Smelling Italy: the Zagara, the lemon blossom in spring Photo: stock.adobe.com/Sabbir Digital
From our editorial team
While we are still waiting for the first real rays of sunshine here, a natural phenomenon is awakening in the south of Italy that is addictive...
Zagara* is what the Italians call the precious blossoms of the citrus trees. When they open in March, a fragrance fills the coasts that you would love to bottle. If you visit Italy now, you can experience the country at its most relaxed - without the stress of the heat and without the crowds of tourists. Here are our 5 favourites:
*The blossoms of oranges and mandarins are also called this.
1st Amalfi Coast: Hiking on the „Lemon Trail“
Between Maiori and Minori, the Sentiero dei Limoni awaits you. This historic path leads you directly through the terraced gardens of the famous Amalfi lemon.
- The experience: You walk under pergolas on which, ideally, the bright yellow fruits and the new, white flowers hang at the same time.
- Insider tip: Make a stop in Minori at the Pasticceria Sal De Riso and treat yourself to a „Delizia al Limone“ - a lemon pastry that tastes like a cloud. P.S. The price is steep, but so is the flavour.
2 Sicily: The white sea of flowers on Mount Etna
The volcanic soil around Mount Etna is pure gold for citrus fruits. In the area around Acireale, you will find huge plantations that stretch all the way to the sea.
- The experience: The view is unbeatable - the snow-covered volcano above, the deep blue sea below and the snow-white sea of flowers in between.
- Insider tip: Be sure to try a fresh granita di limone. In spring, it tastes particularly intense thanks to the fresh flavours of the season.
3rd Lake Garda: The northernmost lemon blossom in Europe
In Limone sul Garda, lemons grow thanks to special greenhouses, the Limonaie, for centuries.
- The experience: A visit to the Limonaia del Castel. The old stone walls store the heat and make the scent of the flowers really intense, especially in the late afternoon.
- Insider tip: As it is still mild on Lake Garda in spring, now is the perfect time to explore the lakeside promenades by bike before it gets too crowded in summer.
4th Sorrento: Your retreat in the „Giardini di Cataldo“
Sorrento and lemons simply belong together. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, there are hidden gardens, the Giardini di Cataldo, which are true oases of peace.
- The experience: Stroll through the Esposito family's groves. You can sit under the trees and eat homemade lemon ice cream while the flowers dance in the wind above you.
- Insider tip: Take the ferry over to Capri for a day - the crossing in the spring sunshine is the ultimate holiday feeling.
5th Liguria: The lemon festival in Monterosso
In the Cinque Terre, the lemon has almost cult status, especially in Monterosso al Mare.
- The experience: If you are there in May, you will experience the „Sagra del Limone“. The whole village lights up in yellow and you can try specialities that can only be found there.
- Insider tip: The hiking trails between the villages are now perfect. At $18^{\circ}\text{C}$ to $20^{\circ}\text{C}$, the steps in the Cinque Terre are even fun.
Your travel check: When are you travelling?
The main time for the Zagara starts at the end of March and is at its best in April. As many lemon trees in Italy blossom several times a year, you are often lucky until June - but the first blossom after winter is definitely the most flavourful.
