Created by Susana Walton, wife of the British composer William Walton, in a former rock quarry on the slopes of Monte Zaro above Forio. The garden she built here over five decades is one of the most remarkable in Italy — over 800 plant species, including tropical rarities that shouldn't be able to survive this far north, arranged around a nymphaeum, cascades, and reflecting pools. A Thai Sunhouse and a Greek amphitheatre sit higher up the hill, where concerts are held on summer weekends.
The name means "place of myrtles" in Spanish, taken from the thorny scrub that originally covered the site. Walton acquired it in 1949 and spent the rest of his life composing here. Susana outlived him by 27 years and kept expanding the garden until her death in 2010 — the result of that sustained devotion is everywhere visible.
Free parking above the main entrance. A tea house and a well-stocked gift shop are on site.