If you love nature, cactus trees, tropical plants and rare flowers, a visit to the beautiful botanical gardens in Ischia, the Mortella Garden and Ravino Garden (both located in the town of Forio) is a must.
Mortella Garden takes its name from the myrtle bushes that covered the volcanic rocks of the promontory of Zaro in the town of Forio, where the garden is now located. It was created by Susana Walton, wife of the English composer William Walton. The couple visited Ischia in 1949 and decided to buy land in this green and lush area. In 50 years Susana Walton created, with the help of the English garden architect Russell Page, a marvellous garden which has around 3000 different species of exotic plants and flowers, surrounded by ponds, greenhouses, streams and fountains. The garden also has a museum dedicated to the life and art of Sir William Walton. Mortella Garden won the award for “the most beautiful park in Italy” in 2004.
Ravino Garden is a family run garden that displays a large collection (one of the largest in Europe) of succulents and cactus plants. Animals such as rabbits, peacocks and goats freely wander around in this quiet corner, among visitors.
In Ravino Garden, everything recalls the typical Mediterranean atmosphere, from the whitewashed buildings surrounding the park, to the interior design in the warm Earth-tone colours.
A lovely lounge-cocktail bar offers freshly made drinks and snacks, among which is the famous “Cactus drink”, made with cactus juice. Ravino Garden also hosts an art gallery (the Moby Dick Hall) a white and rounded room, that recalls the interior of a white whale. Events, exhibitions and conferences are regularly held in the garden.
Tour 14 – Tour of Ischia with a stop at Mortella Garden in Forio
The tour starts in the morning from your hotel or from Ischia Porto, if you are visiting Ischia from the mainland.
We drive through the main towns of the island, stopping for photographs at the Aragonese Castle in the village of Ischia Ponte, Lacco Ameno and Forio.
We reach Mortella Garden in Forio where you can spend around one and a half hours visiting the garden. In the garden there is also a snack bar where you can buy snacks and drinks. After the visit to Mortella Garden we continue our guided tour, stopping at the lovely village of Sant’Angelo for a walk and a quick lunch, and then passing through Serrara Fontana, Barano and Maronti beach, arriving back in Ischia Porto or your hotel.
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Mortella Garden is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Entrance fee not included in the price of the tour (€ 12 per person). Lunch is not included in the price of the tour.
Tour 15 – Tour of Ischia with a stop at Ravino Garden in Forio
The tour starts in the morning from Ischia Porto or from your hotel in Ischia. During the tour we stop for photographs and sightseeing in Ischia Ponte, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno and Forio center. At around 12:30, we drop you off at Ravino Garden where you can spend around one and a half hours visiting the garden and having lunch or drinks at the onsite snack bar. After the visit to Ravino Garden, we continue our guided tour, stopping off at the lovely village of Sant’Angelo for around 30 minutes and then driving through Serrara Fontana, Barano and Maronti Beach, before arriving back at the port of departure or at your hotel.
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Ravino Garden is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Entrance fee not included in the price of the tour (€ 9 per person).
All tours include micro taxi/regular taxi, driver and English speaking licensed guide on board. The itinerary of the tours may change due to unforseen factors such as weather or traffic. The price of the tours doesn’t include lunch, drinks or entrance fees where applicable. Official tour guides are the only people authorized by the Italian government who are allowed to run tours legally after passing the regional exam and are then licensed as professional tour guides.
For more details and information about tours in Ischia contact me at info@ischiaguidedtours.com