Safety Tips

1. Inform yourself about wind, water, and weather conditions. In a short time, the wind can change, the swell can increase, and it can start to rain, even with thunderstorms. For this reason, it is important be able to swim even in rough water.
2. Inform yourself about local regulations. When in doubt, ask for the advice of specialised guides and local people.
3. In case of solo trips, inform someone about your planned itinerary and departure time.
4. Only use boats and gear appropriate to your abilities and wear a CE certified lifejacket.
5. Maintain the safety distance from public transportation crafts, respect right of way rules and do not cross the course of motorboats to avoid accidents and fines.
6. When stand up paddling, always attach your leash, never leave your board, and keep a distance of 500 m from the shore and cliffs from which rocks could break off.

The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the 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,  the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.

You leave from Purfina,  a busy beach just beyond the tourist harbour of San Nicolò. Paddle the length of Sabbioni beach as far as the magnificent Punta Lido where you have a stunning view over the gulf of Riva del Garda and you can stop off for a while in the estuary of the Varone and Albola streams.

To avoid the harbour area where sup boards are not allowed,  cross the lake in the area right in front of the centre of Riva del Garda, and go as far as the statue of Cristo del Lago, by Fra Silvio Bottes, a well-known local artist. The statue can only be seen from the water right below the start of the famous Ponale Trail. 

From here on, follow the Serenella rock wall, a cliff which rises sheer above Lake Garda. Passing a series of little inlets with turquoise blue water,  you finally arrive at the Sperone beach where you are advised to stop off for a break; continue then along the shore to the south until you come to a little gorge where you will find the waterfall of the Ponale stream as well as Ponale harbour, hidden by the lush vegetation which protects this spectacularly beautiful place.

On the return trip you should cut across the lake to get back to the beach you started from.

The main towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Arco, Torbole sul Garda, Nago – are connected by several urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of tours or in the immediate surroundings.

You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service.

Up-to-date information on timetables and routes.

A22 motorway, exit: Rovereto Sud - Lake Garda. Then SS240 in the direction of Riv del Garda.  

Find out how to reach Garda Trentino.

Free parking near the former hospital (Via Rosmini).

Paid parking: Terme Romane (Viale Roma), Vecchia stazione (Largo Medaglie d’Oro), Ex-agraria (Via Lutti).

In spring and summer you are advised to wear a semi-drysuit, in summer all you need is a swimsuit and lycra suit. You always need to wear a life jacket.