La Mortella Gardens are perhaps Ischia’s most beautiful attraction, climbing Forio’s hilly terrain to dramatic summits with sumptuous coastal views. Designed by Susana Walton, wife of composer William Walton, the gardens are an exquisite blend of tropical and Mediterranean flora that works ingeniously with Ischia’s steep hillsides.
The garden triumphed against 100 others back in 2005, when it was voted by Briggs and Stratton as Italy’s most beautiful park. Both owners have now passed on, but their influence can still be felt today, with poignant memorials to them placed carefully within the gardens. Today, the gardens are a dazzling display of synthesis between nature and man, and are surely one of Ischia’s must-visit attractions.
Opening hours: The gardens are open from March 28th to November 1st and operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 7pm.
Price: €12 per adult / €10 per youth aged 12 – 18 and visitors aged 70 and above/ €7 for child aged 6 - 12.
*Prices and opening hours may be subject to change.