Welcome to Umbria Welcome to Umbria , located in the central region of Italy bordering Tuscany and also probably Italy’s best-kept secret! This region has so many amazing things to do, whether it’s strolling through picturesque streets, activities like rafting […]
Welcome to Umbria
Welcome to Umbria , located in the central region of Italy bordering Tuscany and also probably Italy’s best-kept secret! This region has so many amazing things to do, whether it’s strolling through picturesque streets, activities like rafting and wakeboarding, wine tasting, or dancing at local festivals. Plus, the scenery in Umbria will blow your mind; wake up to fog rolling over the hills or watch an explosive sunset by the lakeside.
Perugia
Perugia, capital of the region of Umbria, is worth visiting not only for the beauty of its hilltop setting, but also for its fine old buildings. It is also a well-known cultural and artistic centre of Italy. The city hosts multiple annual festivals and events, e.g., the Eurochocolate Festival (October), the Umbria Jazz Festival (July), and the International Journalism Festival (in April), and is associated with multiple notable people in the arts.
Orvieto
Sprinkled with ancient monuments, tombs, a necropolis, and a network of underground passageways dating back to the Middle Ages, there’s much to uncover in this hillside town. Visit the 16th-century Saint Patrick’s Well with its historic spiral staircase, discover ancient artifacts inside two archaeological museums, explore the Albornoz Fortress, and admire the Gothic Duomo Cathedral with its glittering, mosaic-adorned façade and impressive frescoes.
Sightseeing and history lessons aside, Orvieto is everything a typical Italian town should be – quiet, unassuming, and blissfully traffic free. It’s a popular location for shopping, wining, and dining. You can browse local handicrafts and ceramics along Via del Duomo and explore the nearby vineyards for the finest Classico wines. Whatever you do, don’t leave without admiring a view of the Umbrian valley from the Torre del Moro!
Assisi
Assisi is a captivating commune. With its medieval streets, sacred shrines, entrancing churches, and a spellbinding castle, it’s no surprise it’s Umbria’s most famous town for tourists and pilgrims alike. It was the city where Italy’s Patron Saint, St. Francis, lived and prayed, so it’s a spiritual experience for many.
Spello
Spello is easily one of the most beautiful villages in Italy! It is an ancient walled town with honey-coloured houses cascading down the slopes of Saint Francis’s mountain. Small it may be, but its civilised pace and gorgeous views make it well worth a visit. Built from Subasio marble, the entire town takes on a pinkish colour around sunrise and sunset – the photos are simply gorgeous!
Three well-preserved Roman arches form the entryways to the town. Inside, you’ll find the 11th-century Church of Santa Maria Maggiore with its famous Baglioni Chapel and striking Pinturicchio frescoes. Other sights include the Roman House, Villa Costanzi with its summertime concerts, and the Piazza della Repubblica, which encompasses the 13th-century Municipal Palace and Archaeological Museum.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the Infiorata (Flower Festival) held in May and June. The streets are transformed into a colorful wonderland, dubbing Spello the ‘Capital of Flowers.’
Norcia
Norcia is a medieval town of handsome contrasts. A walled town surrounded by lush countryside and undulating Umbrian hills, it’s the perfect spot for hikers, nature lovers, and foodies. It’s famous for its black truffles, salami, pork, and wild boar products.
Located on the edge of Sibillini National Park in south-eastern Umbria, visitors choose Norcia for a healthy combination of food and exercise. There’s plenty of rolling countryside to explore on foot, bike, or horseback. An interesting period is the truffle season (November to March).
Lake Trasimeno
The fourth-largest of Italy’s lakes, Trasimeno is surrounded by ancient towers, fortresses, and Renaissance-style churches. Lake Trasimeno, with its hillside olive groves, undulating vineyards, and quaint stone villages, is one of the most enchanting destinations in Umbria. On the lake itself, one will find light pastel coloured wooden fishing boats, three scenic islands, and some of the most dramatic sunsets in Italy.
Peak season runs from April to October, when tourists descend to take advantage of the mild climate, beaches, and hiking and biking trails. Hike and bird watch in Isola Polvese’s nature park, browse the famous Irish lacework in Isola Maggiore, and visit Castiglione del Lago – the most popular town, perched on a small promontory.