If you are looking for a place where nature, art, and music intertwine, Giardini La Mortella is an unmissable destination. Spanning several levels and offering breathtaking views over the Bay of Forio, it is not just a park, but a "living museum" of exotic and Mediterranean flora.
The garden was the lifelong passion of Lady Susana Walton, the Argentinian wife of the famous English composer Sir William Walton. Starting in 1956, the couple transformed a volcanic stone quarry into an enchanted oasis. The landscape was designed by the legendary Russell Page, who masterfully integrated lush vegetation with the rugged lava rocks of the island.
The garden is divided into two distinct areas:
The Valley: A humid, subtropical paradise. Don't miss the Victoria House, where the giant Amazonian water lily grows, and the serene "Temple of the Sun."
The Hill: A scenic climb through Mediterranean scrub and rare succulents. At the top, you’ll find the Greek Theatre, an outdoor auditorium carved into the rock with a stunning sea view, which hosts classical music concerts during the summer.
ENTRANCE FEE
Full Price: €15.00
Reduced (Seniors 70+, Students 19-24): €12.00
Youth (Ages 6-18): €8.00
Children (Under 5) & Disabled Guests: Free
Opening Hours: Generally open from April to late October (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM).
I highly recommend visiting in Spring. This is when the flowers are at their freshest and most vibrant, and the garden truly reveals its full beauty. Bring comfortable shoes and a camera there are stunning views and hidden corners around every turn!
How to get there:
By Car: Free parking is available at the entrance on Via Zaro.
By Bus: Take lines CS, 1, or 2 (get off near San Francesco beach and enjoy a short walk to the gate).
