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Limone sul Garda: Things to Do, Ferries and the Lemon House
The top things to do in Limone sul Garda are the Limonaia del Castel lemon house, open 10-22 from June to September, the cycle path hung over the water, the old port and alleys, and a 20 minute ferry to Malcesine. Limone sits on the north-west shore of lake garda, and once you arrive everything in town is walkable.
Quick answer Lemon house, cycle path and boats
In Limone sul Garda, see the Limonaia del Castel (10-18 in April, May and October, 10-22 from June to September), walk the elevated cycle path of about 2 km, and take the 20 minute ferry to Malcesine. A zone 2 boat reaches Riva for $6.68 (€6). No passenger boats run from 2 November to 12 March.
Key takeaways
- The rest of the shore and how the towns compare: the Lake Garda overview.
- Next town north, with the Ponale path and a waterfall: things to do in Riva del Garda.
- A sail from the shore across the water: the Malcesine boat trip on a historic sailboat.
- A city day with pickup in Limone: the Verona day trip from Lake Garda.
Is Limone sul Garda Worth Visiting?
Yes, Limone sul Garda is worth visiting for its working lemon houses, the cycle path over the lake and ferries to Malcesine and Riva, and it rewards at least one night.
Limone was cut off for a long time. Until the 1940s it was reached only by lake or over the mountains, and the road to Riva del Garda was completed in 1932.
A Town Built for Walking
Once in Limone you do not need a car. The old port, the alleys and the lemon houses all sit within walking distance, and you can walk to the beach from the centre of town for a swim. Ferries run from Limone to the other towns, so a full trip without a car works.
Stay at least one night rather than day tripping, so you can walk the 2 km cycle path early in the morning.
Who It Suits
Limone suits walkers, couples and anyone who likes a small town with boats at the door. Families get a beach in reach and free morning gymnastics from 1 July to 15 September, 7.00 to 8.00 am, at the Limone Sports Center. If you want long hikes and a waterfall, base yourself in Riva del Garda, one zone 2 ferry away at $6.68 (€6).
Source: Navigazione Laghi.
Why Is Limone sul Garda Famous?
Limone sul Garda is famous for its lemon houses, where citrus has grown since the 1700s, for Goethe's visit in 1786 and for residents who carry the ApoA-1 Milano longevity gene.
The lemons made the town's image, though the name probably did not come from them.
Lemons, Goethe and the Name
Citrus has been grown in Limone's lemon houses since the 1700s, and the lemon houses still work and open to visitors.
Goethe passed by boat on 13 September 1786 and described the lemon gardens in his Italian Journey. The name itself probably comes from lemos (elm) or limes, Latin for boundary. Between 1863 and 1905 the town was called Limone San Giovanni.
The Longevity Gene
In 1979 researchers found that residents carry the ApoA-1 Milano mutation. It is linked to healthy HDL cholesterol, a lower risk of atherosclerosis and long life. The gene traces back to a couple who lived in Limone in the 17th century.
At the time, about a dozen residents were over 100 among roughly 1,000 inhabitants.
Lemon trees on their wooden frames at the Limonaia del Castel in Limone sul Garda. Photo: Daderot, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
When Is the Limonaia del Castel Open?
The Limonaia del Castel opens every day from 10 to 18 in April, May and October and from 10 to 22 from June to September.
This is the town's lemon house, open to visitors.
Opening Hours and Tickets
The opening hours below come from the VisitGarda page for the Limonaia del Castel. Outside these months, call +39 0365 954008 in office hours for information and bookings.
Ask at the entrance for the ticket price.
| Months | Open | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| April, May, October | Every day | 10-18 |
| June to September | Every day | 10-22 |
| November to March | By phone booking | Office hours |
With a Guide
A guided town tour with limoncello tasting runs from 3 June to 30 September. It covers the old port, the alleys and the churches, and it includes a visit to the Limonaia del Castel. Ask the town's tourist office for the start point.
How Long Is the Limone Cycle Path?
The elevated section of the cycle path at Limone is about 2 km long, and its start is a 25-30 minute walk from town.
The path hangs over the water. It suits an early morning walk or run.
Walking or Riding It
The elevated section is about 2 km, which is short on a bike. It works best as a walk or a morning run. In the morning you can watch sailing classes and kite surfers below.
For a longer walk, the 6.4 km Ponale path starts in Riva del Garda, a zone 2 ferry ride away.
How Do I Take the Ferry From Limone to Malcesine and Riva?
Navigazione Laghi ferries link Limone to Malcesine in 20 minutes for $8.35 (€7.50) in zone 3 and to Riva for $6.68 (€6) in zone 2.
Malcesine sits right across the water, and you can see it from Limone. The state ferry company sets fares by zone.
