is and has been the destination of numerous pilgrims over the years. This Franciscan convent dates back to 1492.