La Limonaia and Sorrento’s Legendary Lemons
In Sorrento, lemon is king.
Overlooking the Bay of Naples, lemon cultivation in the region dates back to Antiquity.
Medium-large, elliptical in shape, highly fragrant and with a thick, bright yellow rind, the Sorrento lemon, known as Ovale di Sorrento or femminello, is grown on the Sorrento coast, as well as on the island of Capri and in the Neapolitan region. It differs from its Amalfi counterpart in its properties and cultivation methods. More than a tradition, lemon is a way of life on this idyllic coast.
Set on a hillside, La Limonaia and its citrus grove perpetuate a thousand years of know-how, with one of Sorrento’s finest estates. For several generations, this family-run business has been dedicated to growing citrus fruit and preserving the tradition that is so much a part of the land, and so much a part of the Sorrento way of life. The passion for lemons is passed on through tours, cooking classes and a restaurant, with Vesuvius in the background.
Lemons, oranges, citrons, La Limonaia cultivates a varied selection of citrus fruits, as well as a few olive trees spread over 800 m² of land. The tour explores the history of lemon cultivation in the region, of which it is a veritable emblem, as well as the fascinating ancestral techniques still used today, that make the fruit so unique. A tour of the lemon grove reveals, among other things, the Sorrento pergola, a technique typical of the region consisting of a vertical trellis made from chestnut branches and shade cloth, that lines the entire plot and protects the fruit from the elements.
The tour is followed by a tasting of locally produced cheeses, olive oil, pears and honey, all of which enhance the sweet citrus flavours of candied oranges, lemon jam and limoncello from the garden.
Set among the fruit trees, the restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy Italian cuisine, featuring lemons. The menu varies according to the availability of seasonal produce, and each dish is made using local products grown in the gardens.
You can also stop by for a lemonade or cocktail under the pergola, before heading to the boutique to stock up on jams, olive oils, lemon creams and limoncello, of course.
Packages
Tour: 30.00€
Tour + lunch or diner: 60.00€
Book now:
https://www.lalimonaiasorrento.it/en/lemon-tour
@limonaiasorrento
Via Bernardino Rota, 4, 80067 Sorrento NA, Italy