15 to-do's in Umbria, the green heart of Italy

Umbria is one of the regions of Italy where you can find beautiful nature, culture and history. The region seems very quiet and peaceful, but on the inside it is bustling, if you know where to look! 
After our tips, you will know where to find all the culinary highlights, impressive towns and villages, natural phenomena and hidden places. Experience the best of Umbria and be inspired by the beauty and versatility of the region.

Unique Umbrian towns and villages 

Umbria's towns and villages each have their own charm. Because the Umbria region is a bit more unknown than, for example, the great Tuscany, the unique places are often less quickly discovered and therefore the uniqueness of the region remains intact.
In every village or town you will find something new, whether you are looking for Umbria's rich past, the local cuisine or whatever makes you feel at home in this magical part of Italy.

1. Mix of culture and friendliness in Perugia

Perugia's narrow streets with colourful old houses give the capital its charm. The medium-sized university town has a lively centre and cosy atmosphere. Because the city has both Roman and Etruscan influences, various architectural styles come together. 
In the historical buildings, such as the Arco Etrusco (Etruscan arch) and the Palazzo dei Priori (museum and town hall), you can see the city of Perugia as it once looked. Perugia is a mix of culture and cosiness, the real Italy.

2. The pilgrimage site of Assisi 

The pilgrimage site of Assisi is the place that attracts the most tourists in the Umbria region. Not just for its impressive architecture  
In fact, Assisi has an interesting religious past and is part of the pilgrimage route between Florence and Rome, among others. 
But even without the religious background, you can admire the beauty of the white and illuminated city. The impressive staircases and squares, surprising vistas and the central Basilica of St Francis will leave you for a moment in the shoes of the pilgrims who have also been here.

3. The ancient city of Narni 

Delve into the ancient city of Narni, a historic site that has remained almost entirely intact after Roman times. Narni is now a beautiful city with medieval churches, bridges and monuments. At the Ponte Cardona you will find the city's ‘central landmark’. It is said that if you place your finger on the steel rod on the bridge, it brings good luck! Though your luck can't run out when you are in Narni - you are back in ancient Italy for a while.

4. Colourful Spello 

The small town of Spello looks idyllic just for the many flower pots and containers you find in all the narrow streets. It is a photogenic town, due to the brightly coloured flowers contrasting with the softly coloured houses. The second weekend after Pentecost, the town is transformed into a veritable work of art full of flower carpets and paintings, during the feast of Corpus Domini. Colourful Spello is in full bloom every year.

5. Culinary Norcia

In the east of the region you will find the picturesque town of Norcia. This town is also called the ‘meat city’, and for good reason. Indeed, the town's most famous product is Norcineria, a good piece of wild boar meat. But you can also taste many hams, sausages and other meat products at the city's many butchers. Norcia also has many dishes with truffles from the region, such as pasta and sauces. For culinary highlights, Norcia is the place to be.

6. The wine town of Montefalco 

The balcony of Umbria, that's how Montefalco is also known. This walled city owes its name to the beautiful views of the vineyards, where the world-famous Montefalco Sagrantino wine comes from. Extra fun are the region's wine tastings and excursions. For instance, you can go on ‘Enosafari’, where you drive through the vineyards in a jeep, while enjoying good food and drinks. 

7. Queen of olives - Trevi

Besides its delectable wines, the Umbria region is also known for its many olive trees, and queen of olives is the city of Trevi. A walk along the olive groves should therefore not be missed during your visit to the city. Trevi also produces one of Italy's best olive oils, so dining in the city is definitely recommended. Besides, you can get lost in the city's many old churches - there are no less than 20!

8. World heritage sites in Spoleto 

One of Italy's most beautiful cities is the town of Spoleto. You ‘climb’ to the historic city centre via special underground escalators. Handy, because this way you can see all the city's special monuments with new energy! The Ponte delle Torri is the most famous, this is a Roman viaduct no less than 230 metres long. In addition, the Basilica di San Salvatore is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which makes Spoleto more than worth a visit.

