Why Alba Should Be on Your Travel List

Alba, Italy, is right in the heart of the Langhe region and an hour by car from Turin. The scenery is breathtaking: rolling hills of vineyards and tiny villages; this area is known as The Langhe and is Italy's premier wine region as well as its most beautiful. 

Alba, Italy's wine capital

Alba is not only beautiful; it is a superb place to eat and it's not for nothing that it is known as the gourmet capital of Piedmont.

In particular, it is famous for its white truffles and chocolates; it is where Ferrero Rocher and Nutella come from and the legendary Gianduia was invented here.

Of course, Alba is also the heart of Italy's premier wine region, the Langhe. In April, the Vinum wine festival is hosted in Alba, and it is a must for lovers of good wine.

Known as the city of a hundred medieval towers, the old town center is a beautifully preserved town with a great atmosphere.

Strolling the streets and piazzas (squares) of Alba on a Sunday afternoon, with the family in tow and a gelato in hand, is one of life's great pleasures,

particularly when it follows on from a hearty lunch of rabbit, polenta, agnolotti, and a robust bottle of Barbera wine.

Where to Stay in Alba

Alba or one of the nearby villages like Neive (voted one of the loveliest villages in Italy) are ideal. 

In Alba itself, try the Vincafè (click for more) - it's right in the heart of the town, and they offer a great traditional Piemontese dinner. A couple of days here, and you'll get a good idea of what it is like to live in Alb.

I bet the thought of coming back for good will cross your mind.

If you prefer a hotel in this countryside, then I have no hesitation in recommending the La Villa Hotel - voted one of the top three hotels in Italy.

The other brilliant choice in the Langhe is the Corte Gondina. A quite delightful and beautifully restored villa set in some of the loveliest countryside in Italy.

I cannot recommend enough a visit to Alba. Spend as long as possible exploring this magical region of Italy. It really is a tonic for the soul.

What to See

For me, the pleasure of Alba is more about the overall experience of being in and being a part of life in this beautiful town than any single historical structure.

However, if historical sights are essential to convincing you to visit, then there are a good few; these are the highlights:

• The 14th century towers
• The old Roman gate, which was once the entrance into the town,
• church of San Domenico.
• Doumo di Alba (cathedral).

When to Visit Alba

Early summer on the road to Alba

September and October are two of the best months to visit. The vineyards around town are at their most beautiful, all russets and gold, and the truffle festival is in full swing.

The truffle festival goes on every weekend in October. It starts off with the White Night, which is a nightlong celebration of music, dancing, and, of course, this being Italy, plenty of eating.

The markets and shops are overflowing with a vast array of great traditional Piedmont foods, and a bubbly, enchanting atmosphere pervades.

Around Alba

Cantina Fontanafredda

There is so much to see around Alba, lovely little towns, beautiful scenery and of course the vineyards, up and down the hills and valleys they flow in gorgeous colour. 

One of the loveliest of all wineries to visit is Cantina Fontanafredda. It was apparently a favorite with the Savoy King Vittorio Emanuele II, and he even kept an apartment here, which is now the restaurant. The wines seem a bit expensive in terms of price/quality, but the scenery is priceless, and the history of the estate  is fascinating.

The best way to explore Alba itself is on foot or by bicycle but to explore the area properly a car is essential. If you would prefer an organized tour why not visit our Piedmont tours page.

Where to Eat

The number of excellent restaurants, as a percentage of the total, has to be higher in Alba and the Langhe than nearly anywhere else on earth. In fact, I've never found a bad restaurant here.

So, where are we going to eat? Well, give Ugo Gastronomia in Via Vittorio Alfieri a try. They used to be more of a delicatessen, selling local specialties, homemade pasta, and truffles, but now they have a restaurant section, and their food is exquisite.

Ristorante Piazza Duomo in Piazza Risorgimento is more expensive, but it is the ultimate restaurant in Alba. This is one of Italy's top twenty restaurants, you know you'll get fantastic food — but you'll pay for it. 

Where is Alba