📷 Francoerbi, CC0Villa Taranto gardens
Verbania, Italy
Botanical gardens laid out by a Scottish captain in the 1930s, at their best in spring for azaleas and in August for the lotus ponds. Open from spring to autumn.
The Scottish Captain Neil McEacharn bought the estate in 1931 from the Marchesa di Sant'Elia; the gardens were complete by 1940 and have been open to the public since 1952. The park in Verbania covers 16 hectares and holds several thousand plant species and varieties from around the world. In April more than 14,000 tulips bloom in the labyrinth, along with azaleas and magnolias; roses and hydrangeas follow in May. In summer there are water lilies, oleanders and, in the lotus basin, the sacred lotus; from June to October the winding dahlia path shows blooms of more than 300 species.
The villa itself cannot be visited, as it houses the prefecture of the province of Verbano-Cusio-Ossola. The gardens open seasonally only, generally from about March to early November. Check times and online tickets before you travel. Allow several hours for the visit. The best times are spring, for tulips and azaleas, and summer, for the lotus flowers.
If you travel without a car, according to Lonely Planet you can get off the ferry at the villa's own landing stage or walk from Verbania Pallanza in about 30 minutes, partly on cycle paths.
- Nearest town
- Verbania, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 45.9270, 8.5510
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping ParisiCampsite4 km from Villa Taranto gardensTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- IsolinoCampsite4 km from Villa Taranto gardensTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Lido ToceCampsite5 km from Villa Taranto gardens · 100 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Continental Camping VillageCampsite6 km from Villa Taranto gardensTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping La QuieteCampsite6 km from Villa Taranto gardens · 160 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Lago delle FateCampsite8 km from Villa Taranto gardensTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Villa Taranto gardens?
Villa Taranto gardens is in Verbania, Italy, at GPS 45.9270, 8.5510. It is about 5 km from Stresa.
Can you camp near Villa Taranto gardens?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Area Verbania, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 81 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Villa Taranto gardens?
Villa Taranto gardens is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lake Maggiore and Lake Orta.
What is there to see near Villa Taranto gardens?
Places worth a stop nearby: Isola Bella (4 km), San Carlone statue (18 km), Isola San Giulio (18 km) and Morcote (29 km).
When is the best time to visit Villa Taranto gardens?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)