Limone sul Garda
Lombardia
The name comes not from lemons, but from the Latin līmen – border, because the line between Brescia and Trentino passed through here. A small village of fishermen and farmers squeezed between rock walls and the lake, it could be reached for centuries almost only by boat. Since the seventeenth century, the mild climate has transformed this corner of Garda into a true open-air greenhouse: lemon houses were born, masonry structures with pillars and movable roofs to protect citrus fruits, whose lemons were exported all over Europe and mentioned by Grand Tour travelers.
Today, Limone is famous for three things: the historic lemon houses-the northernmost in Europe, a symbol of tenacity and ingenuity-the suspended bicycle path hooked to the rock overlooking the water, which in a few years has become one of the most photographed images of Lake Garda, and a scientific curiosity: many of its over-centenarian inhabitants possess a protein that protects against arteriosclerosis, the subject of international medical studies.
What to do
Trails and outdoor activities in the area
Hiking
Lemon Trail
A walk through the ancient terraced lemon houses on the western shore of Lake Garda.
Cycling
Limone — Riva Cycle Path
Lakeside cycle path between Limone sul Garda and Riva del Garda.
MTB
Tremalzo Trail
Legendary MTB trail over Passo Tremalzo, one of the most famous in the Garda Alps.
Hiking
Sentiero del Sole
Panoramic trail above Limone sul Garda with views over the lemon groves and the lake.
Hiking
Monte Tremalzo and Corno della Marogna
Long loop from Passo Tremalzo towards the wildest summits of the Ledro Alps.
Hiking
Lemon Houses, Olive Groves and Old Churches
An urban and rural loop through the heart of Limone sul Garda, past 18th-century lemon houses, olive groves and historic churches with constant views of the lake.
Cycling
The Garda Cycle Path
A spectacular cycle and pedestrian route through the historic lemon houses of Limone, with walkways suspended on the rock face and breathtaking lake views.
Hiking
The Nature Trail
A circular loop along the San Giovanni stream, through woodland and the terraces of Limone, stopping at the mission centre and the birthplace of Saint Daniele Comboni.
Plan your day in Limone sul Garda
Ask me anything: where to eat, what to see, activities and local secrets.
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