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Villa Pallavicino Park

4.6
·284 reviews·Stresa, Italy

A fairytale park on Lake Maggiore with a zoo, stunning gardens, and playful animals. Perfect for families and nature lovers!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

April mornings

Peak floral bloom

CrowdMedium
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La villa

Villa Pallavicino Park

Best Time

April mornings

Peak floral bloom

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A fairytale park on Lake Maggiore with a zoo, stunning gardens, and playful animals. Perfect for families and nature lovers!

4.6
(284 reviews)

"A piece of paradise on the shores of Lake Maggiore, beautiful, well-kept, and interesting."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Petting Zoo Fun

Don't miss the diverse petting zoo, including alpacas! Kids love cuddling with the goats.

🌸 Spring Garden Spectacle

Visit in April for amazing blooming flowers like rhododendrons and tulips.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Enchanted Zoological Park

The Enchanted Zoological Park

Within the park grounds

Wander through a diverse collection of animals, from zebras and llamas to playful alpacas and exotic birds. A true delight for all ages!

Blooming Gardens & Cypress Archways

Blooming Gardens & Cypress Archways

Throughout the park

Stroll through a fairytale landscape of vibrant flowers, serene streams, and iconic cypress archways. A photographer's dream!

Children's Play Area with a View

Children's Play Area with a View

Near the cafe

Let the kids burn off energy at a well-equipped playground while you soak in the stunning lake views.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Peak Bloom

Visit in April for the most vibrant floral displays, especially rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas. While the zoo is year-round, the gardens truly shine in spring. Consider weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.

Budgeting for Your Visit

While entrance fees can add up, especially for families, many visitors find the experience worthwhile. Look for free parking opposite the park. Pack snacks and drinks to save on park cafe prices, though the cafe offers reasonable options with lake views.

Best Times

When
April mornings
Why
Peak floral bloom
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays, late spring
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Shady and cool
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

La gita perfetta esiste 🦜 🌷Questo è proprio il periodo dell’anno in cui viene voglia di fare gite fuori porta a contatto con la natura e gli animali. Trascorrere la giornata al Parco Pallavicino di Stresa sarà uno spasso per grandi e piccini, ve lo assicuriamo! 🎟️Il ticket di ingresso costa 15€ 🚙 Di fronte al parco c’è un comodo parcheggio gratuito Se vuoi fare questo viaggietto salva il video ✅ ❣...
@fattidiviaggi
17.7K likes • 384.8K views

🐾 Petting Zoo Fun

Don't miss the diverse petting zoo, including alpacas! Kids love cuddling with the goats. InstagramReddit

🌸 Spring Garden Spectacle

Visit in April for amazing blooming flowers like rhododendrons and tulips. InstagramReddit+1

Ti sembrerà di stare in un mondo incantato🦚🌸🕊🪄 #parcopallavicino #stresa #lagomaggiore #doveandare #cosavedere
@girasole_giramondo
17.6K likes • 496.7K views
Lovely Villa Pallavicino with a beautiful park and zoo. 💚. #lagomaggiore❤️ #villapalavicino #villapalavichino #stresaitaly #stresa #stresalagomaggiore #stresapark #pallavicinopark
elennium_photo
304 likes • 2.3K views

🚗 Free Parking Available

Convenient free parking is located directly opposite the park entrance. TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive park and gardens. Reddit

The Park of Villa Pallavicino in Stresa is a favourite tourist attraction on Lake Maggiore, a paradise of flowers and animals to delight visitors of all ages 💛 #theitalianpie
theitalianpie
99 likes • 4.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Petting Zoo Fun

Don't miss the diverse petting zoo, including alpacas! Kids love cuddling with the goats. InstagramReddit

🌸 Spring Garden Spectacle

Visit in April for amazing blooming flowers like rhododendrons and tulips. InstagramReddit+1

🚗 Free Parking Available

Convenient free parking is located directly opposite the park entrance. TikTokReddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the expansive park and gardens. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

The park offers countless picturesque spots, especially with peacocks and colorful flowers. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(284 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Villa Pallavicino Park for its stunning beauty, diverse animal collection, and enchanting atmosphere. The blooming gardens are a highlight, especially in spring, and the petting zoo is a hit with families. While some find the entrance fee a bit high, most agree the experience is well worth the cost for a magical day out.

