Was it a forest? A customs border? Or really a lemon grove stretching to the far north of the Mediterranean area? It’s a bit of a mystery, but this too is part of Limone sul Garda‘s charm. Yes, we are on Lake Garda—between Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino in northern Italy—and yet lemons grow here. At least this is what the town’s current name, adopted in 1905, suggests. But other theories say the name might derive from the Celtic word Limos (elm) or from Latin Limen (customs border). Even today, this Lombard town of a thousand inhabitants sits on the border between the districts of Brescia and Trento, surrounded by elms and lemon trees! Would you like to visit it on one of Italy’s splendid spring days?
How to get to Limone sul Garda
Located at the crossroads of numerous transport routes, Limone sul Garda is easily reached by any means of transport. If you’re coming from further afield, you can land at Milan’s airports (of the three, Bergamo Orio al Serio – BGY is the closest) or Venice Airport (VCE), or even better Verona Airport (VRN), which is the closest to the town, just an hour and a half away by car.
If you’re arriving directly by car, you can take the A4 Milan-Venice motorway and exit at Brescia Est, then continue on the ring road towards Lago – Madonna di Campiglio – Salò and Riva del Garda. Those arriving by train can get off at Desenzano del Garda or Rovereto stations to the north.
From any infrastructure – transportation or reception – you can speed up your transfer by choosing a private chauffeur service like that provided by Transfeero. By booking in advance, you’ll immediately find your taxi or shuttle ready to take you wherever you want… even to the piers, for an immediate boat trip on the lake!
Limone’s Lemons
Despite the arguments about the name, lemons really do exist in Limone sul Garda! This happy intuition is due to the Duchy of Milan that – in order to save money – decided to try growing these citrus fruits themselves. Lemons came from Southern Italy (a “foreign state” back then) or from Asia, so food trade by sea had exorbitant costs! Finding a way to grow them locally was crucial.
The terraces created along the lakeshore have made it possible to take advantage of the mild climate of this corner of Lombardy and favoured the cultivation of various plants, including citrus fruits. As early as 1786, Goethe’s “Italian Journey” already described the walks through the “limonaie” (lemon houses) on the shores of Lake Garda as an incredible sensory experience!
The lemons from Garda are small, very juicy, and have a thin peel that allows them not only to be used in cooking but also as a basis for the production of flavorings and perfumes.
Spring days in Limone
The best time to visit Limone sul Garda is spring, when the lake and its surroundings take on vibrant, stunning colors. The fragrant blossoms of the lemon trees and those of the town’s flowerbeds help create pleasant paths through the secluded, medieval historic center.
Limone’s oldest quarter is a monument in itself. The medieval architecture, the small shops, the paved stairways and the lakeside viewpoints are like paintings to wander through. Strolling along the lakeside, you’ll discover the 16th-century church of St Rocco, the medieval church of St Peter, and the main church dedicated to St Benedict. You can also explore the lakeside on the spectacular bike way that almost seems to “hang” from the shore!
If you have time, visit the Olive Oil Museum and the Tourist Museum, or enjoy some sunbathing on the pebble beaches Grostol, Cola, or Fonte Torrente. If you enjoy sailing, go and watch those training off the coast at Tifù beach.
The Limonaie
Limone’s lemon houses are the town’s true monuments. Not all are accessible to the public; many others have disappeared, sacrificed to the profit of tourist architectures. But at least three remain, testifying to the beauty once also enjoyed by Goethe.
The Limonaia del Castèl (18th century) is located on Via Castello and features classic stone terraces and glass columns—a useful method to maximize the weak winter sun light for the plants. Today, it produces lemons only for locals, but it offers a glimpse of what the large ancient lemon houses looked like. Visits are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (until 10:00 pm in summer).
Limonaia Villa Borghi is now part of the town hall. This lemon house is part of the public park connected to it and is home to lemon trees, as well as numerous palms, elms, cypresses, and olive trees. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Limonaia del Tesol is located a few kilometers from the center of Limone and is now a museum. The large park is home to the Combonian Center, which includes the Founder’s Birthplace, the small church converted from the old woodshed, the “Museum of Curious Things”, a multimedia trail, and themed exhibitions. Visiting days and times vary, so it’s always best to contact them (0365/954091 during office hours, or email [email protected]) and book your visit.
Boat Trip
But the most beautiful thing about Limone is… Limone itself! In order to admire it in all its spring light, book a boat tour or use the public ferries (info here: https://www.visitlimonesulgarda.com/it/come-muoversi-limone-garda.htm) that shuttle between the lake shores. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable panorama!
