Things To Do
in Avigliana
Avigliana is a small, scenic town in Piedmont at the edge of the Susa Valley, famous for its two glacial lakes (Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo) and medieval walls. It sits west of Turin and combines natural landscapes with a compact historic center of cafes, churches and remnants of fortifications. The town is a convenient base for hikes, lake walks and day trips to the Sacra di San Michele and the nearby Alps.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, good regional food and easy access to Turin by train or road.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Avigliana and check into your charming local accommodation. Take a leisurely walk through the old town, admiring the colorful buildings and quaint shops that line the cobbled streets. Enjoy a refreshing espresso at a nearby café to kickstart your adventure.
Explore the stunning Parco Naturale dei Laghi di Avigliana, where you can hike around the twin lakes and bask in the breathtaking scenery. Bring a picnic lunch to savor by the water's edge while listening to the gentle sounds of nature. Engage in some birdwatching and photography to capture the beauty of this serene location.
Dine at a local trattoria, where you can indulge in traditional Piemontese cuisine featuring homemade pasta and regional wines. As the sun sets, take an evening stroll around the lakes, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. End your day with a gelato from a local shop while enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
Visit the historic Castello di Avigliana, perched on a hilltop, where you can explore its ancient ruins and enjoy stunning views over the town. Engage with interactive displays to learn about the castle's history and its strategic importance. Spend some time taking photos of the scenic vistas it offers.
Return to the town to explore the Museo di Avigliana, which showcases local history and artifacts from the region. Immerse yourself in the exhibits that tell the story of Avigliana’s past, enriching your experience of the town. Afterward, wander through the vibrant marketplace where you can sample local delicacies.
Enjoy dinner at a local pizzeria, famous for its authentic wood-fired pizzas. When night falls, find a cozy bar to sip on an aperitivo, mingling with locals and sharing stories. Stroll through town to appreciate the illuminated architecture and enjoy the peaceful ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍝Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso) | $1.50-3 |
| 🍺Beer (pub) | $4-6 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short ride) | $5-10 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lakes and easy access to alpine scenery
- Compact historic center with authentic Piedmontese food
- Close to Turin and other Susa Valley attractions
- Good base for hiking, cycling and day trips
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist services compared with big cities
- Some attractions and eateries may close for midday riposo or off-season
- Public transport is good but less frequent late at night or on Sundays
- Language can be a barrier in smaller establishments if you don't speak any Italian
- "Buongiorno / Buonasera" - Good morning / Good evening
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
- "Dov'è il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Senza glutine / Sono celiaco" - Gluten-free / I am celiac
Places to Visit in Avigliana
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide views of the main lake with reflections of the surrounding hills and Alpine ridges—most photogenic at golden hour.
Smaller, quieter lake with intimate scenes, birdlife and reeds—great for close-ups and nature shots.
Panoramic vantage point offering sweeping views over the Susa Valley and the Alps—spectacular at sunrise or late afternoon.
Medieval streets, stone alleys, arches and the town’s ancient fortifications make for atmospheric architecture photography.
Benches, boats and people enjoying the water provide candid life-style photography opportunities, especially during summer.
Food in Avigliana
Avigliana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small stuffed pasta, often served with butter and sage or braised meat sauce —available at most traditional trattorie.
Must-Try!
Beef slow-cooked in Barolo wine, a rich Piedmontese specialty often on the menu at mid-range restaurants and agriturismi.
Soft to semi-hard mountain cheeses frequently sold at markets and specialty shops around Avigliana.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Outdoor market in the historic center offering fresh produce, cheese, cured meats and seasonal specialties—great for picnics or supplies.
In summer and during festivals you’ll find stalls with panini, focaccia, roasted chestnuts in autumn and simple snacks for walkers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' when entering shops and say 'Grazie' and 'Per favore'; a friendly handshake is common for introductions.
Wait to be seated in restaurants, keep voices moderate in small towns, and avoid asking for major substitutions—be polite and complimenting the chef is appreciated.
Dress modestly and keep noise down when visiting churches or monasteries; photography may be restricted in some areas.
Appointments and tours expect reasonable punctuality, but daily life follows a relaxed rhythm—shops may close for a long lunch (riposo) in smaller towns.
Safety
Tipping in Avigliana
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is often included ('servizio incluso') on restaurant bills; leaving small change or rounding up for good service is appreciated but not obligatory. For taxis and cafés, round up or add a euro or two.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, though small vendors and market stalls may prefer cash—carry some euros for small purchases. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures, blooming countryside and fewer crowds—ideal for hiking, cycling and birdwatching; expect occasional rain showers.
Warm to hot weather with busy lakesides and outdoor cafés—perfect for swimming, boating and longer daylight hours; bring sun protection and book accommodations in advance on weekends.
Cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and mushroom/chestnut season with local food festivals—great for food-focused visits and scenic hikes.
Chilly with possible snow; town is quieter and cozy but some outdoor activities are limited—nearby ski resorts become the attraction for winter sports.
Avigliana at Night
Hiking in Avigliana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A relatively easy loop trail connecting paths around Lago Grande and Lago Piccolo—ideal for families and photographers, offering varied lakeside scenery.
A steeper, more rewarding hike up to the historic Sacra di San Michele with panoramic views across the Susa Valley; allow sturdy shoes and water.
Several ridge and country-trail options that offer quieter walks, viewpoints over Avigliana and seasonal wildflowers—good for morning or late-afternoon hikes.
Longer valley trails and mountain paths accessible by short drives into the Susa Valley for more challenging alpine trekking and summer mountain scenery.
Airports
How to reach Avigliana by plane.
Main regional airport about 20–30 km from Avigliana with domestic and European connections; reachable by taxi, car or shuttle services and regional train/bus connections to Turin where you can transfer to local trains.
Major international airport approximately 120 km away—accessible by car or train to Turin then regional connections; useful for long-haul or varied international flights.
Linate serves domestic and European flights closer to Milan city, while Bergamo (BGY) serves many low-cost carriers; both are farther but possible options depending on flight availability.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established families and small-business owners who maintain local traditions and run shops, cafes and farms.
People who live in Avigliana but commute to Turin and nearby industrial centers for work—giving the town a mixed daytime population.
Older residents and seasonal visitors attracted to the town’s tranquility and scenic surroundings.
Tourists and outdoor enthusiasts from Europe and beyond, especially in summer and during cultural events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region is passionate about football; local amateur teams and nearby professional clubs in Turin attract fans.
Road cycling and mountain biking are popular thanks to scenic country roads and foothill routes; the area sees both casual cyclists and serious riders.
With the Alps nearby, hiking, trail running and mountaineering are widely practiced, from lakeside walks to challenging alpine climbs.
Skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing attract visitors to nearby resorts during winter months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Avigliana.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (pasta, risotto, cheeses, seasonal vegetable dishes) but many traditional plates are meat-based—ask for 'piatti vegetariani' or for modifications.
Vegan choices are more limited in small towns—seek out salads, vegetable soups and polenta; larger towns like Turin offer more vegan restaurants.
Gluten-free ('senza glutine') options are increasingly common; many restaurants can prepare gluten-free pasta or dishes on request—confirm cross-contamination policies if celiac.