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, offering a serene escape while serving as an ideal base to explore the wider region.
Limone Town - Literary Legacy
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 …”
At the time of Goethe’s travels and up until the 1940s, Limone was only accessible through the mountains or by the lake. Fortunately, with the completion of the scenic road to Riva Del Garda, Limone is now easily reachable, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both natural beauty and historic charm.
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: This picturesque harbour is perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, and people-watching. The bustling village markets here are an excellent place to pick up fresh, local produce and souvenirs.
Limonaia del Castèl: 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.
Discover the park of Villa Boghi: Open daily, this park features a variety of exotic plants and citrus trees. Nature lovers will enjoy this walk, however on a beautiful sunny day, it’s a great recommendation for everyone.
Admire Renaissance Churches: Limone is home to several historic churches, including the Chiesa di San Benedetto, which offers panoramic views of the lake, and the Chiesa di San Pietro, the town’s oldest church. Don’t miss the Chiesa di San Rocco with its fascinating 16th-century frescoes.
Suggestions for the perfect day 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.
Round off your day by browsing the delightful boutiques, where you’ll find unique gifts and locally produced lemon-inspired treasures, from fragrant cosmetics to delectable food products. It’s the perfect way to take a piece of Limone’s charm home with you.
From Limone with Love - A James Bond Connection
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 day trips 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.
- Dolomite Mountains: Marvel at the dramatic peaks and valleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Venice: Wander the canals of this enchanting city, steeped in history and romance.
- Verona: Visit the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and explore the historic streets and Roman amphitheatre.
Plan Your Visit to Limone sul Garda
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.
