Singletrack/MTB
Gravel/All-road
Dirt-road Touring
Fat-bike
Turin Hills Loop
Distance
123 Mi.
(198 KM)Days
2
% Unpaved
70%
% Singletrack
10%
% Rideable (time)
95%
Total Ascent
12,070'
(3,679 M)High Point
2,275'
(693 M)Difficulty (1-10)
7?
- 6Climbing Scale Moderate98 FT/MI (19 M/KM)
- 6Technical Difficulty Moderate
- 7Physical Demand Difficult
- 3Resupply & Logistics Fair
Contributed By
Bob Bonofiglio and Gigi Grossi
Guest Contributor
We’re Roberto “Bob” Bonofiglio and Luigi “Gigi” Grossi, two friends united by a love for cycling and travel. Bob explores by bike in search of the perfect route, while Gigi captures each journey through his lens. Our mission is to share the beauty, history, and culture of our home region. Follow us on Instagram: @vivere_il_mio_tempo, @luigi.grossi81, and @turin_hills.
The journey starts at the historic Fausto Coppi Velodrome, located along the banks of the Po River. From there, you enter the Valentino Park, a fascinating place that serves as a gateway to the area’s natural beauty. Riding through the park, you will be surrounded by stunning nature, and you will have the opportunity to admire the gardens and historic architecture of the Savoy Castle and the medieval village that characterizes it.
After that, the climb toward the San Vito park begins, offering spectacular views of the city and the river. From there, you enter the Parco della Rimembranza, a green area that climbs up to the Colle della Maddalena, a breathtaking panoramic viewpoint from where you will get a breathtaking view of the city of Turin and the majestic Cottian Alps beyond.
The route continues through the hills of Chieri, offering the opportunity to discover ancient villages and small towns rich in history. During the ride, you will encounter the ancient Romanesque churches of Monferrato, such as the rectory of Vezzolano, which represent the historical and cultural heritage of the area. Each village along the route is a small treasure rich in history, with its castles and drinking water springs offering essential supply points for those who decide to undertake this adventure.
One of the highlights of the route is undoubtedly the town of Cocconato, the highest village in the area and an ideal place for an overnight stop. With its enchanting views, Cocconato is the perfect place to recharge your batteries before tackling the last part of the route. From there, you will cross the Bosco del Gran Vaj, a wooded area that offers a cool and refreshing stop before tackling the final climb toward the famous Basilica of Superga.
These hills are a special place because you can experience them throughout the year, in all the seasons. Most of the route includes dirt roads and singletrack sections, especially in the parks, the woods, and on the ups and downs of the vineyards, all surrounded by landscapes and colors that change according to the time of year.
Route Difficulty
From a technical standpoint, the route does not include very complicated or highly technical sections. There are some rocky singletrack bits, but they’re generally rideable even with a gravel bike, though that depends on your skills and comfort level. Nothing is too demanding for long periods, and there are a few short hike-a-bike sections where stairs are involved. Some climbs through the hills can be quite steep, but only for brief segments. Due to the significant elevation gain throughout the route, being in excellent physical condition and well-trained is strongly recommended. Every bit of effort is sure to be rewarded, whether by breathtaking landscapes, traditional local food, or the constant presence of fresh water in every village along the way. The route starts close to Turin downtown, close to train stations with direct connections to the airport.
Route Development: I (Bob) created the Turin Hills route just for fun. The idea was to connect all the interesting spots close to the city where I go almost daily, whether it’s hanging out with friends after work or heading out on weekends just to grab the typical robiola sandwich in Cocconato. It’s a project that required dedication, but my deep passion and interest in that area fueled it. Sharing it with people coming from outside Turin has become my personal mission. In March 2025. I took part in the organization of the first edition of the gravel event “Turin Hills,” which turned out to be a huge success, far exceeding my expectations.
This route is part of the Local Overnighter Project, which was created to expand our growing list of worldwide bikepacking routes—the first and largest of its kind—and create an independent map and catalog of great bikepacking overnighters, curated by you, from your own backyard. Our goal is to have accessible routes from every town and city in the world. Learn More
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Highlights
Whereabouts
Must Know
Camping
Food/H2O
Trail Notes
- Motovelodromo Torino “Fausto Coppi” – Historic velodrome named after the legendary Italian cyclist, a symbol of Turin’s sporting passion.
- Parco del Valentino – One of Turin’s most iconic parks, located along the Po river with romantic views and shaded paths.
- Faro della Vittoria and Colle della Maddalena
Faro della Vittoria is a monument with a spectacular view of the city and the Alps; a beloved viewpoint of cyclists and hikers because of its natural setting and elevation. - Church of San Lorenzo – Moncucco Torinese – A scenic hilltop church offering a peaceful stop with views over the Monferrato region.
