Piedmont
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Latest page update: 25 June 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Piedmont
Piedmont offers an outstanding collection of highly rated hotels, shaped by grand Savoy history, vineyard landscapes and refined regional cuisine. In Turin, Principi di Piemonte stands as one of the city’s most distinguished addresses, combining 1930s architecture, elegant interiors and a central position close to Piazza San Carlo. Also in the regional capital, Grand Hotel Sitea offers classic décor and long-established service in the historic centre, making it a popular base for exploring Turin’s cafés, galleries and royal residences.
Among the vineyards of the Langhe, Relais San Maurizio near Santo Stefano Belbo is one of the region’s most prestigious country hotels, set in a former monastery with landscaped grounds, a celebrated restaurant and a renowned spa. In La Morra, Corte Gondina Boutique Hotel provides an intimate atmosphere with period details and a garden overlooking Barolo hills, while Villa d’Amelia near Benevello offers contemporary refinement, panoramic terraces and a Michelin-starred dining experience surrounded by rolling countryside.
In Barolo territory, Arborina Relais blends modern architecture with vineyard views, featuring suites that open onto the landscape and a focus on wine and gastronomy. Overlooking the Roero area, Castello di Guarene delivers a more aristocratic setting, housed in an 18th-century palace with frescoed interiors, formal gardens and a spa built into the hillside.
Toward the lakes, Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta in Stresa brings Belle Époque grandeur to Lake Maggiore, complete with terraces, gardens and views towards the Borromean Islands. On Lake Orta, Villa Crespi offers one of Piedmont’s most distinctive experiences, set in a Moorish-style villa with an acclaimed restaurant and individually styled suites. Completing the region, Albergo Ristorante Giardinetto, also on Lake Orta, provides a more relaxed but consistently rated lakeside stay, with direct water access and a scenic position close to Orta San Giulio.
Among the vineyards of the Langhe, Relais San Maurizio near Santo Stefano Belbo is one of the region’s most prestigious country hotels, set in a former monastery with landscaped grounds, a celebrated restaurant and a renowned spa. In La Morra, Corte Gondina Boutique Hotel provides an intimate atmosphere with period details and a garden overlooking Barolo hills, while Villa d’Amelia near Benevello offers contemporary refinement, panoramic terraces and a Michelin-starred dining experience surrounded by rolling countryside.
In Barolo territory, Arborina Relais blends modern architecture with vineyard views, featuring suites that open onto the landscape and a focus on wine and gastronomy. Overlooking the Roero area, Castello di Guarene delivers a more aristocratic setting, housed in an 18th-century palace with frescoed interiors, formal gardens and a spa built into the hillside.
Toward the lakes, Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta in Stresa brings Belle Époque grandeur to Lake Maggiore, complete with terraces, gardens and views towards the Borromean Islands. On Lake Orta, Villa Crespi offers one of Piedmont’s most distinctive experiences, set in a Moorish-style villa with an acclaimed restaurant and individually styled suites. Completing the region, Albergo Ristorante Giardinetto, also on Lake Orta, provides a more relaxed but consistently rated lakeside stay, with direct water access and a scenic position close to Orta San Giulio.
Where is
Where is Piedmont?
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Occupying a large chunk of north-western corner of Italy, the region of Piedmont is one of the largest in the country, offering a diverse range of sights.
Although landlocked, it's home to stunning waterside locations provided by its lakes, while the wine regions of the Langhe and Monferrato dazzle with their rolling, vineyard-clad hills. An important centre of the Risorgimento, the process by which the country was formed, its capital Turin was the first capital of Italy. |
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Regione Piemonte
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Regional capital: Turin
Population: 4,252,851 (in 2024 - source) Size: 25,402 km² Provinces: 8 Highlights: Turin, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, Langhe, Monferrato |
What People Ask About Piedmont
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Discover Piedmont
Defining Piedmont
Turin's status of capital of Italy didn't last long; it was soon superseded by Florence which in turn gave way to Rome, all within the space of ten years starting from 1861. The borders and political situation within the area we currently call Piedmont have changed on a regular basis over the years; at one stage it was part of the Duchy of Savoy which had also exercised control over Sardinia.
Modern-day Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian), is one of the most successful and affluent of Italy's twenty regions. It shares a long, mountainous border with France to its west, while the mainly coastal region of Liguria lies to its south after a hilly descent. Piedmont shares the Gran Paradiso National Park to its north with the tiny region of Valle d'Aosta, and its eastern reaches are fringed by Lombardy and Emilia Romagna.
