6 lesser-known, gorgeous gardens in Italy

Whether you’d prefer to stroll around the leafy shores of the Italian lakes or discover a magical botanical garden in Florence, here are six of Italy’s best, lesser-known gardens.

Villa San Michele in Anacapri, Campania

Swedish physician and author, Axel Munthe, dedicated much of his life to building his dream home – Villa San Michele – on the island of Capri. He then lived here between 1896 and 1910, decorating it with Roman relics that he discovered scattered all over his land. Now a famous ‘Casa Museo’, the villa is situated at the top of the Phoenician Steps, overlooking the gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The garden is a natural wonderland with vegetation intertwining with sculptures and archaeological artefacts; walking along the colonnade, you will pass sculpted terraces and secret corners for reading a book surrounded by Mediterranean flora. Stay nearby at B&B Il Sogno, a restored 1950s villa with its own peaceful and heady floral-scented garden.

Giardini di Villa Taranto in Verbania, Piedmont

Planted by a Scottish Captain, Neil McEacharn, on the shores of Lago Maggiore in the 1930s, the Gardens of Villa Taranto are of considerable historic and botanical value. 16 hectares of manicured greenery surrounds the pale-yellow mansion, backed by snow-capped mountains and facing the midnight-blue lake. The gardens contain nearly 20,000 plant varieties from every corner of the world, with several rare collections including azaleas and a maze of dahlias. Follow the 7km of paths past fountains, sculptures, greenhouses with water lilies and terraced gardens with waterfalls running through the middle. Stay at the Hotel Belvedere, with its pastel colour scheme and lake views, a 5-minute drive from the gardens.

Giardini La Mortella in Forio, Ischia

La Mortella is a private garden on the island of Ischia that was only opened to the public in 1991. It was created in 1950 by Susana Walton, wife of the composer William Walton, when the couple first moved to the island. Filled with a variety of tropical and Mediterranean plants, from palms, ferns, yucca and succulents to magnolias, orchids and hydrangeas, it’s easy to lose yourself while wandering the winding paths between ponds and fountains. Don’t miss the Crocodile Pool at the top of the garden; a pond bordered by bright agapanthus flowers and containing a large, bronze crocodile sculpture. Check into the Garden & Villas Resort for even more greenery after your visit to La Mortella, which is just 1km away.

Villa Garzoni in Collodi, Tuscany

Just outside the small, terracotta-coloured Tuscan town of Lucca, the Garzoni Garden is located somewhat off the tourist trail. Yet it’s one of the most spectacular in all of Italy, built into a steep hillside and designed by local architect, Ottaviano Diodati, in the 18th century. Admire the whimsical water garden at the bottom of the grand staircase that combines Renaissance and Baroque design with balustraded terraces and perfect symmetry. Climb to the top for views of the wider region, before visiting the beautiful Butterfly House. Stay at Villa Colle Olivi, a farmstay set on the rolling Tuscan hills, where you’ll be treated to its own selection of homemade jams and olive oil.

Giardino di Ninfa in Cisterna di Latina, Lazio

With crumbling ruins and lilac wisteria reflected on the lakes, the Giardino di Ninfa in the commune of Cisterna di Latina has been described as ‘the most romantic garden in the world’. It contains the remains of the ancient settlement of Ninfa, a wealthy town during the Middle Ages, and guided tours are available to show you the old watchtowers, churches and stone bridges dotted around its 105 hectares. It’s also protected by the WWF on account of its biodiversity, being home to over 1,000 different exotic plants and animals, including avocado, banana and Japanese maple, as well as hundreds of animals. Stay at Cincinnato Agriturismo, a farmhouse less than 15 minutes’ drive from Ninfa.

Giardino dell’Iris in Firenze, Tuscany

Giardino dell’Iris is a botanical garden specializing in the cultivation of iris flowers, the symbol of Florence. It is only open when the irises are in bloom (generally April-May), so it’s important to check this before planning your visit. Located on the side of Piazzale Michelangelo, the garden has some of the best views of the city, contains thousands of flowers and is bordered by gnarled old olive trees. Stay at Mòsì Firenze and enjoy a homemade Italian breakfast in the courtyard before walking 15 minutes to Giardino dell’Iris.