Hanbury Botanic Gardens
An 18-hectare botanical garden right by the sea, established in 1867 by the English merchant Thomas Hanbury.
The Hanbury Botanic Gardens sit on the Capo Mortola promontory, about 18 km from Airole, right at the Italian-French border. Thomas Hanbury purchased the grounds around Villa Orengo in 1867 and, together with his brother Daniel, created a botanical garden now managed by the University of Genoa. The garden cascades from the cliff edge down to the sea. Around 5,800 plant species from every continent, many of them rare or first introductions to Europe. The layout follows terraced slopes: the villa at the top, then rose beds, a citrus avenue, Australian eucalyptus sections, tropical zones, orchards, herb gardens, and finally the sea. The Via Julia Augusta — a preserved section of the ancient Roman coastal road — runs through the garden.
Highlights
- Main trail (about 2 km, 200 m elevation) through all climate zones
- Views from the lower garden stretching to Monaco
- Rose and citrus peak from March to May
- Japanese garden, Roman ruins, and villa terrace
- Via Julia Augusta — ancient Roman coastal road through the garden
Directions
Car: 18 km, about 25 minutes. From Airole via the SS20 to Ventimiglia, then SS1 towards Ponte San Ludovico. Bus: from Ventimiglia station, line 1A towards Ponte San Ludovico, stop Mortola Inferiore. Combines well with the Balzi Rossi caves or Ventimiglia Alta.
Paid parking at the entrance, fills up by midday in high season. Alternatively take the bus from Ventimiglia.
Practical Information
Opening hours vary by season: winter 9:30–16:00, spring/autumn 9:30–17:00, summer until 18:00. Closed Mondays from November to February. Moderate admission with family and group rates. Allow 2–3 hours for the main trail. Sturdy shoes recommended — the garden is steep. Plan a break at the café by the villa — the uphill return is the tiring part. Limited wheelchair access.
Best Time to Visit
March to May for peak blooms, September and October for fruit season. Avoid July and August — heat and little shade in the lower garden. Arriving at opening (9:30) is the most pleasant time.
Location
Corso Montecarlo 43, 18039 Ventimiglia
Contact
Prices
9 EUR Erwachsene, 4.50 EUR reduziert
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