WHAT TO DO + TRAVEL TIPS FOR LIMONE SUL GARDA, ITALY
Lake Garda is the biggest lake in Italy and one of the best places to see in North Italy! It offers many activities, beautiful scenery, and cute towns and villages.
One of these cute villages is Limone sul Garda. Actually, it is not just cute, but the cutest of all the cute towns on the shores of Lake Garda and surely one of the best places to visit there.
In this post, you can find out why you should visit Limone Sul Garda, what to do & where to go, and more tips for your Limone trip.
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BEST THINGS TO DO IN LIMONE SUL GARDA
Tiny but gorgeous. Spending a few days in Limone is perfect for fully embracing this adorable place. However, many visit Limone for a few hours only, but they miss out on the magical (quiet) morning or the beautiful evenings when the crowds are gone.
Though this is not a typical Limone itinerary, you can use it as a 1-day itinerary or enjoy La Dolce Vita and do everything on the list more than once over a few days.
So, here are my tips on the things to do or see in Limone sul Garda.
Stroll the Streets
Limone is incredibly sweet. As you walk through the windy streets, you will pass small shops, stores, and restaurants. But my favorite thing is the cute, old houses of Limone sul Garda. They are overflowing with colorful and vibrant flowers, hanging down from balconies and window boxes. It is one of the best attractions in Limone.
The promenade in Limone del Garda is beautiful and one of the best places to visit in Limone. It is also very modern, having been remodeled in recent years. Flags of many European countries are on display.
If you’d like to sit and enjoy the scenery, there are some benches along the way. This promenade is truly Insta-worthy (yes, it is the most Instagrammable place in Lake Garda).
Enjoy a Gelato at the Harbor
The harbor is a great place to take a break and buy gelato. This is one of Limone’s most beautiful places. As you enjoy your dessert, you can take in the surroundings and “wildlife” – including swans and turtles. The Harbor is full of colorful Italian houses, Mediterranean flowers, boats, and people enjoying the sights.
Walk the Cyclopath
The cyclopath opened in the summer of 2018 and is stunning. It runs along the mountains and is partially above the lake, making it just amazing to walk on.
This path was built for bicycles, but pedestrians are welcome, too. Its length is about 3 km and the cyclopath is not actually located in the city center, so you will need to travel north about 3-4 km to reach it.
But despite being a little bit farther, this is one of the best tourist places in Limone and worth the extra trouble.
I recommend visiting early in the morning when there are not a lot of people there.
Relax at the Beach
There is a free beach here, which is not that common in Lake Garda. It is a pebble beach that offers toilets and restaurants. If you like watersports, there are a lot of options here.
You can swim at the beach, day or night. Make sure to bring your own towels. This is a lovely beach to relax at.
Visit the Museum of Tourism
Stop at the Museum of Tourism, a local landmark in Limone. I did not have a chance to visit it during my trip, but it is one of the most interesting places in Limone sul Garda.
It is a small museum that chronicles tourism in Limone, from the early days to modern times. There are tons of photographs, and it is rather fascinating. If you have time to go, entry is free.
Learn About Lemons at Lemon Museum
This is another museum I did not visit, though I wish I had: the Lemon Museum. Limone is Italian for lemon, and lemons are a big part of Limone’s history. Though most of the lemons are imported now, lemon cultivation has left its mark on the town. You can find tons of products made with lemons here.
The museum offers a look into lemon growing, providing lots of interesting information and a walk through the lemon grove. Apparently, the glasshouses are best seen at night, though, when they are illuminated.
- The entry price is around 2€
Cycle Lake Garda
I prefer walking to cycling, so I did not do this myself, but Lake Garda is very popular among cyclists. The path surrounding the lake is about 120 km. A small part of the path is on the quite new cyclopath.
They have made it very accommodating to the riders and cyclists who visit. If you decide to cycle Lake Garda, there are tools along the way if you run into any problems, including air pumps.
Boat Tour to Malcesine
From Limone, you can take a day trip to Malcesine. And the best way to do that – by boat! Since Malcesine is located right across the lake, going by car would take forever, so this is both the fastest and most fun way to get there.
There is a lovely boat tour available that takes you from Limone to Malcesine in 20-30 minutes. You can buy boat tickets on the spot.
- A round-trip ticket is about 10€.
Malcesine is a bustling town set at the base of Mount Baldo. This is a great place for watersports and hiking. And if you prefer to relax and stroll, the old town and harbor are perfect. Check out my detailed post on Malcesine.
Day Trip to Riva del Garda
One of the best places to travel in Limone is to Riva del Garda. On the very northern shores of Lake Garda, this beautiful village is full of activities and sights.
To get to Riva del Garda from Limone, you can take a car or bus, or come by boat.
Spend the day exploring the exciting old town, strolling the waterfront with its colorful buildings, and climbing to the top of the clock tower (only 165 steps up) for wonderful views. This is also the perfect place for watersport lovers – there are plenty here to delight you.
