Villa Pallavicino Park in Stresa is one of the most beloved destinations on Lake Maggiore, ideal for a day outdoors for couples or families with young children. This vast 19th-century garden includes a wildlife park where you can meet fallow deer, llamas, goats, kangaroos, and many other animals roaming freely in a peaceful, well-kept setting. Shaded paths, colorful flowers, and stunning lake views make it a relaxing and fun experience for all ages.

This guide will take you through Villa Pallavicino Park: what to see, how to plan your visit, when to go, and how to make it special for both adults and kids.

To complete the experience with a peaceful stay surrounded by nature, we recommend Hartmann Feel at Home, a refined villa in Gignese, located between Stresa and Mottarone. It offers spacious rooms, a private garden, and a warm welcome for both couples and families.

Start the guide now and let yourself be charmed by the sweetness of Villa Pallavicino Park.
At the end, you’ll find a full description of Hartmann Feel at Home to help you plan your perfect Lake Maggiore holiday.

Villa Pallavicino Park – Stresa

Introduction

The Botanical and Wildlife Park of Villa Pallavicino is located along the lakefront in Stresa (VB), on Lake Maggiore. Covering about 18 hectares, the park combines extensive ornamental gardens with a wildlife area hosting over 50 animal species. Owned by the Terre Borromeo group, it’s a popular destination for families and visitors of all ages, thanks to its relaxing atmosphere and many natural attractions. Just a few hundred meters from central Stresa and Piazza Marconi ferry dock, the park also boasts panoramic lake views as a backdrop to its lush gardens.

History of the Park and Villa

Villa Pallavicino was established in 1855 as a private residence by Neapolitan statesman Ruggero Bonghi. In 1862, the estate passed to the noble Genoese Pallavicino family, who expanded the grounds and transformed the modest villa into a refined neoclassical residence with wide paths and statues throughout the park. In the 1950s, Marchesa Luisa Pallavicino envisioned a “botanical zoo,” and in 1956 the private garden was opened to the public as a wildlife museum, introducing animals from all over the world. In 2006, the park also became a Wildlife Rescue Center for injured native animals. Since 2017, the Borromeo family has managed the park, promoting restoration and animal area expansions and integrating the site into the Terre Borromeo tourist network.

How to Get There

• By car: From the A26 motorway, exit at Carpugnino or Baveno (direction Gravellona Toce/Laghi). Follow signs to Stresa and continue along the lake road toward Belgirate. The park is on the right just outside central Stresa. Free parking is available directly in front of the entrance.
• By train: Stresa train station (Milan–Domodossola or Malpensa–Lake line) is about 800 meters from the park. Walk downhill toward the lake (~10 minutes) or take a taxi.
• By boat or ferry: Lake Maggiore ferry lines stop in Piazza Marconi (Stresa dock). The park is just a 5-minute walk (~300–400 m) from there. Look for Stresa (VB) in the ferry schedules.
• By bus: Stresa is served by regional buses (SAF lines 009, 054, etc.). Nearest stops: Stresa Imbarcadero or Stresa Centro. In summer, the free green shuttle bus also stops near the lakefront.

Opening Hours and Seasonality

The park is open seasonally. For 2025, it opens from March 15 to November 2. During high season (March 15 – October 25), the park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM). From October 26 to November 2, it closes earlier: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). The park is closed in winter (November through mid-March). Always check the official website or Stresa Tourist Office for updates before your visit.

Tickets and Prices

Tickets can be purchased online (via Terre Borromeo website) or at the gate. Prices for 2025:

• Adults: €16.00
• Youths (ages 6–15): €10.50
• Children (ages 3–5): €5.00
• Children under 3: Free

Combo tickets are available for multiple Borromeo sites. For example:
Isola Bella + Villa Pallavicino: €33.00 (adults), €20.00 (ages 6–15)
Isola Bella + Isola Madre + Villa Pallavicino: €42.00 (adults)
These passes are valid for one or two consecutive days, depending on the option. Full list available on the official website.

Discounts & Free Admission: School groups and large groups can request reduced rates (advance booking required). “Family ticket” options may include free admission for the second child. Visitors with certified disabilities (30%+) and their accompanying person enter for free (documentation required).

Main Attractions

Botanical Gardens & Scenic Views

The park features large, beautifully maintained botanical gardens with tall trees, floral paths, and shaded alleys. Notable species include cedars of Lebanon, sequoias, horse chestnuts, maples, magnolias, and more. The Flower Garden offers colorful seasonal blooms—tulips in spring, roses in May, and hibiscus, zinnias, dahlias in summer. Strolling these paths is both relaxing and visually inspiring.

Several panoramic viewpoints overlook Lake Maggiore. One of the most scenic is by the white magnolia and the cedar tree in front of the villa. The paths, a mix of gravel and dirt trails, are mostly easy and stroller-friendly.

Animal Area & Petting Farm

Over 50 species of animals inhabit the park, from deer, goats, and alpacas to kangaroos, zebras, coatis, and exotic birds. Many are rescued or long-term residents. In the Farm Zone, children can interact with friendly animals like Tibetan goats, sheep, and fallow deer. All in a safe, supervised environment. Flamingos, peacocks, and black swans live around the central pond. Informational signs explain each species’ origin and behavior.

Playgrounds, Picnic Areas & Outdoor Relaxation

There’s a shaded playground with swings and slides, plus picnic areas with benches under the trees. Water fountains and decorative basins add freshness. Perfect for families with kids—while adults enjoy the views or strolls, children can play or meet animals up close.

Services & Accessibility

• Bar & Restaurant: Light meals, snacks, ice cream. Near the Flower Garden. Public restrooms nearby.
• Souvenir shop: Toys, postcards, local gifts.
• Electric golf cart (on request): Available for visitors with reduced mobility to access elevated viewpoints.
• Wheelchair access: Main paths are compact gravel and mostly flat. Accessible toilets available.
• Free visitor parking in front of the entrance.
• Audio guides and group tours available on request.
• Pet policy: Small dogs allowed on leash. Guide dogs welcome.

Where to Stay After Visiting Villa Pallavicino: Hartmann Feel at Home

After a walk through gardens, animal encounters, and lakeside views, you’ll want a place to rest that matches the park’s charm. Hartmann Feel at Home is just 15 minutes from Stresa—a villa immersed in nature, with private parking, spacious rooms, and real peace.

• Location: Gignese – between Stresa and Mottarone (700m altitude)
• Surrounded by forest, with private garden and terrace
• Seven rooms, each inspired by a chakra, with private bathrooms
• Yoga room, reading lounge, fireplace, panoramic windows
• Included breakfast, free Wi-Fi, eco-friendly bedding

Perfect for: couples, families, solo travelers. A true retreat after a beautiful day.

Book directly at: homehartmann.com