Modern-day Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian), is one of the most successful and affluent of Italy's twenty regions. It shares a long, mountainous border with France to its west, while the mainly coastal region of Liguria lies to its south after a hilly descent. Piedmont shares the Gran Paradiso National Park to its north with the tiny region of Valle d'Aosta, and its eastern reaches are fringed by Lombardy and Emilia Romagna.
Piedmont's capital city: Torino
At the heart of Piemontese life and culture is the city of Turin. An industrial powerhouse, it shot to prominence as the home of car-maker Fiat and is home to Italy's most successful football team: Juventus.
The 1969 film The Italian Job starring Michael Caine acts as something of a snapshot of the city in the 20th century. Scenes of car chases on top of the Lingotto Building and across the River Po raise a smile but it many people's eyes, the city has changed much for the better since those times.
The catalyst for changing the mainly industrial outlook of Turin to one more geared towards tourism was the 2006 Winter Olympics which saw a large financial investment and something of a facelift for the city. It's now one of the most popular centres of tourism in Italy and home to an enviable collection of museums and the incredible royal palace: the Reggia di Venaria Reale.
The 1969 film The Italian Job starring Michael Caine acts as something of a snapshot of the city in the 20th century. Scenes of car chases on top of the Lingotto Building and across the River Po raise a smile but it many people's eyes, the city has changed much for the better since those times.
The catalyst for changing the mainly industrial outlook of Turin to one more geared towards tourism was the 2006 Winter Olympics which saw a large financial investment and something of a facelift for the city. It's now one of the most popular centres of tourism in Italy and home to an enviable collection of museums and the incredible royal palace: the Reggia di Venaria Reale.
Alpine ski resorts
The Olympic legacy gives no small hint as to one of the major attractions of Piedmont: its showpiece ski resort is Sestriere in the Val di Susa, west of Turin. Apart from hosting a clutch of other ski resorts such as Sauze d'Oulx and Bardonecchia, the valley offers some of the most spectacular Alpine scenery in Italy.
Langhe and Monferrato: stunning vineyard landscapes
Arguably an even greater feast for the eye, and certainly for the palate, are Piedmont's wine regions. In particular, the regions of Langhe and Monferrato offer the iconic images of Piedmont, with some of the most notable villages including Barolo, Barbaresco and Asti, home to the famous Spumante sparkling wine.
Around the lakes: Maggiore and Orta
Piedmont can also lay claim to one of Italy's three great lakes, with the western shores of Lake Maggiore offering a series of elegant lakeside towns such as Stresa and Verbania. In the middle of the lake are the Borromean Islands of Isola Bella, Isola dei Pescatori and Isola Madre.
The three islands are all reachable by ferry and provide a combination of stunning scenery and beautiful gardens. Arguably Italy's most beautiful garden lies on the mainland shore of Lake Maggiore: the wonderful Villa Taranto just outside Verbania.
There are further lakes in Piedmont as well, most notably Lake Orta. The signature town on the lake is Orta San Giulio from where you can take a ferry out to the diminutive Isola San Giulio. Lake Orta has an understated appeal and sense of tranquility which can be enjoyed at the towns of Pella and Omegna, dotted around its shores.
The three islands are all reachable by ferry and provide a combination of stunning scenery and beautiful gardens. Arguably Italy's most beautiful garden lies on the mainland shore of Lake Maggiore: the wonderful Villa Taranto just outside Verbania.
There are further lakes in Piedmont as well, most notably Lake Orta. The signature town on the lake is Orta San Giulio from where you can take a ferry out to the diminutive Isola San Giulio. Lake Orta has an understated appeal and sense of tranquility which can be enjoyed at the towns of Pella and Omegna, dotted around its shores.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Above Orta San Giulio is one of a series of Sacri Monti, "Sacred Mountains" upon which sit religious sanctuaries. The Sacri Monti are recognised by UNESCO as a combined World Heritage Site.
Among the most famous are the Sacri Monti of Oropa, Domodossola and Varallo Sesia, one of the most beautiful and historic towns in Piedmont. Other historic towns in the region not to be missed include Susa, Mondovì, Ivrea and Saluzzo, to name just a handful.
Among the most famous are the Sacri Monti of Oropa, Domodossola and Varallo Sesia, one of the most beautiful and historic towns in Piedmont. Other historic towns in the region not to be missed include Susa, Mondovì, Ivrea and Saluzzo, to name just a handful.
Expansive parklands
Aside from the Gran Paradiso, Piedmont is home to another of Italy's national parks, the Val Grande National Park close to the northern town of Domodossola. Other, smaller parks to be discovered include the beautiful Parco Naturale Orsiera Rocciavrè, close to the border with France.
