Canelli
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Latest page update: 30 August 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Canelli
Canelli offers a small but appealing choice of established hotels, supported by its wine heritage, historic cellars and hillside setting in southern Piedmont. The best-reviewed options focus on comfort, views and convenient access to both the town and the surrounding vineyards.
Relais Villa del Borgo is one of the most highly regarded choices, appreciated for its elegant rooms, panoramic terraces and welcoming atmosphere in a peaceful position overlooking the hills (€€€€). Hotel Astoria, close to the centre, provides a practical alternative with comfortable rooms, friendly hospitality and easy access to the town’s main sights and wine producers (€€). For those seeking a refined countryside stay nearby, Relais San Maurizio offers extensive facilities, a spa and a prestigious hilltop setting, making it a popular choice for combining Canelli with wider Monferrato touring (€€€€).
Relais Villa del Borgo is one of the most highly regarded choices, appreciated for its elegant rooms, panoramic terraces and welcoming atmosphere in a peaceful position overlooking the hills (€€€€). Hotel Astoria, close to the centre, provides a practical alternative with comfortable rooms, friendly hospitality and easy access to the town’s main sights and wine producers (€€). For those seeking a refined countryside stay nearby, Relais San Maurizio offers extensive facilities, a spa and a prestigious hilltop setting, making it a popular choice for combining Canelli with wider Monferrato touring (€€€€).
Where is
Where is Canelli?
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The vineyard town of Canelli is situated within the Province of Asti. It stands at an elevation of 157 metres above sea level with a population of around 10,000 inhabitants.
Nearby places of interest include Nizza Monferrato, Costigliole d'Asti and Acqui Terme while the recommended accommodation for Canelli is the Villa del Borgo. |
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Canelli has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014 under the heading Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato.
Comune di Canelli
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Province: Asti
Region: Piedmont Population: 10,029 (in 2024 - source) Total size: 24 km² Elevation: 157 metres Highlights: Asti Spumante, Castello Gancia Close by: Nizza Monferrato, Costigliole d'Asti, Acqui Terme |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Year: 2014
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Year: 2014
What People Ask About Canelli, Piedmont
Where is Canelli located?
What is Canelli known for?
Is Canelli worth visiting?
What can you see in Canelli?
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Discover
Discover Canelli
Canelli is a hill town in the Province of Asti, set among the rolling vineyards and ridges of southern Piedmont in the heart of the Monferrato wine hills. Its historic centre rises on a slope above the Belbo Valley, with narrow lanes, terraced houses, and viewpoints that open onto orderly rows of vines stretching across the countryside. The surrounding landscape of hills, wineries, and rural estates gives Canelli a strong agricultural identity rooted in centuries of winemaking tradition.
The town is renowned for its underground wine cathedrals, historic cellars dug into the tufa hillside and now recognised as part of a UNESCO-listed wine landscape. Elegant palazzi, churches, and the hilltop Castello Gancia reflect its long connection to sparkling wine production and trade. Positioned between Nizza Monferrato and the routes leading towards Acqui Terme and Asti, Canelli serves as one of Piedmont’s symbolic wine capitals, closely tied to the vineyards, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of the Monferrato hills.
The town is renowned for its underground wine cathedrals, historic cellars dug into the tufa hillside and now recognised as part of a UNESCO-listed wine landscape. Elegant palazzi, churches, and the hilltop Castello Gancia reflect its long connection to sparkling wine production and trade. Positioned between Nizza Monferrato and the routes leading towards Acqui Terme and Asti, Canelli serves as one of Piedmont’s symbolic wine capitals, closely tied to the vineyards, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of the Monferrato hills.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Canelli
- Canelli's Historic Centre: Canelli’s historic centre is a charming mix of medieval and Baroque architecture. The narrow streets and alleys lead visitors through a scenic village with vibrant piazzas, local cafés, and shops. The area is perfect for leisurely exploration, with the added bonus of beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards and countryside.
- The Underground Cathedrals of Canelli (Le Cattedrali Sotterranee): A unique feature of Canelli, these underground cellars are used for the ageing of the town’s famous sparkling wines, such as Asti Spumante. The cellars are part of the town’s winemaking heritage and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore the historic cellars, learn about the sparkling wine production process, and enjoy tastings.
- Chiesa di San Tommaso: This Baroque church, located in the town centre, is an important religious site in Canelli. Known for its beautiful frescoes and architectural detail, the church is a peaceful spot to visit. It offers insight into the town's cultural and religious history, with its ornate interior adding to the charm of the area.
- Wine Tours and Tastings: Canelli is renowned for its wine production, particularly its sparkling wines. Numerous local wineries offer guided tours where visitors can explore the vineyards and cellars, learn about the winemaking process, and taste the famous wines of the region, including Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti. Many tours also offer food pairings, providing an authentic taste of Piedmont.
- Hiking and Cycling in the Langhe Hills: The surrounding Langhe Hills offer beautiful landscapes and a variety of hiking and cycling routes. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the vineyards, forests, and rolling hills. The trails cater to all levels of fitness, making it an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the Piedmont region while learning about local agriculture.
