Limone sul Garda: the town and its historic center
Limone sul Garda with its historic center is a small pearl located on Lake Garda at the foot of imposing mountains that plunge into the lake.
Located on the western side of the lake, Limone is one of the most famous tourist resorts. It is famous for its Limonaie, where you can admire the various types of citrus fruits grown, its fine olive oil, thanks to the numerous olive groves and for the longevity of its inhabitants.
It is the most northerly town with citrus groves and its propensity for beauty, with its Limonaie, flowers and specialties, is also evident in its well-tended coastline. Its name is not derived from the cultivation of lemons. As early as the 10th century, the name Limon appears in many documents, often changed to Limonum, Limono and Limone. According to some, the name derives from Limen = border or from Lima = river. However, these are not derivatives of the phytonym lemon, but <rather reflections of an ancient Celtic word limo, lemos 'elm'>.
Limone enjoys a warm and temperate climate throughout the year, which favors the growth of Mediterranean scrub with oleanders, palms, olive and lemon trees. During a visit to Limone, a stroll through the Limonaie or its centuries-old olive trees is a must.
The town of Limone is also an ancient village, rich in history and with many suggestive corners: the old houses huddle around the historic harbour. The old houses huddle around the historic harbor, giving you the impression of being in a fishermen's village, with colorful and different alleyways!
When you arrive in Limone sul Garda by boat, you can see the houses built into the mountainside reflected in the clear waters of the lake and the characteristic little harbor. It is the ideal place to spend a romantic or family holiday.
Discover Limone sul Garda!
10 things not to be missed on Lake Garda
Lake Garda is a unique destination. It is the largest lake in Italy, with its 370 km surface embraces three regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige. It thus offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes, as well as unmissable destinations that can satisfy everyone.
Located in a strategic position, from Lake Garda you can easily reach some idyllic places such as Verona, the capital of love that with its story of Romeo and Juliet will lead you to discover unique emotions.
During your holiday in Limone sul Garda you cannot miss the following attractions:
Malcesine, the Castello Scaligero (Scaliger Castle) and the cable car
From Limone sul Garda you can easily reach Malcesine by ferry. In Malcesine you can visit the Castello Scaligero (Scaliger Castle) or climb to the top of Monte Baldo up to 1750 m with the panoramic cable car.
The Castello Scaligero (Scaliger Castle) is a medieval fortress, which dominates the town on a spur overlooking the lake. Inside, you will have the opportunity to visit a museum where some of the drawings of Goethe, who fell in love with the town of Malcesine, are preserved.
Book your boat ticket to Malcesine here
Girolago by boat
Departing from Limone, you can spend a pleasant day discovering the various places on the lake, taking advantage of the Navigarda boats or the private boats that operate a Girolago service.
Varone waterfall
Varone Waterfall is located in Riva del Garda, about 10 km from Limone, and is considered one of the main attractions of the northern part of the lake. It is fed by the underground leaks of Lake Tenno, which form the Magnone Torrent, which falls with a 98-metre drop carved into the rock.
The waterfall is part of a private nature park, perfectly preserved over the years. To allow you to visit the cave, you will find paths, bridges, balustrades, and winding stairs to ensure an unforgettable experience immersed in this magical atmosphere.
Excursion to Verona (Romeo and Juliet)
In addition to the classic itineraries, you can follow the places of Romeo and Juliet to discover the places that marked their history.
You can start at Juliet's House in the historic center. Here you will have the opportunity to admire the famous balcony and the bronze statue of Juliet. Inside the house you will find a small museum with period furniture and paintings.
From the house of the Capulet family, move on to the Palazzo Comunale where Romeo was banished from Verona. Also in the historic center is the Romeo’s House, an urban castle, a sign of the importance the family had at the time. Romeo's house cannot be visited.
Near Porta Borsari you can admire a tile commemorating the duel between Romeo and Tebaldo. Finally, a crypt in the ancient monastery of San Francesco al Corso contains Juliet's tomb.
Near Piazza Bra and the Arena, you can also see Shakespeare's bust and a plaque with Romeo's words before his escape.
