The Hanbury Botanical Gardens are among the most famous gardens in Italy: 18 hectares on the Mortola promontory, between Ventimiglia and the French border, descending in terraces from the palazzo down to the sea. They are home to plants from every continent, above all tropical and subtropical species, which grow here in the open air thanks to the mild climate.
From Bordighera it takes about 25 minutes by car.
History
In 1867 Thomas Hanbury, an Englishman who had made his fortune in the tea trade in Shanghai, bought the villa and the land of Capo Mortola and began to create the garden. He was helped by his brother Daniel, a botanist, and by German gardeners and botanists such as Ludwig Winter, the same Winter of Bordighera’s Giardini Winter, and Alwin Berger. By 1912 the catalogue listed almost 6,000 species.
After Thomas’s death in 1907, the garden was looked after by his son Cecil and his wife Lady Dorothy until the Second World War. In 1960 the Italian state bought it from the heirs, and since 1987 it has been managed by the University of Genoa.
What to see
The garden
The signposted paths lead down from the palazzo towards the sea, with a maximum drop of about 100 metres, among agaves, succulents, eucalyptus trees and exotic fruit trees. Along the way you come across the Dragon fountain, the greenhouses, the biodiversity greenhouse and the wood museum.
Palazzo Hanbury
The family villa overlooks the garden from above.
The ancient road
In the lower part of the garden you can see a stretch of paved road, used until 1836, whose route may coincide with that of the ancient Via Julia Augusta.
Tips for your visit
- Times and tickets: open every day from 9.30 am, last admission at 4, 5 or 6 pm depending on the season; closed on Mondays from November to February, on 25 December and during weather alerts. 2026 tickets: full price €10, reduced €8.50 (over-65s and children aged 6–14), family €27, free for under-6s.
- How long you need: at least two hours; half a day at a relaxed pace.
- Getting there: by car (about 11 km) along the Aurelia towards France; by train to Ventimiglia and then bus line 1 to the La Mortola stop, or by taxi.
- Comfortable shoes: the visit goes downhill and then back up; there are step-free routes for people with reduced mobility and an electric vehicle that can be booked.
- Dogs: they are not allowed into the garden, but there is a dedicated area; it is best to book.
- Weather: the garden closes during weather alerts.
- Combine it with: the Balzi Rossi are a few minutes away, towards the border.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit the Hanbury Gardens?
In 2026 a full-price ticket costs €10 and a reduced ticket €8.50; children under 6 go in free.
How long do you need to visit the Hanbury Gardens?
At least two hours; the paths go down to the sea with a drop of about 100 metres.
Who created the Hanbury Gardens?
Thomas Hanbury, from 1867, with his brother Daniel and botanists such as Ludwig Winter.
Can I bring my dog?
No, but there is an area for dogs at the entrance, which must be booked.
