Limone sul Garda
A fishing village wedged between mountain and lake, at the far north of the Brescia shore. Famous for its historic lemon houses and for the spectacular cantilever cycle path suspended over the water — one of the most photographed spots on all of Lake Garda.
Where Limone sul Garda is located
Limone sul Garda occupies a narrow strip of land at the far north of the Brescia shore, where the mountains drop sheer into the lake. Until 1932 it could only be reached by water: the Gardesana Occidentale road, carved into the rock, connected it to the rest of the lake.
Today it is one of the most visited villages on Lake Garda, with a very strong international appeal — the German audience is more present here than in any other town on the lake. To the north it borders Riva del Garda (Trentino), 10 minutes away; the Verona shore is reached by ferry from Malcesine.
| Transport | Departure | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Riva del Garda (SS45bis) | ~15 min |
| Car | Brescia (Gardesana Occ.) | ~1h 40 min |
| Ferry | Malcesine (VR) | ~20 min |
| Ferry | Riva del Garda | ~25 min |
| Bus | Riva ↔ Limone (line 332) | ~20 min |
Real-time train schedules → IlGarda.live · Transport & Mobility
Why Limone is different
Limone is tiny — just over a thousand inhabitants — yet it punches far above its weight: it is among the five most searched towns on Lake Garda. Few places on the lake pack so much image into so little space.
Its symbol is the lemon houses: terraced greenhouses where, from the 18th century, citrus was grown at the northernmost limit possible in Europe, sheltered from cold winds. A curiosity: the name comes not from lemons but from the Latin limes, border — Limone was the far north of the Republic of Venice.
Since 2018 the village has had a second global symbol: the cantilever cycle path, a walkway suspended over the water along the rock face, now one of the most shared images of Lake Garda. For many visitors, especially German ones, Limone is the very postcard of the lake.
There is also a scientific fame: a protein variant, Apolipoprotein A-1 Milano, which protects against cardiovascular disease, was discovered in the inhabitants of Limone — a small village that entered the medical textbooks.
Things to do in Limone sul Garda
The village is small and fully pedestrian: narrow alleys, stairways and the little harbour. The two icon attractions — lemon houses and the suspended cycle path — are a few minutes apart on foot.
| Place | Practical notes |
|---|---|
| Cantilever cycle path | Stretch of the Garda Cycle Path suspended over the water towards Capo Reamol. On foot or by bike, scenic. Free access. |
| Limonaia del Castèl | Restored historic citrus greenhouse, with terraces and lake views. Open to visitors (ticket). |
| Old town and harbour | Narrow alleys, fishermen's houses, the little harbour. The pedestrian heart of the village. |
| Beaches and lakefront | Village beaches and coves to the north. Clear water, deep shoreline. |
| Mountain hikes | Trails towards Tremosine and the Singol valley; waterfalls and balconies over the lake. |
| Boat trip | Towards Malcesine, the Isola del Garda or the Trentino shore. Departures from the harbour. |
| Tuesday market | In the centre, mornings. Local produce, citrus, lemon souvenirs. |
Where to eat in Limone sul Garda
The cuisine is that of the upper Garda: lake fish, extra-virgin olive oil — among the northernmost in the world — and of course lemons, in dishes, desserts and liqueurs. Garda Bresciano DOP oil is produced on the nearby hills.
Practical tip: on the harbour and lakefront you pay for the view and the location. The trattorias in the inner alleys offer better value. Be wary of multilingual tourist menus.
| What to order | Description |
|---|---|
| Lake fish | Whitefish, trout, perch — grilled or marinated (carpione). The base of upper-lake cooking. |
| Lemon spaghetti | A tribute to the local citrus — simple and fragrant. |
| Garda DOP olive oil | Among the northernmost olive oils in the world. Delicate, best raw. |
| Polenta and cheeses | Mountain tradition of the upper-Garda hinterland. |
| Lemon sweets and liqueurs | Jams, limoncello and typical desserts — the village's edible souvenir. |
| Price range | Type | Average price (lunch, excl. wine) |
|---|---|---|
| € | Local trattoria, osteria | €12–18 per person |
| €€ | Lakeside restaurant with view | €25–40 per person |
| €€€ | Fine dining, tasting menu | €55–80 per person |
For restaurants and bars open today → IlGarda.live · Activities & Services
Where to stay in Limone sul Garda
For its size, Limone has a large accommodation offer, built on decades of international tourism: many lakeview hotels, often family-run, and a strong base of returning German guests. It fills up in high season: book well in advance.
| Type | Location | Indicative high-season price |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeview hotel | Centre and lakefront | €100–220 / night |
| B&B and apartments | Old town and hillside | €70–130 / night |
| Residences and campsites | Towards Capo Reamol | €30 pitch / €80 mobile home |
Indicative prices 2025. Small, very popular village: book well ahead in July–August.
One day in Limone sul Garda
Designed for those arriving in the morning, ferry included. Everything on foot: the village is small and pedestrian.
Arrival and coffee at the harbour
By car or ferry from Malcesine/Riva. Coffee at the little harbour before the coaches arrive.
Limonaia del Castèl
Visit the historic citrus greenhouse, with its terraces and lake views. About an hour.
Cantilever cycle path
On foot or by bike along the suspended walkway towards Capo Reamol. The highlight of the day.
Lunch in the alleys
A trattoria in the inner streets. Lake fish or lemon spaghetti.
Beach or boat trip
Relax on the beach or take a boat towards Malcesine and the Trentino shore.
Aperitivo on the lakefront
The late-afternoon light on the harbour houses is the best moment for photos.
Dinner and return
Dinner in the village. For the return, check the last ferry or bus: timetables are seasonal.
Around Limone sul Garda
Limone is the base for the upper Garda, between Lombardia and Trentino. Mountains, scenic villages and the Verona shore just a ferry away.
Living in Limone sul Garda
Limone is a very small village that lives on tourism: lively and crowded in season, very quiet in winter. It offers essential services, but for a hospital, secondary schools and large retail it relies on Riva del Garda and the Trentino upper Garda.
| Type | Area | €/sqm (OMI 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment | Centre / Lakefront | €2,500 – €3,800 |
| Apartment | Hillside | €1,800 – €2,600 |
| Villa / detached | Whole municipality | €3,000 – €5,000+ |
| Two-bed rental | Centre | €650 – €1,000 / month |
Source: OMI — Agenzia delle Entrate. Average values 2024, indicative.
| Service | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hospital | Nearest A&E: Arco/Riva del Garda (TN) |
| Schools | Compulsory schools in the village; secondary in Riva del Garda |
| Transport | Bus (line 332) and ferry; no railway |
| On-duty pharmacy | Real time on IlGarda.live |
How much the Municipality of Limone sul Garda spends
Data from official sources required by law. Compare Limone sul Garda with the other 25 lake municipalities in the Public Spending section.
⚠ Indicative data for MVP. In production: annual automatic update from OpenBilanci, SIOPE+ and Amministrazione Trasparente. Municipal notices and resolutions → IlGarda.live · Transparency