Travel Mini-Guide: Outdoor Piedmont in a Nutshell - Part II

Some Destinations You Can't Miss to Discover the Natural Beauty of Piedmont!

Let's go back to travel tips in Piedmont, our region, which is not only famous for the Alpine chain but also for other areas full of beauty and charm that the world envies!

LANGHE

The Piedmontese area between Cuneo and Asti offers a succession of spectacular landscapes. Hills and vineyards alternate with castles and historic villages: this is the scenery that enchants an increasing number of visitors interested in the area's food and wine culture, as well as its natural beauty. Barolo, Grinzane Cavour, Serralunga and La Morra are the heart of this area, which has gained global attention not only for its prestigious wines but also for its cultural offerings. You’ll be eager to return!

• Why go: To discover the most renowned area of the region and taste the incredible variety of wines it offers!
• Main locations: Barolo; La Morra
• Recommended restaurant: Ca del Re, in Verduno

MONFERRATO

Monferrato is the Piedmont area encompassing the cities of Alessandria and Asti: a completely hilly region full of imposing castles, ancient churches, and picturesque medieval villages.
It is a land rich in history, vineyards, and natural beauty, where events or food-themed weekends are organized throughout the year, especially during the harvest, the most charming time!

• Why go: To visit its picturesque medieval villages
• Main locations: Casale Monferrato, Nizza Monferrato, Acqui Terme
• Recommended B&B: Villa Lombardi - Dell’Aglio, in Moncalvo

ROERO

Roero lies between the Langhe and Monferrato, in the heart of the wine hills. Although it is not as famous as its neighboring Langhe, Roero is a Piedmont area that has been attracting thousands of tourists from all over Europe for years, who come to enjoy its cuisine and wines. Since 2014, it has also been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
The landscape here alternates between towers, vineyards, orchards, forests, and the wild beauty of the "rocche," a natural phenomenon of river erosion by the Tanaro River. The sandy cliffs of the hills form sharp rocks and imposing natural amphitheaters, where visitors can explore by following the paths of the farmers.

• Why go: To be surprised by a charming, still little-explored area
• Main locations: Bra, Montà d’Alba, Canale
• Recommended B&B/restaurant: Agriturismo Val di Spinso, in Santa Vittoria d’Alba

PIEDMONT LAKES

The lakes of Piedmont are among the most popular destinations for visitors from abroad, an attraction for those who don't enjoy the long lines on the roads to the sea but also an opportunity to explore unique villages, fauna, and flora. Among many others, the Lake Maggiore stands out, a stunning area nestled between the mountains, adorned with gardens full of exotic plants that thrive thanks to the mild climate both in summer and winter. The shores of Lake Maggiore are dotted with small beaches, also found along the smaller Lake Orta, a gem nestled between Mount Rosa and the plains of Novara, surrounded by quaint villages like Omegna and the Island of San Giulio.

• Why go: To relax and cool off in peace, avoiding the chaos of beaches
• Main locations: Verbania, Omegna
• Recommended B&B: La Lanterna, in Verbania

CANAVESE AND SERRA MORENICA

Surrounded by gentle hills and green valleys like the Valchiusella, the Canavese is a beautiful corner of Piedmont that holds countless natural, historical, and artistic treasures, including castles, towers, and ancient churches. The central city is Ivrea, surrounded by the famous Morenic Amphitheater, one of the most well-known in Europe, formed during the great ice ages and from which derive the numerous water basins like the five lakes of Ivrea and the lakes of Candia Canavese and Viverone. The Canavese area, with its unique geomorphological features, offers countless sports and cultural activities related to the mountains and beyond!

• Why go: For its undiscovered natural treasures
• Main locations: Ivrea, Viverone
• Recommended B&B: Poesie di Viaggio, in Candia Canavese

VALSESIA

Valsesia, "the greenest valley in Italy," extends at the foot of Monte Rosa and fully meets the expectations of snow lovers in winter. But it’s not just that: Valsesia offers enchanting hiking and trekking trails in an unparalleled environment, where the ancient traditions of the local people are perfectly in tune with nature. Among the most picturesque paths: the ascent to the Regina Margherita refuge, the highest in Europe at 4,554 meters, or the walks through the villages of Valgrande, Val Sermenza, and Val Mastallone. Great emotions are also guaranteed for art and culture lovers: in Varallo, the historical heart of the valley, you can visit several must-see spots!

• Why go: To enjoy stunning views of Monte Rosa
• Main locations: Varallo, Borgosesia, Alagna
• Recommended restaurant: Nuova Osteria dei Cacciatori, in Varallo