Arco di Trento, a picturesque town in winter thanks to the presence of Christmas-themed markets, is appreciated in all seasons for its perched castle and the numerous sports activities that can be practiced in the area. In this article you will find a guide to know what to see in Arco di Trento.

Are you ready to discover the five ideas I have thought for you? We leave immediately.

The Christmas markets of Arco

To stay in the atmosphere of the period in which we find ourselves, I can only start from the Christmas markets. In fact, every year the town of Arco comes to life with decorations and wooden houses.

In the streets of the center you can breathe the magic of Christmas: lights and decorations make the town even more characteristic and the houses, with the many products on display, attract the curious gaze of passers-by.

There is no shortage of typical products of Trentino gastronomy and not even local crafts. Typical cold cuts and cheeses but also honey and Trentino punch, in addition to the classic Vin Brulè and Bombardino.

The desserts have a very respectable tradition, I recommend you try the delicious apple fritters and the Kaiserschmarrn, a dough like that of the crepe cut into pieces and served with a very good redcurrant jam.

Other typical dishes are polenta, canederli and carne salada. The choice of which delicacy to try first is up to you!

Stroll through the streets of the historic center and discover its beauty, also thanks to the lights and decorations of the Christmas period.

What to see in Arco di Trento?

Rock Master, the festival dedicated to climbing

Arco di Trento is the starting point for numerous sports activities. An example is the Rock Master, an event entirely dedicated to climbing and known all over the world.

A competition that sees athletes of the highest level challenge each other in difficult climbs to say the least. A festival that has always attracted thousands of sportsmen and onlookers.

If you want to experience one of the most popular events in Arco, you can’t miss the Rock Master. Do you want a preview of what you will find next summer? Check out one of these videos!

In Arco there are many shops dedicated to sport, a shopping street certainly different from the most famous and classic but a real paradise for enthusiasts.

Arco di Trento castle and the historic center

The small historic center of Arco di Trento will amaze you, I’m sure. First, stop in Piazza III Novembre in front of the Collegiate Church of the Assumption and the Baroque-style fountain.

Near the town hall is Palazzo Marchetti, whose façade presents what remains of the frescoes of the past. Another recommended stop is Piazzale Segantini, here are the public gardens and games for children. In winter the square hosts the Christmas markets.

For a coffee you could go to the former Casino, a building built in the nineteenth century and perfectly preserved. Today it has become a center for conferences or exhibitions of various kinds, stopping even for a few minutes will make you discover a part of the history of the country.

Then there is the Arboretum park, the green lung of Arco dating back to 1872, in honor of Albert of Habsburg. In summer or spring you can walk among the many plants present in the Mediterranean area but not only.

It’s time to head to the Castle, perched on the rock and with a surprising panoramic view. The path to get there starts from the historic center, lasts about twenty minutes and develops among cypresses and olive trees.

Today there are traces of what the castle was in its ancient splendor and you can visit the Torre Grande and the Prigione del Sasso. A small excursion that will lead you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Upper Garda.

The surroundings of Arco di Trento: what can you see in a day?

Half an hour from Arco there is the splendid village of Canale di Tenno, a village of medieval origins known for the artists’ house, a meeting place for all the artists who visit the village and dedicated to the painter Giacomo Vittone.

Canale di Tenno is a town that can be visited in every season with particular attention to the Christmas period for the Christmas markets. Another point of interest is Lake Tenno, splendid for its color in the summer season and ideal for walks with the whole family.

Another place not to be missed in the surrounding area is Riva del Garda, one of the most beautiful towns you can visit in the upper Garda area. Near the historic center there is a newly built panoramic lift that will take you to the bastion, giving you an enchanting view of the city and the lake as well as the opportunity to dine in the restaurant upon arrival.

The cycle path between Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole: an idea for the whole family

What’s more beautiful than experiencing an adventure shared with the whole family? If you want to spend a few hours in the middle of nature, this cycle path is ideal.

From Riva del Garda you start pedaling towards Torbole, a succession of enchanting landscapes up to the bridge over the Sarca river. The directions to follow are in the direction of Arco and the Valle dei Laghi, once you arrive enjoy a well-deserved rest. You might decide to stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants in the area, I suggest the Alla Lega restaurant located in the Palazzo dei Conti d’Arco.

For new ideas for itineraries in the midst of nature, I leave you my story of the Busatte Tempesta path, find the route in detail at this link.

Do you love hiking in the middle of nature or do you prefer a visit to the historic center of the country where you are staying?