Explore and experience the area
There is plenty to do and see. You’ll work up an appetite so we have included some examples of where to eat too. Explore and enjoy!
what to see
Wondering what to see? We have a few ideas lined up for you.
what to do
Feel like doing something? Here are some examples of things to do in the area.
where to eat
Worked up an appetite? There are many places to enjoy the food of the region.
What to see – Cities small and large
Montegrosso
Our home village, with a charactaristic dome church and ancient castle at Montegrosso Alto, dates from about 1134. Walk through this charming old village and enjoy the many beautiful views. Montegrosso Basso is more modern and has basic facilities people need, like a restaurant, places to have Italian cafè or do groceries.
Asti
Capital of our province with a well preserved historical city centre including a 1000 year old Duomo. Full of nice shops and on Saturdays a big market. Well-known for its wines, especially ‘Asti Spumante’ and Barbera. It is home of the Palio di Asti, a famous horse race held once every year in September, the oldest horse race in Italy.
Canelli
Visit the city of famous wine makers, the charming city of Canelli. Dominated by the big castle. Here you can wander through the small streets with boutique shops and eat in small Italian cafe’s. You will find the major wine houses and their magnificent ‘cathedrals’ full of wine, which were dug beneath the city hundreds of years ago.
Nizza Monferrato
The historic city centre consists of beautiful buildings with many arcades, squares etc. Nice little shops for every-ones taste. There are nice restaurants and ice cream parlours of which ‘Mimmo’ is probably the best. In the second weekend of June there is the gastronomic festival “Monferrato in tavola”.
Alba
Situated between the hills covered with vineyards is a city of the senses, of smell and taste. It is the area of the “trifulau” the truffle seekers, a mystical world of nocturnal searches for the famous white truffle. The annual Palio of Alba (on donkeys) takes place at the beginning of October. A parody of the Palio of archrival Asti (on horses).
Acqui Terme
One of the oldest thermal spa resorts in Italy; the ancient Romans came here for cures. In the historical centre with many restaurants stands the “Bollente” (the water that rises continuously here is 78 oC). There are also a number of spas (including Grand Terme Hotel) where you can enjoy the thermal and therapeutic baths.
Alessandria
Capital of the province Alessandria. A busy city with a beautiful historical centre (including a Synagogue), big plaza’s and a lot of nice shops. There is a beautiful fortress that was still in use in the 2nd World War. This fortress can be visited and there is among other things a uniform museum, definitely worth a visit!
Torino
Once the first capital of united Italy, but now the capital of Piedmont and an undiscovered gem. City of Fiat, Juventus and fantastic architecture with beautiful baroque palaces, beautiful squares & arcades and Italy’s most elegant cafes. Here you will still find the spirit of the Savoy dynasty and the Risorgimento.
Milano
Capital of Lombardia, Mecca for design & fashion and the city of shopaholics. The most expensive brands are represented here. Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II should be visited as well as the Duomo. And for football lovers, this is of course the Mecca of all the football stadiums in the world, the San Siro.
Savona
A lovely seaside resort, situated on the Ligurian Riviera and the Gulf of Genoa, with surrounding beachside villages. Savona has a ferry connection to Corsica. Important sights are the Brandale and the Leon Pancaldo Tower, the Priamar Palace, the Cathedral from the 17th century and beaches and the sea!
Ovada
Visit the city of Ovada, small and typically Italian. Wander through the streets, visit the small churches and the beautifull big church ‘Chiesa di Nostra Signora Assunta’. Have a superb aperitivo at “il baffo” famous for mixology, beers and food bites and have dinner at the amazing “l’antica farinata” with the best pizza in town!
And many more
There are so many beautiful places to visit, some close by, some a little further away. Wander through small streets, visit the churches and castles, walk along the beach. Just a small selection: Barolo, Bra, Cinque Terre, Costigliole d’Asti, Genova, Grinzane Cavour, Mango, Nieve, the Ligurian coast … Italy is full of beauty!
What to do – Activities mild to wild
Golf
Piemonte has many beautiful golf courses, some even have two tracks! Do you want to enjoy a day out in great weather in the beautiful Piemontese nature? Then visit one of the many Golf clubs available. You can enjoy a great meal and drinks at most of them also.
Wine tasting
Visit the wine cellars of famous wine makers in Canelli; their underground wine cellars are just amazing to see. Taste the best wines! There are many more, like La Carlotta in Castel Boglione, La Torre in Castel Rocchero and numerous other wine producers in e.g. Alice Bel Colle.
Hiking
From beginner to advanced, there is a hiking tour for everyone! There are many tracks through the beautiful countryside with breathtaking views and villages. Don’t be surprised to see a lot of Italians hiking. Young and old, they all enjoy the ourdoors and the magnificent panorama. Come explore!
Touring (vespa, e-bike)
Going outdoors, the wind in your face whilst cycling or driving a Vespa or e-bike! A great way to discover the many villages and countryside of our region. Take a break at one of the many lovely café’s and have a nice aperitivo. It is never too early for that the Italians will tell you. Andiamo!
