Top Things to do in Italian Riviera
Countries
What to do and see in Italian Riviera, Liguria: The Best Gardens
Liguria, or the Italian Riviera, boasts a bounty of beaches and resort towns, such as tiny but tony Portofino and stylish Rapallo. Hiking trails lead from Portofino to the villages of Cinque Terre. The Riviera of the Setting Sun runs north from Genoa to the French border. Connected by an extensive rail network, most towns make easy daytrips from one another. Genoa is the region's principal city and is home to attractions from its famous Cathedral and the Palazzo Reale to an excellent aquarium.
Restaurants in Italian Riviera
1. Giardino Esotico Pallanca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
2. Villa Durazzo Pallavicini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Discover the wonder inside you in the spectacular esoteric park of Villa Durazzo Pallavicini! The Pallavicini Park of Pegli was built between 1840 and 1846. Designed by architect Michele Canzio, at the behest of Marquis Ignazio Alessandro Pallavicini, it is an outstanding example of an Italian and European romantic historical garden. A unique aspect of this garden spread over 8 hectares of hills is its theatrical structure featuring esoteric and Masonic nuances and making every visit a historical, cultural and botanical experience steeped in meditation, philosophy and panoramic scenes. A walk through the park offers views abounding with lakes, streams, waterfalls, garden buildings and furnishings, rare plants, the most ancient collection of camellias, glimpses of views and ‘scenic tricks’ capable of seizing the external scenery and of almost endlessly stretching the borders of this “magical” place. Services: bistro, special guided visits, audio guides in 6 languages
3. I Giardini di Villa della Pergola
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
The Historical Botanical Gardens, restored by landscape architect Paolo Pejrone, cover a surface of 22.000 mq and are renowned for their richness of the evergreen Mediterranean and exotic flora. The Hanburys’ adored Wisteria were reinstated and the old Agapanthuses were replaced by a brand new collection including over 400 different species. A citrus plant collection was introduced, the Hanbury’s beloved Cactaceae and giant Strelitzias were reinstated, and an aquatic environment for lotuses was created on the huge water storage tank. The park has now regained the splendor exhibited during the Dalrymple and Hanbury eras and is one of the botanic marvels of the Riviera and the Mediterranean.
4. Giardini di Villa Ormond
5. Giardini Botanici Hanbury - Villa Hanbury
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 769 reviews
Reviewed By Newtons888 - Bishops Stortford, United Kingdom
We have been coming to Liguria for over 30 years and never made it to the botanical gardens at Ventimiglia. We really should have come sooner! It’s spread over 9 hectares, nearly 22.5 acres, on the side of a, sometimes, vertiginous cliff. You are given a map with your entry ticket and directed to follow the red arrow route. The guide book suggests an hour to an hour and a half to visit the gardens. It took us that long just to get down to the bottom. Once there there is a small coffee shop with cold drinks, panini and ice cream. Rest awhile there, you’ll need to because it took us the best part of an hour to climb back up to the top and the exit. Saying that it was so definitely worth it. Spectacular views and amazing plants. Definitely worth another visit. Go prepared, a comfortable pair of shoes and bring water. There are numerous benches to rest on with great views and photo opportunities abound. Standard adult €9 with discounts for concessions, including RHS membership.
