Mortola

Mortola, also known as La Mortola, is a small hamlet within the municipality of Ventimiglia, in Liguria, right on the border with France and just a few kilometres from Menton. The area is chiefly known for the Hanbury Botanical Gardens (Giardini Botanici Hanbury), established in the 19th century by the Hanbury family on a headland overlooking the Mediterranean, home to an impressive collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants. The hamlet enjoys the mild climate typical of the Ligurian Riviera, which supports lush vegetation and terraced landscapes running down towards the sea. The rocky coastline and nearby coves are well suited to swimming and diving, while a coastal path allows walkers to reach the French border and Menton on foot. The nearby town of Ventimiglia provides convenient access to shops, its well-known weekly market, and rail connections to the French Riviera and the rest of Liguria. Mortola remains a peaceful spot, valued for its unspoilt natural surroundings, historic garden and its position straddling Italy and France, midway between the sea and the hinterland.