Rated by National Geographic as a must-visit in a lifetime, half lemon, half sea

If you are planning an Italian trip filled with sunshine, sea breeze, and the fresh scent of lemons, this guide is tailored for you, highlighting the essence of Italy’s three major lemon towns. From Positano, rated by National Geographic as a "must-visit in a lifetime," to Sorrento, the birthplace of lemon culture, and finally to Limone sul Garda, a hidden town by Lake Garda, each place is like a lemon candy embedded in the Mediterranean—tart and sweet, unforgettable.

🍋 1. Highlights of the Three Major Lemon Towns
1. Sorrento — The Birthplace of Lemon Culture
- Features: The air is filled with the fresh scent of lemons, with century-old lemon groves everywhere. You can pick lemons by hand and learn to make lemon liqueur.
- Core experiences:
- Explore lemon groves: Recommended are I Giardini di Cataldo (picking + lemon liqueur making class) or Agruminato (organic farm cooking class).
- Stroll through lemon-lined streets: Via San Cesareo, the main street, is full of lemon soaps, ceramic souvenirs, and more—perfect for photos.
- Best season: May (when lemon flowers bloom) or September-October (fruit ripening), avoid the hot and crowded July-August period.

2. Positano — National Geographic Certified "Must-Visit in a Lifetime"
- Features: Colorful cliffside houses intertwined with lemon trees, filming location of the movie "Under the Tuscan Sun."
- Must-visit spots:
- Via Cristoforo Colombo 175: An Instagram-worthy panoramic spot under a flower trellis overlooking the Mediterranean.
- Spiaggia Grande Beach: One of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, surrounded by colorful houses like a postcard.
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta: Cream-yellow exterior with a colorful ceramic dome, a popular local wedding venue.
- Transportation: Take the train from Naples to Sorrento (€4.6), then transfer to the SITA bus (€2.4, choose the right-side seat for sea views).

3. Limone sul Garda — A Hidden Town by Lake Garda
- Features: A thousand-year history of lemon cultivation, combining cliffside lake views with an authentic atmosphere, with few tourists.
- Unique experiences:
- Limonaia del Castel: An 18th-century lemon garden museum overlooking Lake Garda.
- Ciclopista del Garda boardwalk: A 50-meter-high lakeside cycling/walking path with cliffs on the left and lake water on the right.
- Suitable for: Those who prefer tranquility and have a limited budget (meals €15-30 per person).

🚗 2. Transportation and Itinerary Planning
- How to connect the three towns?
- Classic route (5-7 days):
Sorrento (2 days) → Positano (1 day) → Limone (2 days, 2.5-hour drive from Milan).
- Recommended day trips nearby:
- Capri Island (departing from Sorrento): 30-minute boat ride to explore the Blue Grotto and the lemon perfume workshop Carthusia.
- Pompeii Ancient City (30-minute direct train from Sorrento): Experience ancient Roman ruins combined with a hike on Mount Vesuvius.

🍽️ 3. Must-Try Lemon Delicacies
- Must-try dishes:
- Lemon Scialatielli: Handmade wide pasta with lemon cream sauce, fresh and refreshing.
- Lemon Cake (Delizia al Limone): Sponge cake drizzled with lemon glaze, the "soul dessert" of Sorrento.
- Lemon Sorbet (Sorbetto di limone): A must-have on the streets of Positano.
- Featured restaurants:
- Sorrento: Ristorante ‘O Parrucchiano (a century-old lemon grove restaurant).
- Positano: Ristorante Bruno (terrace sea view + fried seafood) or Da Vincenzo (Michelin recommended).

🏡 4. Accommodation and Practical Tips
- Recommended accommodations:
- Sorrento: Lemon grove farmhouse stay (Agriturismo Il Casolare), wake up to the scent of lemons.
- Positano: Cliffside hotel Le Sirenuse (great pool photos) or budget-friendly Buca Di Bacco (near the beach).
- Limone: Lake view guesthouse BOUGANVILLE APARTMENT, balcony facing the old harbor.
- Pitfall warnings:
- For lemon products on the street, look for the "Sorrento Lemon" origin label to avoid overpriced non-local goods.
- The Blue Grotto (Capri Island) has over 3-hour queues in peak season, with only a 5-minute visit—be cautious if traveling with children.
- Pre-trip preparations:
- Comfortable flat shoes (many cobblestones and stairs), sun hat, sunglasses.
- Lemon groves require reservations; do not pull branches when picking.

💎 Conclusion: When Lemon Yellow Meets Mediterranean Blue
Whether you choose to sip Limoncello under the lemon vines in Sorrento, seek the romantic scenes of "Under the Tuscan Sun" in Positano’s colorful alleys, or quietly listen to the wind along the lakeside boardwalk in Limone—these towns always heal every heart longing to escape the hustle and bustle with the simplest colors and scents. Take this guide with you and let the sweet and sour taste of lemons become the brightest highlight of your Italian journey! 🍋✨