Ciao everyone, Sara here. Today, I want to take you on an enchanting journey to Italy. Nestled on the shores of Lake Garda, Limone sul Garda is a charming, rustic town famed for its vast lemon groves, scenic beauty, and steep, winding lanes that unravel countless secrets at every turn.
I was drawn to this hidden gem by its alluring blend of romance, history, and tranquility, making it the perfect destination for my first overseas romantic holiday with my boyfriend, Calum.
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Journey to Limone: Taking the Scenic Route
After touching down at Verona's Villafranca Airport, also known as Valerio Catullo Airport, we were immediately swept up in the bustling energy of the place. Located about 15km southwest of Verona, it's the closest airport to Limone, making it the most convenient option for travelers from abroad. With Jet2 Holidays, our transfer from the airport to our accommodation was arranged for us.
Bear in mind that Limone is situated on the other side of Lake Garda (relative to Verona), so the journey to get there takes a bit of time, but it offers an excellent opportunity to take in the picturesque Italian landscape. We embarked on a three-hour coach journey, winding our way around Lake Garda, with its shimmering blue waters on one side and rolling green hills on the other. While the coach's intermittent air conditioning made the ride somewhat challenging in the scorching 28-degree heat, the unfolding landscape outside more than compensated for it.
Once we crossed over to the western side of the lake, the landscape started to change. The flat, wide roads gave way to narrow, winding routes that traced the edge of the lake. The lush vegetation, characteristic of the Mediterranean climate, grew more dense, and the houses perched on the hillside seemed to clutch the cliffs even tighter.
As we approached Limone, the picture-postcard view of the town gradually appeared before us – clusters of pastel-colored houses huddled together, with terracotta roofs dotting the green landscape. It was nestled between the clear, sparkling waters of the lake and the towering cliffs behind it. In the distance, we could see lemon groves climbing up the hillside, a testament to the town's history and the origin of its name.
Perched high up the mountain side, our hotel unveiled itself, presenting an elegant silhouette against the stunning canvas of the lake. This majestic setting, apart from offering unparalleled views, posed a logistical challenge: the ascent with our luggage. Yet, the meticulous organization of Jet2 Holidays turned this into a seamlessly arranged transition. As the coach drew to a halt, a local taxi - pre-booked for us by Jet2 - was waiting to whisk us and our luggage up the steep incline to the hotel.
After the lengthy journey, this sight sparked a fresh surge of excitement within us. The tiresome trek was swiftly forgotten, replaced by an invigorating anticipation of our imminent exploration of this idyllic town. We couldn't wait to settle into our hilltop haven, which was to be our home and the base for our adventures over the next few days.
Remember, while the journey to Limone is somewhat long, it's part of the adventure. Make sure to have a bottle of water and a snack or two handy, and don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking views along the way. As the Italians say, "Il viaggio è la meta" - the journey is the destination.
Accommodation in Limone: Royal Living at Hotel Royal Village
Hotel Royal Village was a dream come true. Tucked into a quiet corner of Limone, it combined the luxury of a modern resort with the quaint charm of Italian architecture. Our room was tastefully decorated, reflecting the simplicity and elegance of Italy. The best part? A balcony that offered a panorama of the glistening lake and distant mountains – the perfect backdrop for a morning coffee or an evening wine.
We'd wake up to an abundant breakfast buffet, where I fell head over heels for the pancakes drenched in syrup. You could find us lounging by the pool (one of three, to be exact!) just a thirty-second stroll from our balcony room. The friendly greetings from the hotel staff each time we arrived for breakfast, dinner, or any of their lively events, added a heartwarming touch to our stay.
When it comes to other places to stay in Limone, you're spoilt for choice. It boasts a wide range of hotels to suit every taste and budget. Here are a few options we liked the look of around where we stayed that you might want to consider for your next trip:
Hotel Caravel
Hotel Caravel, boasting a 9.0 rating on Booking.com, is another high-end option in Limone sul Garda. It's situated in an excellent location, with stunning lake views and only a ten-minute walk to the lake through the beautiful village. Visitors loved the cleanliness, comfortable rooms, and the amazing breakfast.
Hotel La Fiorita
Hotel La Fiorita is another excellent choice, particularly for its fantastic location. Visitors praised its clean facilities, welcoming staff, and amazing views of Lake Garda and the surrounding mountains. Plus, it's only a short walk to the city centre. With a 9.3 overall rating, it's clear that guests have enjoyed their stay.
Hotel Atilius
Lastly, the Hotel Atilius, a 2-star option, is a great choice for budget travellers who don't want to compromise on quality. Located right in the heart of Limone, this hotel is just a five-minute walk from the lake. Visitors have praised the hotel's cleanliness, excellent breakfast, and particularly the stunning lake views from the dining area. The overall rating of 9.1 on Booking.com attests to the quality of this budget-friendly option.
Honestly, there's no shortage of top-rated hotels in the area. You certainly won't struggle to find a *great* place to stay. Here's a few more to check out in other parts of Limone: Hotel alla Noce and Hotel Susy are about as 'budget' as you'll get, whereas EALA - My Lakeside Dream is about as luxurious (and as expensive) as hotels in the area come. Where we stayed, Hotel Royal Village, felt like the sweet spot; verging on the more budget end of the range, but with all the 4-star appeal.
Exploring Limone: Discovering the Undiscovered
Limone is a picturesque maze of hidden alleyways leading to an array of shops, fascinating landmarks, and museums, each narrating a different story. We meandered through this charming town, fuelled by pizza slices and BIG glasses of wine for just 3.50 euros.