Royal palaces
UNESCO recognise a number of sites within Piedmont including the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. the aforementioned palace at Venaria Reale is one of them while the remaining eight include the Palazzina di Stupinigi and Castello di Govone.
Travelling to Piedmont
In terms of travel, Piedmont is well-served by its road network and by Turin Airport which is one of the most popular entry points. The region's northern Italian location also makes it a viable option to visit by car from Germany, France, the Netherlands and the UK.
Trains and buses run efficiently throughout the region while cable cars in the ski resorts and ferries on the lakes have been looking after passengers for a great number of years now.
Trains and buses run efficiently throughout the region while cable cars in the ski resorts and ferries on the lakes have been looking after passengers for a great number of years now.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Piedmont
- Turin and the Mole Antonelliana serve as the cultural and historical heart of the region, with wide boulevards, elegant squares, and baroque architecture. The Mole houses the National Cinema Museum, while other highlights include the Royal Palace, Egyptian Museum, and cafés serving traditional bicerin.
- Lake Maggiore and the Borromean Islands extend into northern Piedmont, with scenic lakeside towns like Stresa and Verbania. The islands include Isola Bella with its terraced gardens and baroque palace, Isola Madre with exotic plants, and Isola dei Pescatori with its fishing village atmosphere.
- Langhe and Barolo Wine Country feature rolling hills covered in vineyards and dotted with medieval castles and wine towns. Barolo, La Morra, and Monforte d’Alba are known for producing DOCG wines, while the region is also famous for white truffles, hazelnuts, and slow food traditions.
- Sacra di San Michele and the Susa Valley offer one of Italy’s most dramatic religious sites, perched on a rocky spur overlooking the valley below. The abbey inspired Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose, and the surrounding area includes alpine villages, Roman ruins, and mountain trails.
- Alba and the International Truffle Fair are at the centre of Piedmont’s culinary reputation. The town is known for white truffles, fine wines, and a historic centre with towers, churches, and cobbled streets. Each autumn, the truffle fair attracts chefs, traders, and food lovers from around the world.
- Asti and the Palio Festival are linked to wine and medieval tradition. The city produces Asti Spumante and Barbera, and its 13th-century cathedral is one of the region’s finest. The Palio di Asti, held in September, is one of Italy’s oldest horse races, set in the historic piazza.
- Lake Orta and the Island of San Giulio provide a more peaceful alternative to Lake Maggiore. Orta San Giulio has a charming lakeside centre with narrow streets and a ferry to the island, where a Romanesque basilica and Benedictine monastery overlook the water.
- Val Grande National Park and the Wilderness Trails protect one of the wildest and least-inhabited areas in the Alps. The park includes remote valleys, forests, and old shepherd settlements, offering challenging hikes and opportunities for solitude in a rugged mountain environment.
- Saluzzo and the Marquisate Castles sit at the foot of the Cottian Alps, with a well-preserved medieval centre. The town includes the Castiglia fortress, noble palaces, and the Church of San Giovanni, while the surrounding area features hilltop castles, vineyards, and orchards.
- Biella and the Oropa Sanctuary combine textile heritage with religious and alpine traditions. The Sanctuary of Oropa, dedicated to the Black Madonna, sits high above the town and includes chapels, courtyards, and mountain trails, while Biella is known for its wool industry and artisan shops.
Tours and Activities
Piedmont Tours and Activities
What to Eat
What to Eat in Piedmont
- Bagna càuda – A warm dipping sauce made from garlic, anchovies, and olive oil, served with raw or cooked seasonal vegetables. Traditionally eaten communally in late autumn, it reflects Piedmont’s rural roots and its appreciation for bold, pungent flavours.
- Vitello tonnato – Thin slices of veal served cold, topped with a creamy sauce made from tuna, capers, anchovies, and mayonnaise. A classic summer antipasto from the province of Cuneo, it balances delicate meat with a richly flavoured topping.
- Tajarin al tartufo – Fine egg-rich noodles, usually made with up to 30 yolks per kilo of flour, served with butter and shaved white truffle. A delicacy of the Langhe hills, it showcases the region’s devotion to truffle season and handmade pasta traditions.
- Agnolotti del plin – Small, pinched ravioli filled with roast meat or vegetables, typically served with meat juices or butter and sage. The name plin refers to the pinch used to close each piece, and they are especially popular in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria.
- Brasato al Barolo – Beef slowly braised in Barolo wine with onions, carrots, and herbs until tender and deeply flavoured. Often served with polenta or mashed potatoes, it’s a festive dish that highlights the importance of local wines in Piedmontese cooking.
