Limone sul Garda Through My Eyes: A Story of My Enchanting Travels

When planning my holiday excursions, my aim is to unearth hidden treasures, places that may not be on the typical tourist radar but offer a unique and captivating experience. To achieve this, I delve into Google Maps, meticulously zooming in on the areas surrounding my accommodations or the spots I plan to visit. It's a digital exploration that involves scrutinizing the map, seeking out intriguing nooks and crannies, and eagerly immersing myself in the visuals provided.

This method proved invaluable during my meticulous preparations for an unforgettable city-break in October 2022, centered around the delightful town of Limone sul Garda. As I scoured the virtual maps and images, a place called Tremosine sul Garda caught my eye. Surprisingly, there was a scarcity of available information about this hidden gem, which only fueled my curiosity and desire to explore it further.

Immersing Myself in the Beauty of Strada della Forra and Tremosine sul Garda

Embarking on this journey was an adventure in itself, and getting to Tremosine sul Garda was a highlight. The route was extraordinary, following the winding Strada della Forra, a road boasting some of the most awe-inspiring panoramic views I've ever encountered. The drive itself was an experience, showcasing the natural beauty of the region.

Both Tremosine sul Garda and the remarkable Strada della Forra are conveniently located a short 25-30 minute drive away from Limone sul Garda. This proximity makes them easily accessible for anyone in the area, and I highly recommend adding them to your list of must-visit spots if you find yourself in this enchanting part of Italy. They truly epitomize the essence of hidden gems, promising a delightful escapade off the beaten path.

Let's begin at the starting point—our journey commenced from Bergamo airport, where we opted to rent a car.

En route to our lodging in Limone (a topic I'll discuss later in this article), we ventured onto this scenic route that led us to Tremosine. Starting from SS 45 bis, meandering along Lake Garda's western shore, we encountered a signpost directing us to Pieve/Strada della Forra or SS 38.

This awe-inspiring road, although breathtaking, proved to be quite narrow in numerous spots. Over a stretch of more than 1 kilometer, traffic lights (with alternate traffic management) guided our way through this stunning route, weaving amidst majestic rocks and ascending to an altitude of over 400 meters above Lake Garda.

Navigating some stretches became a challenge, especially when encountering an approaching vehicle from the opposite direction. There were limited opportunities to retreat or maneuver, and in certain sections, protective nets were strategically placed above the road to mitigate falling rocks. This road, meticulously carved through the rock, featured narrow tunnels, often requiring a show of consideration and flexibility amongst drivers. Negotiating a few blind bends meant proceeding cautiously at a reduced speed. Opting for the smallest, narrowest car possible was advisable over an SUV. It's worth noting that Strada della Forra has earned its well-deserved place on the list of the most picturesque and exhilarating drives.

This road, akin to a gem hewn from the heart of the mountain, beckons experienced drivers seeking a thrilling yet rewarding drive. Inaugurated in 1913, the road offers breathtaking moments where the towering peaks of the rocks, enveloping the road, nearly graze the sky. As you might have guessed, I captured a single image from the road - a fleeting snapshot taken while waiting at a traffic light.

Along this picturesque route, we also came across two charming Ristorante-Pizzerias, providing perfect spots to pause for a meal or a leisurely stroll. Nestled by the banks of the Brasa stream, which has intricately shaped these docks over centuries, these ristorantes offer an inviting respite. I noticed several cars in the parking lots of these two delightful establishments. The locations exude an inviting ambiance, set against a magnificent backdrop, making them an ideal choice for a relaxing and enjoyable lunch. Rest assured, on our next journey, we plan to make a stop here.

Opportunities to pause and marvel at the impressive work are rare along this route. However, we managed to stop and capture a few pictures from one of these vantage points situated at the exit of the dock. As we continued our journey along this exceptionally breathtaking road, we eventually reached the entrance to the village of Pieve di Tremosine, perched at an elevation of 418 meters.

Pieve is among the 18 quaint hamlets constituting the Comune di Tremosine, where only one, Campione, resides along the lake's shoreline. The others are scattered on a plateau above the lake. After some fortunate parking, securing one of the limited designated spaces, we set off to explore the village on foot.

The village is strategically situated, partially clinging to a terraced cliff, offering breathtaking views of Lago di Garda. It's surrounded by the majestic mountains of Parco Alto Garda Bresciano, a protected natural area. Despite being lesser-known and visited, the village unveiled itself in all its splendid glory before our eyes. Notably, Tremosine sul Garda proudly holds a place on the esteemed list of the most beautiful villages in Italy (originally known as I Borghi più Belli d'Italia).

The streets and alleys, often narrow or even very narrow, adorned with beautiful houses and quaint shops, create a picturesque scene akin to a movie setting. As we wandered through these lanes, we marveled at the vaulted pathways, ingeniously carved into the stone beneath the locals' residences—an architectural wonder that defies easy description (a visual aid is attached for clarity). Truly intriguing.

