Writer: Helena Bergström
Limone sul Garda is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns on the Italian Lake Garda. The name 'Limone' might make you think of lemons, and that's not a bad thing at all - the town has a long history of citrus groves. Even today, the place is dominated by lemons, in a way that's a little more suited to holidaymakers.
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
Limone on Lake Garda
Lemons were grown in Limone sul Garda as early as the 18th century, and at that time the area was known all over Europe for its citrus production. When you visit today, you can expect charming alleyways, cosy restaurants, a long promenade, the possibility of boat trips and... a big focus on lemons!
Limone sul Garda is located on the north-west side of Lake Garda, in the Lombardy region.
Getting to Limone - by road or water
Limone can be reached by land or by water. Even though we were travelling by motorhome, we came here by rental car, i.e. a passenger car, because we had driven the breathtaking road that day Strada della Forra, which cannot be driven by motorhome. And that was probably lucky!
It is certainly possible to get to Limone with a motorhome (if you are prepared to drive on narrow, winding roads through many tunnels!), but in high season it is probably more or less hopeless to find a car park for a larger vehicle. For smaller cars, there is a huge six-storey car park - and even here there were only a few spaces left when we arrived in late August.
Another way to visit the town is to take a day trip by boat from one of the other towns around Lake Garda. For example, you can take a boat from Malcesine, and there are also boat trips from Riva del Garda, Torbole, Desenzano or Sirmione.
Old town of Limone
The old town of Limone is a charming maze of narrow alleys, colourful houses and small squares with cafés and restaurants. Just note that you not will be alone here - during the high season, tourist pressure is high.
To learn more about the city's history, visit the 17th-century Church of San Benedetto or the Limonaia del Castel - a preserved lemon house that shows how lemon cultivation was once carried out.
We were hungry when we arrived, so we sat down in one of the many restaurants and feasted on a pizza each.
Beach walks and boat trips
Limone sul Garda also has a nice promenade and a small beach.
For those who want to do boat trips starting from Limone, there are also many options. When we were here it was crowded with tourists queuing for the various boats.
A declaration of love for lemons
Limone is not only a charming town with winding alleys - this little town is also a declaration of love for lemons. That's right everything is all about lemons here. The shops are decorated with lemons and the street signs are equipped with a cute lemon border.
Of course, lemon juice can be bought on every other street corner and it is also extremely popular to order a pitted lemon filled with lemon ice cream. Of course we had to try it! Nice in the photo, but maybe little too acidic for my taste... fun to try anyway!
Go shopping - all with lemons!
Do you want to shop for something lemon flavoured, lemon scented or lemon patterned? Or just something with lots of yellow colour? Then Limone is heaven! You'll find soaps, lotions, scented candles, ornaments, tablecloths, towels, potholders, napkins, crockery and clothes in the form of dresses, skirts, shirts and t-shirts. All with a lemon theme!
Or why not go shopping for necklaces or earrings with lemons?
There are also plenty of drinks and edible products, such as lemonade, liqueurs and marmalade. You can really indulge in lemon products!
Did we buy anything? Yes, two lemon-patterned olive oil jugs to take home!
More to see and do in the neighbourhood
If you haven't had enough of lemons, you can continue traveling around Lake Garda. Here you can read more about places worth visiting:
Have you visited Lemone sul Garda?
Have you visited Lemone sul Garda, or maybe some other place around Lake Garda? How was your experience? Please tell us!
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Limone sul Garda
Where is Limone sul Garda located?
Limone sul Garda is located on the western shore of Lake Garda in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. The town lies between Riva del Garda to the north and Gargnano to the south, sandwiched between Lake Garda and the steep mountains.
What is Limone sul Garda famous for?
Limone sul Garda is known for its beautiful location on Lake Garda, its historic town centre, its pleasant promenade and its ancient lemon groves. The town has also become famous for the spectacular walking and cycling path that runs along the cliffs above the lake.
What is there to see and do in Limone sul Garda?
