In the hills above Vira, about 8km north of the Switzerland–Italy border and 16.5km southeast of Locarno spread the heady gardens of the Gambarogno Botanic Gardens. Hundreds of types of azalea, camellia, magnolia, rhododendron and other spring and summer flowers fill the air with their vivid colours and intoxicating perfumes. The owners sell plants too. Simply wander in at any time (there seems to be no real closing time) and pop a Sfr5 coin into the box at the entrance (it works on a trust system), then wander around. The gardens are located at the north end of the village of Piazzogna. From Locarno, you need to take a ferry to Magadino and pick up a local bus to Piazzogna, from where it is a short walk. The trip takes 45 minutes. By car, head for Piazzogna from either Vira or San Nazzaro (about 2.5km either way).
