Things To Do
in Poirino

Poirino is a small Piedmont town northeast of Turin, known for its rural charm and family-run trattorias. The surrounding Colli Poirinesi contribute rolling vineyards and farm fields that frame the town. Visitors enjoy slow-country strolls, seasonal markets, and connections to the broader Piedmont wine country.

Its easy access to Turin makes Poirino a relaxed base for exploring the region's gastronomy and landscapes.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Poirino
morning
:

Arrive in Poirino and check into your charming accommodation within the old town. Take a leisurely stroll to get acquainted with the quaint streets and local shops. Enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at a nearby café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee.

afternoon
:

Visit the local market where you can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and handmade goods. Engage with friendly vendors and perhaps purchase some local delicacies for later. Take time to explore the historical buildings that capture the essence of Poirino.

evening
:

Dine at a local trattoria where you can taste regional specialties like tajarin pasta or agnolotti. Enjoy the intimate atmosphere as you discuss your day while sipping on local wine. Conclude the evening with a leisurely walk around the village square, soaking in the picturesque surroundings.

day 2
Exploring the Countryside
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a guided hike through the beautiful surrounding countryside. Experience breathtaking landscapes dotted with vineyards and farms, with opportunities for photography at every turn. Listen to your guide's stories about the heritage of the land as you immerse yourself in nature.

afternoon
:

After the hike, enjoy a packed lunch overlooking a vineyard, tasting regional wines produced locally. Engage with local farmers and learn about their practices and sustainable farming methods. Take this opportunity to buy some wine and olive oil to bring home.

evening
:

Return to Poirino and unwind at your hotel or a local bar with a glass of wine. Join a cooking class where you can learn to prepare traditional Piemontese dishes under the guidance of a skilled chef. The evening culminates with a communal dinner, sharing your creations with fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
🧀Local cheese or groceries$5-12
Coffee in café$2-4
🍷Glass of wine at restaurant$4-7
🏨Budget hotel per night$60-110

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming, walkable town with easy access to Turin
  • Rich Piedmontese cuisine and wine culture
  • Beautiful rural landscapes and vineyards
  • Gentle pace of life and welcoming locals
  • Limited nightlife and must rely on nearby Turin for bigger scenes
  • Some rural eateries may be cash-only or card-on-provider
  • Public transport to surrounding countryside can be sporadic
  • "Buongiorno" - Good morning
  • "Per favore" - Please
  • "Grazie" - Thank you
  • "Dove si trova il bagno?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Poirino

Visit one of these nice places.

Poirino historic center

Cobbled lanes, medieval towers, and the church façade create classic Piedmont street photography opportunities.

Colli Poirinesi vineyard terraces

Rolling hills and neatly arranged vines, especially golden at sunrise and sunset.

Rural farm lanes and rice fields

Wide, flat vistas with reflections on water and seasonal crops, ideal for landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Poirino

Poirino and the Piedmont region celebrate rich meat dishes, pasta, truffles, and world-class wines. Expect hearty flavors, seasonal produce, and wines like Barbera d'Asti and Dolcetto d'Alba in rustic settings.

Poirino Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Agnolotti del plin

Small stuffed pasta purses usually served with butter, sage, or meat sauce, a Piedmont staple.

Must-Try!

Bagna cauda

Warm garlic and anchovy dip served with raw vegetables; a social, shared dish in Piedmontese winter meals.

Vitello tonnato

Sliced veal with a creamy tuna sauce, a classic Piedmont antipasto.

Torta di nocciole

Hazelnut cake that showcases the Piedmont hazelnuts and roasted flavors.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercato settimanale di Poirino

A weekly market in the town square offering fresh produce, cheeses, cured meats, and regional specialties.

Street food in the village

Seasonal snacks, focaccia, and artisan goods sold by local vendors near the center.

Climate Guide

Weather

Poirino experiences a temperate continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and four distinct seasons. Rainfall is modest but can be more common in spring and autumn; humidity increases near the Po River valleys. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite 'Buongiorno' or 'Ciao' when meeting someone; handshakes are common in formal settings.

Dining etiquette

Keep hands visible on the table; avoid loud conversations in churches; wait for everyone to be served before starting.

Safety Guide

Safety

Poirino is generally safe with low crime. Use common-sense precautions in crowded markets and during festivals; keep valuables secure and be mindful when traveling at night in quiet areas.

Tipping in Poirino

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving a 5-10% tip in nicer restaurants is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; credit/debit cards are common in restaurants and shops; some rural eateries may be cash-only.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with refreshing evenings; carry sun protection and stay hydrated. Outdoor dining and wine terraces are popular.

Autumn

Harvest season brings wine tastings and chestnut dishes; generally mild with cooler nights.

Winter

Chilly with occasional frost; bagna cauda and hearty dishes are comforting; some outdoor activities may be limited.

Spring

Blooming countryside and pleasant temperatures; great for walking and cycling.

Nightlife Guide

Poirino at Night

Poirino's nightlife is low-key, centered on cozy wine bars and trattorie. After-dinner strolls in the village square, occasional live music at local venues, and seasonal street festivals provide relaxed evening entertainment more than clubbing scenes.

Hiking in Poirino

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Colli Poirinesi trails

Hiking paths through the hills around Poirino with vineyard and woodland scenery.

Monferrato wine country area hikes

Scenic routes connecting villages with scenic overlooks.

Airports

How to reach Poirino by plane.

Turin–Caselle Sandro Pertini Airport (TRN)

Primary airport near Turin; about 20-40 km from Poirino, accessible by taxi, bus, or train.

Cuneo Levaldigi Airport (CUF)

Regional airport to the south; convenient for Northern Piedmont and neighboring regions.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)

Major international hub; longer transfer to Poirino but provides many international connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Poirino is small and easy to explore on foot in the town center; however, reaching surrounding vineyards and hills often requires a car or bike. The compact core is pleasant for strolls, with gentle hills nearby that invite gentle walking.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families with children

A family-friendly town with schools and local playgrounds.

Elderly residents

A significant aging population in the rural areas.

Farm workers and producers

Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Calcio (Football)

Football is widely followed; local teams compete in regional leagues and provide community gatherings.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is usually moderate; Turin's proximity means some highway connections (A4, A21). Public transport includes regional trains and buses; car rental or car-sharing is common for exploring the countryside.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Poirino.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants offer vegetarian pasta, risotto, and vegetable-based dishes; ask for sides of mushrooms, legumes, or seasonal vegetables, and consider substituting meat sauces with olive oil.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is part of Italy's national system; Poirino has local general practitioners and clinics, with larger hospitals in Turin. In emergencies, dial 112; advanced care and hospital services are in Turin.

Discover Italy

Read more in our Italy 2025 Travel Guide.

Italy Travel Guide