Stroll through the narrow alleys of the old town, stroll along the waterfront, visit a historic lemon grove and sit down at one of the lakeside restaurants or cafes. You can also walk or cycle part of the spectacular cycle path north of the city centre.
Why are lemons grown in Limone sul Garda?
The mild climate around Lake Garda made it possible to grow citrus fruits far north of their normal growing areas. Special lemon gardens were built around Limone, lemonade, where walls and structures helped protect the trees during the winter.
Is Limone named after lemons?
No, despite all the lemons, that's probably not where the town's name comes from. The name Limone is thought to have older linguistic roots, while the connection to lemons has later become a strong part of the town's identity and marketing.
What is the cycle path in Limone sul Garda?
Garda Cycle Path at Limone is a spectacular walking and cycling path that is partly built on the cliff face above Lake Garda. The stretch north of Limone offers fantastic views of the lake and can also be experienced on foot.
Can you go by boat to Limone sul Garda?
Yes, Limone has boat connections to several other towns around Lake Garda. Coming by boat is also a nice way to experience the dramatic setting between the lake and the mountains. Tours and schedules vary according to the season.
Is it difficult to park in Limone sul Garda?
During high season there can be a lot of visitors and a shortage of parking spaces. There are parking facilities near the city center, but it may be wise to arrive early. The historic city center is best explored on foot.
How much time do you need in Limone sul Garda?
Half to a full day is enough to stroll through the city center, see the harbor and promenade, and visit one of the lemon groves. If you also want to hike, cycle, or enjoy a quiet dinner by the lake, it can be nice to stay overnight.
When is the best time to visit Limone sul Garda?
Spring and early autumn are nice periods, with pleasant temperatures and often slightly less crowded than in high summer. Summer is also lovely, but then Limone is very popular and there can be plenty of visitors.
Can you combine Limone with other places around Lake Garda?
Absolutely. Limone is a good place to combine with, for example, Riva del Garda and other towns along the northern part of the lake. By boat, you can also easily combine Limone with a visit to, for example, Malcesine on the opposite side of Lake Garda.
You might also like:
Rome on a budget – free attractions and cheap entertainment
What to do in Sirmione - 12 tips for a gem on Lake Garda
Visiting Riva del Garda - a gem on Lake Garda
Things to do in Istanbul - 25 tips for sights and experiences
A surprise weekend in Bucharest
Things to do in Hildesheim – 15 tips for UNESCO World Heritage sites, half-timbered houses and roses
English (UK) 
Svenska
Lena i Wales och lite överallt says:
Nice to see Limone again.
As I have always travelled to Lake Garda by bus, I have never gone to the city, only by boat. As you also describe, you can't get there by bus.
I like the city, even though I'm allergic to citrus and can't enjoy what the city is known for.
Take care!
07 September 2025 - 11:12
BP says:
Limone really lives up to its name. Another charming little village. And considering it's a tourist trap, the prices were really moderate I think.
That ice cream would have been right up my street. I don't really like ice cream, as it's way too sweet for me, but I probably wouldn't have complained about the sour version;-)
07 September 2025 - 20:10
Monnah says:
What charming places you get around in! I would have liked it here, but preferably with fewer people around... Sour ice cream sounds like something completely to my taste, but lemon juice? It's probably sour, I think.
08 September 2025 - 9:06
Monica says:
Such lovely little towns there, have visited them all you tell about and just thought if you would mention Torbole, where we stayed in a wonderful place for ten days that a family looked after absolutely superb with good food that we ate in the garden. If we wanted and the guests wanted. Then we took a boat in different directions if there were no wheels on the roll.
Still looking at beautiful things that were brought home. And remember the lovely baths in Lake Garda. Then there were winter trips to the Dolomites and it was fun that German was so good to speak. Italian was not needed at all and English was given a rest. French had to wait, to France, where it was best to speak it.
Great in Italy and both beautiful and interesting with nature. culture and history.
Keep up the good work.
08 September 2025 - 23:59