Each hidden alleyway held a promise of a new discovery. The highlight of my exploration was the tiny Bond Museum, a tribute to Quantum of Solace, in which the opening scene was filmed right here in Limone. As a Bond fan (and my boyfriend being a die-hard 007 fan), walking through the exhibits felt like living a part of the movies myself. Every photograph, prop, and display was a slice of Bond's history, all beautifully preserved in this tiny Italian town. The fact that it was free made the experience even more unforgettable!
When we weren't indulging in historical quests, we'd revel in the rustic charm of the town, shop for gifts and my personal favorite, magnets, or enjoy a leisurely dip in the lake. As someone who suffered a heat stroke as a child, the abundance of shade and cool spots made the journey all the more enjoyable.
Limone overflowed with hidden treasures, the most unexpected being its vibrant local wildlife. A close encounter with a melodious brown bird that frequented our hotel balcony became part of our daily routine. This small bird, with its glossy brown feathers and soothing songs, was cheerful company during our quiet moments.
The town's fascination with lemons was another surprise (though it really shouldn't have been given the town's name: "Limone", literally meaning "Lemon" in Italian). From life-sized lemon sculptures to lemon-scented soap, each souvenir was a piece of Limone to carry back home. The only hiccup? There's just one bank. So, take it from me, withdraw cash before you arrive.
Limone's Culinary Scene: A Feast for the Senses
Italy is synonymous with delicious cuisine, and Limone was no exception. We rarely ate at the hotel (preferring to venture into the town of Limone), but when we did, the buffet dinners were a delight (especially when the lime green sponge pudding was out - I devoured five portions, no shame there!)
Although I do not drink now, I cannot forget the fantastic Italian house wines, red being the main one of choice, nightly!
One dinner that stands out was at Hotel Ristorante le Palme, tucked into a narrow alley, where we tasted the most delectable lasagna. Fresh pasta layered with local cheeses and a slow-cooked ragu, all washed down with a robust house wine – it was a meal to remember.
Every dish had an authentic home-cooked taste, making it feel as though we were guests in an Italian family's home. As mentioned, We were regular patrons at local restaurants that not only served classic dishes with an Italian twist but also hosted live performances. I couldn't resist applauding each time, especially for the cover of Cindy Lauper's "Time After Time".
On behalf of my boyfriend, I'd also like to make special mention of Roxy Bar, which served some of the *best* slices of pizza we've ever had. We tried it on our first day in Limone for lunch, and he insisted we go back for seconds practically every day of the week afterwards!
Naturally, our stay allowed us to only explore a limited number of restaurants. However, we also received some rave recommendations from locals for other eateries that we thought we should share. Do consider checking out: Osteria Da Livio, Ristorante Pizzeria "Dal Bigaröla", and if you don't mind venturing slightly outside of Limone, Ristorante Pizzeria al Tamàs.
Tips for Visiting Limone: Pearls of Wisdom
Opting for a package holiday like we did with Jet2 Holidays can significantly reduce costs. With travel, flights, luggage, and half board (breakfast and dinner) all sorted for us, it allowed us to enjoy the holiday without worrying about the minutiae.
The Lake Garda area is famous for its weather, so do remember to pack accordingly. The summers can be hot, so pack light clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sun hats, and sunscreen. Despite the warm summer days, the nights can be cool, so it's always a good idea to pack a lightweight sweater or a jacket. It didn't rain much when we went (just a short spell one evening), but it's never a bad idea to pack a light waterproof just in case.
Also, prepare for a challenging climb back up from the rustic town if you're not particularly athletic (guilty as charged!). The opportunity to swim in the fresh lake and bask in the sun, free from judgment, however, makes it all worthwhile.
Limone is a picturesque town, and part of its charm lies in its narrow, winding streets that invite exploration. Carry a good-quality camera or ensure that your phone has enough storage space for all the memorable pictures you'll be taking. Don't forget to take a picture with the iconic, colorful Limone houses as your backdrop!
And finally, try to learn a few phrases in Italian before your trip. While almost all the locals we encountered speak English (especially since it's a tourist hotspot), making an effort to speak some Italian can never be a bad thing. Basic phrases like "Buongiorno" (Good morning), "Grazie" (Thank you), and "Dov'è il bagno?" (Where is the bathroom?) can be very helpful. Also, learning a few German phrases wouldn't go amiss, since the vast majority of tourists we spoke to were Austrians and Germans!
Conclusion: Ciao for Now, Limone
My week in Limone sul Garda was a treasure trove of experiences. Despite a challenging journey to and back, the sheer beauty of this hidden gem, the warm hospitality, the gastronomic delights, and the feeling of connecting with Calum in such a serene setting made it all worthwhile.
From enjoying a glass of wine by the pool, strolling through bustling shops, to indulging in mouthwatering Mediterranean food, every moment was a memory in the making. The town welcomed us with open arms, and it was heartwarming to feel so at home in a place so far away.
Limone, you were fantastic. Your warmth, vibrancy, and affordability left an imprint on my heart. I'd gladly revisit. Until then, arrivederci, beautiful Limone!
P.S. For those curious to see more, you can find all our travel photos on the SaraJourneysMore Instagram page. You’ll find everything from large wine glasses, irresistible pizzas, luscious lemons, charming alleyways, the captivating Bond museum, and a stunning view from our hotel room.
That's a wrap for this post, fellow explorers! If you've had the chance to experience Limone and have stumbled upon any hidden gems or unique tips, I'm all ears. If you're drafting plans for a future trip and have questions, feel free to ask. I take great joy in helping my fellow travellers, and I make it a point to respond to each email I get (sara@sarajourneys.com). Until our paths cross again, journey on safely!
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