The area along the coast facing the south is called Tremezzina: it is a climatic paradise on the foot of the Alps. It is protected gardens bear olives, oranges, palms, paper reeds, jasmines and even the Equatorial rubber tree. The town of Tremezzo, which gives the name to the area, is locates by the lake: it has the traditional arcade and picturesque steep steps. The villas here are often sumptuous but very beautiful. Check out Villa Carlotta when the azaleas are in full bloom and you will understand why visitors come from all over the world to see it. The eight surrounding hamlets have perfectly preserved their 18th century quaintness, with small alleys and houses in stone. If you climb up to Rogaro, make sure they tell you the story, or legend, of the Black Madonna that was removed from Switzerland and brought here during the Lutheran persecution.