
Villa della Pergola Gardens
Discover the enchanting Villa della Pergola Gardens, a rare English garden in Italy, famed for its vast agapanthus collection and stunning sea views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Agapanthus in full bloom

Villa della Pergola Gardens
Best Time
Agapanthus in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the enchanting Villa della Pergola Gardens, a rare English garden in Italy, famed for its vast agapanthus collection and stunning sea views.
"A true oasis near Alassio, the gardens offer breathtaking beauty and an unforgettable guided experience."

🎯 Book Guided Tours in Advance
Essential for entry! Tours are at set times and sell out. Book online to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are hilly with paths, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Agapanthus Collection
Throughout the gardens
Witness Europe's largest collection of agapanthus, exploding in vibrant blues and whites during July. A true botanical marvel!

Panoramic Sea Views
Various viewpoints
Savor breathtaking vistas of the Ligurian Sea and Alassio's coastline from strategically placed viewpoints within the gardens.

English Garden Charm
Throughout the gardens
Explore a rare example of an English garden in Italy, featuring romantic spots and lush greenery, a testament to 19th-century design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Visit in Advance
Prepare for a Hike and Parking Challenges
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours in Advance
Essential for entry! Tours are at set times and sell out. Book online to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are hilly with paths, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
🚗 Allow Extra Time for Parking
Parking can be challenging near the gardens. Arrive early to find a spot and avoid rushing.
🗣️ Guides Speak English
Don't worry if you don't speak Italian; guides are knowledgeable and often provide tours in excellent English.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours in Advance
Essential for entry! Tours are at set times and sell out. Book online to secure your spot.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are hilly with paths, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
🚗 Allow Extra Time for Parking
Parking can be challenging near the gardens. Arrive early to find a spot and avoid rushing.
🗣️ Guides Speak English
Don't worry if you don't speak Italian; guides are knowledgeable and often provide tours in excellent English.
📸 Ask for Photos
Guides are often happy to take photos of you at scenic spots – a great way to capture memories!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Villa della Pergola Gardens for its breathtaking beauty, serene atmosphere, and the exceptional quality of the guided tours. The knowledgeable and friendly guides, often speaking excellent English, significantly enhance the experience. While parking and the uphill walk can be minor challenges, the overwhelming consensus is that the gardens are a highly recommended, romantic, and unforgettable destination.
"Beautiful garden, worth the visit. Reservations are a must. Parking is difficult and it’s a bit of a hike to get there so arrive early. The guide was wonderful, engaging and gave the tour in both Italian and English. He was very easy to understand."
Rachel Wright
"Very nice garden up in the hills above Alassio. It’s essential to buy a ticket in advance as the tours occur at specific times. We were shown round by David who was excellent - very knowledgable about the history of the gardens and it’s plants."
Matthew Barry
"You have to book on one of the guided tours (we had David who led us around and spoke fantastic English) and it is the most delightful find above Alassio!"
Francesca Ali
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The gardens are located on the hills above Alassio. You can reach them by car, but parking can be difficult. Taxis are also an option. Be prepared for an uphill walk to reach the entrance.
Parking is limited and can be challenging in the vicinity. It's advisable to arrive early or consider alternative transportation like a taxi.
Yes, it's possible to walk, but it involves an uphill climb. Wear comfortable shoes and allow ample time.
Many visitors find that booking a guided tour that includes transport or taking a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the gardens, given the parking and uphill challenges.
While local buses serve Alassio, direct public transport to the gardens is limited. It's often easier to arrange transport as part of a tour or use a taxi.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking tickets in advance for a guided tour is absolutely essential. Tours operate at specific times and sell out quickly.
Ticket prices vary depending on the tour type and season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
The gardens are accessible only via guided tours, which have specific start times. Check the official website for the tour schedule and availability.
No, access to Villa della Pergola Gardens is exclusively through guided tours. This ensures the preservation of the delicate environment.
