Holiday apartment in Crissolo – Nature, Monviso and local culture

Crissolo appeals to a range of travel interests with its alpine landscape, nature experiences, winter sports and local culture. When choosing a holiday apartment in Crissolo, you can tailor your stay to the aspects that interest you most: the source of the Po and the nature around Monviso, hiking, historic destinations or activities in the town.

Pian del Re and the nature around Monviso

Pian del Re is a special nature reserve at 2,020 metres above sea level and covers 465 hectares around the source of the Po. The official source of the Po is also located there. The Pian del Re visitor centre is housed in a former barracks and uses numerous information panels to explain interesting facts about the flora and fauna on the slopes of Monviso.

Above the settlement of Crissolo in the Valle Po lies the Grotta di Rio Martino. It is a nature reserve of high ecological value because it is home to rare and highly specialised fauna. Access is restricted to reserved visits and requires the accompaniment of a qualified nature guide.

History and tradition in Crissolo

The Santuario di San Chiaffredo was built in 1440–1441 on the foundations of an older chapel and houses around 1,000 votive paintings. Another historic feature is the Buco di Viso, built between 1475 and 1480 as the first Alpine tunnel.

Local tradition includes the Bussolin, a traditional carnival performance in Crissolo. Since 2016, the Bussolin has once again been part of the annual events programme in Crissolo. Alongside mountain landscapes and nature, local customs therefore also offer a distinct travel interest.

Hiking, mountain biking and winter sports

Mountain bike trails start from Crissolo and are very popular with mountain bikers. Depending on the hikers’ fitness, the classic Giro del Monviso circular hike takes two to five days. The classic route can begin in the Valle Po at Pian del Re. On the ascent route to Monviso, the trail leads from Pian del Re to the Rifugio Quintino Sella mountain hut at an altitude of 2,640 metres in around two and a half hours. The different time estimates help you distinguish between shorter activities and multi-day tours when planning.

There is a natural ice rink in the centre of Crissolo. The Crissolo ski area has one chairlift and two drag lifts, extending from the town centre at 1,333 metres to an altitude of 2,400 metres, and offers around 15 kilometres of pistes. The Monviso Adventure Park also offers a high ropes course with Tibetan bridges, zip lines over the Po and a flight board.

A holiday apartment in Crissolo to suit your travel plans

The desired mix of holiday activities is a useful guide when choosing your holiday apartment in Crissolo. You can include the natural surroundings of Pian del Re and the trails around Monviso, as well as culture at the Santuario, the Bussolin, winter sports or active pursuits in the town. This makes it possible to choose suitable accommodation based on which of these specific experiences should define your stay.

Other places for regional orientation

San Damiano Macra, Villanova Mondovì, Vergne, Cartignano, Annunziata, Monteu Roero, Santa Vittoria D’alba and San Matteo

For the broader travel overview: Cuneo.