Cles​

Latest page update: 24 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Cles
Accommodation options in Cles are modest, with only a handful of small hotels and guesthouses serving the town itself. For visitors seeking established properties with fuller facilities and strong guest feedback, the wider Province of Trento offers excellent choices, particularly in nearby towns such as Mezzolombardo and Andalo, both within easy driving distance.
​
In Mezzolombardo, Hotel Drago is a reliable option featuring comfortable rooms, an on-site restaurant, and positive guest reviews for cleanliness and convenience (€€). Hotel Corona Wellness & Family in Andalo provides modern alpine accommodation with a large wellness area, family-friendly facilities, and easy access to the nearby ski lifts (€€). Also in Andalo, AlpHoliday Dolomiti Wellness & Fun Hotel is a top-rated choice offering a spacious spa, indoor pool, and high-quality dining in a scenic mountain setting (€€€).

Where is

Where is Cles?
​​The town of Cles is situated within the Province of Trentino and has a population of around 7,000 residents. It stands at an elevation of 658 metres above sea level.

Places of interest nearby include Lake Santa Giustina, Lake Tovel, Andalo and Bolzano, while the recommended accommodation for the town is the Hotel Cles.
Comune di Cles
Province: Trento

Region: ​Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol

Population: 7,309​ (in 2024 - source)

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Size: 39 km²

Elevation: 658 metres​

​Close by: Lake Santa Giustina, Lake Tovel, Andalo, Bolzano​

Recommended accommodation: Hotel ​Cles

What People Ask About Cles, Trentino-Alto Adige

Is Cles worth visiting?
Yes, Cles is worth visiting as the main town of the Val di Non. It is known for its apple orchards, historic centre, and nearby Lake Santa Giustina. The town also has a castle and good views over the surrounding valley and mountains.
How do I get to Cles?
Cles can be reached by car from Trento in about 50 minutes via the SS43 road. The town has its own train station on the Trento–Malè–Mezzana railway, making it accessible from Trento by regional train services.
What are the main attractions in Cles?
Key attractions include Cles Castle, the historic centre with its churches and palazzi, and Lake Santa Giustina nearby. The surrounding Val di Non is famous for its apple orchards, walking paths, and access to the Maddalene mountains.
When is the best time to visit Cles?
Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit, especially during apple blossom or harvest. Summer is lively with outdoor activities around the lake, while winter is quieter but offers nearby skiing in the Val di Sole and other areas.
How long should I stay in Cles?
One to two days is enough to explore the town, its castle, and Lake Santa Giustina. Stay longer if you want to explore the wider Val di Non or use Cles as a base for excursions into the nearby mountains.
Related links

Discover

Discover Cles
Cles is a town in Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol, located in the Val di Non on a terrace above the Lake of Santa Giustina. Surrounded by orchards and rolling hills, it is the main centre of the valley, with views towards the Brenta Dolomites and the Maddalene Mountains. The town’s layout combines a compact historic centre with newer residential areas that spread across the plateau.
​
The most prominent landmark is the Castello di Cles, overlooking the lake and valley, once the residence of the powerful Cles family. The Parish Church of Santa Maria Assunta and several noble palaces reflect the town’s cultural and historical importance. Cles is at the heart of the region’s apple production and serves as an administrative and commercial hub for the surrounding area. Road connections link it directly to Trento, Caldès and the nearby Val di Sole, making it an important gateway to the western Trentino valleys.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Cles
  • Centro Storico di Cles is a lively town centre where broad streets and narrow lanes wind among pastel-coloured buildings and elegant arcades. Decorative balconies and stone portals reflect both Alpine and Renaissance influences. The town sits on a sunny plateau above the Noce river, surrounded by apple orchards and views of the Brenta Dolomites. Its atmosphere blends local life with gentle tourism.
  • Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta stands as Cles’s main church, with a neoclassical façade and an elegant, bright interior. Inside are marble altars, frescoes, and religious artworks. The church remains central to community life and celebrations. It’s easy to visit while strolling through the nearby streets and squares.
  • Piazza Granda serves as the town’s social and architectural heart, lined with arcaded buildings, shops, and cafés. Locals gather here for markets, events, and daily conversation. Outdoor tables add a welcoming atmosphere. The square offers glimpses of the surrounding mountains and apple orchards.
  • Castel Cles rises on a hill just outside the town, surrounded by terraced fields and orchards. The castle has medieval origins, though much of it was remodelled in later centuries. While not always open to the public, its towers and walls create a striking silhouette. Views from the hill stretch over the Val di Non and the turquoise waters of Lake Santa Giustina.
  • Apple tastings and local food experiences in Cles celebrate the region’s reputation for high-quality fruit production. Local producers offer tastings of fresh apples, juices, and traditional desserts. Events often include explanations of cultivation methods and regional recipes. It’s a delicious way to connect with the cultural and agricultural identity of the area.

