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Hanbury Botanical Gardens

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Hanbury Botanical Gardens are situated on the Mortola promontory in Ventimiglia, near the French-Italian border, and are considered one of the finest botanical sites in the Mediterranean. Founded in 1867 by Sir Thomas Hanbury, a wealthy English merchant, the gardens were designed to acclimatize exotic plants from all over the world within the Riviera's exceptionally mild climate. The estate spans approximately 18 hectares, terracing down gracefully toward the Ligurian Sea. The collection has over 5,800 plant species, including significant groupings of aloes, agaves, eucalyptus trees, and tropical fruit plants. Beyond its botanical wealth, the gardens feature classical architectural elements such as fountains, statues, and the grand Palazzo Hanbury. Since 1987, the gardens have been managed by the University of Genoa, serving as both a research center and a protected historical monument. Due to its unique design and scientific importance, the Hanbury Gardens are recognized as a major cultural landscape and are on Italy's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status.

Location: Italy
Top sights: Museo Preistorico Nazionale dei Balzi Rossi · Museo vecchio Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi · Grotta del Caviglione
Nearby: Ventimiglia (6 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	3	6	10	14	19	22	21	17	12	7	3
Rain mm	52	51	61	63	63	42	28	30	52	84	120	77

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The garden is located on Corso Monte Carlo in Ventimiglia; it is very well accessible by car or local coastal buses via the main coastal road.

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Best season

Thanks to the special microclimate, the garden is attractive year-round; however, the greatest bloom of exotic plants is seen during the spring.

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Terrain & paths

The garden extends on a slope down to the sea; the paths are often steep, uneven, and include numerous stone steps for visitors to navigate.

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What to bring

Shoes with good grip are advisable for the steep paths; bring water as the climb back up to the entrance can be quite strenuous for visitors.

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Parking

A designated parking area is located in the immediate vicinity of the main entrance directly on the main road above the garden area.

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Safety

Watch out for uneven stone steps and slippery paths when wet; the descent to the beach requires sure-footedness and careful attention to your surroundings.

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Time needed

Plan to spend 2 to 3 hours exploring the various levels, the historic villa, and the impressive viewpoints at your own pace during your visit.

Geography

Coordinates

43.78300, 7.53300

Facts

The gardens were founded in 1867 and currently cover 18 hectares.
The collection includes more than 5,800 distinct plant species.
Management of the site was transferred to the University of Genoa in 1987.
The grounds contain a stretch of the ancient Roman road Via Julia Augusta.
The gardens are located on Cape Mortola, very close to the French border.
The main villa, Palazzo Hanbury, has origins dating back to the 16th century.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Koaland, Menton2 km · WExplore →

📍Roquebrune-Cap-Martin6 km · SWExplore →

Ventimiglia6 km · EExplore →

Nouveau Musée National de Monaco9 km · SWExplore →

Fort Antoine10 km · SWExplore →

Bordighera11 km · EExplore →

Tête de Chien (Dog's Head)12 km · SWExplore →

Ospedaletti15 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Hanbury Botanical Gardens (10)

Museo Preistorico Nazionale dei Balzi Rossi 🏛 museum

Museum in Italy featuring Paleolithic finds.

🌐 beniculturali.it🕒 Tu-Su 08:30-19:30; Mo off💶

Museo vecchio Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi🏛 museum

Older prehistoric museum near Ventimiglia.

🌐 archeoliguria.beniculturali.it💶

Grotta del Caviglione

Cave in the cave group at Ventimiglia, Italy.

Barma Grande

Cave in the cave group at Ventimiglia, Italy.

Ponte San Ludovico

Bridge in Italy.

Capo Mortola Beach

Beach at Capo Mortola, Italy.

Plage Hawaï

Beach in Menton, France.

Spiaggia del Darsenún

Beach near Ventimiglia.

Chapelle Saint-Laurent

Church located in Alpes-Maritimes, France.

Les Colombières

Villa in Menton, France, with a garden.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When was the Hanbury Garden established?

The garden was established in 1867 by Sir Thomas Hanbury on the Mortola promontory.

How much time should I plan for the visit?

Plan for at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the variety of exotic plants and the views.

Is the garden accessible for people with disabilities?

Partially. Due to the steep hillside and many stairs, wheelchair access is very limited.

Is there a café or restaurant in the garden?

Yes, there is a small café near the sea offering refreshments and snacks.

Which plant species are particularly worth seeing?

The collections of succulents, agaves, and Australian eucalyptus trees are particularly impressive.

Hanbury Botanical Gardens: where is it located?

Hanbury Botanical Gardens is located in Italy.

Hanbury Botanical Gardens: what is there to see?

Highlights include Museo Preistorico Nazionale dei Balzi Rossi, Museo vecchio Preistorico dei Balzi Rossi, Grotta del Caviglione.

Hanbury Botanical Gardens: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Hanbury Botanical Gardens: why is it worth visiting?

The Hanbury Botanical Gardens are situated on the Mortola promontory in Ventimiglia, near the French-Italian border, and are considered one of the finest botanical sites in the Mediterranean.

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