Hugging the southern edge of the French Alps, Turin pairs outdoors access with an industrial backbone. The recent renovation of central Turin’s Fiat factory into La Pista 500 indicates an appetite for renewal in the Piedmontese capital – innovation at the foot of the mountain. The benefits of good urbanism spill over in infrastructure for runners, cyclists and swimmers who are well equipped with facilities.

Opera35 is a boutique hotel located on Via della Rocca 35 in the centre Turin, less than 200m from the River Po. The hotel’s 19th century building includes 38 bedrooms, ranging from Standard to larger, longstay studios for up to four people. Restoration has included a meeting room for business travellers, but no gym.

Neighbourhood

For specialty coffee in Turin, visit ARTIFACT (new for 2024), or Orso Laboratorio del Caffè which is the most established coffee shop representing third wave.

When eating in Turin’s restaurants, look out for battuta di fassona (local version of tartare) and brasato al barolo (red-wine stew). Michelin-rated is one Osteria Antiche Sere (Facebook) is a first choice, with wine-focused Scannabue a second option. Wine bar Isola does simpler dishes.

Reward yourself with cocktail at Nikkei within Azotea where cocktails can be paired with small bite – the foremost speakeasy in Turin.

Training Notes

Runners should cut south to the River Po which has a continuous path along its city bank. A running track is located west of the city centre, Parco Cavalieri di Vittorio Veneto (Google Maps). The west side of the River Po is flat so for hill intervals, cross the river to the hillier relief.

Cyclists can get road bike rentals from TurinBike and use the the local lanes and hills to the immediate south of Turin. Climbs up Colle de Maddalena (Strava Segment) and Superga (Strava Segment) are thrilling even in comparison to alpine ascents – Superga is steeper if you’re looking to amplify the challenge.

Swimmers have the Aquatica Turino – a 50m indoor tub with open hours from 7am to 10am, then again from noon to 9pm. See hours.

For more information on Opera35, visit opera35.com