It is considered a little pearl of the east Lake Garda. Limone is the Italian word for 'lemon'. Limone's name seems to derive from the ancient "lemos" (olmo, Elm) or from a Latin word, "limes", meaning 'boundary'. The term limes is probably the correct one, since the town is still close to a boundary: between the two provinces of Brescia and Trento.
However the term Limone is linked to the cultivation of lemon trees in beautiful lemon groves, sheltered from the northern winds. The climate is mild and the Mediterranean vegetation shows oleanders and palms growing near olive groves, greenhouses of lemon, orange and tangerine trees.
Limone is a little town of around a thousand inhabitants. Up until 1932 the town was reachable only by boat or through the mountains; inhabitants were mainly fisherman or farmers.
When the road finally was inaugurated (28 km of length dug in the rock), Limone opened its doors to tourism. The scent of lemon groves, raised on ledges over the houses, blended with the one of jasmines, honeysuckles and with the colorful bouganvilles.
In 1979 Limone became popular thanks to a scientific research on the impressive number of centenaria in the small town. Besides there were little cases of cardiovascular illness. Scientists announced the discovery of a particular protein in some inhabitants' blood, which is said to protect heart and arteries, and helping against heart stroke and arteriosclerosis.
