Piemonte
Discover Piedmont through its vineyard-covered hills, elegant historic towns, Alpine landscapes, authentic cuisine, and hidden villages beyond the tourist trail.
Why visit Piemonte?
Elegant Cities & Historic Villages
Piemonte combines elegant cities, medieval villages, grand palaces, and atmospheric old towns surrounded by beautiful countryside. Beyond Turin, discover hilltop communities, historic castles, and peaceful villages that reveal a quieter and more traditional side of northern Italy.
World-Class Wine & Authentic Flavours
Piemonte is one of Italy’s greatest food and wine regions. Taste Barolo and Barbaresco wines, hunt for prized white truffles, discover local cheeses, and enjoy traditional dishes shaped by centuries of culinary heritage and exceptional local ingredients.
Alpine Mountains & Beautiful Lakes
From the towering peaks of the Alps to the peaceful shores of Lake Orta and Lake Maggiore, Piemonte offers spectacular natural variety. Hike through mountain valleys, explore alpine villages, or escape to beautiful lakes surrounded by forests and historic towns.
Vineyards, Castles & Rolling Hills
The landscapes of Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato are filled with rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and picturesque hilltop villages. Scenic roads wind through wine country, revealing panoramic viewpoints and some of northern Italy’s most beautiful rural landscapes.
Discover Piemonte Beyond the Crowds
From alpine valleys and tranquil lakes to vineyard villages and historic towns, Piemonte rewards travellers who explore beyond Italy’s famous routes. Venture into its quieter corners and discover exceptional food, spectacular scenery, and authentic local experiences.
Best time to visit
Spring
Ideal for exploring historic villages, vineyard landscapes, beautiful lakes, and Piemonte’s countryside in mild weather with fewer visitors.
SUMMER
Perfect for Alpine hiking, lake escapes, outdoor dining, and lively evenings in towns and villages, although lower areas can become warm in July and August.
AUTUMN
The perfect season for wine lovers, with grape harvests, white truffles, colourful vineyards, and seasonal food festivals throughout the Langhe and Monferrato.
WINTER
Best for skiing and mountain escapes in the Alps, exploring elegant Turin, enjoying traditional cuisine, and experiencing Piemonte’s cosy winter atmosphere.
TOP 10 HIDDEN GEMS IN PIEMONTE
Discover ten extraordinary places that showcase Piemonte beyond the tourist hotspots, each offering its own unique charm and authentic local atmosphere.
10. Cherasco
Cherasco combines elegant architecture, rich history, and the beautiful landscapes of Piemonte’s Langhe region. Wander beneath historic arcades, explore peaceful piazzas, and admire Baroque churches and grand palazzi throughout the old town. The surrounding countryside is famous for vineyards, hazelnuts, and excellent local cuisine. With its refined atmosphere, gastronomic traditions, and location away from the busiest tourist routes, Cherasco is one of Piemonte’s most rewarding historic towns.
9. Vogogna
Vogogna offers a beautifully preserved glimpse into medieval Piemonte at the entrance to the wild Val Grande National Park. Wander through its narrow stone streets, discover historic houses and quiet piazzas, and climb towards the impressive Visconti Castle overlooking the village. Beyond the historic centre, mountains and forests create endless opportunities for outdoor exploration. With its medieval character, peaceful atmosphere, and spectacular Alpine setting, Vogogna is one of Piemonte’s most rewarding hidden gems.
8. Neive
Neive captures the timeless beauty of Piemonte’s Langhe, with medieval streets and elegant buildings surrounded by rolling vineyards. Wander through its beautifully preserved historic centre, discover quiet piazzas and traditional wine cellars, and enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding hills. The village lies in the heart of Barbaresco wine country, making it perfect for tasting exceptional local wines. With its historic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and spectacular vineyard setting, Neive is one of Piemonte’s most captivating villages.
7. Ceresole Reale
Ceresole Reale offers a spectacular escape into the high Alps of northern Piemonte, surrounded by the wild landscapes of Gran Paradiso National Park. Follow scenic trails around its turquoise mountain lake, discover waterfalls and alpine meadows, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. The area is perfect for hiking, wildlife watching, and peaceful days in nature. With its dramatic scenery, fresh mountain air, and remote setting, Ceresole Reale reveals one of Piemonte’s most beautiful natural landscapes.
6. Usseaux
Usseaux reveals a peaceful side of Piemonte’s Alps, where traditional stone houses, colourful murals, and mountain scenery create a distinctive village atmosphere. Wander through its narrow streets, discover painted fountains and historic buildings, and explore the surrounding alpine landscapes of Val Chisone. Hiking trails lead through forests and high mountain meadows with spectacular views. With its artistic character, authentic traditions, and remote setting, Usseaux is one of Piemonte’s most charming mountain villages.