- Cerreto d’Asti – A charming village nestled in the hills, full of authentic atmosphere and calmness.
- Cocconato – Known as the “Riviera of Monferrato,” a lively town well known for food and wine.
- Abbey of Santa Maria di Vezzolano – One of Piedmont’s finest Romanesque monuments, surrounded by breathtaking countryside.
- Castle of Moncucco Torinese A well-preserved castle with a panoramic tower, often hosting cultural events.
- Vaj Forest Nature Reserve – Protected natural area rich in biodiversity, perfect for an immersive ride in the wild.
- Castle of Bardassano – A fascinating medieval castle that towers over the surrounding hills, full of charm and history.
- Basilica of Superga – A majestic Baroque church perched on the hilltop, offering breathtaking views over Turin and housing the royal tombs of the House of Savoy.
- Turin (km 0): The first capital of Italy, an elegant and cultured city where culture, history, nature, and gastronomy coexist. Museums, such as the Egyptian Museum, historic squares, vintage cafés, and a bike-friendly vibe make it the perfect setting to start and finish this hilltop journey.
- Parco del Valentino (km 3): The most famous park in Turin, overlooking the Po River, perfect for starting the route in a relaxed manner. It hosts the Valentino Castle, a UNESCO-listed Savoy residence, and the charming Medieval Village. It’s a green oasis in the heart of the city, beloved by locals.
- Parco della Rimembranza and Faro della Vittoria (km 11): The first hilly section outside Turin, it offers broad views of the city and the mountains. The monumental lighthouse commemorates the fallen of the Great War, and it’s a great spot to start feeling the atmosphere of bikepacking.
- Andezeno (km 45): A small town known for its strong gastronomic and winemaking traditions. An ideal spot for a gourmet break with local salami, robiola cheese, and a glass of Freisa red wine. You will breathe the authentic atmosphere of rural Piedmont in every corner.
- Marentino – Borgo dei Rebus (km 45): Unique in its kind: a town entirely decorated with rebuses painted on the walls. Every corner is a new small discovery, where art, games, and landscapes combine.
- Cerreto d’Asti (km 83): A small village, producer of fine wines such as Barbera and Moscato. The town has medieval origins and is a peaceful place, perfect for those seeking relaxation and nature, with architecture that reflects the history and the traditions of the area.
- Forno di Piovà Massaia (km 86): A small traditional bakery that represents the authentic gastronomic soul of the hills. Fresh bread and local delicacies are perfect for a quick snack during the stop.
- Cocconato (km 94): One of Italy’s most beautiful villages, known for its robiola cheese and traditional Piedmontese cuisine. The view of Monferrato from the top is spectacular, especially at sunset. It’s the ideal place for a tasty and panoramic overnight stay.
- Abbazia di Vezzolano (km 106): A gem of Piedmontese Romanesque architecture, immersed in the quiet of the hills. Free and open to the public, you will enjoy precious frescoes and a silent cloister, ideal for a spiritual and cultural break.
- Castelnuovo Don Bosco (km 112): The birthplace of S. Giovanni Bosco, a key figure in Piedmontese spirituality. Nearby, it is possible to admire the sanctuary named after him, which is a pilgrimage destination and an important cultural stop. Wine and traditional cuisine are also typical of this area.
- Moncucco Torinese (km 117): Famous for its red-brick castle, home to the Gypsum Museum. The town retains a medieval atmosphere and is surrounded by vineyards: this is the true essence of Monferrato. A quiet and picturesque stop to recharge.
- Castello di Casalborgone (km 129): A restored historic building now hosting an exclusive accommodation. A glimpse of the past among the hills, perfect for a photographic pause.
- Castello di San Sebastiano da Po (km 138): A historic panoramic castle overlooking the Po Valley. Today a private historic residence, it’s visible from the outside, with trattorias at the foot of the hill. A perfect stop between culture and typical cuisine.
- Bosco del Gran Vaj (km 144): A wild and fascinating wooded area between the Monferrato hills, crossed by dirt paths. Immersed in silence, it is one of the most “adventurous” parts of the route, ideal for those who love cycling through the most authentic nature.
- Basilica di Superga (km 176): A majestic Baroque sanctuary designed by Filippo Juvarra. Situated on a hill overlooking Turin, it offers breathtaking views of the Alps and the city. A historic and spiritual symbol, it hosts the tombs of the Savoy family and the memorial of Grande Torino, a soccer team.
