Ravino Gardens
A 6,000-square-metre botanical park on Ischia housing Europe’s largest collection of succulent plants, assembled over fifty years and set against Mediterranean flora and coastal views.
At a glance
The Ravino Gardens is an acclimatization botanical park dedicated to intelligent, sustainable tourism. Spanning 6,000 square metres, it presents over 400 plant species—primarily succulents and Mediterranean flora—framed by westward-facing slopes and sea views that enhance growth and beauty. The collection, begun by Captain Giuseppe D’Ambra, continues to receive new specimens annually from around the world.
History
Captain Giuseppe D’Ambra assembled the original succulent collection over more than fifty years of passion. The site itself was once planted with vineyards; its ancient agricultural buildings have been repurposed as visitor facilities. Since 2013, the gardens have been part of the Association of Parks and Gardens of Italy (APGI), working with the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism. In 2010, the European Parliamentary Observatory’s Tourism Commission recognized the D’Ambra family’s enterprise as the best tourist facility in Southern Italy for environmental and social sensitivity.
What you see
Cacti dominate the collection—columnar Cereus, Echinocactus, cylindrical Ferocactus, climbing Selenicereus, and creeping varieties—alongside countless other succulents: Sedum, Sempervivum, Crassulacean plants, Agave, Aloe, palms and cycads. Mediterranean species include citrus trees, carob, strawberry trees, olives, aromatic plants (lavender, thyme, oregano, mint, damask rose) and fragrant pelargonium. Giant saguaros and Echinocactus grusonii (known colloquially as “mother-in-law cushions”) coexist with typical Mediterranean scrub. Two specimens of Wollemia nobilis—a conifer from the Jurassic era, believed extinct until its 1994 rediscovery in Australia—stand in a dedicated corner. Terraced slopes feature small bridges and viewpoints; peacocks and rabbits roam freely. The Cactus Lounge Café overlooks a Grusoni terrace, and the Moby Dick room, housed in an ancient cistern, hosts photography, art and craft exhibitions alongside scientific conferences and workshops.
Cultural significance
The Ravino Gardens represent a rare commitment to eco-sustainable tourism that prioritizes environmental stewardship over profit. The park preserves one of Europe’s most comprehensive collections of succulent plants and demonstrates how heritage conservation and hospitality can coexist. Its role in the APGI network connects it to Italy’s broader cultural and natural heritage framework.
Key facts
- Address: Via Provinciale Panza, 140b, 80075 Forio, Campania
- Coordinates: 40.727112, 13.865475
- Phone: 329 498 3923
- Website: https://www.ravino.it/it/giardini-ravino-parco-botanico
- Over 400 plant species across 6,000 square metres
- Member of APGI (Association of Parks and Gardens of Italy) since 2013
Practical information
The gardens are served by four public bus lines and offer free parking. The Cactus Lounge Café serves homemade sweet and savoury snacks and the signature Cactus Cocktail, made seasonally from cactus fruits and seeds, passionflower juice, mint varieties from the garden, and tequila (alcoholic version). A Secret Aperitif event runs 7:00–9:00 pm after garden closing; call 329 498 3923 for gate access. Tickets are retained for return visits: holders may re-enter free and pay only for beverages.
Getting there
The Ravino Gardens are located on Via Provinciale Panza in Forio, Ischia. Four public bus lines serve the site, and free parking is available. For further details, contact the gardens or visit the official website.
Sources & resources
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