Italy's Best Kept Secret Destination for Summer

Angie Kirwin
Aug 6
3 min read

Updated: Aug 14

Val di Susa, Sauze d'Oulx & the Via Lattea

When you think of a summer holiday in Italy, most people imagine sweltering cities, packed beaches, and tourist hotspots like the Amalfi Coast, Florence, or Lake Como.

But there’s a cooler, quieter, more authentic Italy waiting to be discovered — and it’s tucked away in the Italian Alps, just over an hour from Turin.

Welcome to Val di Susa — a hidden gem perfect for couples, families, walkers, cyclists, and anyone looking for a more peaceful, more refreshing, and more authentic Italian summer.

🌿 So, what makes Val di Susa so special?

1. Cooler temperatures without losing the sunshine

Unlike the big cities and the Italian south, the Alps stay beautifully fresh in summer. Days are warm but not stifling, and evenings are perfect for sitting out with a drink. You can sleep with the windows open, breathe in pure mountain air, and escape the 35°C+ heatwaves that hit much of Italy every July and August.

2. No crowds, no chaos

While Venice and Cinque Terre are overrun with tour groups, Val di Susa feels like a well-kept secret. You’ll find scenic hiking trails, mountain lakes, local restaurants and cultural sights — without queues, noise or inflated prices. It’s authentic Italy, at its best.

3. Mountains, lakes, castles and culture — all in one place

Whether you're into walking, cycling, photography, swimming, history, food or just relaxing, there’s something for you here. And because it’s all so close together, you can do a lot — without needing to go far.

🌄 The Best Things to Do around Sauze d'Oulx in Summer

🏞️ Visit Lago Orfù

Just 10 minutes from The Hideaway, Lago Orfù is a peaceful alpine lake perfect for swimming, picnics, sunbathing or simply relaxing in nature. Hire a pedalo or a paddleboard, grab a cold can and dive into the cold (very cold!) blue waters.

🏰 Explore Forte di Exilles

This dramatic 12th-century mountain fortress overlooks the valley and is one of the most impressive cultural sites in the area. The town itself is absolutely gorgeous to potter around and if the fortress is open, make sure you take an hour or two to explore it.

🍹 Enjoy Aperitivo in Sauze d’Oulx

While famous in winter for après-ski, Sauze d’Oulx in summer offers a slower, more stylish kind of pleasure. Think cold drinks on sunny terraces, aperitivo plates of salumi and local cheese, and flower filled piazzas where you can truly unwind.

Some of our favourite spots?

Assietta for its pizza and cocktails
K2 for a chilled vibes glass of wine
Sugos for the best pasta in the world

👉 Find Out All Our Local Top Tips

🚶‍♀️ Hike, cycle, explore

Val di Susa is a paradise for hikers and cyclists. Trails range from easy forest walks to high-altitude adventures. E-bikes are available for rent in Sauze d'Oulx, and lifts operate in summer to take you up to panoramic trails like Monte Genevris or Lago Laune.

You’re on the doorstep of the Gran Bosco Natural Park, Bardonecchia, Montgenèvre, and Susa — each offering its own unique experience.

🚆 Easy to Reach — No Mountain Roads Required

One of the best things about Val di Susa is how easy it is to get here.

✈️ From Turin Airport: Just 1 hr 15 mins by car
🚆 From Turin city centre: 1 hr direct train to Oulx station
🚗 From France: 30 mins from Montgenèvre, 45 mins from Briançon

Whether you hire a car or take the train, you can be in the Alps within a couple of hours of landing — no ferry queues, no airport chaos, no three-hour transfers.

🏡 Stay at The Hideaway Sauze

Tucked just outside Sauze d’Oulx in the peaceful village of Borgata San Marco, The Hideaway offers beautifully renovated holiday apartments with balconies, mountain views, and everything you need for a restful summer escape.

You’ll have access to: