The hills of Turin awaken with the arrival of spring: buds and blossoms emerge from the plants, an enchanting revival!
Stretching across the North-Eastern side of the city, the Turin Hills follow the slow-moving water of the Po River, the longest in Italy (652 km – 405 mi).
Turin is situated at the beginning of the vast and fertile Po Valley, at an average altitude of 239 m a.s.l. (784 ft). The waterway and the hills form a superlative urban landscape, that one can admire walking or biking along the riverbanks.
The Turin Hills are ideal for hiking and mountain biking with various trails winding through the woods, suitable for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts. See map here.
The Capuchin Mountain
If you are in the city only for a short break, I would suggest a walk to the top of the so-called Capuchin Mountain (Monte dei Cappuccini), very close to the city center.
Despite the name, it is actually a hill, only 325 m high (1066 ft). It is an easy walk, a gentle incline on pavement, you just need comfy shoes. The small effort is definitely worthwhile, especially on a bright day with blue sky, to view the spectacular skyline of Turin. It does not boast skyscrapers, but a tapestry of imposing buildings, framed by the peaks of the Alps.
In the South-West one can spot the majestic Monviso (3,841 m – 12,602 ft), the mountain where the Po River starts its journey. In the North-West the great Monte Rosa massif with its glacier stands out indicating the border between Italy and Switzerland.
The Superga Hill
One of the most prominent Turin Hills is Superga (672 m – 2.204 ft), easy to detect when flying into the city’s airport. This hill is topped by a grand basilica, designed by the baroque architect Filippo Juvarra.
If you want to enjoy an enchanting day out at a slow pace, you can reach the top of the hill taking the cog railway departing from Stazione Sassi. Check the timetable here!
Apart from feasting your eyes on the incredible view, you can visit the richly decorated church and the stunning Royal Tombs with intricate marble.
Do not forget to have a look at the memorial of the Torino Football Club behind the basilica. It recalls the tragic plane crash on the 4th of May 1949, where all the team players lost their lives.
To make the most out of your holiday, do start with a walking guided tour of 3 hours. Apart from a more personal experience, you will get a lot of practical information, ensuring you enjoy your time in Turin to the full!
Another option is to explore the Turin Hills, by booking a private e-bike tour with one of our competent and entertaining tour leaders (3 hours, around 25 km).