The Best Small Towns in Piedmont Italy in 2023

Are you planning to visit the beautiful Piedmont region in Italy this year? It has an extra special place in my heart after living there for a few years and of course having a Piemontese partner. We journey back to the land of truffles, excellent wine and cheese whenever we get the chance! However, it can be difficult to find great information on the region in English, as it’s a real off-the-beaten-path destination for western tourists. To help you make the most out of a trip north, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best small towns to visit in Piedmont in 2023.

Where is Piedmont in Italy?

Piedmont is nestled in the north-west of Italy and borders France in the west, Switzerland in the north, Liguria in the south and Lombardy in the east. The capital of the region, Turin or Torino, is just an hour away from the much better known (and cosmopolitan) Milan, yet many miss out on a trip to Turin. Have a look at this map of Piedmont Italy below for a better visual of where the Italy Piedmont region is located.

Best time to visit Piedmont Italy

Depending on your preferred activities, Piedmont is a beautiful region to visit at any time of year. Personally, my favorite time to go to Piedmont is in the Fall as there is so much excitement in the region. It’s white truffle season, the wine harvest is in full swing, and the cooling temperatures make it perfect to indulge in Piedmont’s rich cuisine.

Ski enthusiasts will love a trip here during the winter as there are many alpine resorts to explore. Spring is another lovely time to visit as the wine region explodes with grapes and flowers. Summer in Turin can be pretty stifling, but it’s a nice time to escape to the mountains where the weather is a lot cooler.

11 Best Places to Visit in Piedmont Italy

There are so many places begging to be explored in the region from cities in piedmont to small villages. The UNESCO heritage listed Langhe Piedmont region is one of my favorite areas to explore on weekends away, wandering through medieval town centers and sipping our way around some of the best wineries in the country. Turin and Cuneo are of course some of the best Piedmont cities in Italy. Keep reading to discover my full rundown of the best small towns in Piedmont Italy to add to your trip.

1. Barolo Piedmont Italy

The beautiful town of Barolo almost requires no explanation (well at least to wine lovers!) It is the most important village in the Langhe wine region and shares its name with the King of Italian wine. Of course, as one of the best towns in Piedmont Italy, it’s no stranger to tourism so don’t expect to have it to yourself on a visit. I remember the first time we visited I was shocked by just how small the town center is – there’s a castle, some wineries, enoteche (wine shops), restaurants and that’s about it.

Utterly charming, I recommend a visit to the castle and a wine tasting at Borgogno or Chiara Boschis on the outskirts of town. If you’re looking for a day tour to Barolo and the Langhe region, it’s a good idea to hire a driver or join a private tour so you can enjoy some wine tastings. Have a look at this one.

2. Alba Piedmont

The sweet town of Alba in Piedmont Italy is not to be missed! It’s firmly on my list of the best places in Piedmont Italy thanks to its incredible white truffle festival it throws every Fall. Think of it as a provincial, smaller version of Turin and that’s kind of what Alba is like. It’s the capital of the Langhe wine region which makes it a great base to stay for a few nights as you sip your way around the best wineries and dine in some of their excellent restaurants.

Alba itself has got some great foodie shopping in town, many a good enotecca for wine shopping and plenty of delicious places to eat. Be sure to check out La Piola for an up-market yet reasonable interpretation of Langhe cuisine and grab a drink at the trendy Ape Wine Bar. For wine shopping visit Enoteca Carosso and Fracchia.

3. Torino Piedmont Italy

Clearly not a ‘small town’ but it would be remiss of me not to include Turin on a list of where to go in Piedmont. I’ve written lot about my fiance’s hometown in this blog, but you should make sure to spend some time in this elegant, regal city that was the very first capital of unified Italy.

The best things to do in Turin include climbing the Mole Antonelliana, walking up to enjoy the view from romantic Monte dei Cappuccini, enjoying Torinese style aperitivo with vermouth and tramezzini sandwiches, going on a trip to the Royal Palace and visiting one of the many excellent museums in town (try the Cinema museum or Egyptian museum).

4. Bra Piedmont Italy

This small but mighty town is the host of the bi-annual Slow Food ‘Cheese’ festival! It’s an inherently foodie city and where most of the students who study at the gastronomic university of food sciences (Pollenzo) live. It’s a real gem and one of the best places to visit in Piedmont Italy if you’re a foodie.

My tip is to time your visit to coincide with CHEESE (next on in September 2023) as the town really comes to life in the best possible way with producers from all over the country (and much of Europe). Besides wandering the quaint streets, you’ll want to eat at one of the many great restaurants in town. My pick is Osteria del Boccondivino where you can eat in the pretty outside terrace.