Tours and Activities
Canelli Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Canelli
- Osteria d’la Sternia: Located in the historic upper part of Canelli, this osteria offers traditional Piedmontese dishes such as carne cruda, tajarin, and brasato. The rustic interior includes stone walls and vaulted ceilings, with views over the vineyards. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Ristorante San Marco: A refined restaurant near the centre of town, San Marco is known for its elegant presentation of regional cuisine. The menu changes seasonally and includes tasting options, with an extensive wine list highlighting local producers. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
- Enoteca Regionale di Canelli: Situated in a historic building close to the cathedral, this wine-focused venue serves cold dishes and small plates to accompany tastings. Options include local cheeses, cured meats, and traditional preserves. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Trattoria Centro Storico: Found in a quiet street near the central square, this trattoria serves home-style cooking in a cosy, informal setting. The menu includes pasta, stews, and simple desserts, with wines from the surrounding hills. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
- Agriturismo Rupestr: Located in Cassinasco (approx. 8 km southwest of Canelli), this agriturismo offers fixed menus based on local recipes and produce from the farm. Meals are served in a relaxed dining room or on a terrace overlooking the hills. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
Photo Gallery
Canelli Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Canelli
- Nizza Monferrato (approx. 10 km northwest of Canelli): A historic town at the heart of the Monferrato wine area, Nizza Monferrato is known for its Barbera d’Asti wine production. The town has lively markets, traditional trattorias, and elegant piazzas lined with historic buildings.
- Calamandrana (approx. 5 km north of Canelli): Surrounded by vineyards, Calamandrana has a medieval upper part with narrow alleys and an old parish church. The lower town is more modern, while the area around it is dotted with wineries offering tastings of local wines.
- Santo Stefano Belbo (approx. 6 km south of Canelli): Associated with the writer Cesare Pavese, Santo Stefano Belbo combines literary heritage with wine culture. The town lies in the Moscato d’Asti production zone and is surrounded by vineyard hills.
- Agliano Terme (approx. 12 km northwest of Canelli): Known for its thermal springs, Agliano Terme is both a spa destination and part of the Barbera wine route. Its hillside position gives it fine views across the vineyards and valleys of southern Piedmont.
- Asti (approx. 20 km north of Canelli): A larger city with a rich medieval past, Asti is famous for its Palio horse race and Gothic churches. It is also at the centre of a major wine-producing area, noted for sparkling Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti.
Piedmont Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
1. Orta San Giulio
2. Lake Maggiore
3. Langhe
4. Turin
5. Borromean Islands
6. Monferrato
7. Reggia di Venaria Reale
8. Asti
9. Val di Susa
10. Barolo
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Canelli
By Rail: Canelli has its own train station on the regional line connecting Asti and Acqui Terme, operated by Trenitalia. The journey from Asti takes around 50 minutes, with connections available to Turin and Alessandria. The station is located within walking distance of the town centre and the main wine cellars.
By Road: Canelli is situated in the hills of southern Piedmont, in the province of Asti. It lies about 25 kilometres southeast of Asti and 35 kilometres northwest of Acqui Terme. The drive from Asti takes approximately 40 minutes via the SP6 and SP456. From Turin, the journey is around 90 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Public parking is available close to the historic centre and major wine estates.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Canelli is situated in the hills of southern Piedmont, in the province of Asti. It lies about 25 kilometres southeast of Asti and 35 kilometres northwest of Acqui Terme. The drive from Asti takes approximately 40 minutes via the SP6 and SP456. From Turin, the journey is around 90 kilometres and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Public parking is available close to the historic centre and major wine estates.
Nearest International Airports:
- Cuneo Levaldigi Airport: Located roughly 85 kilometres to the southwest, the drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via regional roads.
- Turin Caselle Airport: Approximately 115 kilometres away, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 40 minutes via the A33 and A21 motorways.
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport: Situated about 100 kilometres to the southeast, the drive takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes via the A26 motorway.
- Milan Malpensa Airport: Around 160 kilometres northeast of Canelli, with a journey time of approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes via the A7 and A21 motorways.
Private Transfers
Canelli Private Transfers
A private transfer is the simplest and most direct way to reach Canelli or continue your journey from the town to other parts of Piedmont. You’ll be picked up from your chosen location and driven comfortably by a professional local driver—no train changes, car hire, or navigation required.
From Canelli, the drive to Turin Caselle Airport takes about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx. 110 kilometres), while Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in around 2 hours (approx. 150 kilometres). The journey to Asti takes roughly 35 minutes, and nearby wine towns such as Nizza Monferrato, La Morra, and Barolo are all within an hour’s drive.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Canelli, the drive to Turin Caselle Airport takes about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx. 110 kilometres), while Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in around 2 hours (approx. 150 kilometres). The journey to Asti takes roughly 35 minutes, and nearby wine towns such as Nizza Monferrato, La Morra, and Barolo are all within an hour’s drive.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
