Villa Taranto in Verbania: Botanical Garden on Lake Maggiore
The world-famous botanical garden of Villa Taranto in Verbania on Lake Maggiore
Villa Taranto on Lake Maggiore (Verbania/IT)
Villa Taranto and its Botanical Garden
Villa Taranto is one of the most beautiful sights on Lake Maggiore. Its famous Botanical Garden, in particular, makes it one of the most popular excursion destinations in Verbania. Nestled between the lake shore and mountains, the estate combines nature, history, and a rich variety of plants. You can reach Villa Taranto in approx. 30 minutes from Lakeview Cannobio.
Anyone spending their vacation on Lake Maggiore should not miss a visit to Villa Taranto and its botanical garden. The extensive park is one of Europe's most significant botanical gardens and delights thousands of visitors every year with its plant diversity, artfully designed garden landscapes, and beautiful views of the lake.
The focus is less on the villa itself, which is not open to the public, and more on the botanical garden, which spans approximately 16 hectares and invites visitors to take long walks.
Villa Taranto at a Glance
- Location: Via Vittorio Veneto 111, Verbania-Pallanza
- From Cannobio: approx. 30 minutes by car
- Garden: approx. 16 hectares, about 20,000 plants, over 7 km of paths
- Highlights: Tulips in spring, dahlias in summer, water lilies and lotus
- Season: from March, with shortened autumn hours until December 8 in 2026
- Tip: Buy tickets online; the garden remains closed in case of severe weather warnings
The history of Villa Taranto
The history of Villa Taranto begins in the 19th century: Around 1870, Count Orsetti had the estate built, then still called "La Crocetta."
The decisive turning point came in 1931. Scottish Captain and passionate botanist Neil Boyd McEacharn bought the property with the goal of creating one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. He renamed the villa "Villa Taranto" in honor of an ancestor who had received the title Duke of Taranto from Napoleon.
In the following years, he invested a lot of time, passion, and money into the estate. Over 2000 trees were removed, the grounds completely redesigned, and an irrigation system installed that uses water directly from Lake Maggiore. Despite the interruption by World War II, McEacharn continued his work, and in 1952, the garden opened to the public. After his death in 1964, the estate passed to the Italian state, and a foundation has been responsible for its care and preservation ever since.
The Botanical Garden
The botanical garden is the heart of the estate and a paradise for plant lovers. Approximately 20,000 plants from all over the world grow on about 16 hectares, ranging from Mediterranean plants to tropical species, including many rare varieties. The garden is designed in the style of an English landscape garden but also combines Italian elements such as terraces, fountains, and sculptures. Particularly beautiful are the paths, over seven kilometers long, that lead through the different garden areas.
What you can discover in the garden
A stroll through the garden is like a journey through different climate zones and continents. Highlights include magnificent rhododendrons and azaleas, tulip fields and dahlia gardens, lotus flowers and water lilies, as well as rare trees like the handkerchief tree. In spring, the garden transforms into a sea of tulips; in summer, hundreds of dahlia varieties provide a splash of color. Delicate tropical plants, including rare water lily species, grow in the greenhouses. Waterfalls, ponds, and fountains create a tranquil atmosphere.
Getting there from Cannobio and Parking
By car, drive along the lake shore via Cannero Riviera and Ghiffa to Verbania; this takes about 30 minutes. Parking spaces directly at Villa Taranto are quickly occupied. We recommend parking on "Lungolago Giovanni Palatucci" street. You can also reach Verbania by scheduled boat service from Cannobio.
Practical Information
The garden opens in spring; in 2026, shortened autumn hours apply from October 19 until December 8. In case of severe weather warnings (orange or red level), the garden remains closed. The best time to visit depends on your interests: in spring, the tulip bloom is impressive; in summer, the lush vegetation with dahlias; in autumn, the tranquil atmosphere and warm colors.
A tour can take several hours and is well-suited for a relaxed day trip. The excursion can be ideally combined with a stroll through Verbania-Intra. Especially during the summer months, we recommend booking tickets online to avoid waiting times at the ticket office.
Our Conclusion
Villa Taranto and its botanical garden are among the most impressive sights on Lake Maggiore: history, plant diversity, and its location in Verbania make it a highlight. If you want to see more gardens, visit Isola Madre on the Borromean Islands or the Brissago Islands, both very close by.
You can reach Villa Taranto from here in around 30 minutes. You can stay with us in Cannobio by the lake—whether in a mobile home on Lake Maggiore, a holiday apartment in Cannobio, or on a pitch for your motorhome.
Tickets and information directly from Villa Taranto
Questions and answers
A world-renowned botanical garden in Verbania on Lake Maggiore, featuring an English landscape garden with Italian elements and approximately 20,000 plants from around the world.