Weekend in Limone sul Garda
On the western shore of Lago di Garda, exactly where the rock massifs dramatically reach into the lake, lies one of the most picturesque towns in northern Italy, Limone sul Garda. The very name evokes the scent of lemon groves and long days bathed in sunshine. Limone is an ideal place for those vacationers looking for a combination of history, nature, but also active relaxation and Mediterranean charm.
Accommodation in Limone sul Garda
We added this one of the most famous places on Lago di Garda to our June road trip as a weekend stop on the way back from Sardinia. I booked the accommodation at the last minute and we could hardly have found a better one. Parking in Limone is not exactly the easiest.
Most of the time you have to count on paid parking in the main garages. However, our hotel offered a relatively large number of parking spaces for free, right under the hotel.
>> COMPARE ALL AVAILABLE ACCOMMODATION IN LIMONE SUL GARDA HERE (NON-BINDING) <<
Since we didn’t plan to drive anywhere by car until we left, it was the perfect choice for us. At the same time, our accommodation was located directly above a popular beach, which was only a few meters from the hotel garden. We also took a pleasant walk to the center of Limone sul Garda, where you must not miss the historic streets with traditional lemon ice cream served in a hollowed-out organic lemon.
The hotel where we stayed and would love to return:
Limone sul Garda
Limone sul Garda is located in the province of Brescia in the Lombardy region, almost on the border with Trentino. The town is nestled between the lake and the steep rocky walls of the Monte Baldo mountain range. This location long isolated it from the rest of the world – until 1932 there was no road leading here. Thanks to this isolation, Limone has retained a specific character and tranquility, which remains to this day, despite the tourist interest.
Beach in Limone:
We were pleasantly surprised by the natural beach in Limone. In addition to the pleasant shade and benches under the trees, you will certainly appreciate the public toilets. We had access to the beach right below our hotel, which also has its own sunbathing, relaxation garden with refreshments. One day the wind and storm came, but the next day Limone woke up to completely clear weather.
Limone sul Garda – sunbathing garden at our hotel, a few meters from the beach
Walk through the city:
Personally, one day we walked through the city, criss-crossing, from our hotel, across the coast to the other side to the panoramic cycle path of Limone. We wandered through the historic streets as we pleased and came across many interesting places that this picturesque town offers.
We did not miss the traditional lemon sorbet in a hollowed-out lemon, toasted with traditional Limoncello and stopped for dinner at one of the local coastal restaurants to enjoy our favorite mussels in wine. They just didn’t give us bibs here. So we’ll go to Lago di Ledro by bike for those next time.
History of the city:
The history of Limone dates back to the Middle Ages. For centuries, the town was a fishing settlement and later a center for citrus cultivation, which is unusual for this northern latitude. However, the microclimate by the lake made it possible to grow lemon trees, and thus extensive lemon groves – limonaie – were created here, which still form one of the typical features of the landscape.
Today, they are reminded of by the high columns, which are sometimes historically preserved and elsewhere artificially built by some hotels on their terraces.
Interesting fact:
The town also attracted scientific attention in the 20th century. A specific form of apolipoprotein A-1 Milano was discovered in the blood of some residents, which is said to protect against cardiovascular diseases. This “gene of longevity” gave Limone another touch of uniqueness. During our stay, an exhibition of old photographs was taking place in the city, and some of them captured residents who lived to be around 90 years old even at the beginning of the last century.
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Hiking: on foot, by bike and on the water
Limone is not just a place for leisurely walks around the lake. It is also an ideal place for active holidaymakers looking for experiences at your fingertips. Let yourself be inspired by a few tips on what to do here:
1. Limone Cycle Path
Perhaps the biggest tourist attraction in recent years is the panoramic cycle path, which literally clung to the rocks above the lake. It was opened in 2018 and quickly gained the nickname “one of the most beautiful cycle paths in Europe”. No wonder, the views from it are stunning and the whole route feels like a levitating promenade above the water. It is also suitable for pedestrians, so even those who are not comfortable with bicycles can handle it.
- Currently, work is underway to connect the path with our other favorite city on Garda, Riva del Garda.
Limone sul Garda – panoramic path Limone, parallel to the road
2. Mountain tours with a view of Lago di Garda
Marked hiking trails lead from Limone to the surrounding hills and higher into the mountains. Monte Carone or the ascent to Rifugio Nino Pernici are definitely worth the climb. The paths will take you through olive groves, forests and mountain pastures and offer fantastic panoramic views. Although some routes require good physical condition, there are also easy trails suitable for leisurely trips.
- An easy walk is through the city from one end to the other. As a longer trip, you can take a walk along the aforementioned cycle path.
3. Sports activities on the water and a boat trip
The lake also attracts water sports enthusiasts. Classics include paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking, and swimming. Thanks to the clear water and dramatic surroundings, swimming in Garda has a completely different dimension than anywhere else in Italy. Windy weather is characteristic of Garda and there are ideal conditions for windsurfing here for most of the year.
Don’t you like any water sports? Never mind! You can go for a boat trip on Garda for a few euros. If you prefer a private experience, a trip on a private boat, which you can rent for a few hours in front of the city center, will cost you more.
Limone sul Garda – boat stop to Malcesine for 9 EUR
Limone sul Garda – boats can be rented without a boat license
You might also be interested in:
- Cycling weekend in Riva del Garda
- Lago di Carezza – a fairytale lake in the Dolomites
- Trip to Lago di Braies in the Dolomites
- 15 tips for trips in the Dolomites
- 5 tips for lakes in Upper Austria for a summer vacation
Why Limone?
Limone sul Garda offers exactly what you are looking for. Whether it is authenticity without mass tourism, the possibility of active movement in beautiful nature and an atmosphere that combines the Alpine character with Southern culture. Add to that quality gastronomy based on fish, olive oil and local products, narrow stone streets full of history and sunsets over the lake.
Limone sul Garda – our view from the hotel
Limone sul Garda – view from our hotel
I recommend spending at least 2-3 nights here. So an extended weekend is ideal. As for the weather, the dates from spring to the end of autumn are great for an active holiday. In the summer you can also enjoy the local beach by the lake with swimming.
However, I can also imagine a longer holiday here when combining cycling and hiking trips with sightseeing boat trips on Garda, or simply lazing by the water. You will not be disappointed even on a shorter trip during the Christmas holidays.
