Travel story: Piedmont

Discover the Beauty of Piedmont amid Countless Vineyards

We set off in lively Alba, at the heart of Piedmont – a region shaped by gentle hills, wide-open views, and the subtle scent of wine in the air. After just a few miles, endless rows of grapevines line our path, interspersed with golden hazelnut bushes and fig trees heavy with sweet late-summer fruit. The stages are moderately hilly, leading us for long stretches through a varied landscape that combines tranquility with pure enjoyment. Again and again, expansive panoramas open up across the Langhe region – a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and Italian joie de vivre that makes every step worthwhile. This is exactly how we imagined Piedmont.

Two hikers sitting on a stone wall overlooking terraced vineyards near Barolo. A blue backpack and hiking poles rest nearby. Historic village visible on hilltop.

On this tour, we will experience an impressive variety.

On this tour, we experience an impressive variety – from lively Alba with its fragrant truffle markets to the quiet villages of the Langhe, each exuding its own distinctive Italian charm. In La Morra, we pause to take in sweeping views over gently rolling vineyards, while in Barolo, life pulses around Castello Falletti. It’s the perfect spot for a break – a glass of the renowned Barolo wine is a must and the ideal way to round out the visit. Farther south, the pace begins to slow. Roddino and Bossolasco, the “Village of Roses,” beckon with their small squares and narrow streets, perfect for lingering.

In Monesiglio, we savor a well-earned espresso after a long day on the trail. After several more kilometers, we continue into Liguria. In the small village of Bardineto, surrounded by quiet forests and the peaks of the Barbottina region, we unwind and let the day come to a gentle close. After a few days in the peaceful inland, our anticipation grows for the colorful coastal towns. Eventually, the trail leads us to the sea – from the bustling streets of Albenga to the elegant charm of San Remo. A journey full of variety and unforgettable contrasts.

Two hikers with backpacks at Verduno viewpoint overlooking rolling hills, vineyards, and villages in Piedmont-Liguria region.

Two women hiking through grassy hillside with rolling vineyard landscape in Piedmont-Liguria. Traditional farmhouses visible among terraced vineyards.

Colorful hillside village of Monforte in Piedmont with multi-story buildings in warm tones and a church with bell tower at the summit.

Two female hikers with backpacks walking through a cobblestone alley in Monforte, Piedmont. Ivy-covered buildings and traditional houses line the street.

My Personal Favorite Stage of the Tour

On the fifth day, we leave Piedmont behind and enter coastal Liguria – my personal favorite stage of the entire tour. From Bardineto to Albenga, the landscape undergoes a fascinating transformation: at first, shady forest trails lead us through the quiet mountains, before the path opens onto narrow ridges with sweeping views of the Ligurian highlands. After days among vineyards, hazelnut bushes, and fig trees, the change in vegetation is a delight – fragrant herbs, pine trees, and olive groves now shape the scenery. Finally, after one more climb, the sparkling blue of the Mediterranean appears on the horizon. With every step, we draw closer to the coast, the scent of salt and sunshine in the air. The sight of Albenga, with its medieval towers and broad bay, is the perfect reward for this stage – pure Mediterranean charm.

Two hikers walking on a mountain trail with panoramic views of forested valleys and mountains under a blue sky in Piedmont-Liguria region.

Female hiker with blue backpack standing on Monte Piccaro overlooking the Ligurian coast and sea with coastal town visible below.

Two hikers with blue backpacks descending a trail on Monte Croce, with forested hills and distant mountains under a blue sky.

Two hikers walking uphill on Monte Croce with coastal views of Piedmont-Liguria. A summit cross is visible on the rocky peak under blue sky.

A Feast for the Senses: The Culinary Side of the Journey

This tour is a delight for the palate as much as for the eyes – a journey through Italy’s rich and varied flavors. In Alba, the aroma of truffles tempts us, while the world-famous Barolo beckons for a leisurely pause with its exquisite wines. In Millesimo, the scent of freshly baked focaccia drifts from the tiny bakeries, and a wine tasting at our cozy accommodation in the charming village of Bardineto offers moments of pure pleasure in a relaxed, welcoming setting. After a long hike along the coastal trails, an ice cream in Alassio tastes twice as sweet – with the sparkling sea before us and the sun on our faces. The perfect finale comes with a delicious fish dish in lively San Remo – a true celebration for all the senses.

Wooden platter with three bowls of black rice salad, bruschetta, and crackers. Hands reach for food, white wine glasses surround the board.

My favourite culinary stop: the incomparable truffle pasta at Il Gourmet alla Maddalena in Alba – the perfect start to a journey full of culinary delights through Piedmont and Liguria.

Anna Ober

Shop window of TartuFaye displaying various truffle products, cheeses, and gourmet items on wooden shelves in Piedmont-Liguria region.

Two plates of fresh pasta topped with shaved truffles and black pepper, served with a bottle of rosé wine and glasses on a dark table.

Two pizzas with prosciutto, mozzarella, and arugula, and a pasta dish with pesto on a wooden table in Piedmont-Liguria.

Sliced grilled steak with coarse salt on a dark plate, served with roasted potatoes and garnished with lettuce and red pepper.

Green meadow in foreground with Monesiglio village nestled among hills. Red-roofed houses and a church visible under blue sky with white clouds.

Conclusion:

This hiking journey through Piedmont and Liguria was a truly varied and unforgettable experience. From the gentle hills and sprawling vineyards of Piedmont to the fragrant macchia trails and the sound of the sea along the Ligurian coast, the tour captures the full diversity of Italy. Stages through quiet, charming villages offered moments of calm, authentic encounters, and culinary delights – from fine wines and truffles to regional specialties. The mountain stage up Monte Carmo, in the middle of the journey, provided a refreshing change and breathtaking views, before the trail led us to the first glimpse of Alassio and a revitalizing dip in the sea at San Remo – the perfect finale to an extraordinary and richly varied hiking adventure.

My favourite Spot

On our journey through Piedmont and along the Ligurian coast, countless moments were beautiful, but one place lingers most vividly in my mind: the viewpoint on the long-distance Sentiero Liguria trail, perched high above Ceriale. From here, your gaze can wander across the sparkling sea down to Alassio and Albenga, today’s stage destination. Farther out, the turtle-shaped island Isola Gallinara rises from the horizon. The warm, fragrant air carries the scent of Mediterranean herbs, and with each step along the trail, anticipation grows for a plunge into the cool sea and a sweet ice cream in the bustling coastal town. It is a spot made for lingering, for letting the senses drink in the view, the scents, and the quiet joy of the moment – a perfect pause on a journey full of wonders.

Hiker with blue backpack sitting on rock at Monte Croce, overlooking green valleys and coastal plains in Piedmont-Liguria under blue sky.