- Fritto misto alla piemontese – A mixed fry of sweet and savoury items, including veal, liver, sausages, apple rings, and amaretti, all coated in breadcrumbs. Traditionally prepared in autumn or winter, it is a celebratory dish with both rustic and refined elements.
- Finanziera – A rich stew made from offal, sweetbreads, cockscombs, and mushrooms, simmered with vinegar and Marsala wine. Once a dish of nobility, it reflects the region’s historic use of the entire animal and the influence of courtly cuisine.
- Panissa vercellese – A risotto made with Arborio rice, salame della duja (preserved salami), and Borlotti beans, often enriched with red wine. Originating in the rice-growing area around Vercelli, it’s a hearty and rustic dish with deep agricultural roots.
- Grissini – Thin, crisp breadsticks originally from Turin, made to aid digestion and once served to royalty. Now a staple across Italy, the Piedmontese version is hand-rolled, longer, and thinner than its industrial counterparts.
- Bunet – A traditional baked custard made with eggs, sugar, cocoa, crushed amaretti biscuits, and rum, often served cold. Dating back to the 18th century, it’s a classic Piedmontese dessert that blends sweetness with bitter and aromatic notes.
Photo Gallery
Piedmont Photo Gallery
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 Piedmont
By Rail: Piedmont is served by Trenitalia and Italo trains, with major hubs in Turin, Novara, Alessandria, and Cuneo. High-speed lines connect Turin with Milan, Bologna, Florence, and Rome, while regional trains link smaller towns such as Asti, Biella, and Domodossola. Journey times are approximately 1 hour from Milan to Turin and around 4 hours from Rome to Turin. The region also has cross-border rail links to France and Switzerland.
By Road: Piedmont is well connected by the A4 (Turin–Milan), A21 (Turin–Brescia), and A26 (Genoa–Gravellona Toce) motorways. The drive from Milan to Turin takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, from Genoa around 2 hours, and from Lyon (France) approximately 3 hours via the Frejus Tunnel. Roads through the Alps provide access to ski resorts and mountain passes. Parking is widely available in towns, cities, and rural areas.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Piedmont is well connected by the A4 (Turin–Milan), A21 (Turin–Brescia), and A26 (Genoa–Gravellona Toce) motorways. The drive from Milan to Turin takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, from Genoa around 2 hours, and from Lyon (France) approximately 3 hours via the Frejus Tunnel. Roads through the Alps provide access to ski resorts and mountain passes. Parking is widely available in towns, cities, and rural areas.
Nearest International Airports:
- Turin Airport (Aeroporto di Torino-Caselle): Located about 15 kilometres north of the city, the drive to Turin takes approximately 25 minutes. It serves both domestic and European destinations.
- Milan Malpensa Airport (Aeroporto di Milano Malpensa): Around 140 kilometres north-east of Turin, reachable in about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It is a major international hub with long-haul and European routes.
- Genoa Airport (Aeroporto di Genova Cristoforo Colombo): Situated about 170 kilometres south-east of Turin, with a driving time of approximately 2 hours.
Private Transfers
Piedmont Private Transfers
A private transfer is the easiest way to travel to or from Piedmont, giving you a direct service across this large region without the need to rely on multiple train connections or drive long distances yourself. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and driven by a local, professional driver, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
From central Piedmont, the nearest hub is Turin, which provides access to the rest of the region and can be reached quickly depending on your starting point. Turin Caselle Airport is the main gateway, around 30 minutes from Turin city centre. Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes from Turin (145 km), while Milan Linate Airport takes around 2 hours, covering 165 km. A transfer to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport usually takes 2 hours with a journey of 170 km. For those travelling to the mountains, transfers to the Alps vary between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the resort.
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 central Piedmont, the nearest hub is Turin, which provides access to the rest of the region and can be reached quickly depending on your starting point. Turin Caselle Airport is the main gateway, around 30 minutes from Turin city centre. Milan Malpensa Airport can be reached in about 1 hour 30 minutes from Turin (145 km), while Milan Linate Airport takes around 2 hours, covering 165 km. A transfer to Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport usually takes 2 hours with a journey of 170 km. For those travelling to the mountains, transfers to the Alps vary between 1 and 2 hours, depending on the resort.
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.
