Arco
|
Latest page update: 24 May 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Arco
Arco has a well-developed hotel scene, shaped by its popularity with climbers, cyclists, and visitors exploring the northern end of Lake Garda. The town combines a historic centre with access to scenic outdoor areas, and its established hotels are known for comfort, service, and good facilities. Many properties are set within walking distance of Arco Castle and the main piazza, while others are located in quieter areas just outside the centre.
Among the top choices, Palace Hotel Città stands out for its central position, outdoor pool, and wellness facilities, earning consistent praise for service and location (€€€). Hoody Active & Happiness Hotel is a newer, modern-style property offering spacious rooms, a panoramic terrace, and excellent reviews for comfort and design (€€€). Hotel Olivo, housed in a historic building near the centre, provides a traditional atmosphere, on-site restaurant, and strong guest ratings for its welcoming staff and good value (€€).
Among the top choices, Palace Hotel Città stands out for its central position, outdoor pool, and wellness facilities, earning consistent praise for service and location (€€€). Hoody Active & Happiness Hotel is a newer, modern-style property offering spacious rooms, a panoramic terrace, and excellent reviews for comfort and design (€€€). Hotel Olivo, housed in a historic building near the centre, provides a traditional atmosphere, on-site restaurant, and strong guest ratings for its welcoming staff and good value (€€).
Where is
Where is Arco?
|
The town of Arco is located within the Province of Trentino and has a population of 17,828 inhabitants.
Covering an area of 63 km², it stands 91 metres above sea level and is located 35 km from Trentino Alto-Adige's capital, Trento. The main attractions of Arco are the hilltop castle (Castello di Arco) and the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta church. |
|
Comune di Arco
|
Province: Trento
Region: Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol Population: 17,763 (in 2024 - source) Size: 63 km² Highlights: Castello di Arco, Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta Close by: Riva del Garda, Lake Tenno, Canale di Tenno, Torbole Recommended accommodation: Pace 1954 Hotel |
What People Ask About Arco, Trentino-Alto Adige
Is Arco worth visiting?
How do I get to Arco?
What are the main attractions in Arco?
When is the best time to visit Arco?
How long should I stay in Arco?
Related links
Discover
Discover Arco
Arco is a historic town in Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol, located in the Sarca Valley just north of Lake Garda. Sheltered by cliffs and surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, it enjoys a mild climate that contrasts with the nearby alpine terrain. The town’s centre combines elegant 19th-century villas, tree-lined avenues and narrow medieval streets that reflect its long history as a spa and holiday destination.
Dominating the skyline is the Castello di Arco, perched on a rocky hill above the town, while within the centre stand landmarks such as the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Marchetti. Arco is also renowned for rock climbing, with cliffs and crags drawing enthusiasts from across Europe. Its location near Riva del Garda places it at the gateway between the lake and the Brenta Dolomites, with excellent road connections to Trento and the wider Sarca Valley.
Dominating the skyline is the Castello di Arco, perched on a rocky hill above the town, while within the centre stand landmarks such as the Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo Marchetti. Arco is also renowned for rock climbing, with cliffs and crags drawing enthusiasts from across Europe. Its location near Riva del Garda places it at the gateway between the lake and the Brenta Dolomites, with excellent road connections to Trento and the wider Sarca Valley.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Arco
- Centro Storico di Arco is a charming mix of medieval lanes, elegant palazzi, and sunny piazzas framed by arcades. Narrow streets wind through pastel-coloured buildings adorned with wrought-iron balconies. The town is surrounded by cliffs and olive groves, creating a dramatic setting. Arco sits at the northern end of Lake Garda, giving it a mild climate and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Castello di Arco towers above the town on a rocky outcrop, with ruined walls and towers offering spectacular views. The climb to the castle winds through olive groves and rocky paths. From the top, vistas stretch over the town, Lake Garda, and the surrounding mountains. The castle’s silhouette is an iconic symbol of Arco.
- Chiesa Collegiata di Santa Maria Assunta stands in the heart of Arco, with a baroque façade and a spacious, luminous interior. Inside are ornate altars, frescoes, and religious artworks. The church remains central to local religious life and festivals. Its position makes it an easy visit while exploring the town centre.
- Piazza III Novembre serves as Arco’s main square, edged with elegant cafés and historic buildings. Locals and visitors gather here for markets, concerts, and leisurely strolls. Outdoor seating offers views of the castle above. The square’s vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere reflects Arco’s unique blend of Alpine and Mediterranean character.
- Rock climbing and outdoor activities in Arco are a major attraction, thanks to the town’s reputation as a European climbing hub. Local guides offer climbing courses, via ferrata routes, and hiking excursions. The surrounding cliffs and valleys provide varied terrain for all skill levels. It’s an exhilarating way to experience Arco’s natural beauty.
Tours and Activities
Arco Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Arco Photo Gallery
Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Arco
By Rail: Arco does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is in Rovereto, about 25 kilometres away, on the Verona–Brennero line. From Rovereto, regional and long-distance trains connect to Verona in around 50 minutes and to Trento in about 20 minutes. Onward travel to Arco is possible by car, taxi, or regular bus services, which take roughly 40 minutes.
By Road: The town is located north of Lake Garda, in the Sarca valley. From Rovereto, the distance is about 25 kilometres, with a driving time of approximately 35 minutes. From Trento, the journey is around 40 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. From Verona, the distance is roughly 85 kilometres, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A22 motorway. Parking is available near the centre and around the main sights.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is located north of Lake Garda, in the Sarca valley. From Rovereto, the distance is about 25 kilometres, with a driving time of approximately 35 minutes. From Trento, the journey is around 40 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes. From Verona, the distance is roughly 85 kilometres, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes via the A22 motorway. Parking is available near the centre and around the main sights.
Nearest International Airports:
- Verona Villafranca Airport: Located about 85 kilometres from Arco, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. It provides domestic flights and several European connections.
- Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport: Approximately 155 kilometres away, the drive takes around 2 hours. It mainly serves low-cost carriers with European routes.
- Venice Marco Polo Airport: Roughly 190 kilometres from Arco, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is a major international airport with extensive European and intercontinental services.
Private Transfers
Arco Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a straightforward way to travel to Arco, a lakeside town near the northern end of Lake Garda, or to continue your journey to other destinations in Trentino and beyond. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to manage timetables or arrange further transport.
From Arco, transfers can connect you with Verona Villafranca Airport, with longer routes also available to Venice Marco Polo Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter trips to nearby places such as Riva del Garda, Trento, and Torbole, or for travelling further across northern Italy and into the Dolomites.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Arco, transfers can connect you with Verona Villafranca Airport, with longer routes also available to Venice Marco Polo Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter trips to nearby places such as Riva del Garda, Trento, and Torbole, or for travelling further across northern Italy and into the Dolomites.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
