Urban sandy bank on the Po river, an informal free beach in a nature reserve a short ride from the centre.
The Spiaggia del Meisino is an informal sandy river bank inside the Parco del Meisino, a nature reserve at the confluence of the Stura di Lanzo and the Po, roughly 6 km north-east of the centre of Turin in Piedmont, Italy. It is not a managed seaside beach but a stretch of sand and shingle beside slow, brown-green river water, so the character is closer to a riverside picnic spot than a bathing resort. Swimming in the Po is not recommended, and the bank is best used for sunbathing, walking, reading and birdwatching rather than for getting in the water. The water is turbid and the current can be deceptive, particularly after rain in the Alps. The setting is the main attraction. The reserve is wooded and flat, with riparian forest, reed beds and quiet side channels that attract herons, kingfishers and other river birds. There is no surf and no sea exposure; the site is sheltered by trees and has an open, linear river-bank shape rather than a cove. The atmosphere is calm and local, popular with Turin residents who cycle, jog, walk dogs or picnic on summer weekends, and it is nothing like a party beach. Facilities are minimal. There are no sun loungers, no beach clubs and no lifeguards. Picnic areas, cycle and walking paths and the Meisino environmental and sports education centre at Via Friedrich Nietzsche 154 provide the basic infrastructure, and visitors should bring water, food, shade and sun protection, since food options inside the park are limited. Access is free and the park is open all day, every day of the year. Access from central Turin is straightforward. A GTT bus runs from the centre to the Meisino park in about 30 to 40 minutes, and a digital city ticket costs EUR 1.90. Cyclists can follow riverside paths along the Po and the Stura, which makes the bike one of the most pleasant ways to arrive. By car, limited roadside and informal parking is available near the park entrances, and it fills on warm weekends. The beach suits a half-day outing in the warmer months, with the best conditions from June to September, when river levels are lower and the sandy banks are exposed. After heavy rain or snowmelt the sand can be submerged or muddy, so checking conditions beforehand is sensible.
| Distance | About 6 km (4 miles) north-east of the city centre |
|---|---|
| Getting there | GTT bus from central Turin to the Meisino park, about 30-40 minutes (about 20 stops), City ticket EUR 1.90 digital (~$2.19) (gtt.to.it) |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | June-September |
| Address | Parco del Meisino, Strada del Meisino, 10155 Torino TO |
Amenities
- Sandy river-bank area at the Stura-Po confluence inside the Meisino nature reserve
- Free open-air access; the park is open all day, every day of the year
- Picnic areas, cycle and walking paths, and the Meisino environmental and sports education centre (Via Friedrich Nietzsche 154)
- Swimming in the Po is not recommended; use the bank for sunbathing, walking and birdwatching
Good to know
- Best for
- birdwatching, picnics, cyclists, walkers
Location
Parco del Meisino, Strada del Meisino, 10155 Torino TO
45.1105, 7.7265 View on map
Highlights
- Sandy bank at the Stura-Po confluence inside the Meisino nature reserve
- Birdwatching among riverside woodland, reed beds and quiet channels
- Cycle and walking paths linking the park with central Turin
- Free, all-day access with picnic areas and an education centre
Tips for visiting
- Do not swim; the Po current and water quality make bathing unsuitable, so use the bank for sunbathing and walking.
- Bring water, food and shade, as there is no beach bar or loungers on the bank.
- Cycling along the river paths from Turin is often easier than finding weekend parking.
- Visit in the morning or late afternoon in summer to avoid midday heat and mosquitoes near the water.
- Check recent rain and river levels before going, as the sand can be flooded or muddy.
When to visit
June to September, in the morning or late afternoon, when the sandy banks are exposed and the heat is gentler. Weekends are busier with local cyclists and picnickers.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Can visitors swim at the Meisino beach in Turin?
Swimming in the Po is not recommended. The bank is intended for sunbathing, walking, picnics and birdwatching.
How do visitors get to the Meisino from central Turin?
A GTT bus runs from the centre to the Meisino park in about 30 to 40 minutes, and a digital city ticket costs EUR 1.90. Riverside cycle paths also lead to the park.
Does the Meisino beach charge an entrance fee?
No. Access is free and the park is open all day, every day of the year.
Are there sun loungers or lifeguards at the Meisino?
No. It is an informal river bank with picnic areas and paths but no loungers, beach clubs or lifeguards.