Arena of Verona
The Arena of Verona is one of the most important Roman archaeological sites. It is the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in recent years. From the outside you can admire the three rings that formed it, even if today only a small section called "Ala" remains of the outer ring. On the inner floor you can admire the places where the pillars once stood, today completely absent.
You will also learn about the history of the Arena in the Archaeological Museum of the Roman Theatre and the Maffeian Lapidary Museum, both in the vicinity of the Arena.
Vittoriale
The Vittoriale is one of the most evocative places. Created by the genius of Gabriele d'Annunzio, it is a verdant and panoramic space.
It includes the poet's house, parks and gardens of great historical and cultural importance, the bow of the Nave Puglia donated by the Navy to d'Annunzio in 1923, the S.V.A aircraft used by the poet to fly over Vienna, the antisubmarine motorboat MAS 96 and two cars: the Fiat Tipo 4 and the Torpedo Isotta Fraschini.
In the park you will also find the "Museo d'Annunzio eroe" (D'Annunzio Hero Museum), which collects memorabilia related to his military experience, and the "Museo d'Annunzio segreto" (D'Annunzio Secret Museum), where you can admire the poet's private life up close.
You will find yourself in a city within a city, where the soul of the poet lives on in every corner. All around you are the gardens, with renowned plants, waterways, ponds, fountains, statues, and amphitheaters. In the garden you will also find the Mausoleum where the poet rests.
Garda Island
Garda Island is an unmissable island on Lake Garda. Listed as one of Italy's historic houses, it is now the private residence of the Cavazza family, who have decided to open its doors to the public. Accessible by shuttle bus, on the island you will have the opportunity to admire its park, with exotic trees, cypresses, oaks, and poplars that create unique scenery. The visit continues in the Island's delightful gardens. On the lower terrace are fruit trees such as khaki, lemon, pear, and pomegranate trees. Next to the villa, on the other hand, palm trees from the Canary Islands grow and flowers, such as the pink China rose, bougainvillea and many others, personally cared for by the Cavazza family.
Finally, on the central terrace there is a hanging garden in classical Italian style with molded hedges representing the coats of arms of the families that have lived on the island. The villa cannot be visited in its entirety, as some areas are inhabited. You will find yourself in a Venetian neo-Gothic style villa with a 7-storey high tower.
André Heller Botanical Garden
The André Heller Botanical Garden, also known as the A. Hruska Botanical Garden, is in Gardone Riviera. It is a true natural paradise where art blends with nature and the approximately 3000 species of plants from all over the world: from Canada, Africa, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. There are works by artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Keith Haring, Peter Pongratz, Susanne Smoegner, Erwin Novak, Edgar Tezak and Rudolph Hirt.
Many elements lead back to Buddhist and Tibetan symbols, Hindu statues such as Rudolph Hirt's Great Ganesh, elephant-god of luck and wisdom, patron of education, traditions that coexist with symbols of metropolitan culture and modernity.
The garden is open every day from March to October.
Villa Bettoni
Villa Bettoni is an 18th-century aristocratic building. Considered a unique example of perfect integration between landscape and architecture, the Villa is in Bogliaco on the shores of Lake Garda. The interior is decorated with elegant frescoes, sculptures, period furniture and a splendid library. The magnificent garden created from 1764 onwards is made unique by its perspective. Inside the garden there are also 3 main fountains, fed by sources inside the park, an artificial grotto and two terraces.
Today it is possible to visit the villa and the monumental gardens, often accompanied by members of the family. Not only that! The Villa is often used as a location for events: weddings, celebrations, and special events!
Natura Viva Park
Parco Natura Viva is a wildlife park located in Bussolengo in the province of Verona, a few kilometers from Lake Garda.
It is one of the most important centers for the protection of animal species at risk of extinction. The Zoo consists of various sectors, including the exciting Safari, which can be visited in your own car, the Aquaterrarium, the Tropical Greenhouse and the Dinosaur area, where visitors can admire life-size models of reptiles from the past.
