One of Ticino's most magical places - a small subtropical paradise

The Brissago Islands are small subtropical paradise on Lake Maggiore that can be easily accessible by boat The mild climate at Lago Maggiore is unique in Switzerland, and enables subtropical plants to flourish in the open air on Isola Grande, the large island. The Botanical Gardens of the Canton house around 1,700 plant species from the Mediterranean region, Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania populate the park. Alps acts as a protecting barrier against cold air from north which keeps warm lake water and favors the growth of exotic plants.

Isola Grande (Big Island), also named San Pancrazio, island to explore. The areas with the Roman baths, the panoramic viewpoint at the island’s extremity, the dense reed grove and the small beach are especially striking. The excursion allows tourists to walk through traditional environments from the continents of Australia, Asia and Africa and the portion reserved for Mediterranean plants, not to be missed.

The 2.5-hectare park houses plants from almost every subtropical area of Asia, South Africa, America, Australia, and the Oceania Islands. Isola di Sant’Apollinare is the smaller Brissago Island, surrounded by plants that grow by themselves and are held in its natural state.

There is a 0.5-kilometer long nature trail dedicated to the world of plants in the Botanical Park, where tourists can get information about the different plants and their origin. Also they may visit a range of medicinal herbs and crops.