Feste e Sagre
From spring to autumn there will be festivities in all (small) villages. Mostly promoting a local product, like La Festa dello Stoccafisso (the feast of the stockfish) in Melazzo, the feast of Zucchini in Rivalta Bormida or L’Assedio in Canelli, a feast based on the Middle Ages.
(Outlet) Shopping
Shop till you drop in “Serravalle”, Europe’s biggest Outlet. A luxury shopping centre (more than 230 shops) with big labels like Gucci, Prada, Versace, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren, and plenty of bars and restaurants. For interior design lovers there is also a part with furnishing shops.
Antiques Markets
Every Sunday (!) there is an Antiques Market held somewhere in a village nearby. Also there are special occasions from April to September. Every Friday for example, there is a Flee-Market in Alba and there are special Markets in Cherasco. In Ovada you wil find one of the biggest Markets on selected dates.
Quad bike
Feeling adventurous? Enjoy the beauty of the landscape in a unique way. Visit the most amazing viewpoints of the area and pass by some of the many cultural sites, castles and farmhouses. Difficulty level from Easy to Moderate. Most operators combine a tour with a gastronomic experience and/or wine tasting.
Welness
Although Wellness seems to be less widespread here then, e.g. in the UK or the Netherlands, there are some nice ones in the area. Canelli (Spa), Acqui Terme (Spa), Alba (Spa & Hamam) and Torino (Spa & men-only Spa) to name a few. Combine it with a nice lunch (pranzo) or dinner.
Balloon flight
The perfect way to discover Piedmont in only a few hours from high above! It is an unforgettable experience. Fly high over the vineyards and enjoy the incredible views. What a great way to start or finish the day, especially with an aperitivo afterwards in the most perfect setting!
The mediterranean
Although the Piemont itself doesn’t have a coastline, Liguria is within one hour drive. Enjoy the coast of Liguria and enjoy swimming in the sea, enjoy the food markets every day of the week except on Monday’s and taste the fresh vegetables and fruits from that season. And of course, enjoy the beautiful sunset at the end of the day.
And many more
There is enough to visit in our beautiful Region. The beautiful piazza’s and palaces in Torino, the vineyards, the mountains etc, etc. But most of all feel welcome in every (small) city, have a cafè and a dolce at a terrace, do lunch or dinner where the Italians go. They know the best restaurants. But most of all: enjoy life!
Where to eat – Food to feel good
Montegrosso
There are some good restaurants in our village, for example Locanda del Boscogrande or Il Borgho Vecchio. Sit outside and enjoy the amazing views and delicious food.
Castel Boglione
Again an amazing restaurant just across our friends from winehouse La Carlotta. The food at Il Divino is great and they have many theme nights. Must try!
Montaldo Scarampi
Great food from Argentina served by El Argentino. They serve authentic dishes, great paella and of course meats! In desperate need of an Argentinian steak? Search no more… a feast for meat lovers!
Costiglione d’Asti
Our gay friends Gianni & Claudio from Terra di Mezzo serve great food and cocktails in a beautiful restaurant. In Italy in many restaurants the ambiance is less important than the food, but not here.
Asti
In the old town of Asti you will find pizzeria Francese. A real pizzeria where the Italians come to eat their pizza, and other typical Italian dishes. If the Italians go there, it must be good. They also have delicious desserts and great coffee.
Nizza Monferrato
You will find L’Ambaradan in a somewhat unusual place but this Pizzeria is known as the best in the area. In summer they have a nice terrace. Delicious pizzas, nice staff and reasonably priced, what more do you want? Tiramisu?
Acqui Terme
The New Castle Pub offers great burgers and beer! Set in a real pub atmosphere with an international selection of beer (some “a la spine”).
Pizzeria La Dolce Vita with great pizza’s and the walls are decorated with lots of movie stars. In Acqui, this is where the locals go for pizza.
Ovada
The best pizza and more in Ovada at l’Antica Farinata. Enjoy a farinata, the meat and cheese platter and pizza. To finish, a dolce and cafe. An Italian experience.
La Corte di Angelo is a true family restaurant that make fresh dishes every day with pasta, pizza and farinata.
Melazzo
A historical building with large driveway, Villa Scatti is a hotel but also has a wonderful restaurant with authentic dome ceilings set in a park like ambiance. You can eat “a la carte” but also enjoy a true Piemonte menu (with the option to include wine).
Aperitivi
El Lobo is the bar in our village Montegrosso d’Asti for an aperitivo, but each village will have a bar with local wines and small snacks to enjoy. After a day exploring the area, sit back and relax on a terrace with a wine, spritz or cocktail. A great place to enjoy “La dolce vita”. Cin Cin!
Gelati
Italian icecream! The very best, fruity or creamy, made with passion and local products. Nearby we have Big Ben in Montegrosso d’Asti, Renzo Pasticceria in Agliano Terme and Mimmo in Nizza Monferrato. Cono (cone) or Coppa (cup)? Gusti (flavors)?
And many more
Piemonte is the cradle of slow food, characterized by simple regional dishes and delicious wine. Go on a discovery tour, you will not be disappointed. But also international trends are here, e.g. Sushi, Egyptian, Greek, etc. And brands like McDonalds & Burger King.
Create new memories in Bellissimo Piemonte!