Why you should visit Limone in Lake Garda

Limone sul Garda, located along the northern end of Lake Garda, is set along 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 …”

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 waterfront and following the narrow paths to the north of the harbour, you’ll leave the hustle and bustle behind. Here, you’ll discover another side to Limone, 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.

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.

Suggestions for the perfect day at leisure in Limone

Spend your morning enjoying an espresso in the waterfront cafés while admiring the beautiful lakeside views. Once you’re nice and relaxed, it’s definitely worth the effort of climbing the narrow and steep cobbled streets to reach some of the town’s remaining lemon groves. There are an array of beautiful old churches to explore at your own pace while you build up an appetite for lunch, 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, why not return to the Porto Vecchio to enjoy a hearty lunch, 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.

Things to do in Limone

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. 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. There are a variety of Renaissance Churches in Limone, including Chiesa di San Rocco, Chiesa di San Benedetto and Limone's oldest church, the Chiesa di San Pietro.

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 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.