"Absolutely stunning place to visit. The garden is incredibly beautiful when you can meet white peacock and other animals. There is a mini zoo with pets. Children's playground and place to eat with a beautiful view of the lake. Entrance costs €20 per adult and child. Parking is located opposite the park and is free."

Oksana Kryukov

"A piece of paradise on the shores lake Maggiore.
The place is beautiful, well kept and interesting.
There is a petting zoo which is big and diverse that includes even alpakas.
The flowers garden is amazing in April (when we visited), blooming and colorful.
The kids playground has several options that can keep the kids busy for at least half an hour.
The cafeteria in nice, with a small menu and reasonable prices for parks.

Walking along the paths in the park feels like in a fairytale. The flowers, the steams and waterfalls, the brideges and the are set together wonderfully.

We enjoyed it and spend 2 hours without even noticing.
There is a roomy parking outside (we didn't come on a weekend)."

שגיא מיארה

"Expensive but worth it for cuddling with a goat"

Patrick Huhn

What People Like

Beautiful gardens and flowers
Diverse animal collection
Enchanting atmosphere

What People Dislike

Entrance fee can be high

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Villa Pallavicino Park is located on the lakefront, about a 10-minute walk from the Stresa ferry station. The path is paved and pleasant. Reddit You can also drive, with free parking available directly opposite the park entrance. TikTokReddit

Yes, there is a roomy and free parking lot located directly opposite the park entrance, which is very convenient. TikTokReddit

The park is easily accessible by foot from the Stresa ferry station, making it a convenient stop if you're exploring Lake Maggiore by boat. Reddit

Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination, especially from Milan, offering a refreshing escape into nature and animal encounters. Instagram+1

Stresa is well-connected by train, making it an easy destination to reach from major Italian cities like Milan. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entrance fees are approximately €20 per adult and child. While some find it a bit expensive, many reviews suggest it's worth the cost for the experience. TikTokReddit

Information on specific discounts or family tickets isn't widely publicized, but the stated price is per adult and child. It's always a good idea to check their official website or inquire upon arrival. TikTok

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Villa Pallavicino Park website for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

While online ticket purchasing options are not always highlighted, it's recommended to check the official website for any pre-booking facilities to save time. Reddit

No, the villa building is not open to the public. The main attraction is the zoological park and the surrounding gardens. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see a variety of animals including zebras, llamas, wallabies, prairie dogs, parrots, toucans, deer, and even alpacas! The park also features white peacocks. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, there is a large and diverse petting zoo where you can interact with animals like goats and other farm animals. InstagramReddit

Children will love the petting zoo and the well-equipped playground. The entire park offers a magical atmosphere that captivates young minds. TikTokInstagram

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the zoo and gardens, though you could easily spend longer if you relax and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Absolutely! The park is incredibly picturesque with its blooming flowers, diverse animals, and beautiful lake views, making it a photographer's paradise. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafeteria within the park that offers a small menu with reasonable prices and lovely views of the lake. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check park rules. However, many visitors opt to pack snacks and drinks to save money. TikTok

The cafe typically offers light snacks, drinks, and possibly some simple meal options. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit. Reddit

Designated picnic areas are not specifically mentioned, but the park's grounds offer many scenic spots where you might be able to enjoy a packed lunch. Reddit

Prices at the park cafe are generally considered reasonable for a tourist attraction, offering good value for the convenience and views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for the iconic cypress archways, the blooming flower gardens in spring, and of course, the diverse animals like peacocks and zebras. The lake views are also stunning. Instagram+1

