villa taranto

davidp39

We spent about two hours just wandering around admiring the wonderful floral displays, especially the dahlias. It was a wonderful way to wind down after three weeks touring the north of Italy. The gardens are easy to reach from Stresa or Verbania by bus or ferry, and there is a good range of food at the cafe if you cannot wait to get to your next destination.

logcabinquilter

this was my fourth visit to the gardens of the Villa Taranto and at this time of the year the gardens are still beautiful. The dahlia maze was lovely to walk through, the colours are so vibrant and they are so tall. Be careful of the café at the entrance though, not especially friendly and expensive, cross over the road to the little kiosk/café, Very friendly and much better value for money.

sandybeachsareus

We did not know about this garden, found out from the Tourist Bureau at the Ferry. The ferry ride is about 45 min and inexpensive. You get to see the three islands and can take lots of pictures on the way. This botanical garden was built by a Scottish sea Captain who made his home here. The Villa Taranto was his home. He bequeathed the gardens and villa to the area on his death. He spent most of his life bringing in trees and flowers from all over the world. There is a small micro climate here that allows all sorts of tropical plants to grow here. Jus the Dahlia garden alone is worth coming to see. Cant remember what we paid to get in but it was not steep. It ames a couple of hours to walk through the whole garden. IT is one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen. Totally worth a visit. Put on your walking shoes and pick a nice day to stroll. Very enjoyable One of the highlights of our trip.

Maillysr

Do not miss this botanical garden of 20,000 plants of botanic value, more than 80,000 blooming bulbs and over 15,000 border plants. Some four miles of cobbled trails take you among some of the most rare plants in the world. A must see.

G2610GKlauras

I had some free time so I took the Public Ferry from Stresa. Easy to do and the gardens were lovely. I would highly recommend it.

mdexterlilly

Stunning gardens including beautiful lotus flowers, water lillies. Had a good lunch in the cafe as well. Only €10 to get in so very good value.

maggie2791

These gardens were recommended by friends and we sailed there from our stay in Stresa by ferry. We visited in September and whilst the azaleas and rhododendrons had finished, the dahlias were out. At the beginning of the gardens there is a path containing over a hundred varieties of dahlias - some small and some large. The rest of the gardens is well signposted in order to visit everywhere without missing some parts out. They have a separate path for people in wheelchairs. There is a snack bar/cafe at the start of the gardens with toilets and a small snack bar in the middle. This one was disappointing as they only had crisps or cakes and coffee or tea in plastic cups. There was a toilet but we didn't visit. This cafe was beside a beautiful waterfall and pond with large lily pads and flowers. Not to be missed.

957pennyg

As a mad keen gardener I was delighted to find this "treasure" in Pallanza and thoroughly enjoyed exploring the variety and excellence of the whole garden. Immaculate but still feeling natural, this was a delight in August but I imagine it must be even more stunning in April and May with the rhodos, azaleas, camellias and tulips. I will have to return to see if I am right!!I was so pleased with the labelling which has consequently involved me in hours of research to see what I can/cannot grow in my own English garden.The cafe at the entrance is excellent and very welcome after a long exploration.

711ruthc

We absolutely loved this garden - and we visit a lot! Easily reached by ferry - the stop is right outside the gate. Something for everyone from specimen trees to semi formal bedding displays, pools and ponds. A great use of colour in beds and pots. I have seen it suggested to allow approx one and a half hours. I would suggest at least double that. There is a cafe serving meals near the entrance and a coffee bar half way round.

Dunworkin49

Beautiful, peaceful spot. Immaculate gardens and plants and trees well labelled. Arrows show direction to follow around gardens. Leaflet shows path for wheelchair access (more information in English would have been helpful). It's a bit of a climb to the top. Should think gardens are good at any time of year. Dahlias in bloom in September and what a show. Lotus almost finished flowering.Went to gardens by lake steamer. Have a good look at the timetable as it doesn't always stop at the villa, so you might have a bit of a wait to be picked up. Cafe is very pleasant.

BertrandM862

Marvelous section with dahlias. The garden is huge and well kept. There is one little problem: lack of paths to cut the very long and alsmost horizontal sections of the road that takes to the hill.

Monty-eFred

If you are visiting Lake Maggiore why not stop for a couple of hours at Villa Taranto. This beautiful botanical garden was hit by a storm in 2012 and lost quite a few of its older trees to it but it is back in shape now. It is not too long to visit, a quiet place, relaxed and interesting.

LPC84

This is a very beautiful garden in Verbania. The entrance price is 9.50 euro and parking is not a problem, there is a parking area in the garden and another free parking area in front of the garden. The garden is very well kept and it's very easy to get around as there are signs to follow andnot to miss anything. If you plan to visit the borromean islands, you can also visit Villa Taranto on the same day as you can purchase the daily ferry ticket that stops just in front of the villa.

MSandDS

Beautifully maintained very large garden with a map to guide you and numerous photo ops. Good signage to get there and - miracle - no problem parking.

Juker-Brx

We went with 6 members of our family, two adults very interested in botany, 2 children, 2 average visitors. All loved it! The gardens are in immaculate shape, well labelled and explained. There is a grat mix of trees, annual flowers, waterbeds with very beautiful flowers - the lotus pond alone is worth the trip. It is out of this world.The children loved it, too. One took photographs, the other collected daisies - the only plants you are allowed to pick.Definitely worth the entrance fee!