5. Varallo
Varallo combines historic charm with spectacular Alpine scenery in the green Valsesia valley. Wander through its atmospheric streets, discover elegant churches and colourful piazzas, before heading up to the remarkable Sacro Monte di Varallo overlooking the town. This UNESCO-listed pilgrimage site features dozens of chapels filled with centuries-old art. With its fascinating heritage, mountain setting, and authentic atmosphere, Varallo reveals a unique and lesser-known side of Piemonte.
4. Alpe Devero
Alpe Devero reveals one of Piemonte’s wildest Alpine landscapes, surrounded by towering peaks, forests, and crystal-clear mountain lakes. Follow scenic hiking trails through peaceful meadows and traditional stone hamlets, or continue towards beautiful Lago delle Streghe and Lago di Devero. In autumn, the surrounding larch forests transform into spectacular shades of gold. With its untouched nature, dramatic scenery, and remote atmosphere, Alpe Devero is one of Piemonte’s most unforgettable mountain escapes.
3. Orta San Giulio
Orta San Giulio combines lakeside beauty with centuries of history on the peaceful shores of Lake Orta. Wander through its narrow cobbled streets, elegant piazzas, and colourful buildings before taking a short boat ride to the enchanting Isola San Giulio. Climb towards the nearby Sacro Monte for panoramic views across the lake and surrounding mountains. With its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and spectacular setting, Orta San Giulio is one of Piemonte’s most captivating destinations.
2. Ricetto di Candelo
Ricetto di Candelo feels like a journey back to medieval Piemonte, with fortified walls, stone towers, and remarkably preserved historic streets. Wander through its narrow cobbled lanes, explore centuries-old buildings, and discover the fascinating history of this fortified settlement once used by the local community for storage and protection. Surrounded by the peaceful countryside near Biella, its unique architecture creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the region. Ricetto di Candelo is one of Piemonte’s most fascinating hidden gems.
1. Barolo
Barolo brings together world-famous wine, medieval charm, and the rolling vineyard landscapes of Piemonte’s Langhe. Wander through its compact historic centre, visit the imposing Castello Falletti, and explore traditional wine cellars producing the celebrated Barolo wine. Scenic roads and walking trails lead through vineyards surrounding the village, offering beautiful views across the hills. With its remarkable wine heritage, historic atmosphere, and spectacular countryside, Barolo is one of Piemonte’s most unforgettable destinations.
Practical Travel Tips
Everything you need to know before exploring Piemonte.
✈️ Best Airport
Turin Airport is the main gateway to Piemonte and the most convenient option for exploring much of the region. Milan Malpensa can be a useful alternative for eastern Piemonte, Lake Orta, and areas closer to the Lombardy border.
🛣️ Driving in Piemonte
Driving is one of the best ways to explore Piemonte, especially when visiting vineyard villages, Alpine valleys, and rural areas. Main roads are generally good, but expect winding routes and steep sections when travelling through the mountains.
🅿️ Parking
Most historic towns and villages have car parks outside their old centres, making it easy to continue exploring on foot. Avoid entering ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) areas unless permitted, as cameras may monitor restricted streets.
💳 Cash or Card?
Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and larger businesses throughout Piemonte. However, carrying some cash is useful when visiting smaller villages, local markets, mountain refuges, parking machines, or more remote Alpine areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Piemonte combines elegant cities, vineyard landscapes, medieval villages, beautiful lakes, Alpine mountains, and exceptional cuisine. Beyond Turin and the famous wine areas, much of the region remains surprisingly peaceful and overlooked by international travellers.
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Yes, Piemonte is generally very safe for tourists. As elsewhere in Italy, take normal precautions with valuables, particularly in larger cities, around train stations, and in busy tourist areas.
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A week is enough to experience several highlights, while 7 to 10 days is ideal for combining Turin, wine country, historic villages, beautiful lakes, and the Alpine landscapes of northern Piemonte.
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Piemonte is generally more affordable than some of Italy’s most famous tourist regions. Turin and prestigious wine areas can be more expensive, but smaller villages, local restaurants, and rural accommodation often offer excellent value.
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A rental car is highly recommended for exploring the Langhe, Monferrato, Alpine valleys, and smaller villages. Trains work well between larger towns, but a car gives you much more freedom in rural areas.
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Piemonte is famous for Barolo and Barbaresco wines, white truffles, exceptional cuisine, Turin, the Italian Alps, and beautiful lakes. The region is also home to historic villages, royal residences, and spectacular vineyard landscapes.
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May, June, September, and October are excellent for exploring Piemonte. Autumn is particularly special, with grape harvests, colourful vineyards, white truffle season, and food festivals throughout the region.
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Choose the Langhe for vineyards, medieval villages, exceptional food, and world-famous wines. Choose the Alps for mountain scenery, hiking, alpine lakes, and outdoor adventures. Combining both reveals just how diverse Piemonte really is.