5 Reasons to visit Arco
You’d be forgiven for never having heard of, let alone been to Arco. It’s not a big town and it’s somewhat eclipsed by the more notable, lakeside towns of Riva del Garda, Malcesine and Limone, but if you’re into rock climbing, you’ll probably know Arco better than most. For, what it lacks in celebrity status, it makes up for in spades in outdoor sports. Indeed, walking around this small, Italian town, you’d better come dressed for the part; that means finding as many pieces of brightly coloured outdoor clothing as you own and wearing them all at once in a jumbly, rainbow mix of microfleece and Tefel trousers. Oh, and a rucksack. But that’s not really my bag and it’s definitely not why I’m here. Today, I give you… 5 REASONS TO VISIT ARCO — even if you’re not sporty.
1. There’s a pretty cool castle
Arco castle is a striking, medieval ruin that sits high up on the rock overlooking the town centre. It is a picturesque, 20 minute walk up from the cobbled streets to the surrounding high stone walls and cypress trees and has undergone several rounds of restoration since 1986. Inside you can see frescoes of ancient knights and court ladies. Outside you can see both the palace and fortress and take in the stunning views of the Sarca valley and Lake Garda. Sadly we didn’t make it this trip as our mini human was grumbling (a lot) and we had to cut our time short, however it remains on the to-do list for Summer. It’s open all year round and interestingly is also available for marriage & civil partnership ceremonies so you might even come over all romantic and get down on one knee, although I’d avoid the cobbles if you can help it. Not good for one’s joints…
2. The panoramic views
Arco is positioned higher than Lake Garda, has a characteristically warm climate ideal for olive groves and palms. It is architecturally diverse with fine examples of Art Nouveau and regency styles and the culmination of all the above results in some pretty picturesque panoramas. If landscape photography is your thing, you won’t have a problem finding inspiration. There are quaint cobbled streets and stone brick maisonettes with great wooden beams and original ironwork lanterns. Some of the once beautiful buildings and villas are sadly looking a little tired and unloved these days, which breaks my heart. So whilst I’m here, may I just suggest that any potential hotel investors looking to buy in Italy go to Arco? This place needs a bit of TLC but it seems most people here are too busy rockclimbing in their brightly coloured spandex…
3. Made to order shoes
Match is a gem that can be found on the main road through Arco town centre (Via Segantini, 82). They design and create a small range of distinctive desert boot styles for men, women and kids. If you know shoemaking, they use a ‘stitch-down’ technique. If you don’t, think Clarks Originals but on acid (in a good way). They are fun and quirky and each shoe is handmade locally. Yay for ‘Made in Italy’ and a massive ‘hip, hip, hooray!’ for being able to #shoplocal. You aren’t limited to choice however as you can also design your own from a broad selection of leathers, fabrics and fantastic colours so you really can go wild if you want to. There’s enough natural material to go completely vegan too without having to compromise on style. If, on the other hand, you’re more Jeremy Clarkson (or Clarks Unoriginals) and the idea of bright colour sends you into a total tizz, you can still pick ’n’ mix your own thing in boring browns, just do not pair them with those seriously high jeans…
4. Stuff
Not any old stuff but an independent clothing shop just along from Match. In a sea of fluorescent running T-shirts and vibrant trekking trousers, Stuff stands out as the only shop in the town centre (Via Segantini) where fashion hasn’t pulled on a ski hat and run, cowering into the mountains. Brands include ‘Kapten & Son’ watches, Danish labels ‘And Less’ and ‘Suit’ and French jeans by Dip Lab. It’s very wanderlust-Scandi-cool and I was salivating over the leather accessories and Marshall radios. Literally, I had to be dragged out, but not before I’d spend €89 on a cute Wemoto dress. Oops. That’s just what happens when 98% of the local apparel offering is climbing hats and carabinas…
5. Ai Conti
And last but by no means least, a well deserved refuel at this deceptive bar in the main square. Ai Conti is unassuming and decorated with sports flags outside which does little to entice the non-sporty types but hear me out. Once inside, the grandeur of this longstanding ‘palazzo’ becomes obvious. It has high, arched stone ceilings fused with modern interior design features (see my shot of the concrete sinks in the female toilets, below) and the bar area is well stocked with sliced meats for freshly made ‘panini.’ Having a sweet tooth, I opted instead for an enticing pastry tart with figs, hazelnuts and patisserie crème, washed down with a freshly squeezed pomegranate juice. (Because I know the fruit cancels out the cake calories and I like to call it a balanced diet…)
That’s all great but what about travelling with the minis?
Well, mine was in a pushchair and we got around no problem, although if you do plan on wandering up the cobbled side streets or even bravely up to the castle (short but steep), I’d recommend at the very least a buggy designed for serious walking, probably a 3 wheeler with pneumatic tyres I mean. Otherwise, your little love is going to vibrate his bum cheeks right out of his seat before you’ve had time to say “bumpy.” The staff at ‘Ai Conti’ were family-friendly, super helpful and wasted no time in warming up my son’s dinner for us. Thumbs up. The toilets are down a flight of stairs so I’m not sure it’s entirely suited to carrying your bambino for a nappy change (although it may be that I overlooked a ground floor baby changing/disabled toilet in my haste to pee…) As I mentioned, no castle this time so we’ll be going back later in the year to find out more but worth noting if you come with toddlers is the play park just of the main piazza in the centre. That should keep them occupied for all of 5 minutes!
Arco is a great little spot to while away a few hours, especially if the weather’s good and you can really lap up those gorgeous views. If the kids are up for it, the castle looks like great fun. If they’re not, leave them with Dad in a gelateria and take yourself off for some retail therapy or an Aperol Spritz at Ai Conti….