Tours and Activities

Cles Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations

1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. ​Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Cles
By Rail: Cles has its own railway station on the Trento–Malé–Mezzana line, operated by Trentino Trasporti. Regional trains connect the town to Trento in about 1 hour and to Malé in approximately 20 minutes. Services are regular throughout the day, and the station is located close to the centre, within walking distance of the main amenities.

By Road: The town is situated in the Val di Non valley, northwest of Trento. From Trento, the distance is about 40 kilometres, with a driving time of roughly 45 minutes via the SS43 road. From Bolzano, the journey is approximately 55 kilometres and takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. From Verona, the distance is about 120 kilometres, taking around 1 hour and 50 minutes. Parking is available in and around the centre.

Nearest International Airports:
​
  • Verona Villafranca Airport: Located about 130 kilometres from Cles, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 50 minutes. It offers domestic flights and several European connections.
  • Bolzano Airport: Approximately 55 kilometres away, the journey takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes by car. It provides regional and seasonal flights within Europe.
  • Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport: Roughly 165 kilometres from Cles, with a driving time of about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It mainly serves low-cost airlines operating European routes.

Private Transfers

Cles Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a reliable way to travel to Cles, a town in the Val di Non, or to continue your journey to other destinations in Trentino and northern Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to plan routes or manage onward transport.

From Cles, transfers can connect you with Verona Villafranca Airport, with longer routes also available to Venice Marco Polo Airport and Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter trips to nearby towns such as Trento, Malè, and Mezzolombardo, or for travelling further into the Dolomites and neighbouring regions.
​
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.

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.
To book one of our private transfers you can contact us via the [email protected] mailbox or use the Whatsapp button above for live chat and general advice about your upcoming trip to Italy. 

SITE SEARCH

If you want to find a page quickly and you're not sure where to look you can use the Site Search box below and it'll point you in the right direction. 

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO ITALY

Italy Review is an independent guide to Italy, showcasing the very best that the country has to offer. Throughout the four thousand pages of the website you'll find comprehensive tourist information, opinion and original photos.

​Alongside the major tourist destinations that you've already heard of, there are thousands of others that may come as a surprise with the intention of the website to provide inspiration for your future trips to the country. 

The photos and descriptions on the website are all my own work and are the fruit of my extensive travels around the country. I've visited every place that's listed on the website which means I'm able to give useful advice for first-time visitors. 

​You can keep in touch with the latest developments in Italy via  my Facebook and Instagram pages. 

If you'd just like to start your exploration of Italy with some ideas of places to go then I'd recommend starting at the highlighted must see Italy page.  Or using the grid to your right you can click a photo to enter  the main menus.                 

THE ITALY REVIEW NETWORK SISTER SITES:

​All photos and images on the site that are marked with the © copyright symbol or with the Italy Review series logos are the property of Italy Review and must not be used elsewhere without prior permission. All written content on the website is also the property of Italy Review and its use is strictly limited to this website alone. 
Chat with us on WhatsApp