- When to go The route is accessible all year round. There’s no snow in winter, but some areas may get muddy—especially after heavy rain—and a few fountains might be closed due to the cold temperature. In summer, temperatures can get very high, but water is always available along the way. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent! The best seasons to enjoy this route are spring and autumn, when the landscape is painted with the vibrant, characteristic colors of the season.
- Logistics Turin is easy to reach by car, train, or plane. It is located less than two hours from the French border. Turin Caselle Airport offers numerous connections, and Milan Malpensa is also not far for international travelers. The city’s rail network is well connected to the rest of Italy, making it a convenient hub for those arriving from other regions. The starting point of the route is just a 10-minute bike ride from Porta Nuova railway station, and there’s a free parking area near the Motovelodromo, ideal for those arriving by car.
- Dangers and Annoyances There are no sections on private lands—the route has been carefully planned to ensure a smooth ride on paths where bikes are welcome. At the entrance to Leopardi Park, there’s a gate you can pass through; just make sure to close it behind you once you’ve gone through. Please note that the toilets at the Vezzolano Abbey may be closed at night. If you’re planning to visit or eat at the Motovelodromo, make sure to check their opening hours in advance.
- Travel basics Italy is part of the European Union, so EU citizens do not need a passport to enter the country. Travelers coming from outside the EU will need a valid passport, and possibly a visa depending on their country of origin.
- What bike? The ideal bike for this route is either a mountain bike or a gravel bike with tires at least 40mm wide. A suspension fork is not necessary, but climbing gears and hydraulic brakes are highly recommended, as some descents can be short but quite steep.
- Wild camping is not allowed in Piedmont, but bivouacking is often tolerated for one night (up to 48 hours) in remote areas far from towns or villages.
- In the charming village of Cocconato, a “scattered hotel” (albergo diffuso) is currently being developed—an innovative hospitality model that integrates local homes and services to welcome bike travelers.
- Along the route, you’ll find plenty of B&Bs, restaurants with rooms, and small inns offering comfortable places to stay and an authentic taste of Piedmontese hospitality.
Along the route, you’ll find countless rest stops, cafés, trattorias, and minimarkets in nearly every village—ideal places to discover the incredible variety of traditional Piedmontese cuisine. Don’t miss out on specialties like vitello tonnato, agnolotti, raw meat tartare, giardiniera salad, bunet, a local chocolate and amaretti dessert, excellent red wines, and traditional herbal liqueurs from the Alps. There are also plenty of vegetarian options available.
Fresh drinking water is easy to find along the entire route.
Here are some must-try spots:
- The gastronomia in Andezeno
- Trattoria La Capra Ignorante in Marentino
- The bakery in Piovà Massaia
- The trattoria in Cocconato
- The lively bars in Casalborgone
- Trattoria della Villa in San Sebastiano da Po
- And finally, a well-deserved beer at the Bistrot of Superga
It is highly recommended to split the route into two stages—Day 1: Turin to Cocconato, and Day 2: Cocconato back to Turin. This makes the ride ideal for a weekend, with each day covering about 100 kilometers and 2,000 meters of elevation gain, offering a balanced mix of challenge and enjoyment.
Day 1: Turin → Cocconato
The ride begins by climbing out of the city, gradually leaving the Alps behind and entering the gentle hills of the Chieri area. You’ll pass Leopardi Park, ride past the peaceful Lake of Arignano, and climb again through the countryside. As you approach Cocconato, the landscape opens up, and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the distant Monferrato hills, especially stunning at sunset. Cocconato is a perfect stop for the night—scenic, quiet, and full of culinary treasures.
Day 2: Cocconato → Turin
The return leg starts with a visit to the Abbey of Vezzolano, one of the most important Romanesque landmarks in Piedmont. From there, the route follows the hilltop ridgelines, offering continuous panoramic views. You’ll ride through the Gran Vaj woods, a peaceful and shady section that contrasts beautifully with the open vineyards. The final highlight is the climb to the Basilica of Superga, a spectacular endpoint with a view over Turin and the Alps. From there, a scenic descent leads you smoothly back into the city.
Terms of Use: As with each bikepacking route guide published on BIKEPACKING.com, should you choose to cycle this route, do so at your own risk. Prior to setting out check current local weather, conditions, and land/road closures. While riding, obey all public and private land use restrictions and rules, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and of course, follow the #leavenotrace guidelines. The information found herein is simply a planning resource to be used as a point of inspiration in conjunction with your own due-diligence. In spite of the fact that this route, associated GPS track (GPX and maps), and all route guidelines were prepared under diligent research by the specified contributor and/or contributors, the accuracy of such and judgement of the author is not guaranteed. BIKEPACKING.com LLC, its partners, associates, and contributors are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other such situation that might happen to individual riders cycling or following this route.
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