Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens
A world-class botanical garden on Lake Maggiore, showcasing global flora in meticulously designed landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak tulip blooms
Villa Taranto Botanical Gardens
Best Time
Peak tulip blooms
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A world-class botanical garden on Lake Maggiore, showcasing global flora in meticulously designed landscapes.
"Stunning gardens - some of the best maintained gardens in Italy."
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM for a more peaceful experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tulip Mania
Various sections
Vibrant tulip displays in spring create a breathtaking carpet of color. A must-see for flower enthusiasts!
Water Lily Pond
Greenhouse
Marvel at the rare Victoria Cruziana water lily, a truly unique aquatic spectacle.
Japanese Maples
Various sections
Admire the diverse collection of Japanese maples, especially stunning in autumn.
Lake Maggiore Views
Terraced gardens
Enjoy picturesque vistas of Lake Maggiore framed by lush greenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Plan Your Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM for a more peaceful experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
🗺️ Follow the Numbered Route
Helps manage inclines and ensures you see all the highlights.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens are incredibly photogenic, especially during bloom seasons.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Beat the Crowds
Arrive before 10 AM or after 3 PM for a more peaceful experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain.
🗺️ Follow the Numbered Route
Helps manage inclines and ensures you see all the highlights.
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The gardens are incredibly photogenic, especially during bloom seasons.
🐶 Dog-Friendly
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, making it great for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Villa Taranto's stunning beauty and immaculate maintenance, calling it one of Italy's finest gardens. The diverse flora, well-marked paths, and lovely lake views are highlights, offering a delightful experience for hours. Some find the entrance and cafe prices a bit high, but most agree the visit is well worth it.
"Stunning gardens - some of the best maintained gardens in Italy. Came on a sunny afternoon and managed to avoid the crowds. The staff let us in before the palace and gardens closed… so we were some of the last in and got to enjoy it at our own pace.
Great for beautiful photographs! And if you’re into gardening - there’s much for you to enjoy here too.
Cost us about £20 to see all the gardens and the palace and I’d say it was worth it."
kitty nason
"Gorgeous garden with beautiful flowers and a nice view. Gets crowded quickly during the day, but we arrived before 10 and it was almost empty. They allow dogs inside which is super nice. Make sure to walk in order of the numbers to avoid walking up the steep serpentines."
Melanie Bochmann
"Giardini Botanici di Villa Taranto is a beautiful and well-maintained garden by Lake Maggiore. The huge variety of plants, well-marked paths, and stunning views make walking here a real pleasure. You can easily spend several hours enjoying it. The only downside is the rather high prices at the café and entrance. Despite that, it's definitely worth a visit."
Marcin Borowiak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Villa Taranto is located in Verbania on the western shore of Lake Maggiore. You can reach it by car, with parking available. Alternatively, ferries from other towns on Lake Maggiore offer a scenic arrival. 
Yes, local buses serve Verbania, and ferries connect to various lakeside towns, making it accessible without a car.
Villa Taranto is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Milan, making it a popular day trip destination.
Absolutely! Ferries regularly stop at Villa Taranto, offering a beautiful approach across Lake Maggiore.
Traveling by ferry can be a more relaxed and scenic option, bypassing potential road congestion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for adults is around €13. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing.
While not explicitly stated, purchasing tickets in advance or arriving early on busy days is recommended to avoid waits.
Information on specific discounts is best confirmed directly with the gardens. It's worth inquiring when booking or upon arrival.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's crucial to check the official Villa Taranto website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Generally, time slots are not required, but arriving early, especially on weekends or during peak season, is advised to avoid queues.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Villa Taranto is a photographer's paradise with stunning floral displays, diverse plant life, and beautiful lake views.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light, ideal for capturing the gardens' beauty without harsh shadows.
Drone usage is typically restricted in botanical gardens to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check the garden's specific regulations.
The tulip fields in spring, the water lily pond, and any terrace overlooking Lake Maggiore are highly recommended for photos.
Tripods are usually permitted for personal photography, but it's wise to confirm with the garden management to avoid any restrictions.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can easily spend 3-4 hours exploring the gardens, or even longer if you wish to relax and enjoy the cafe.
While not always advertised, inquire at the entrance about any available guided tours or information leaflets to enhance your visit.
Yes, there is a cafe on site where you can purchase refreshments and light meals.
Picnics are generally allowed in designated areas, but it's best to confirm this policy upon arrival.
Yes, Villa Taranto is dog-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs on leashes to accompany visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't dedicated play areas, the open spaces and the novelty of the water lily pond can captivate young minds. Bringing snacks and water is advisable, and the on-site cafe provides options for a break. Remember to emphasize comfortable footwear for everyone, as the gardens involve a good amount of walking.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Arriving early or visiting during less crowded times can enhance the experience without additional cost. The sheer beauty and horticultural diversity offer significant value for the admission price, especially if you appreciate nature and photography.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Plan your visit around the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for the best natural light. The seasonal blooms, especially tulips in spring and Japanese maples in autumn, provide spectacular subjects. Don't forget to capture the unique water lily species and the picturesque views of Lake Maggiore.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Scot's Horticultural Vision
The garden spans 16 hectares and features a remarkable diversity of flora, including over 1,000 species of plants. McEacharn's design emphasizes terraced gardens, vibrant flowerbeds, and thematic areas, all meticulously maintained. The result is a breathtaking landscape that seamlessly blends natural beauty with artistic horticultural design, making it one of the most admired botanical gardens in Europe.
+1Visitors can follow a numbered path that guides them through the various sections, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the garden's treasures. This thoughtful layout allows for an immersive experience, where each turn reveals new botanical wonders and stunning vistas of Lake Maggiore.
Seasonal Spectacles
This is also when dogwoods and various flowering shrubs are at their peak. As summer arrives, the gardens continue to impress with the blooming of water lilies, including the impressive Victoria Cruziana in the greenhouse.
The lush greenery provides a serene backdrop, and the lake views are particularly inviting during the warmer months. Autumn brings a different kind of magic, as the Japanese maples transform the landscape with their fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow.
This seasonal transformation offers a unique perspective on the garden's design and plant collection, making it a worthwhile visit even as the weather cools. Navigating the Gardens
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll be covering a significant distance on varied terrain. The paths are generally well-maintained, but some can be steep. Benches are strategically placed throughout the gardens, offering opportunities to rest and soak in the scenery.
For those who wish to extend their stay or enjoy a leisurely pace, there are cafes on-site offering refreshments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit