Sunday 21 September 2014

Wanderlust: Limone, Lake Garda

La Limonaia Del Castel

The little terracotta town of Limone sits on the west shore of Italy's best-loved lake, Lake Garda, and is perfect for adventurous types looking for a relaxing break which doesn't compromise on scenery and opportunities to appreciate the great outdoors.

Being positioned in the northern half of the lake, it boasts a dramatic shoreline complete with views of Monte Baldo and the surrounding hills, which sit directly across the water.

Assemblage spent two glorious weeks here over the summer, and found it to be one of the lake's more architecturally beautiful towns, which possesses some of the most dramatic scenery we saw on the northern half of the lake.

While Limone is a popular package holiday destination, those looking to get a little more out of their trip will find themselves spoiled for choice.

From exploring the town's winding lanes and pebbled shoreline, to wild swimming in the perfect turquoise waters of nearby Lake Tenno, Italy's clearest and most lipid freshwater lake; exploring the lush vinyards of Trentino and windsurfing in Torbole - one of the continent's most popular watersports spots - or mountain biking and climbing in some of the finest mountain terrains in Europe, there could not be more on offer.

Wild swimming in Lake Tenno

But really it is the views that steal the show. The gradient of the town means many hotels are in prime position for admiring the views over the bay and the mountains on the Eastern shore opposite, where the clouds hang over the tips, leaving shadows on the hillside below.

From almost any point in the town, you only need raise your eyes to catch a glimpse of the dramatic hills hanging overhead. And with the mountainous climate bringing with it balmy evening thunderstorms, there couldn't be a more perfect place to watch the lightning fork.

Attractions
La Limonaia Del Castel

La Limonaia Del Castel - On Tuesday nights during the summer months, this restored limonaia offers late night opening, where visitors can admire the citrus trees by moonlight, enjoying enchanting views over the rooftops of Limone and the lake, limoncello tasting and live music, all for only a couple of Euros.

Windsurfing on the western coast

SurfingLino 

Spiaggia Foce fiume S. Giovanni
Get to grips with surfing Garda's famous Ora wind, which blows like clockwork from the south of the lake every day and makes the north of the lake one of the best-loved water sports spots in Europe.


Museum of Tourism 
Via IV Novembre, n. 29/L
A fine place to kill time during a wet afternoon, and worth a visit alone for the photographs of the town during its lemon-growing heyday.


Restaurants

Osteria Al Veccio Fontec
Via Della Corda, 21
This delightful restaurant is nestled in the courtyard beneath a local residence on a quiet street in the village, and offers an intimate evening. Guests are greeted with complimentary prosecco, and the menu offers an alluring array of options, including almond crusted tuna steak. £££

Osteria Da Livio
Via Tovo, 4
Nestled high in the olive groves about 15 minutes' walk from the centre of Limone, this is a locals favourite. Expect magical alfresco dining amongst olive trees, and a delectable, traditional Italian menu. ££


Osteria Al Veccio Fontec

Bar Spaghetteria Da Titano Di Fort Enea
Via Della Corda, 9
This little ristorante in the heart of Limone offers unpretentious, traditional Italian cooking at very reasonable prices. Pasta portions are enormous, and the Spaghetti Limone is a delight. £


Bars

Bar Limone
Via IV Novembre, 22
Situated on the main road leading above the old town, this buzzing hotel bar is frequented by locals, so prices are reasonable, and the chef's abilities are beyond that of many of those at the town's other osterias. Stop by on a Saturday, when the bar puts on live entertainment and a buffet of the highest order for 20 euros. 

Cherenguito
Via IV Novembre, 4
Another locals' favourite, this is the perfect place to enjoy a late night by the water. From the mellow, low lighting emitted by colour changing spherical lights, to the designer bean bags laid here and there and the generous spirit measures, the emphasis is on maximum comfort and fun.


Where to stay

Hotel Castell
Via IV Novembre, 62
This friendly establishment is built directly into the rocks on the cliff side, and boasts prime position beside the Castell de Limonaia and a mere three minutes' walk to the centre of Limone via steps beneath the hotel. The rooms, dining area, terrace and pool all offer breathtaking views over the town, lake and eastern shore, and the atmosphere is friendly and unfussy.


All photos by Abigail Outhwaite.

- Abigail

Views of the east shore from Limone, Lake Garda


The view of Limone from Hotel Castell

Art in the alleys in Limone


The beach in Limone at dusk

Views of the east shore

The beach at Limone

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