Top 10 Places to Visit in Piedmont
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Latest page update: 19 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The top ten of Piedmont list captures the elegant towns, vineyard landscapes and alpine valleys that give the region its quiet appeal.
From the lakeside charm of Orta San Giulio and Lake Maggiore to the rolling hills of the Langhe and Monferrato, the scenery is some of the most refined in Italy. Turin adds culture, cafés and grand architecture. Historic sites like the Reggia di Venaria and the medieval centre of Asti round out the list, along with the alpine views of Val di Susa. Piedmont blends wine, history and mountain landscapes in equal measure. |
Reggia di Venaria Reale, Piedmont
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Orta San Giulio
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Orta San Giulio is a picturesque lakeside village on the shores of Lake Orta, often considered one of the prettiest spots in Piedmont. Its cobbled streets lead down to a peaceful waterfront.
The island of San Giulio lies just offshore, home to a Benedictine monastery and reached by short boat ride. The Sacro Monte above town offers walking paths and views over the lake. The village is small and best explored on foot. It’s a great destination for relaxing strolls, scenic views, and lakeside dining. |
Orta San Giulio, Piedmont
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Lake Maggiore
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The western shore of Lake Maggiore belongs to Piedmont and includes some of the most elegant lakeside towns in northern Italy. Stresa is the best-known, with boat trips and grand hotels.
Verbania, Baveno and Arona offer lakeside promenades, gardens and access to the Borromean Islands. The lake is popular for swimming, hiking and boat excursions in warmer months. Lake Maggiore is easily reached from Milan by train or car. It’s one of Piedmont’s main tourist destinations and ideal for scenic holidays. |
Lake Maggiore, Piedmont
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Langhe
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The Langhe is a hilly wine region between Alba and Asti, famous for Barolo and Barbaresco wines, white truffles and autumn food festivals. Rolling vineyards stretch across every horizon.
Hill towns like La Morra and Neive offer views, wine cellars and gourmet restaurants. Castles, farmhouses and quiet roads add to the area’s timeless feel. The Langhe is best visited by car, especially in harvest season. It’s a top choice for food and wine lovers looking to explore at their own pace. |
Langhe, Piedmont
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Turin
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Turin (Torino) is the capital of Piedmont and one of Italy’s most refined cities. It’s known for elegant boulevards, chocolate, and the Mole Antonelliana — now home to the Cinema Museum.
Historic cafés, museums and royal palaces line the city’s main squares, while the riverfront and hills offer green escapes. Fiat and Juventus are part of the city’s modern identity. Turin has an international airport and fast train links. It’s a cultured, under-visited city with a strong local character. |
Turin, Piedmont
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Borromean Islands
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The Borromean Islands sit in the centre of Lake Maggiore and are a highlight of any visit to the area. Each island has a distinct character, from grand palaces to fishing villages.
Isola Bella features a Baroque palace and formal gardens, while Isola Madre is filled with exotic plants and peacocks. Isola dei Pescatori has restaurants and a small village atmosphere. Boats run regularly from Stresa, Baveno and Verbania. Visiting the islands is one of the region’s most popular activities, especially in spring and summer. |
Borromean Islands, Lake Maggiore
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Monferrato
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Monferrato is a rolling wine region southeast of Turin, less famous than the Langhe but just as scenic. Its hills are dotted with vineyards, castles and medieval towns.
This is a land of Barbera and sparkling wines, truffles, and slow tourism. Towns like Nizza Monferrato and Casale Monferrato are full of history and understated beauty. Monferrato is best explored by car and pairs well with visits to Asti and Alessandria. It offers a quieter, more rural experience of Piedmont. |
Monferrato, Piedmont
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Reggia di Venaria Reale
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The Reggia di Venaria Reale is one of Italy’s largest royal palaces, located just outside Turin. It was once a residence of the House of Savoy and is now a UNESCO site.
The palace features vast halls, frescoed ceilings and restored galleries, while the formal gardens extend for several kilometres with fountains and statues. It’s easy to visit from Turin by bus or car. The Reggia is one of Piedmont’s most impressive cultural landmarks. |
Reggia di Venaria Reale, Piedmont
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Asti
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Asti is a historic town in the heart of Piedmont’s wine country, known for its sparkling Asti Spumante and autumn Palio horse race. The town has Roman roots and Gothic towers.
The centre has elegant streets, churches and squares, plus wine bars and markets. In September, it hosts one of Italy’s best food and wine festivals. Asti is on the train line between Turin and Alessandria. It’s a lively destination with strong traditions and good access to surrounding wine hills. |
Asti, Piedmont
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Val di Susa
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Val di Susa is a wide alpine valley west of Turin, leading to the French border. It’s a year-round destination for hiking, skiing, and exploring mountain villages and castles.
The Sacra di San Michele is a dramatic abbey perched on a rocky summit, offering panoramic views and historical intrigue. Ski resorts like Bardonecchia attract winter visitors. The valley is served by train and road. It’s a great option for alpine scenery close to Turin and full of cultural and outdoor experiences. |
Val di Susa, Piedmont
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Barolo
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Barolo is a small village that gives its name to one of Italy’s most celebrated red wines. Surrounded by vineyards and wine estates, it’s at the heart of the Langhe.
The village has a castle, wine museum, and tasting rooms. Nearby hill towns offer more cellars and restaurants, all set against a backdrop of vine-covered hills. Barolo is best visited by car, especially during harvest. It’s a must for wine enthusiasts and offers a peaceful stay in beautiful surroundings. |
Barolo, Piedmont
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