Metropolitan City of Turin
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Turin
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Alessandria Province
Casale Monferrato, Alessandria Province
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Asti Province
Nizza Monferrato, Asti Province
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Biella Province
Sacro Monte di Oropa, Biella Province
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Cuneo Province
Barolo, Cuneo Province
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Novara Province
Orta San Giulio, Novara Province
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Verbano Cusio Ossola
Mergozzo, Verbano Cusio Ossola
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Vercelli Province
Varallo Sesia, Vercelli Province
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Piedmont by Category
Gardens of Piedmont
Historic Towns of Piedmont
Lakes and Islands of Piedmont
Lakeside Towns of Piedmont
Landmarks of Piedmont
Major Cities and Towns of Piedmont
Orange Flag Towns of Piedmont
Parks of Piedmont
Piedmont's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Ski Resorts of Piedmont
Things to see in Piedmont
Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Piedmont
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont
Vineyard Towns of Piedmont
Wine Regions of Piedmont
Historic Towns of Piedmont
Lakes and Islands of Piedmont
Lakeside Towns of Piedmont
Landmarks of Piedmont
Major Cities and Towns of Piedmont
Orange Flag Towns of Piedmont
Parks of Piedmont
Piedmont's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Ski Resorts of Piedmont
Things to see in Piedmont
Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Piedmont
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont
Vineyard Towns of Piedmont
Wine Regions of Piedmont
Piedmont Destinations A-Z
Acqui Terme
Agliè
Alba
Albissola Marina
Alessandria
Alzo
Arona
Asti
Avigliana
Balboutet
Barbaresco
Bardonecchia
Barolo
Baveno
Belgirate
Bene Vagienna
Bergolo
Biella
Bra
Canelli
Cannero Riviera
Cannobio
Casale Monferrato
Castello di Serralunga d'Alba
Castiglione Falletto
Cella Monte
Cesana Torinese
Cherasco
Chianale
Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore
Chiesa di San Maurizio Maggiore al Monastero
Claviere
Cocconato
Costigliole d'Asti
Cuneo
Diano d'Alba
Domodossola
Fenestrelle
Feriolo
Fobello
Fraisse
Garbagna
Garessio
Gavi
Ghiffa
Govone
Grinzane Cavour
Isola Bella (Lake Maggiore)
Isola Maggiore
Ivrea
La Mandria Regional Park
La Morra
Lago Grande di Avigliana
Lake Mergozzo
Lake Sirio
Langhe
Laux
Lesa
Meina
Mergozzo
Mombaldone
Mondovì
Monferrato
Monforte d'Alba
Neive
Nizza Monferrato
Novara Cathedral
Novara
Oggebbio
Omegna
Orta San Giulio
Ostana
Ozzano Monferrato
Pella
Pettenasco
Pinerolo
Ponzano Monferrato
Pourrières
Pragelato
Ricetto di Candelo
Rivoli
Ronco Marina
Rosignano Monferrato
Sacra di San Michele
Saluzzo
Sauze d'Oulx
Sestriere
Stresa
Susa
Turin
Tortona
Treville
Usseaux
Val di Susa
Varallo Sesia
Verbania
Vercelli
Vergne
Vogogna
Volpedo
Agliè
Alba
Albissola Marina
Alessandria
Alzo
Arona
Asti
Avigliana
Balboutet
Barbaresco
Bardonecchia
Barolo
Baveno
Belgirate
Bene Vagienna
Bergolo
Biella
Bra
Canelli
Cannero Riviera
Cannobio
Casale Monferrato
Castello di Serralunga d'Alba
Castiglione Falletto
Cella Monte
Cesana Torinese
Cherasco
Chianale
Chiesa di San Fermo Maggiore
Chiesa di San Maurizio Maggiore al Monastero
Claviere
Cocconato
Costigliole d'Asti
Cuneo
Diano d'Alba
Domodossola
Fenestrelle
Feriolo
Fobello
Fraisse
Garbagna
Garessio
Gavi
Ghiffa
Govone
Grinzane Cavour
Isola Bella (Lake Maggiore)
Isola Maggiore
Ivrea
La Mandria Regional Park
La Morra
Lago Grande di Avigliana
Lake Mergozzo
Lake Sirio
Langhe
Laux
Lesa
Meina
Mergozzo
Mombaldone
Mondovì
Monferrato
Monforte d'Alba
Neive
Nizza Monferrato
Novara Cathedral
Novara
Oggebbio
Omegna
Orta San Giulio
Ostana
Ozzano Monferrato
Pella
Pettenasco
Pinerolo
Ponzano Monferrato
Pourrières
Pragelato
Ricetto di Candelo
Rivoli
Ronco Marina
Rosignano Monferrato
Sacra di San Michele
Saluzzo
Sauze d'Oulx
Sestriere
Stresa
Susa
Turin
Tortona
Treville
Usseaux
Val di Susa
Varallo Sesia
Verbania
Vercelli
Vergne
Vogogna
Volpedo
