Discover Monferrato

Horseback riding and cycling trails: A sustainable way to explore Monferrato

If you love animals and nature and want to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, horseback riding in Monferrato is a wonderful way to experience the region. Combining a passion for horses with local tourism traditions, it’s a perfect model of eco-friendly rural travel.

Exploring Monferrato on horseback offers a unique perspective on its geological wonders, agricultural beauty, and historical heritage, recognized since 2014 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many stables throughout the scenic villages offer one-hour rides, full-day excursions, or unforgettable equestrian weekends. These tours blend nature, food and wine, and history, offering a thrilling way to explore the Asti side of Monferrato.

You'll ride through breathtaking hills, dense woods, and thriving vineyards, visit medieval villages and Romanesque churches, and even explore wineries and local farms, learning about wine production while savoring regional delicacies. On horseback, you’ll also discover Monferrato's artistic heritage, dotted with castles, sacred shrines, and hilltop chapels.

If cycling is more your speed, the region offers numerous bike paths and trails for all skill levels. Popular options include the bike path along the Tanaro River or the Sacred Mount of Crea loop, or the trail from Tortona to Alessandria. Experienced cyclists may tackle the 104-km route called the "Little Flanders of Monferrato", which passes through Lu, Crea, and Madonna dei Monti. For intermediate riders, try the 12-km loop from Moncalvo to Montemagno Castle. If you're not particularly trained, you can always rent an e-bike to enjoy the ride with ease.

Monferrato’s most beautiful villages: What to see

Among the hills and valleys of Monferrato lie picturesque villages that are true hidden gems. Below are six stops to include in a multi-day itinerary – ideal even for those considering Monferrato as a retirement destination, thanks to its cultural and historical charm.

• Casale Monferrato
  Framed by the Po River to the north, Casale Monferrato unveils itself starting from Piazza Castello, where the imposing Castello dei Paleologi, built in 1352, stands tall. Also called the Gonzaga Castle, it features an asymmetric hexagonal layout and corner towers. Facing the square is the baroque Church of Santa Caterina, designed by Giovanni Battista Scarpitta. Nearby, the Municipal Theater, inaugurated in 1791, impresses with its four tiers of brick balconies and a gallery adorned with stucco, velvet, and gold accents. Strolling down Via Saffi, you’ll discover a lively scene of shops and artisan stores. Be sure to stop and pick up a bottle of local wine, traditional krumiri cookies, or the prized muletta salami. A perfect pairing? A glass of Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC, known for its notes of clove, white pepper, and raspberry.

• Nizza Monferrato
  Surrounded by rolling vineyard-covered hills and a mild climate, Nizza Monferrato is among the region's most charming towns. Start your visit at Piazza Martiri di Alessandria, home to the Town Hall and the ancient Civic Tower, known locally as "il Campanone." The main street, Via Carlo Alberto (or Via Maestra), is lined with historical porticoes and houses many traditional shops. Don’t miss the Bersano Museum of Rural Life and Winemaking, featuring rare prints, wine labels from the 1600s, and antique tools like barrels and presses. Each May, the town hosts "Nizza è Barbera", an event celebrating wines like Nizza D.O.C.G. and various Barbera D.O.C.G. labels.

• Vignale Monferrato
  Nestled on a hilltop between Casale Monferrato, Alessandria, and Asti lies Vignale Monferrato, offering sweeping views of the Alps and Ligurian Apennines. This village is known for its high-quality wine and cuisine – particularly Barbera del Monferrato and truffles. Local culinary favorites include boiled meats with "bagnet" sauces and bagna cauda. In addition to its vineyards, Vignale is home to beautiful Gothic architecture, a reminder of its rich history.

• Rosignano Monferrato
  If you're seeking Monferrato’s most authentic side, Rosignano Monferrato is your destination. Here, you can visit an "infernot" (an underground wine cellar), climb the "Rosso Grignolino" Big Bench, or explore a castle steeped in history.
  Wine tasting is a must in the local cellars, but the village also features an open-air museum, “La città del vino,” where you'll see old tools and artwork scattered across streets and alleys – celebrating its deep agricultural and winemaking roots.

• Tagliolo Monferrato
  Overlooking one of Upper Monferrato’s most scenic valleys, Tagliolo Monferrato is dominated by a majestic medieval castle, part of the Castelli Aperti (Open Castles) circuit. Inside its wine cellars, you can explore the art of viticulture and taste award-winning local wines, including Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato, Dolcetto d’Ovada Superiore, and Rosso Nobile. And no visit is complete without sampling traditional dishes like braised agnolotti, tajarin, risottos, bagna càuda, oxtail, and stuffed rabbit.

• Castagnole delle Lanze
  Close to the Langhe and awarded both the "Bandiera Arancione" and a spot among Italy's Most Beautiful Villages, Castagnole delle Lanze is a year-round jewel. Nature here shifts with the seasons, from golden autumn hues to vibrant green summers. Don’t miss the Parish Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, a baroque masterpiece built in 1771. The historic center has been revitalized with art by Vincenzo Piccatto, who painted murals inspired by the region on buildings throughout the village. Each May, Castagnole comes alive with the Barbera Festival, and in late August, hosts one of Italy’s longest-running fairs: the Hazelnut Festival.