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The next few months will see a rapid increase in temperature and this region will therefore become a most attractive destination for your spring break. However, the area has of course much more to offer than just the mild climate and a visit to the botanical garden Hanbury in the coastal town of Ventimiglia on the French-Italian border, is highly recommended.

Sir Thomas Hanbury, a successful English merchant, started this unique garden in 1867 when he moved his residence for health reasons to the Italian Riviera, already in those days well known for its pleasant and soothing climate. Together with his brother, a well-known pharmacist and the German gardener Ludwig Winter, he started a collection of plants on the Kap Mortola which soon developed into a botanical garden. In 2006, the UNESCO listed the garden as a cultural world heritage.

The collection grew quickly and survived its founder’s death in 1907 as well as the turmoil of the two world wars and being purchased by the Italian state. In 1987, the garden was sold to the university of Genua, bringing it back to its former splendour.

It is the garden’s structure, which makes the Giardini Botanici Hanbury so unique. Visitors will move from the entrance through the four seasons to the Japanese garden, passing the dragon well and the garden of scents, to the Mausoleo Moresco where the ashes of Sir Thomas and his wife Lady Katherine have been laid to rest. From here, one crosses the ancient Roman street Via Julia Augusta, wanders through an olive grove and finally reaches the sea in all it’s shimmering glory.

The way back leads past a pine tree grove, South-African acacias and the Australian woodland to the Giadinetti’s rose collection. On the last stretch, you will see a palm tree grove and the banana tree and pepper tree plantations. Throughout the garden there are a number of benches, terraces and small pavilions, inviting you to sit and enjoy the sights. There is also a Bar-Café where you can stop for some refreshments. A visit to the botanical garden Hanbury is an unforgettable experience not to be missed. The garden is in easy reach by car or public transport.