About Brissago Islands
Available: April-October.
Example travel costs
Swiss Travel Pass: FREE boat travel to the Islands. Gardens entry 10 Sfrs
Half Fare Card: 50% boat discount to the Islands. Gardens entry 10 Sfrs
Ticino Ticket: 20% boat discount to the Islands. Gardens entry 8 Sfr
Over 2,000 species of plants grow in the wonderful botanical gardens of the Brissago Islands. This makes for a magical day out - a cruise to the islands, lunch in a beautiful setting and the chance to immerse yourself in this subtropical paradise with stunning blooms.
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Contact us to book your holiday
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com
Highlights
Botanical Garden
In 1885 the baroness Antoinette Saint Leger transformed the islands into a residence where painters, sculptors, musicians and writers could meet.
The smaller island (Isola Piccola or St. Apollinaire) is covered with indigenous vegetation and is kept in its natural state. The big island (Isola Grande or St. Pancrazio) features the botanical garden which was opened to the public in 1950. It features a wonderful array of subtropical plants including azaleas, rhododendrons, palm trees, camellias, magnolia, agaves, cacti, poppies, banana trees, cypress and many more. The park spreads out over 25,000 square metres with more than 2,000 species. Planting has been divided into 5 themed areas - Far East, South Africa, Americas, Australasia and the Mediterranean but there are further delights to discover such as a bamboo forest, a bayou with plants growing in the lake water, a tropical greenhouse, a scents terrace and a eucalyptus lawn. Another highlight is the Roman bath, around which are arranged plants from which we harvest our favourite herbs and spices.
The view from the lookout point over the lake is simply beautiful.
Guided tours are available and should be pre-booked.
Lunch on the island
The elegant restaurant set in the 1930s neoclassical villa has an attractive terrace set amongst the lush subtropical vegetation and with a view over the lake. Both the atmosphere and the menu have a wonderful Mediterranean influence and you will find dishes on offer made with fresh local ingredients.
If you prefer a more informal lunch, there are plenty of picnic spots around the island.
After your meal you can browse in the gift shop which offers delightful souvenirs including plenty of Ticino products such as mountain herbs and chestnut biscuits.
Children's treasure hunt
Children will enjoy exploring the island on this treasure hunt.
Ask for a map at the entrance and follow the trail with clues taking you through mysterious locations in amongst the exotic plants. There is also a small beach for playing, and a magic garden filled with plants used in myths and fairy tales.
Directions
You can board a lake boat at the Locarno or Ascona pier for the short journey to the Brissago Islands. Around 40-60 minutes from Locarno, 15 minutes from Ascona.
Please check before travel for maintenance closures.
Request your holiday quotation
Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com