Limone sul Garda
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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One of the most revered and popular lakeside towns in Italy, Limone sul Garda is situated in the Province of Brescia, on the shores of Lake Garda.
It has a population of around 1,000 residents and is located a distance of 167 kilometres north-east of Milan, the regional capital of Lombardy. The delightful name of the town which translates as Lemon on Garda, is fitting in many ways but something of a linguistic quirk. |
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Limone sul Garda: a refreshing waterside sorbet on Lake Garda
Whilst there are indeed lemon groves around the town and it's also a fact that since the 13th century it was famous for the cultivation of lemons, the real origin of the name comes from way back, when the Romans called it limen, meaning frontier. At one point, in much more recent history, Limone Sul Garda was right on Italy's border with the Reich of Nazi Germany after they annexed the Trentino Alto Adige region to its north. That same frontier with Trentino, just a short drive north of Limone along the lake, still exists but is nowadays just a regional, rather than an international border.
Although Limone is really rather small with little more than a thousand inhabitants, it's one of the most popular destinations around the lake. With the dramatic backdrop of the mountains overlooking the town from the west, it creates quite a spectacle as you arrive from the water. From the imbarcadero, the jetty where the ferries arrive, the town sprawls out in every direction, characterised by tight, narrow streets with historic buildings. There are dozens of places to eat and drink along the shoreline while one of the prettiest areas of the town is the little harbour of Porto Vecchio.
Although Limone is really rather small with little more than a thousand inhabitants, it's one of the most popular destinations around the lake. With the dramatic backdrop of the mountains overlooking the town from the west, it creates quite a spectacle as you arrive from the water. From the imbarcadero, the jetty where the ferries arrive, the town sprawls out in every direction, characterised by tight, narrow streets with historic buildings. There are dozens of places to eat and drink along the shoreline while one of the prettiest areas of the town is the little harbour of Porto Vecchio.
Limone sul Garda has some of the most attractive accommodation around the whole lake - check out the options below with our map:
Exploring Limone
Although Limone is really rather small with little more than a thousand inhabitants, it's one of the most popular destinations around the lake. With the dramatic backdrop of the mountains overlooking the town from the west, it creates quite a spectacle as you arrive from the water. From the imbarcadero, the jetty where the ferries arrive, the town sprawls out in every direction, characterised by tight, narrow streets with historic buildings. There are dozens of places to eat and drink along the shoreline while one of the prettiest areas of the town is the little harbour of Porto Vecchio.
South of the Porto Vecchio (Old Port), an expansive lakeside promenade stretches out, passing shops and restaurants on one side with the pleasure craft berthed at the lake's edge on the other. Around half a kilometre south of the Porto Vecchio you reach the edge of the town centre where there's a car park, but if you carry on beyond that, there's one of the most beautiful beaches around Lake Garda: the Spiaggia Cola or Cola Beach.
South of the Porto Vecchio (Old Port), an expansive lakeside promenade stretches out, passing shops and restaurants on one side with the pleasure craft berthed at the lake's edge on the other. Around half a kilometre south of the Porto Vecchio you reach the edge of the town centre where there's a car park, but if you carry on beyond that, there's one of the most beautiful beaches around Lake Garda: the Spiaggia Cola or Cola Beach.
Beyond Limone and around Lake Garda
Transport options in Limone are limited to the lake and the road but to use the word "limited" is something of a misnomer in this instance as there are endless possibilities of places to visit. Using the Lake Garda ferry system the most popular destinations are Malcesine which is on the opposite side of the lake in the Veneto region or the next major town to the north of Limone, Riva del Garda which belongs to Trentino Alto-Adige. These are the three most popular towns at this, the northern end of the lake, but there are countless others to explore if you want to break from the crowds a little.
Aimlessly exploring the lake from the water is a wonderful way to spend your time in the area but it can also boast one of the prettiest driving routes in Italy. If you were to drive the whole way around the lake with stopping, you'd be back at your starting point within two and a half hours or so; this makes it ideal for a day-trip if you have your own car and allows you to enjoy the stunning lake views from another angle.
North of the lake, there are some lesser-known places that merit some exploration: taking the main road north of Limone, passing Riva along the way, you eventually come to the beautiful Lake Tenno with its impossibly bright blue water. Alternatively, heading north-east and inland from Riva you shortly reach the pretty town of Arco. Beyond Arco you enter more deeply into the Alps where there are dozens of smaller lakes and numerous historic towns including Rovereto and the larger Trento.
Aimlessly exploring the lake from the water is a wonderful way to spend your time in the area but it can also boast one of the prettiest driving routes in Italy. If you were to drive the whole way around the lake with stopping, you'd be back at your starting point within two and a half hours or so; this makes it ideal for a day-trip if you have your own car and allows you to enjoy the stunning lake views from another angle.
North of the lake, there are some lesser-known places that merit some exploration: taking the main road north of Limone, passing Riva along the way, you eventually come to the beautiful Lake Tenno with its impossibly bright blue water. Alternatively, heading north-east and inland from Riva you shortly reach the pretty town of Arco. Beyond Arco you enter more deeply into the Alps where there are dozens of smaller lakes and numerous historic towns including Rovereto and the larger Trento.
Limone sul Garda bullet-points
Nestled on the western shore of Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda is a picturesque town that embodies the essence of Italian charm. With its stunning lakeside setting, quaint historic center, and lemon groves that give the town its name, Limone sul Garda offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
History
Tourist Information
Travel Information
History
- Ancient Origins: Limone's history is rooted in antiquity, with evidence of human settlement dating back to Roman times.
- Fishing Heritage: Historically a fishing village, Limone has preserved its maritime traditions, reflected in its colorful waterfront and fishing boats.
- Lemon Cultivation: Limone is renowned for its lemon groves, which were once the town's economic backbone, producing lemons used for making limoncello and other products.
Tourist Information
- Lakeside Promenade: Stroll along the picturesque lakeside promenade, lined with charming cafes, shops, and restaurants, offering scenic views of the azure waters.
- Historic Centre: Explore the narrow winding streets of Limone's historic center, with its rustic architecture and inviting piazzas.
- Limonaia del Castèl: Visit the Limonaia del Castèl, an ancient lemon greenhouse that provides insight into Limone's lemon cultivation history.
- Adventure and Nature: Limone is a gateway to outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and water sports, with the towering cliffs of the Dolomites providing a dramatic backdrop.
- Santuario di Montecastello: Ascend to the Santuario di Montecastello, a hilltop sanctuary with panoramic vistas and a peaceful atmosphere.
Travel Information
- Access: Limone sul Garda is accessible by road, located on the western side of Lake Garda. The nearest major airports are Verona Airport (VRN) and Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY), both about 100 kilometers away.
- Ferries: Lake Garda's efficient ferry network connects Limone with other towns along the lake, providing scenic transportation and opportunities for exploration.
- Accommodation: Limone offers a range of accommodations, from lakeside hotels and resorts to cozy bed-and-breakfasts, ensuring options for all types of travelers.
- Climate: Limone enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination.
Comune di Limone sul Garda
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Province: Brescia
Region: Lombardy Population: 1,141 (source: ISTAT 1 January 2023) Size: 23 km² Elevation: 69 metres Highlights: Porto Vecchio, Spiaggia Cola, swimming in the lake Recommended hotel: Garni Gianmartin Fly to: Verona Airport - 1 hour 20 minutes by car (94 km) Close by: Riva del Garda, Arco, Lake Tenno, Lake Idro, Salò |