Fares From Limone
The Navigazione Laghi fare sheet sets one-way fares by zone, and a return costs double. Tickets bought on board carry a $1.11 (€1) surcharge unless the office is closed.
| Route | Zone | One way | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limone to Malcesine | 3 | $8.35 (€7.50) | 20 minutes |
| Limone to Riva | 2 | $6.68 (€6) | About 45 minutes on the 9:15 run |
| Return trip | Same zone | Double the one-way fare | Same |
Sailing Times and Seasons
On one summer run the boat leaves Malcesine at 8:55, calls at Limone at 9:15 and Torbole at 9:45, and reaches Riva at 10:00. The summer timetable runs from 16 May to 4 October. The autumn timetable runs from 5 October to 1 November and again from 13 to 25 March.
From 2 November to 12 March there are no passenger boats on the lake. The only service is the Torri-Maderno car ferry. Plan winter visits by road.
A Day Pass for Hopping
The Centro zone day pass covers Limone and Malcesine down to Maderno and Torri. It costs $26.16 (€23.50) for an adult and $13.36 (€12) for a child, for one day. Across the water in Malcesine, the Scaligero Castle has a room dedicated to Goethe.
Sources: Navigazione Laghi, Navigazione Laghi, Navigazione Laghi, Navigazione Laghi, Navigazione Laghi.
Tours That Fit
A sail and a city day that pair well with a stay in Limone.
Verona Full-Day Tour from Lake Garda
A coach day trip from Lake Garda resorts to Verona with a 1.5-hour guided walk and free time, from $73 per person.
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation 24h
- Operator
- Likegarda
Malcesine: Panoramic Cruise on Historical Sailboat
A 2-hour sailing cruise on a historic Lake Garda sailboat from Malcesine, with views of the La Forra waterfalls near Tremosine.
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation 24h
- Operator
- Siora Veronica 1926 Sailing Cruises
What to Do in Limone sul Garda?
Beyond the lemon house, Limone sul Garda offers the beach in town, the old port and churches, an indoor climbing area, free summer gymnastics and local oil, citrus and lake fish.
Limone is small, so a day covers the sights and a second day covers the water.
Active Days
Free outdoor gymnastics with an instructor runs from 1 July to 15 September, 7.00 to 8.00 am, at the Limone Sports Center. A new indoor climbing area suits all ages with a qualified instructor. The beach is a walk from the centre, so a swim fits between sights.
For a sail, the Malcesine boat trip costs $45 per person for 2 hours on a historic sailboat, a 20 minute ferry away.
Food to Look For
Local tables serve DOP olive oil, citrus from the lemon houses and fish from the lake. Olio Garda DOP has been a protected oil since 1997, made from Casaliva, Frantoio and Leccino olives in the towns around the lake. For a guided tasting farther south, the Lazise wine tasting costs $47 for 2 hours.
Can You Visit Limone sul Garda Without a Car?
Yes, Limone sul Garda works without a car while the passenger ferries run, but from 2 November to 12 March no passenger boats run.
Inside the town you walk everywhere. Getting in and out is the part to plan.
Boats in Season, Road in Winter
From spring to autumn the ferry links Limone to Malcesine in 20 minutes and to Riva in zone 2. In the winter gap from 2 November to 12 March, only the Torri-Maderno car ferry runs, so plan a road transfer.
The Verona day trip from Lake Garda costs $73 per person and lasts 8-10 hours. Round-trip transfers run from 10 meeting points, including Limone, Lazise and Riva del Garda, so you reach Verona without driving.
Sources: Navigazione Laghi, Navigazione Laghi.
Limone sul Garda Questions
Is Limone sul Garda worth visiting?
Yes, for the lemon houses, the 2 km elevated path and the 20 minute ferry to Malcesine. Compare the north shore with things to do in Riva del Garda.
Why is Limone sul Garda famous?
Its lemon houses have grown citrus since the 1700s, and Goethe described them in 1786. More on the lake is in the Lake Garda overview.
What is the prettiest place on Lake Garda?
Opinions differ. In Limone the picks are the 2 km elevated path over the water and the Limonaia del Castel. For a broader comparison, see Lake Garda vs Lake Como.
How much does the Limonaia del Castel cost?
Ask at the gate for the ticket price. It opens 10-22 from June to September. Plan the trip with visiting Lake Garda.
How long is the ferry from Limone to Malcesine?
About 20 minutes, zone 3, at $8.35 (€7.50) one way. The Malcesine boat trip starts on the far side.
Do ferries run to Limone in winter?
No passenger boats run from 2 November to 12 March. Arrive by road, as set out in visiting Lake Garda.
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