What to do in the Langhe Italy? In this guide, I will tell you about the best things to see in all seasons! Come and enjoy breathtaking landscapes, villages, food and an incredible Langhe wine offer.
The Langhe territory is located in Piedmont, straddling the provinces of Cuneo and Asti. Since 2014 it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the Roero and Monferrato.
The area can be divided into Alta and Bassa Langa: the first, barren and wild, is suitable for cheese and hazelnut production, while the second with its hills is perfect for growing grapes.
The landscapes are truly unique, thanks to picturesque villages and majestic castles. But it is also important to mention the wide range of food and wine, especially Langhe wine with its famous DOC and DOCG wines.
Thanks to the combination of many factors such as climate, soil composition and geographical position, this land is a jewel for wine production.
Considering all that it has to offer, this territory is perfect for a day trip, a weekend based on culture or relaxation, a romantic or active weekend, not forgetting the possibility of organising wonderful food and wine trips.
Thanks to this variety, the Langhe can be visited in any season. But especially in autumn, when the landscape changes, the view is remarkable.
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To find out more about what there is to see in the Langhe, keep reading the article! 👇
Visiting the Langhe: the best things to do
As I told you, the Langhe area is very important from a wine-making point of view. Generation after generation, the winemakers handed down the art of wine making and shaped the landscape in all its facets and particularities.
The Langhe, however, is not only wine, but also history, nature, art and, of course, gastronomy.
I will now introduce you to a series of amazing villages. I will give each one a short description to inspire you for an unforgettable trip!
What to see in the Langhe Italy? Itinerary among the villages
1. Alba
Alba is certainly one of the best known towns in Piedmont. The municipality is not very big, but it offers a wide range of attractions for all tastes.
If you find yourself in this area, you absolutely must visit the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, built around 1500 and in Gothic style, and the Church of the Maddalena, an important religious building of more “recent” epoch and of clear Piedmontese baroque style.
A peculiarity of this city is the presence of so many towers that it has been nicknamed “the city of a hundred towers”. Torre Bonino, Astesiano and Sineo are the most important and also the best preserved, since almost all of them have been destroyed by wars and looting.
The visit to the underground Alba is very suggestive and worth trying. A professional will follow you and introduce you to the history of this fascinating Piedmontese city.
I would like to conclude by saying that, thanks to its remarkable food and wine offer, Alba has been declared a creative city for gastronomy by UNESCO. How could we not mention tajarin with butter, finanziera or the famous Alba White Truffle, without forgetting a great wine such as Barbera d’Alba DOC.
2. Barbaresco
If you are wondering what to do in the Langhe Italy, let me recommend a visit to a small village famous for its wine tradition. Barbaresco is a small town in the province of Cuneo, home of the world-famous wine of the same name.
In this setting, among the hills covered with vineyards, stands this fantastic medieval village that seems to preserve the atmosphere of a time gone by. The symbol of Barbaresco is the Tower that dominates everything and offers from its top a truly breathtaking view that you will hardly forget.
Walking through its alleys will give you a feeling of lightness and tranquillity, so that you can enjoy a day of absolute relaxation. For nature lovers, there is no shortage of hiking trails or paths through the greenery and wonderful vineyards that populate the landscape.
As for the local food and wine, we have the “bollito misto alla piemontese” or the “agnolotti del plin”, local dishes that you should absolutely try! Don’t know what to pair these culinary delights with? Don’t think about it and choose Barbaresco DOCG, the symbol of the town, with its red colour and unique flavour.
3. Asti
With its mainly hilly territory, Asti is a jewel of Piedmont. Its landscapes are truly impressive, especially in autumn, when the colours of the vineyards change.
The area, like the whole of the Langhe, is dedicated to wine production but also offers much from a naturalistic point of view. In fact, there are several protected areas such as the Natural Park of Rocchetta Tanaro or the WWF Oasis Forteto della Luja. The historic centre bears witness to the village’s ancient medieval past and in some places offers views that should not be missed.
Visiting the Langhe also means trying the local cuisine and traditional foods you come across. In Asti, for example, try cheese such as robiola or even the famous peppers. Don’t know which sweets to taste? I recommend the canestrelli, a symbol of Piedmontese cuisine. Barbera d’Asti, Moscato d’Asti and Asti Spumante DOCG are the wines I suggest you try!
4. Barolo
Not sure what to see in the Langhe? If you are uncertain about which Piedmontese village to visit, let me recommend Barolo, a small village of a few hundred inhabitants.
This town is, of course, world famous for its exceptional wine. However, the “celebrity” has not affected the locals who continue to live a quiet life in serenity with their habits and rhythms. Strolling through its alleys you can see some of the most significant monuments such as the Falletti Castle and the Church of San Lorenzo. Inside the castle is the WiMu, the Wine Museum, which is the most innovative in Italy. Inside you can taste Barolo wine, through different wine experiences.
Don’t leave this town without having tried “risotto al barolo”, vitello tonnato and “brasato al barolo”. I don’t need to tell you that in these lands you must taste Barolo DOCG, an internationally renowned red wine.
5. Grinzane Cavour
A few kilometres away from Barolo, there is one of the most picturesque villages to visit in the Langhe. As well as being a popular destination for food and wine lovers (particularly for its wine and truffle), Grinzane Cavour is a village with a strong historical and cultural impact. The symbol of the town is undoubtedly the Castle, which dominates the whole town and offers truly unforgettable views.
