Isola Madre has belonged to the Borromeo family since 1500.
From the bare rock of the ice age, the island has undergone various different transformations. It was initially an orchard, and subsequently an olive grove and a citrus orchard before it finally became an English-style botanical park at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It covers a total area of approximately 8 hectares.
Isola Madre is renowned not only for the spectacular blossoming of azaleas in May but also for its Botanical Gardens that house rare plant species, which originate from all over the world.
The particularly mild climate enjoyed here has in fact, meant that a surprising flora has found its habitat here, something that is very rarely found in other parts. In fact, maple trees, banana trees, camellias, eucalyptus, and palm trees happily coexist in the garden. The different parts of the garden each have their own toponymy, which helps guests during their visit.