5. Cuneo Piedmont Italy

Cuneo is one of my favorite cities in Piedmont Italy! It’s a gorgeous small city with stunning views of the Alps and I always feel relaxed everytime we visit. Andrea’s zia and nonna lived here for many years after they left their native La Morra for their father’s work. In fact, his zia was still living here for the first year we dated so it was with much sadness when the family home was sold during the pandemic after she passed away.

Cuneo has a stunning town center that plays host to a great antique market every Ferragosto. Head to Piazza Galimberti, the main square in town and take in the views of the Alps against stunning baroque architecture. The city is famed for its delicious local chocolate known as ‘cuneesi al rhum’ which are little dark chocolates filled with a molten rum center. There’s not a lot to do here, but more about taking in local life.

6. Asti Piedmont Italy

When it comes to places to visit in the Piedmont region, you can’t miss Asti! Famous for its delicious Asti Sparkling DOCG wine and the Palio (medieval horse race) in September, it’s a gorgeous medieval town worth exploring. If you can’t time your trip to coincide with the Palio, you can visit the Palio Museum instead to learn about it.

When visiting make sure to checkout the 5th century Duomo (Cathedral), and the gothic church Collegiata di San Secondo where San Secondo was beheaded (you can view his relics inside too). Piazza Alfieri is the main piazza for people watching and enjoying a coffee. And if you’re into art, you’ll want to book a visit to Palazzo Mazzetti. Perhaps one of the coolest things to do though is visit the Romanesque Crypt e Museum of Saint Anastasio where you’ll discover the remains of four ancient churches.

7. Orta San Giulio

Heading away from the Langhe wine region briefly, one of my absolute favorite daytrips from Turin is Orta San Giulio. This small island is on Lake Orta, heading closer to Lombardy, and utterly beautiful. The best part? There’s none of the crowds of nearby Lake Como!

Orta San Giulio is absolutely one of the most beautiful towns in Piedmont Italy. It’s incredibly romantic with pretty medieval and pastel colored houses lining the lake and higgeldy piggeldy streets to maze through. The best thing to do is hop on a little boat and jet over to the silent island in the middle of the lake – San Giulio. You can visit the monastery which is home to a community of Benedictine nuns who have taken a vow of silence.

Back on the mainland, head up the hill (or drive up there) to discover some incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site chapels dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi.

8. La Morra

If you’ve read my blog for a while, then it will come as no surprise that La Morra has a special place in my heart and is definitely one of my best villages in Piedmont Italy. Truffle season is high season in La Morra, but head here any other time of year and you’ll find it relatively tranquil.

The best thing to do in La Morra is walk through the centro storico up towards the ‘Belvedere’ view that looks out over the entire countryside. The sweeping views will surely take your breath away! Wander the quaint town center and pop in to explore some of the great boutiques in town including the foodie shop ‘Con Gusto’ before sitting down to a wonderful meal.

9. Neive

If you’re looking for hidden gems in Piedmont Italy, then Neive is it! It’s considered one of the most ‘beautiful villages in Italy’ (seriously there’s an official list!) so you know it’s going to be gorgeous. Again, there’s not a lot to actually do in town besides wander the pretty streets and take in the views. All roads seem to lead to the iconic L’Aromatario restaurant and guest house – its covered in ivy that is at its most beautiful in the Fall. Be sure to book a table here for lunch!

10. Monforte d’Alba 

One of the first weekends away Andrea and I ever did together was in the sweet Langhe town Monforte d’Alba. It’s definitely one of the best towns to visit in Piedmont Italy and an excellent base for visiting the nearby wineries.

The most characteristic thing about Monforte is Auditorium Horszowski and its stunning amphitheatre which is host to many a wedding in the region, as well as the town’s Jazz Festival during the summer.

11. Serralunga d’Alba

Last but not least in this list of the best towns in Piedmont – fairytale Serralunga! Take your time to go for a walk in the center through small cobblestone alleys and wander past colourful old houses with stunning views of the Alps and a fairytale castle in the center.

The Best Hotels in Piedmont Italy

Have some ideas of where you might like to visit in the region? Once you’ve worked out your itinerary, your thoughts will likely turn to where to stay in Piedmont. Besides Turin, I think Alba or a smaller town like La Morra or Monforte makes for the best places to stay in Piedmont Italy as they allow you to explore the wine region.

Some of the best hotels in Piedmont Italy include:

• NH Piazza Carlina in Turin – Click for availability and prices
• Arborina Relais in La Morra – Click for availability and prices
• Corte Gondina in La Morra – Click for availability and prices
• Reva Resort in Monforte – Click for availability and prices

Visit Piedmont Italy

Inspired to travel to Piedmont Italy in 2023 and beyond? I’ve got lots of other articles to help you plan your trip to this gorgeous region! Have a read of whether or not Turin is worth visiting, the best Turin restaurants, best Turin food, and best hotels to stay at in Turin. Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite towns in Piedmont too!