Yes, many animals are quite accessible, allowing for close-up shots. The peacocks often display their feathers, providing great photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow. TikTok

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and attractions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reddit

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and general shots, while a telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) is useful for capturing animal details from a distance. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Villa Pallavicino Park is a fantastic destination for families. The petting zoo is a huge hit, allowing kids to get up close with animals like goats and alpacas. InstagramReddit The children's playground is well-equipped and provides ample space for them to burn off energy. Instagram The park's shady areas make it comfortable even on hot days, and the variety of animals, from zebras to colorful birds, will keep them entertained for hours. TikTokInstagram

Consider packing snacks and drinks to manage costs, although the on-site cafe offers reasonable options with lake views. TikTokReddit The overall experience is often described as magical and enchanting, making it a memorable outing for the whole family. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Villa Pallavicino Park is a dream. The iconic cypress archways create dramatic leading lines, while the vibrant floral displays in spring offer stunning color palettes. Instagram+1 Capture the exotic beauty of the white peacocks and the diverse wildlife, from zebras to tropical birds. TikTokInstagram The park's naturalistic design, with streams and bridges, provides endless opportunities for creative shots. Reddit

Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best light. A versatile lens setup will serve you well, allowing you to capture both sweeping landscapes and detailed animal portraits. Instagram The park's beauty is consistently praised, making it a highly rewarding location for capturing memorable images. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Nature Lovers & Gardeners

Nature lovers will be enchanted by the meticulously maintained gardens of Villa Pallavicino. The park is renowned for its spectacular floral displays, particularly in April, featuring a wide array of rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas. InstagramReddit+1 The ancient trees, including a magnificent Lebanon Cedar, and the exotic plant species cultivated in the old greenhouses add to the botanical richness. Reddit

Beyond the flowers, the park's landscape design is a masterpiece, with serene streams, picturesque bridges, and the iconic cypress archways creating a tranquil and aesthetically pleasing environment. Reddit It's a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to immerse yourself in natural beauty. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Stroll Through History and Nature

Villa Pallavicino Park is more than just a beautiful garden; it's a place steeped in history. Originally built in the 19th century, the villa and its grounds have seen several owners, including Marquis Ludovico Pallavicino, who significantly shaped the park into its current form. The zoological park was opened to the public in 1954 and remains under the ownership of the Pallavicino family, preserving its unique charm. Reddit

As you wander through the park, you'll encounter splendid cypress archways and magnificent trees like the Lebanon Cedar. The lawns are adorned with rhododendrons, camellias, and azaleas, creating a breathtaking floral spectacle, especially in spring. The old greenhouses also house a variety of exotic plant species, adding to the botanical richness of the estate. Instagram+1

The park's design seamlessly blends manicured gardens with naturalistic elements, featuring streams, waterfalls, and charming bridges. This thoughtful arrangement creates an enchanting atmosphere that feels like stepping into a fairytale, making it a truly memorable experience for visitors of all ages. TikTokReddit

The Zoological Park: A Family Favorite

The zoological park is a major draw for visitors, offering a delightful array of animals that captivate both children and adults. You can get up close to species like zebras, llamas, wallabies, prairie dogs, and a colorful collection of parrots and toucans. Reddit The presence of white peacocks strutting around adds a touch of exotic elegance to the park. TikTokInstagram

One of the most beloved features is the petting zoo, where children can interact with friendly farm animals like goats. InstagramReddit This hands-on experience is often highlighted as a favorite part of the visit, providing memorable moments for younger guests. The park also boasts a well-equipped children's playground, ensuring that kids have plenty of opportunities to play and explore. Instagram

Many visitors, especially families, find the park to be a perfect outing. The combination of animals, play areas, and the beautiful natural surroundings makes it an engaging and enjoyable destination. The park is also noted for being pleasantly shady, offering a welcome respite on warmer days. Instagram

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