The Brissago Islands, known as Isole di Brissago, in Italian are truly a captivating destination, in the area. A haven. Situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore they lie 2.5 km northeast of Brissago and 3.5 km southwest of Ascona.
Island Brissago © Ticino Turismo
Brissago Islands open to visitors every day
The islands can be accessed by boat from locations such, as Locarno, San Nazzaro, Ascona, Porto Ronco and Brissago. The boat ride from Locarno typically takes around 40 to 60 minutes depending on the schedule. It’s a journey of 15 minutes from Ascona.
San Pancrazio, also referred to as Isola Grande is the bigger of the two islands and boasts a garden.
On the hand the smaller island known as Isolino or Isola Piccola also called Isola di Sant’Apollinare remains mostly untouched, in its state.
Botanical park on the island of Brissago Island of Brissago © Ticino Turismo
Brissago Islands with the warmest climate in Switzerland
The Brissago Islands benefit from their location enjoying a climate, with abundant sunshine. Over time a distinct flora has flourished on the islands featuring majestic trees, lush shrubs, fragrant exotic flowers and remarkable ferns that together create a captivating ambiance.
With a climate the Brissago Islands experience rainfall and sunshine hours maintaining an average annual temperature of approximately 14°C. This contributes to the islands having the climate in Switzerland. Notably various palm tree species and plants not typically seen at these latitudes thrive here without any frost days occurring.
The mild climate surrounding Lake Maggiore allows subtropical plants to thrive outdoors on Isola Grande. The botanical garden of Ticino canton serves as a sanctuary, for 1700 plant species.
Botanical Garden
Brissago Islands with botanical garden
The Brissago Islands Botanical Garden covers an area of 25,000 meters. Boasts a diverse collection of, over 2,000 plant species hailing from various regions like the Mediterranean, Chile, South Africa, Australia, California as well as humid subtropical areas in Asia, America and Oceania.
Within this haven situated on the two Brissago Islands in Lake Maggiore you can find flourishing flora such as lotus flowers, sequoias, bald cypresses, banana trees and even eucalyptus trees.
Thanks to the lakes ability to retain heat effectively and the protective shield provided by the Alps against weather from the north winter frost is an occurrence here. These unique climatic conditions create an environment, for plant growth.
The smaller Brissago island known as Isola di Sant’Apollinare is adorned with growing vegetation that is left undisturbed in its state.
Video Exploring the Beauty of Brissago Islands Botanic Garden in Switzerland
In this video, we will explore the beauty of the exotic plants, gardens, and natural scenery that make this garden a must-visit destination for any nature lover…
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