Arco is a very pretty little town situated only a few km north of Riva. It does not front Lake Garda, but its location is perfect for excursions and trips in the area. To the north you drive past Lago Toblino with Castello Toblino situated on a little peninsula, and further up towards Trento through the former glacier, where the end of the ice age left behind many huge stones.
Alternatively you can drive to Riva and visit the waterfall Cascata di Varone. From here the road goes on to Lake Tenno and Lake Ledro. From Lake Tenno you can also drive on to Madonna di Campiglio, a superb tour in the summer.
Arco itself is a stunning town, formerly known as a spa town because of its mild climate. Some of the northernmost palm trees can be found growing here. The centre of the town focuses on the huge and dominant church and the buildings are typically from the Austro-Hungarian period. There is an excellent restaurant in the centre serving typical Italian and local dishes. It is called “Alla Lega” and it is worth trying rabbit with polenta (coniglia con polenta), pasta with hare sauce (papadelle con salsa di lebre), or the specialty spinach balls with melted butter and parmesan - also called “strangle the vicar” (strangolo prete). In the autumn try beans with salted meat (fagioli con carne salata).
