Famous for its intense aroma, juicy pulp and precious essential oils, the Amalfi lemon is an ambassador of the enchantment of the Costiera Amalfitana throughout the world. Let’s find out its characteristics, where to taste it and how to visit the most beautiful “Limonaie”.

Of Asian origin, the lemon arrived in Italy thanks to the Arabs and spread particularly during the Maritime Republic of Amalfi which used to load its ships with abundant supplies of this precious fruit rich in vitamin C to combat scurvy.

Its production, favored by the ideal climate of the Coast, continued to grow until the nineteenth century, thanks also to the high demand from Northern European countries.

Do you know the land where the lemon-trees grow, in darkened leaves the gold-oranges glow, a soft wind blows from the pure blue sky, the myrtle stands mute, and the bay-tree high?

(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)

The Sfusato Amalfitano variety, today Protected Geographical Indication “Amalfi Coast Lemon”, is recognized for various characteristics, such as the tapered shape of the fruit, hence the term “sfusato”, as well as for the richness of essential oils that make it the perfect ingredient for various uses.

In Costiera Amalfitana, lemon is, in fact, the absolute protagonist in food and we find it in the most famous preparations, such as in the extraordinary linguine with lemon and raw prawns, in limoncello and in granitas, as well as in perfumes and even in fashion and interior design such as decorative pattern.

Many designers have been inspired by this extraordinary fruit, just think of Dolce&Gabbana‘s collections, and, in particular, of their use as an inspiration of the historical paper wrappers with which citrus fruits were packed. Very diffused in the 1900s, they have now become objects of collection and cult for creatives all over the world.

The cultivation of the Amalfi lemon takes place in the typical terraces created along the slopes of the Coast and protected by “pagliarelle” and shade nets; real gardens suspended over the sea which, for their beauty, have contributed to making the Costiera Amalfitana famous worldwide.

The lemon harvest occurs several times a year, although the best production is usually obtained in spring–summer, between March and the end of July. This is the perfect time to visit the Sentiero dei Limoni, a splendid panoramic route that connects the small towns of Maiori and Minori, near Amalfi.

Among the most beautiful lemon groves (limonaie in Italian) in Amalfi, there is certainly that of the Hotel Santa Caterina, where we recommend staying or booking a lunch or dinner based on lemon delights. A true legend of international hospitality it was inaugurated in 1904 and then expanded by the Gambardella family to become a real resort immersed in a splendid Garden of Eden.

You can also visit Salvatore Aceto’s Limonaia, whose story begins in 1825 when he purchased a small plot of land in Ravello, becoming the largest lemon producer on the entire Amalfi Coast after the Second World War.

Today it is Salvatore, named after his ancestor who started the business, who is dedicated to carrying on the tradition by running a sustainable and organic production of different varieties. The company is famous for organising fun experiences for visitors, such as the Lemon Tour and the Cooking Lessons.

The Secret

The Hotel Santa Caterina is the only 5-star hotel on the Amalfi Coast with direct access to the sea which can be reached, not only by going along the typical stone staircases overlooking the sea, but also by taking its panoramic lifts, defined by many international newspapers as “the most beautiful ones in the world”.

Useful Info

Hotel Santa Caterina Amalfi
Limonaia Salvatore Aceto