6. Serralunga d’Alba
Serralunga d’Alba is a small Piedmontese town surrounded by numerous vineyards. The village has very ancient origins. It stands on the crest of a hill, at the top of which is the majestic Castle of Serralunga, a monument offering breathtaking views. From a religious point of view, there are important buildings such as the Church of San Sebastiano and the Church of San Lorenzo.
7. Bergolo
What to see in the Langhe Italy? If you don’t know what to see in the area, don’t waste time and visit the fantastic village of Bergolo. Set in a landscape characterised by hills, dry stone walls and vineyards, it is also known as “the village of stone” as the few houses are all made of sandstone. The symbols of the town are the Parish Church of the Nativity of Mary and the Romanesque Chapel of San Sebastiano. Not forgetting the open-air museum of contemporary art with murals and sculptures that can be easily seen walking through the streets of this village.
8. Santo Stefano Belbo
Santo Stefano Belbo is a small town with few inhabitants that lies on the edge of the Langhe. The territory is mostly hilly, but has an alluvial plain caused by the Belbo torrent. Worth seeing are the remains of the imposing Romanesque abbey of San Gaudenzio, at the foot of the Moncucco hill, and the Sanctuary of Moncucco dedicated to the Madonna della Neve.
9. Cherasco
Among the best towns to see in the Langhe, there is certainly Cherasco, a jewel of the Piedmontese territory. The town is famous for its rich food and wine tradition, but also for its craft and restoration shops. The imposing Arch of Belvedere and the Arch of Porta Narzole are worth visiting, but don’t forget the Church of the Madonna del Popolo and Palazzo Salmatoris.
The local food and wine offer include baci di Cherasco, a typical local dessert, onions stuffed with sausage and fondue and the famous snails.
10. Neive
Neive is a wonderful medieval village divided into two parts, an ancient and a more recent one. The town is famous for its vineyards but also for its medieval historic centre. The heart of the town is Piazza Italia, but the majestic Clock Tower is also very important. For nature and sports lovers, we recommend horse riding, cycling or walking through the vine-covered hills, which provide a truly unique experience.
11. Treiso
There are many things to see in the Langhe! But if you love the countryside and nature, you cannot miss a visit to Treiso, a small village with a peaceful atmosphere. Strolling through its alleyways while observing breathtaking views is a unique emotion that will leave you speechless. Try its fantastic paths that will take you through some of the most beautiful vineyards in Piedmont.
12. La Morra
Famous worldwide for the production of Barolo wine, this small village is a jewel of the Langhe. In its historical centre, you can see the Church of San Sebastiano and the Bell Tower. From there, you can enjoy a full view over the surrounding hills and vineyards. The Barolo Chapel is also worth a visit: it is a building adorned in the local colours that is very impressive. If you are going to visit the Langhe, what else should you see but this marvel? La Morra certainly deserves it!
13. Novello
Novello is a very small town linked to the production of fine wines such as Barolo, Dolcetto and the typical Nascetta. As well as the beautiful scenery, this town also has much to offer from a historical point of view, as evidenced by the Castle that dominates the town.
14. Monforte d’Alba
Visiting the Langhe means coming into contact with many villages specialised in wine production, such as Monforte d’Alba. This characteristic Piedmontese town offers a great deal from both a natural and artistic point of view. The Piazza Antica Chiesa and the Auditorium Horszowski are worth a visit, as are the striking giant benches.
15. Bra
Bra is one of the most important towns in Piedmont and is definitely a must-see destination when you decide to visit the Langhe. Walking through its streets, you will be able to see iconic monuments such as the Church of Santa Chiara and the Palazzo Comunale. Great importance lies in the local food and wine: in addition to the famous Bra cheese PDO, it offers a wide range of wines.
Things to do in the Langhe, for all tastes!
There are many things to do in the Langhe. For nature lovers, there is no shortage of cycling, horse riding or walking in the countryside, among some of the most beautiful and important vineyards in Italy.
Many events are organised in these places, such as music festivals and fairs. Among the former we can mention the Collisioni festival in Barolo and the MonfortinJazz in Monforte d’Alba, while the latter include the Alba Truffle Fair and the National Hazelnut Fair in Cortemilia.
To conclude, I suggest you try an evocative visit to a winery with wine tasting and a walk along the romantic road of the Langhe and Roero.
Discover food and… the Langhe wine offer!
The food and wine offer is very rich in Piedmont and, in particular, in this area. As you have read so far, the Langhe offer in fact a remarkable variety of DOC and DOCG wines, but also a wide gastronomy made of typical dishes.
Naturally, the first wine that comes to mind is Barolo DOCG, a great international wine, but let’s not forget Barbaresco DOCG, another world-famous wine. DOC wines include Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto, Pelaverga and Nebbiolo d’Alba.
Having seen the wines, it is now important to get to know the traditional dishes of the Langhe. Tajarin, which can be served with a variety of sauces, and ravioli del plin, suitable for warming up a winter’s day, are very popular.
Also worth trying is the Piedmontese “fritto misto”, carne all’albese and vitello tonnato. Piedmont is also a land of truffles, hazelnuts and cheeses such as robiola di Roccaverano and Murazzano or Bra.
To conclude with desserts, you cannot miss the bonet and stuffed peaches.
How to get around the Langhe Piedmont
There are several ways to reach the Langhe region. The train is very convenient, but I would recommend a car, so that you are free to move around the fantastic villages in this area. A very interesting alternative would be the bicycle. Buses or coaches are available, but they can have quite long waiting times.
If my article has convinced you to visit the Langhe, with Italia Delight you can choose from a wide range of food and wine experiences as well as travel ideas! You will also have the chance to personalise it according to your needs with the Local Expert! What are you waiting for? 😍
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