What to do in Arco (even when it rains): 10 original ideas
Immersed in a wonderful natural landscape, the town of Arco is located on the north shore of Lake Garda. But what’s there to do in Arco and what should you see? This town in the autonomous province of Trento is known for its mild climate, olive trees, beautiful gardens, and elegant Art Nouveau villas, but also for the many sports activities that can be practised outdoors, such as climbing.
Arco boasts very clean air; and, for this very reason, was once nicknamed the 'natural clinic'. Many people over the years have spent their holidays here and, around the 19th century, several health resorts dedicated precisely to inhalations, heliotherapy and baths were established. Many of these facilities are still open to the public (of course they have been completely renovated) and Arco is still considered one of the most popular destinations for regenerating holidays.
Arco, therefore, is famous for the beauty of the area, because it offers relaxing and invigorating spaces, but also for the many activities that can be enjoyed even when it is raining outside. Let's discover them together!
What to do in Arco? 5 outdoor activities
If you want to spend a holiday in Arco, we recommend visiting some places to better discover the history and culture of the city, including:
- the Arco Castle (via Castello), to be reached on foot via an easy path lined with olive trees;
- l'Olivaia (Open Alley), a historical and natural path to be explored walking among the olive trees surrounding the town;
- the Arciducale Arboretum Park (via Fossa Grande), a botanical garden with more than 200 different plant species desired by Archduke Albert of Austria in 1873;
- the Rione di Stranfora (Stranfora Street), a picturesque medieval district, full of streets leading to the castle and preserving traces of the past;
- the Palazzo Marchetti (Piazza Carlo Marchetti 1), with ancient paintings from the 16th century;
- the Segantini Gallery (Via Giovanni Segantini 9/17), which houses a collection dedicated to the famous local painter Giovanni Segantini;
- the Hermitage of St Paul (Via dei Legionari Cecoslovacchi), a small hermit church carved out of a niche in an overhanging rock.
Beautiful places that must be seen if you are travelling to Arco, perhaps combining some outdoor activities and experiences to make your holiday memorable. Let's look at five of them.
1. A ferrata with a breathtaking panorama
The town of Arco is famous for the rock walls that surround it. A true paradise for those who love adventurous sports such as climbing, free climbing, and rock climbing. The ideal is to try your hand at a ferrata (an activity halfway between climbing and hiking) by considering easy routes, such as that of Cima Colodri - which leads up to the summit of the mountain of the same name - or a path of medium difficulty such as the ferrata with an alpine guide in Valle del Sarca, to reach Bivacco Arcioni. Whatever itinerary you choose, this is a safe activity, always supervised by a professional, that will allow you to get in touch with nature while experiencing unique emotions.
2. Scrambling in the mountains
Have you ever tried scrambling? This practice combines a mix of disciplines (including climbing, walking and hiking) and different techniques, along an exposed and aerial route. A sporting activity recommended for those who are already trained, for those who love adventure and always want to experience new emotions. Definitely worth tackling is the itinerary on Monte Baone, roped up with a certified mountain guide. And if you are undecided on the best activity between trekking, via ferrata or climbing, the ideal is to put yourself to the test with a professional, trying out different environments and conditions: a way of assessing which sport is best suited to your skills.
3. Climbing with a view
In addition to via ferrata and scrambling, climbing can also be tried in Arco, climbing the rock faces that encircle the town. Different routes can be considered, opting for climbing on the cliffs above Lake Garda (with a unique view of the Benaco) or on multi-pitch routes with an alpine guide (with passages from grade 3 to 6, suitable for experts).
4. On horseback, exploring the territory
Are you on a family holiday? Then you can sign up for a lesson on horseback riding. A perfect experience for families with children from 6 years of age and up, for animal lovers who want to experience an exciting time in contact with nature, on a ride through oak and olive trees. An alternative? We give you two: the donkey walk and the visit to the educational farm to spend time on a rural farm, also participating in farm activities!
5. Water sports
In nearby Nago and Torbole, you can try your hand at fun water sports, including windsurfing. For example, if your desire is to master the board on the water, you should consider a one-to-one lesson at sunrise or sunset, learning the correct posture and proper use of the sail. There are also lessons for couples, preferably at sunset with an aperitif, to relax after sport and admire Lake Garda at a magical and suggestive time of day. Are you travelling with friends? You can also try a group lesson!
What to do in Arco when it rains? 5 useful tips
Arco when it rains is tinged with romance. It may be its Art Nouveau palaces, the castle walls, the magic of nature in the rain... what is certain is that this delightful town offers unique emotions even in bad weather (especially if you spend your days with memorable indoor activities!). We have selected 5 unique ideas: here they are.
1. A tour of the old town cafés and the coffee museum
What to do when it rains in Arco? Dedicate yourself to discovering its products, for example. In fact, the centre is home to restaurants, wine bars, ice cream parlours and osterias, both ancient and modern, where you can sample traditional local dishes. And if you love coffee, there is also an interactive museum to learn all its secrets: the Omkafè Museum, created by the local roasting company of the same name.
2. Olive oil tasting
The Lake Garda area is famous for the production of olive oil and, precisely in Arco, there is a farm recognised as a Slow Food presidium. To get to know all the characteristics of this precious foodstuff, the ideal thing to do is to book an organic evo oil tasting. A unique experience to taste the product and proceed with a visual, olfactory and taste analysis of the oil.
3. Private yoga lesson and yogalates
If it rains in Arco, you can move to one of the nearby towns, such as Riva del Garda, where a yoga studio is located. Here you can try your hand at a private yoga class, to regain balance and spiritual well-being, or yogalates, which combines the best qualities of yoga with those of pilates, thus helping to strengthen muscle tone.
4. Weekend brunch
Bad weather at the weekend? In that case, you can reach Riva del Garda to be pampered by a brunch prepared to perfection with zero-km products, to be enjoyed mid-morning in the breakfast room of a splendid hotel. An original food experience that you can try alone, with friends or with the whole family.
5. A day at the spa
Arco is known for its mild climate and, as we have already mentioned, was already famous for its health cures in the 19th century. Today it is home to a renowned thermal centre, Garda Thermae, with a swimming pool area, a wellness zone, a massage area and a series of activities designed to meet the needs of all people, including families with children. If the rain continues for a few days, you can also discover the other spas at Lake Garda.
What to do around Arco?
Lake Garda is a popular destination that has a lot to offer those looking for fun, engaging, exciting and unique indoor and outdoor activities. From Arco you can easily reach many other locations, either by train or by car: discover all the Lake Garda experiences NowMyPlace!