9. Narrow streets in Città della Pieve

The cosy village of Città del Pieve is the one for art lovers. It is the birthplace of the famous Umbrian painter Pietro Vannucci, and you can still find much of his work in Città del Pieve. The village looks ancient, with narrow streets and houses. The special thing about the narrow streets is that they are so narrow that Citta della Pieve has one of the narrowest streets in Italy. The narrowest street is only 43 centimetres wide! Will you venture through this alley or will you take a detour? 

10. Orvieto's underground secrets 

Perched atop volcanic peatstone is the Etruscan fortified city of Orvieto. The centrepiece of this ancient city is the imposing Duomo di Orvieto; a Gothic cathedral from ancient Etruscan times. The exterior of the cathedral shines with bright mosaics, and inside you will find many wall and ceiling paintings, also called frescoes. Furthermore, you can take extraordinary walks around the city, both above ground and underground. For instance, you can take a walk in Orvieto's 62-metre-deep well (nice and cool for summer!), or make your way through the underground corridors.  

Things to do and discover in Umbria

If you are not a fan of spending hours wandering around Umbria's various villages and towns and prefer to be active, Umbria has everything you are looking for. What is so surprising about this region is that Umbria hides many beautiful places. As a result, you are less affected by the crowds and can discover the green heart at your own pace and in its pristine beauty. 

11. Waterfall Cascata delle Marmore 

One of the highest waterfalls in Europe, the Cascata delle Marmore waterfall is a picture to behold. It is the second largest artificial waterfall in the world, with water regulated and cascading down from 165 metres. The regulation is needed to generate electricity, which makes the waterfall not only beautiful to look at but also very practical. 
Before your visit, check the times when the waterfall is at full power. And if you do have to wait, you can also take a walk through the beautiful green nature park, with multiple walkways and beautiful vantage points of the waterfall and its surroundings.

12. Colour explosions of Monti Sibillini national park 

The Apennines are home to one of Europe's smaller national parks: Monti Sibillini. Hiking enthusiasts, mountain climbers and nature lovers will be in their element here, but the national park is also the place for photographers to shoot the most beautiful images of Umbria. 
Characteristic of the park is the so-called Piano Grande, a vast plain where in spring you can find a colour explosion of different types of flowers. The red poppy stands out for its striking colour, but the blue and purple flowers also blend through the beautiful landscape like a sea of colours. Animals feel free in this area, so you may encounter wolves, deer, wild horses and boars on your walk.

 13. Vineyards of Umbria  

A visit to one or more vineyards should definitely not be missed when visiting Umbria. There are many wine towns and regions to choose from; we already briefly mentioned the wine town of Montefalco, with its delicious Montefalco Sagrantino wine. For the process of winemaking, the wine region of Torgiano is the place to be. 
Indeed, in Lungarotti you can see how winemakers have been working for years, adding ripe grapes, special flavour and passion to the many bottled wines. Other wine regions can be found near Orvieto and Monte Vibiano.

14. Relaxing on Lake Trasimeno  

Where the region of Tuscany has Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, Umbria has the beautiful Lake Trasimeno. The central lake, with three small adjacent medieval villages, forms the border between Tuscany and Umbria. These include the village of Castiglione del Lago, where you will find typical shops, local specialities and cosy terraces. The lake offers many water sports, but you can also just take a refreshing dip. Nice tip: board a boat that will take you past the islands on the lake. You can even set foot on Isola Maggiore, an island with just 12 inhabitants, where man has let nature take its course. 

15. Stifone's clear waters 

Near Narni, you will find the smaller town of Stifone. For the highlights of Stifone, look especially for the area behind it. You will find crystal-clear turquoise waters and beautiful natural areas along the River Nera. Walk along the river to take in all the natural phenomena. 
You have several places where you can see nature at its best, but the Sorgente della Morica is the most famous point. The water here is so clear that you can even see the remains of an ancient Roman port. Unfortunately, it is forbidden to swim in these waters, but there are plenty of other lakes nearby that are perfect for a refreshing dip in summer!

Curious about the region? Then book your holiday home Umbria quickly.