Arca di Fraporte

Safety Tips

1. Choose itineraries that suit your physical and technical abilities. Collect information about the area you are visiting and the trail’s conditions and get a detailed trekking map.
2. Wear clothes and take equipment that suit the difficulty and length of your tour. Keep emergency gear in your rucksack, including first aid supplies.
3. Do not go walking alone in the mountains. In any case, tell someone where you are going and report back on returning.
4. Look at the weather forecast before setting off and always keep an eye on the weather.
5. In case of doubt, go back. It is better to give up than risk bad weather or face difficulties beyond your strength, ability and equipment.
6. Do not leave marked paths and do not take shortcuts.
7. All described walks are in a natural environment and therefore their use is at your own risk.

This information is subject to inevitable variations, so none of these indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason, we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, it is advisable to check environment and weather conditions before setting out.

From the main square in Stenico, start walking up along the road passing the theatre until you reach the SAT sign indicating a steep narrow road. Continue on this road that becomes a cattle track bordering crop fields on the right and passing Stenico Castle on the left. The track enters the woods reaching, shortly after, Località La Croce, an area with few houses and a shrine with a newly built stone cross. Nearby a wooden sign indicates “Strada Forestale Plaz”. Continue along this motorable road following the SAT 346 sign that leads to Capitello Spina and Arca di Fraporte. Start walking along the uphill path passing a cave with inside a rudimental stove (Coel delle Contesse). Continue ahead reaching the foot of the mountain at 1000m of altitude: here, the vegetation is patchy and the mountain, rising steep in front of you, seems to block the passage. Through the crevasses, you can catch a glimpse of the Arca Fraporte cave: measuring 42m wide, 49m high and expanding for 66m, it features a domed ceiling with a half-moon skylight. Make your way back along the same path.

The area around Comano is connected by the intercity bus lines 211 (Riva del Garda - Tenno - Fiavè - Ponte Arche) and 201 (Trento - Ponte Arche - Campiglio – Tione) to the other places in Garda Trentino. Link between Ponte Arche and Stenico via the 208 bus line.

Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.

From Ponte Arche/Comano Terme follow the road heading towards Stenico (3,5 km).

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino. 

Parking outside the village of Stenico, near the Rio Bianco waterfall, or at the entrance to BoscoArteStenico.

You need to wear the right clothing and take the proper gear when you go hiking in the mountains. Even on relatively short easy outings make sure to take all you need so you don't run into trouble if things take an unexpected turn, for example a storm blows up or you have a sudden drop in energy levels.

What should you take when you go on a hike?

Your rucksack (for a day trip a 25/30L capacity should do) should contain: 

• water canteen (1L)
• snacks (e.g. mixed dried fruit or chocolate)
• First aid kit
• windproof jacket
• fleece
• change of t-shirt and socks (in a plastic bag)
• make sure to wear or at least bring a pair of long trousers
• hat
• sun screen
• sunglasses
• gloves
• whistle to attract attention in an emergency

Make sure you're wearing the right footwear for the trail and season. The going can get rough and rocky underfoot and a pair of hiking boots will protect you from sprains. When wet, a grassy slope, rocky slab or steep trail can be dangerous unless you are wearing the proper footwear.

And finally... don't forget to bring your camera! You'll need it to capture the stunning views you come across all over Garda Trentino. And if you like, you can share your memories with us at #GardaTrentino.

Emergency telephone number 112.