The staff are attentive and may contact you if severe weather is expected. Some visitors have had tours proceed even with rain, finding it a unique experience.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Guided tours typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing ample time to explore the different sections of the gardens and learn about their history.
Yes, guides are very knowledgeable and often conduct tours in both Italian and English, making it accessible for international visitors.
The gardens are famous for their extensive collection of agapanthus, but also feature wisteria, roses, citrus trees, and unique species like Tetrapanax papyrifer.
While beautiful, the hilly terrain and emphasis on quiet appreciation might be more suited for older children. Younger children may find the walking challenging.
Photography is generally allowed, and guides may even offer to take photos for you at scenic spots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Ristorante Nove, a Michelin-starred restaurant, is located within the Villa della Pergola complex, offering Ligurian and Italian cuisine with garden views.
Reservations are highly recommended for Ristorante Nove, especially given its Michelin star status and location within the villa.
Typically, the focus is on the garden experience itself. For refreshments, you might need to explore options in Alassio town or at the Ristorante Nove.
Ristorante Nove celebrates the flavors of Liguria and Italy, using fresh, local ingredients and drawing inspiration from the surrounding gardens.
Yes, many visitors combine a garden tour with a dining experience at Ristorante Nove. Booking in advance for both is strongly advised.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for viewpoints offering panoramic sea views, the vibrant agapanthus blooms, and the charming English garden elements. Guides can point out prime photo locations.
Drone usage is typically restricted in private gardens and historical sites to protect the environment and other visitors. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more golden hue.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to check with the garden management beforehand, as tripods can sometimes obstruct pathways or be seen as professional equipment.
While not common, some specialized garden tours might cater to photographers. Otherwise, enjoy capturing the beauty during the standard guided tours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with older children or teenagers, the panoramic views and the unique plant collections can be quite engaging. The opportunity for guides to take photos can be a fun interactive element. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes and that you've booked your tour well in advance to avoid disappointment.
🚶♀️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
Consider combining your visit with a meal at the Michelin-starred Ristorante Nove located on-site for an unforgettable culinary experience that complements the garden's elegance. Booking a tour during the wisteria bloom in spring or the agapanthus bloom in July will add an extra layer of floral magic to your romantic visit.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Explore the intricate details of the English garden design, from the textures of the foliage to the charming architectural elements. Guides are often helpful in pointing out the most photogenic spots, and some may even assist with taking photos. Remember to check any specific photography guidelines with the venue, and always be mindful of other visitors and the delicate garden environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Design of Villa della Pergola Gardens
One of the most celebrated aspects of the gardens is their extraordinary collection of plants. Villa della Pergola is renowned for housing Europe's largest collection of agapanthus, which bursts into spectacular bloom during July, transforming the landscape into a sea of blues and whites. Beyond the agapanthus, visitors can admire a variety of other flora, including wisteria that carpets pergolas in spring, roses, citrus trees, and even more exotic species like the Tetrapanax papyrifer, known for its 'pith paper'. The careful curation of these plants contributes to the garden's unique and ever-changing beauty throughout the seasons.
The experience at Villa della Pergola is deeply intertwined with its guided tours. Access is exclusively through these tours, which are led by knowledgeable guides who share insights into the garden's history, plant life, and design principles. The guides often speak multiple languages, including excellent English, making the visit accessible and informative for a global audience. This approach not only protects the delicate ecosystem but also enriches the visitor's understanding and appreciation of this horticultural gem.
Experiencing Villa della Pergola Gardens: Tips from Visitors
Practical advice from visitors emphasizes the importance of booking tours in advance, as they are essential for entry and often sell out. The hilly terrain and potential parking difficulties are also frequently mentioned, leading to recommendations to wear comfortable shoes and arrive early. Despite these minor challenges, the overwhelming sentiment is one of delight and strong recommendation, with many visitors stating they truly enjoyed their experience and would highly recommend it to others.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit