Limone sul Garda, located along the northern end of Lake Garda, is set amongst a backdrop of rocky cliffs with stunning lakeside scenery. It is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Lake Garda, and is a great base for exploring and enjoying the lake.
The world renowned German poet Goethe passed by the picturesque town by boat and was amazed by the landscape of Limone; he even wrote about his experiences in his travelogue ‘Italian Journey.’
“We passed Limona, the mountain-gardens of which, laid out terrace-fashion, and planted with citron-trees, have a neat and rich appearance. The whole garden consists of rows of square white pillars placed at some distance from each other, and rising up the mountain in steps. On these pillars strong beams are laid, that the trees planted between them may be sheltered in the winter. The view of these pleasant objects was favored by a slow passage …”
About Limone
At the time of Goethe’s travels and up until the 1940s, Limone was only accessible through the mountains or by the lake. Luckily since the road to Riva Del Garda was completed, it’s now easier to reach one of Italy’s most alluring towns.
The heart of Limone old town is centred around its beautiful little harbour, the Porto Vecchio. This area is a great place to relax and unwind with its picturesque waterfront terraces and plenty of waterfront cafés from which you can enjoy the lakeside views while sipping on a cappuccino. The quaint narrow streets around the port are filled with gorgeous boutiques and shops so you can leave the lake behind and shop to your heart’s content.
Moving away from the waterside and following the paths to the north of the harbour, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle behind. Here, you’ll discover another side to Limone del Garda, from old lemon groves to small pebbled beaches that are perfect for sunbathing. To the south of the harbour, you’ll find a waterfront promenade, perfect for an afternoon stroll to take in the mountain backdrops and lakeside views.
Things to Do in Limone Sul Garda
Although it’s a small town, there are plenty of interesting things to do in Limone. The Porto Vecchio, the town’s little harbour with picturesque waterfront terraces and plenty of waterfront cafés, is a great place for sunbathing and relaxing. Make sure to check out the village markets on your stay too, where you can buy fresh, local produce.
Limonaia del Castèl is a restored lemon orchard, where you can learn more about the history of lemon growing in this region, sample some local products and take in the spectacular views across Lake Garda. The mild climate also provides perfect conditions for growing olives and you can visit the old oil mill and try some more local produce.
The park of Villa Boghi is open every day to pedestrians, so take a stroll through the lemon house and amongst many exotic and citrus plants. Nature lovers will enjoy this walk, however on a beautiful sunny day, it’s a great recommendation for everyone.
There are a variety of Renaissance Churches in Limone del Garda, including Chiesa di San Benedetto and Limone's oldest church, the Chiesa di San Pietro. History continues hidden in the alleys at the top of the staircase at Chiesa di San Rocco with 16th Century frescoes.
Suggestions for the perfect day at leisure in Limone
Spend your morning enjoying an espresso in the riverside cafés while admiring the beautiful lake views. Once you’re nice and relaxed, it’s definitely worth the effort of climbing the steep cobbled streets to reach some of the town’s remaining lemon groves. There is an array of beautiful old churches to explore at your own pace. We’d suggest the Chiesa di San Benedetto which is in a panoramic position above the lake and offers beautiful views of the town and surrounding region.
When you’ve built up an appetite for lunch, why not return to the Porto Vecchio to enjoy a hearty meal? Perhaps freshwater fish from the lake, drizzled with olive oil and juice from local lemons! Enjoy an afternoon stroll along the waterfront promenade, stretching your legs and breathing in the fresh air while admiring the views across the lake.
Finally, you can buy all your presents in the charming shops selling locally produced lemon products (food, cosmetics etc.) for something different.
From Limone with Love - A James Bond Filming Location
The town’s most recent claim to fame is that some scenes from the 2008 James Bond movie Quantum of Solace were filmed here, these scenes included a thrilling car chase along the historic lakeside road, the Via Gardesana so you should watch the film before your Lake Garda holiday and see if you can recognise the quaint narrow streets of charming Limone for yourself.
Top Excursions from Limone
Whilst you can easily spend days unwinding and taking in the beautiful lakeside surroundings, there are options for day trips from Limone to see some iconic Italian sights. You can visit the Dolomite mountains, the enchanting city of Venice or explore Verona, the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
If you'd like to discover the quaint lakeside town of Limone sul Garda for yourself, why not consider one of our guided Lake Garda holidays? We have a great selection of departure dates throughout the year and you can explore this spectacular region of Italy.
