Known as “Italy’s Green Heart”, Umbria Italy overflows with breathtakingly beautiful scenic towns, a rich culture, historic ruins, and delicious food. Between Le Marche, Lazio, and Tuscany, Perugia, its capital, sits peacefully on a hilltop surrounded by a quiet mountainous countryside and glowing green valleys. If you’re looking for endless rolling hills on luscious land, a gleaming lake, and charming culture and art, Umbria is for you! Traveling to Umbria is like traveling back in time! Umbria has it all!
Umbria is one of Italy’s underrated gems. Neighboring the crowded Tuscany, Umbria provides a tourist-free path of undiscovered and authentic treasures. Though overshadowed by the regions’ popular neighbor, Umbria doesn’t fall short with the gorgeous landscapes, art aesthetics, breathtaking mountain views and a one-of-a-kind food adventure.
Where to Go in Umbria Italy
Perugia, the capital, is the largest town within Umbria. Located in right in the middle, it serves as a great base for exploring! Engross yourself in the world famous jazz or chocolate festival. Not only is Perugia the capital of Umbria but it is also the chocolate capital of Italy! Melt your taste buds away with a bite of legendary Baci chocolate kisses. Visit during the middle of July and October to immerse yourself in chocolate and music exhibitions.
Make sure to put visiting the Monte Vibiano Castle on your to do list! The Castle serves as a farm and the only winery in the world to have the carbon footprint of zero! Enjoy a glass of eco-friendly fine wine!
The rolling hills of Perugia wouldn’t be complete without the Antognolla Golf Course. Spend a leisure day unwinding by putting under the shining July sun.
What to Do in Umbria
One of the most famous towns in Umbria, the enchanting Assisi is the birthplace of Italy's Patron Saint, St. Francis. Your trip to Umbria isn’t complete until you visit here! Walk the medieval streets and enter the sacred churches for a one-of-a-kind spiritual experience. Whether you take time to bask in the ambience of the St. Rufino Cathedral or take the time to reflect at Eremo delle Carceri, where St. Francis stayed insolation and prayed. Assisi is home to many captivating churches, ruins, and museums. Home of the Truffle, spend a day exploring the magnificent countryside in a truffle hunt!
Pamper yourself with the mouthwatering rustic foods like an Umbrian flatbread sandwich filled with roasted greens or strangozzi, a pasta draped in a spicy tomato sauce.
Towards Assist is the golden town of Bevagna and Montefalco. Bevagna is a one-of-a-kind town in Umbria that isn’t located on a hilltop. While Montefalco is rare for its wine, Sagrantino di Montefalco. Treat yourself to a relaxing glass of wine and admire the wonderful art gallery.
Divided into two, the newer buildings being the base of the town and the old on the hilltop, the picturesque summit Orvieto is a sight to see! The town sits on top of a giant volcanic bluff, it is a popular destination for shopping and a good history lesson. The quiet impressive town dates back to the Etruscan times (900 BC-27 BC). Visiting makes the perfect day trip and is easily accessible by car or train.
The quaint Italian region is the only one that doesn’t neighbor another country or sea, locking and sealing away old traditions. Though it doesn’t border a sea, you can experience a beach at Lake Trasimeno. The fourth largest lake in Italy, there are three islands in it but only one is inhabited: Isola Maggiore. Take a ferry to discover the ancient buildings on the island can date back to the 1300s. History runs through the veins of Lake. The famous battle and victory of Hannibal, luring 20,000 Romans to their death, took place on the peaceful shores. Explore the battlefield along the La Cammino di Annibale trail.
The lake has two major centres: Passignano and Castiglione. Passignano is an active town filled with lakefront restaurants while Castiglione is a peaceful waterfront. You’re able to rent boats, kayaks and bikes on Acqua Dolce, which is located on the lake’s eastern shore.
The medieval town of Spello, is small but packed with charm. The relaxed valley atmosphere is outlined in white stone buildings and ancient Roman ruins. The postcard perfect town neighbors Assisi. From Easter to July, the flower festival of Corpus Christi, Infiorata, is held. The whole town is draped in floral beauty. Though Perugia may be the capital of Umbria, Spello is the capital of flowers.
Walk the cobblestone street up to L’Angolo del Tartufo, a quaint little shop that sells black and white truffles, which are known as Umbrias delicacy.
If you travel a couple of miles south of Spello, you’ll find Trevi, where Umbria’s best olive oils are made.
Norcia, the town where no building is allowed to be over 2 stories tall because of its geological location. Surrounded by mountains, the town was built directly on a fault line. The winding streets will lead you to the Church of Saint Benedict, which was built in the 13th century. The Church holds the famous painting the “Resurrection of Lazarus” by Michelangelo Carducci, the 16th century painter, was flattened in an earthquake in October 2016.
Marmore Waterfalls can be found within the Nera River Park. Built in 271 BC by the Romans, Marmore is one of the tallest manmade waterfalls in the world and the second largest in Europe. During set times the water is released, which is an important factor to keep in mind. The Fall was created to make more use of the fertile land.
The walls that surround the town of Todi were built in during different eras: Etruscan, Roman, and Middle Ages. Historic ruins, from the walls to the amphitheatre, are spotted around. The hilltop town overlooks the Tiber River.
Best Times to Travel to Umbria
The options of where to stay in Umbria are endless. Travel and book from Easter to July or the fall months of September and October to experience the stunning landscapes, the rich traditions, the authentic culture, and the mouth-watering foods.