Beautiful Escapes for Garden Lovers
For many people, gardening isn’t just a hobby – it’s a passion. Whether you enjoy nurturing your own garden, visiting local open gardens or simply appreciating beautiful landscapes, a holiday can be the perfect opportunity to discover some of Europe’s most spectacular gardens.
From colourful tulip displays in the Netherlands to Monet’s famous water lily pond in France, Europe offers countless opportunities to combine travel with horticultural inspiration. Better still, many of these gardens are located close to popular cities, coastlines and lakes, making them easy to include as part of a relaxing holiday.
Why choose a garden-inspired holiday?
Garden tourism has grown steadily in recent years as more travellers seek slower, more meaningful experiences. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, visiting a beautiful garden encourages you to slow down, appreciate nature and discover the history, art and culture that often surround these remarkable spaces.
Many gardens are at their finest during spring and early summer, making them ideal too for travelling outside the busiest holiday periods. The weather is often pleasant, destinations are less crowded and the gardens are bursting with colour.
Here are a few of Europe’s most inspiring gardens to add to your travel wish list.
A hidden gem in Malta
Upper Barrakka Gardens
Although compact, the Upper Barrakka Gardens reward visitors with magnificent views over Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Classical architecture, mature trees and colourful planting create a peaceful escape in one of Europe’s most historic cities.
Lakeside elegance on Lake Como, Italy
Villa Monastero
Stretching along the shores of Lake Como, the gardens of Villa Monastero combine exotic planting, elegant terraces and breathtaking lake views. Historic statues, pergolas and colourful flowers create one of Italy’s most romantic garden settings.
It’s an ideal destination for couples or anyone looking to combine stunning scenery with peaceful walks.
Millions of tulips in bloom – Lisse, Netherlands
Keukenhof
Open for only a few weeks each spring, Keukenhof is one of the world’s most spectacular floral displays. Millions of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils create an unforgettable sea of colour across beautifully designed gardens.
Because the season is so short, planning ahead is essential if seeing the famous Dutch tulips is on your bucket list.
Step into an Impressionist masterpiece – Giverny, France
Claude Monet’s House and Gardens
Perhaps no garden in Europe is more famous than the one created by Claude Monet. Wander beneath the iconic Japanese bridge, admire the wisteria and see the lily pond that inspired many of the artist’s most celebrated paintings.
Just over an hour from Paris, Giverny makes an excellent addition to a city break or a longer journey through Normandy.
Royal gardens overlooking the sea – Corfu, Greece
Achilleion Palace
Built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, the gardens surrounding the Achilleion Palace blend classical architecture with Mediterranean planting. Cypress trees, sculptures inspired by Greek mythology and panoramic sea views make this one of Corfu’s cultural highlights.
More than just flowers
One of the joys of garden holidays is that they rarely focus solely on plants. Many are set beside lakes, overlooking coastlines or attached to historic villas, castles and palaces. They naturally combine with art galleries, museums, local cuisine, vineyards and scenic rail journeys, creating a holiday that’s both relaxing and enriching.
Whether you’re dreaming of colourful spring tulips, Mediterranean gardens filled with fragrant herbs or the landscapes that inspired some of history’s greatest artists, Europe offers endless opportunities to combine your love of gardening with unforgettable travel experiences.
If you’d like to build a holiday around one of these beautiful destinations, we’d be delighted to help you create an itinerary that combines stunning gardens with the very best each destination has to offer.
Call our team on T: 01 276 8114
