The Mendrisiotto and Basso Ceresio (Lower Ceresio) is a small triangular region at the southern tip of Ticino, bordering Italy and close to Lugano, Como and Varese. It is a natural paradise with a surprising variety of landscapes, from gentle plains to hillsides terraced with vineyards, and from lake shores scattered with villages to wild mountain peaks. Between the two southern arms of Lake Lugano (Porto Ceresio and Riva San Vitale) stands the peak of Monte San Giorgio. From the summit, 1,097 metres above sea level, the views of the lake and mountains are gorgeous. A cable car climbs swiftly and comfortably from Brusino up to the viewpoint at Serpiano (650m) and the Ristorante Funivia, whose terrace looks out over the lake.