Day Trip to Sirmione
Another great day trip is to the gorgeous town of Sirmione. While it is a little farther than Riva del Garda, it is worth the travel time.
Once you arrive at this village that sits on the southern peninsula, enjoy the old town – full of winding little streets and beautiful houses. There is also a castle to explore and the ruins of Grotte di Catullo, an ancient Roman villa. Find out more about Sirmione.
Visit the Market in Limone
Are you still wondering where to go in Limone? How about visiting the market in Limone? Market day is on Tuesdays in Limone (not in the winter months, though) and is held in the mornings.
While not as big as those in other towns along Lake Garda, this is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs and local products. The Market is a tradition and definitely one of the events you should see while in Limone.
As you can see, visiting Lake Garda allows you to see one of its cutest towns. This list of the top places to visit in Limone and the most notable points of interest in Limone will hopefully help you have a fabulous trip here yourself.
Things to Do in Limone at Night
When you are in Limone and walk the promenade, head to the upper part of Limone sul Garda and the street named “Via IV Novembre 24.“
There you will find a globe and some musical instruments that are beautifully illuminated (some might say it is corny, but I say it is pretty, and next to the globe, you will also find a bridge that is illuminated with the Italian flag). Personally, my tip for the best place to visit in Limone at night (or evening).
Limone sul Garda Travel Tips
Here are a few tips for your trip to Limone sul Garda.
How to Get to Limone
✈️ PLANE: Bergamo (Milan) and Verona/Brescia or Verona Airport are popular airports close by. From there, you either head to Limone by car or bus.
🚌 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: There is no train station in Limone, and the bus connection might not be the best, but bus services connect the towns along this western shore of the lake, with some traveling on to Brescia.
🛥️ BOAT: You can also get to Limone by boat from Sirmione, Malcesine, or Riva del Garda.
🚘 CAR: We got to Limone by car (coming from Bergamo, near Milan). Roads are well paved – but driving to Limone also means you have to pass some very narrow mountain streets and roads.
How to Get Around Limone
In Limone, you can walk to most places, so I suggest wearing comfortable shoes and being prepared for some nice walks. It is a bit hilly but doable if you enjoy walking.
You will not need a car in Limone. Just if you want to do day trips, a car can be handy. Finding (free) parking lots is difficult.
You can also book a taxi and get to some of the places in/near Limone which are not directly in the town center (like the cyclopath).
Getting around by boat is also a good option – for some of the (day) trips mentioned here, hopping on a boat is the best way to get around.
Best Time to Visit
Lake Garda, and Limone, are popular hotspots between April and October.
Limone can be very, very crowded. It is not a hidden gem, so in the summer months, people from all over the world, particularly from Germany, come to Limone sul Garda.
Also, it can get really hot during the summer months, thus I recommend visiting Limone in September or early October, April, and May (and maybe early June).
September is still warm but less busy, and everything (like restaurants and shops) is still open. Prices are lower in September and October, and in spring, too. The same goes for visiting in late spring.
Where to Stay in Limone Sul Garda
Here are a few hotels and accommodations that looked great – we stayed at a Camping site in a small apartment. I enjoyed it – my parents not so much because it was not really comfortable.
🛏️ Luxury – Hotel Splendid Palace is a lovely accommodation that offers many amenities and beautiful views from its rooftop pool. Check out rates here.
🛏️ Mid-Range – Garni Gianmartin provides a savory buffet and lovely lake views. A favorite among solo travelers. Find out about rates here.
🛏️ Budget-friendly – Hotel Cristina has a nice location and offers lake views, a pool, and friendly staff. Check out rates here.
Here are the best places to stay in Lake Garda.
Limone Sul Garda – Random Information
ℹ️ Restaurants have a coperto – a fee charged if you sit down in a restaurant and order food. The fee is different at each restaurant (around 1-3€ per person).
ℹ️ On the upper area and towards the beach are small supermarkets. Other than that, you will find smaller stores and shops to buy food and drinks to go.
ℹ️ There are a few water fountains, so bring your water bottle and refill it with fresh and free water.
➡️ Check out my packing list for Europe in the summer to know what to pack.
➡️ Here are more travel tips for Italy.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON A TRIP TO LIMONE SUL GARDA
Located on the northwestern shore of Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda is a charming town with a long history dating back to Roman times. It’s known for its beautiful setting, nestled between the lake and the mountains, and for its mild climate that makes it a popular destination year-round.
Some of the top things to do in Limone sul Garda include exploring the old town, strolling along the waterfront promenade, and taking a boat tour of the lake.
If you’re looking for a picturesque and relaxing destination with plenty of natural beauty and outdoor activities, Limone sul Garda is definitely worth a visit.
As you can tell, I totally adore Limone – it is actually one of my favorite places in Northern Italy, and I cannot wait to visit again! I hope this quick travel guide has helped you find out about the best things to do in Limone Sul Garda.
- If you are planning a trip to Lake Garda, check out my 1-7-day Lake Garda itinerary.