Numerous terraces (terrazza) along our journey offered breathtaking panoramas that left us in awe. We were fortunate to visit two of these terraces, blessed with excellent weather that allowed us to capture some stunning photos, all of which we're excited to share with you soon. Notably, one of the hotels boasts a restaurant with a suspended panoramic terrace—a perfect spot for both lodging and dining. Adjacent to it is another terrace, accessible to all, where gazing downward promises an exhilarating experience—the gaping chasm below us plunged approximately 300 meters. On the opposite lakefront, the majestic Monte Baldo, soaring to 2218 meters, graced our view, while the lakeshore revealed other charming localities.

After indulging in a feast for the eyes and capturing numerous photos, we continued our exploration, reaching a second terrace nestled next to the Church of San Giovanni, originally constructed in the 12th century and later restored to its present form around 1570. This vantage point provided a splendid view of the first terrace and the rocky perch it sat upon. The vista was wide, the scenery exquisite, the sun radiated its warmth—a perfect setting for moments of contemplation and relaxation. The village, oozing with charm, effortlessly captures the essence of nature's allure, strategically nestled between the lake's tranquil blue hues and the sky's expansive azure canvas.

Our time here was nothing short of enchanting, prompting us to make a vow to return for a more extended visit, captivated by the allure of this wonderful place.

Hotel Silvana Garni: Where Comfort Met Convenience on Our City Break

I opted for an affordable accommodation in Limone sul Garda, coming at an excellent price of 50 euros/night for a double room with breakfast included. Remarkably, we secured a room with both a balcony and a stunning view of Lake Garda for this budget-friendly rate.

Following that, we proceeded to rent a Fiat 500 L for our group of four, priced at 14 euros per person for a three-day rental with full insurance coverage. Crunching the numbers, the overall cost worked out incredibly well - a mere 100 euros per person encompassing flights, car rental, and a two-night stay with breakfast.

The check-in time was set for 14:00, allowing me to spend a few hours exploring the aforementioned places.

I reached the hotel around 3 p.m., and the check-in process was swift. The hotel reception featured a board displaying various leaflets recommending activities and attractions in the area. This two-star hotel was clean and met our needs perfectly for our two-night stay. Glancing at the ratings and reviews on profile websites, we were reassured in our choice of this hotel.

Situated on the outskirts of Limone sul Garda, the hotel provided ample parking spaces. At that time, some rooms were already occupied by German and Italian tourists, but finding an unoccupied spot posed no challenge. The hotel offered double, triple, and quadruple rooms spread across two levels, and we were assigned a room on the first floor. The double room boasted parquet flooring, a comfortable double bed flanked by two bedside tables with lamps, a two-door wardrobe, a compact desk, and a mini fridge. A wall-mounted TV hung above the desk, and neatly arranged towels awaited us on the bed.

The true highlight was the breathtaking view from the balcony, truly worth the cost - we could admire nearby palm and olive trees, as well as the expansive lake and the mountains on the opposite shore. The bathroom, though compact, was functional, featuring a corner sink and a shower cabin. Dispensers filled with liquid soap and shower gel were conveniently placed near the sink and in the shower cabin, alongside a tissue box mounted on the wall and a socket under the mirror.

Breakfast was served on the hotel's ground floor, and weather permitting, guests could also dine outdoors on the terrace. The breakfast spread was diverse and pleasing, especially catering to the German tourists who frequented the place. Cold meats and cheeses (offering 2-3 varieties each), three types of bread, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers), a delightful assortment of cakes, jams, honey, butter, chocolate cream, mini-pancakes, tea, juices, croissants, milk, and coffee made for a hearty and satisfying start to the day.

The hotel was approximately 1 km or a leisurely 15-minute walk from the town center. Within a short 4-5 minute walk from the hotel, a supermarket was conveniently located for various purchases, and just 100 meters away, there was a restaurant for dining options.

All in all, we were pleased with the hotel, appreciating its simplicity and the two-star classification, making it a perfect choice for a weekend getaway.

Final thoughts:

In this comprehensive exploration of Limone sul Garda and its surrounding attractions, we've uncovered a wealth of experiences awaiting the avid traveler. From the scenic beauty of Lake Garda to the narrow, picturesque streets of Limone sul Garda, every detail has been meticulously presented.

The journey begins with the practical aspects of planning, such as securing accommodation and transportation. The choice of Hotel Silvana Garni, with its budget-friendly yet inviting options and stunning views of Lake Garda, sets the tone for an exciting and accessible adventure.

In summary, this extensive story doesn't just recount a journey—it serves as an invaluable guide for those planning a Limone sul Garda trip. It captures the true spirit of this exquisite destination, providing a peek into its natural splendor, delightful lodgings, and the irresistible appeal of an Italian urban escapade. The tale of this journey pledges an indelible odyssey, imprinting enduring memories on every adventurer eager to discover the enchanting marvels of Limone sul Garda and its surroundings.