With spring well underway in the UK, one thing is certain: garden tourism is booming, generating £6.6 billion pounds each year. With over 500 major gardens attracting visitors from around the world, it’s no surprise that Brits are seeking new green spaces to explore abroad.
*All details correct at time of publish (01 May 2026)
To help holidaymakers explore new green spaces whilst on holiday, Marella Cruises, TUI UK’s ocean cruise line, has revealed five rare European gardens ideal for travellers looking to enjoy a floral escape whilst sun-seeking this spring.
Marivent Gardens – Palma, Majorca
A peaceful escape outside of Palma sits Marivent Gardens. Known to surround the Spanish royal family’s summer residence, these gardens offer a blend of Mediterranean flora with elegant sculptures by contemporary local artists.
Filled with shaded walkways, manicured hedges and seasonal spring flowers the Marivent Gardens creates a solace for those looking to unwind whilst travelling in Palma.
Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Treasures of the Mediterranean round trip from Palma, Majorca on Marella Explorer from £1479 per person on May 30th 2026. Price based
on 2 adults sharing an inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis.
Achilleion Palace Gardens – Corfu, Greece
A hillside retreat built for Empress Elisabeth of Austria, famously known as Sisi, sits Achilleion Palace Gardens. These gardens include old Statues of Achilles and other mythological figures throughout.
Complete with cypress trees and sweeping views over the Ioanian Sea, visitors can walk through palms, vibrant flowers and shaded courtyards to escape the lively town of Corfu.
Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Iconic Islands round trip from Corfu Town, Corfu on Marella Voyager from £1527 per person on May 27th 2026. Price based on 2 adults sharing an inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis.
Trsteno Arboretum – Dubrovnik, Croatia
Outside the grandness of Dubrovnik sits Trsteno Aboretum, one of Europe’s oldest arboretums dating back to the 15th century.
Filled with ancient trees, exotic plants, stone pathways and a beautifully preserved aqueduct reveal views of the Adriatic Sea. It’s also home to an appearance in Game of Thrones for fans of the series.
Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Sail Three Seas round trip from Dubrovnik, Croatia on Marella Explorer 2 from £1500 per person on 28th May 2026. Price based on 2 adults sharing an inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis.
Villa Borghese Gardens – Rome, Italy
Rome’s most beloved free green space offers visitors a chance to escape the noise from the capital and explore the impressive lawns of Villa Borghese Gardens.
There’s a chance to hire a rowboat on the Borghese Lake or visit a range of museums based in the gardens including Galleria Borghese home to famous Italian masterpieces by Bernini and Titian.
Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Treasures of the Mediterranean round trip from Palma, Majorca on Marella Explorer from £1166 per person on 16th May 2026 sailing to Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy. Price based on 2 adults sharing an inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis.
Jardin Exotique – Monaco, France
Recently reopening last month after a six year renovation hiatus, this cliffside garden perched high above Monaco offers views of the Mediterranean sea.
The garden is known for its rare succulents and cacti from around the world which are placed alongside winding paths carved into the rock. Visitors can also visit the pre-historic cave beneath the garden and glamorous Monaco to unearth the dramatic rock formations and stalactites.
Marella Cruises offers a seven-night Highlights of the Mediterranean round trip from Malaga, Spain on Marella Discovery 2 from £1294 per person on 19th May 2026 sailing to Sanremo (for Monaco), Italy. Price based on 2 adults sharing an inside cabin on an all-inclusive basis.
*All prices quoted are correct to the particular product package at the time of TUI issuing the price package/packages to the publication. Price was quoted on 30/04/2026. Prices provided are subject to change and have limited availability. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, go to www.tui.co.uk.
