Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria
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Latest page update: 14 April 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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This selection of ten destinations captures the character and diversity of Umbria, from hill towns and Roman sites to lakes, waterfalls and mountain plains. The list includes well-known places like Assisi and Perugia, alongside smaller gems such as Trevi and Castelluccio.
Highlights include Gothic cathedrals, panoramic viewpoints, lakeside promenades and one of Italy’s most spectacular waterfalls. Each place on the list offers a glimpse of the region’s culture, history and natural beauty. |
Isola Maggiore, Lake Trasimeno
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Assisi
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Assisi is one of Italy’s most iconic hill towns, best known as the birthplace of Saint Francis. The Basilica di San Francesco, decorated with frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue, draws pilgrims from around the world.
The historic centre is built from pale pink stone and set across the slopes of Monte Subasio, with narrow lanes leading to scenic viewpoints. Assisi balances spiritual significance with medieval charm. Shops sell local crafts, religious items, and Umbrian specialities. Assisi is easy to visit by train or car, located a short distance from Perugia in the heart of the region. |
Assisi, Umbria
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Spoleto
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Spoleto has one of the most striking settings in Umbria, backed by wooded hills and dominated by medieval towers. Its cathedral houses frescoes by Filippo Lippi and overlooks a sweeping piazza.
The Roman theatre and Rocca Albornoziana fortress reflect centuries of layered history. The Ponte delle Torri, a massive medieval aqueduct bridge, connects the town to hiking paths beyond. Each summer, Spoleto hosts the Festival dei Due Mondi. It’s easily accessible by train and makes a great base for exploring southern Umbria. |
Spoleto, Umbria
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Gubbio
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Gubbio has a dramatic medieval skyline and streets paved in dark grey stone, winding steeply up the mountainside. The central square is framed by the imposing Palazzo dei Consoli.
Gubbio’s history predates the Romans, and its traditions remain strong — especially the Corsa dei Ceri festival, held every May. A funicular ascends to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo above the town. Shops sell local pottery and truffle-based products. Gubbio is reached by road and pairs well with a visit to nearby Perugia or Assisi. |
Gubbio, Umbria
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Perugia
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Perugia is Umbria’s capital and a city of layers — from Etruscan walls to modern student life. Its historic centre is home to the Palazzo dei Priori and the Fontana Maggiore.
The city is known for cultural events like the Umbria Jazz Festival and Eurochocolate, as well as its art gallery and scenic escalator-linked streets. Its old town sits high above the plain. Perugia has its own airport and train station. It's a major hub for exploring central Umbria and beyond. |
Perugia, Umbria
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Orvieto
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Orvieto rises sharply from the surrounding plains, with cliffs of volcanic tuff giving it a dramatic profile. Its cathedral is one of Italy’s finest Gothic churches, richly decorated inside and out.
Beneath the town, you can explore a vast network of underground tunnels and ancient wells. Above ground, Orvieto offers sweeping views, local wines, and a laid-back atmosphere. The historic centre is connected to the train station by funicular. It's an easy stop on the Rome–Florence rail line. |
Orvieto, Umbria
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Lake Trasimeno
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Lake Trasimeno is central Italy’s largest lake and a peaceful spot surrounded by small towns and rolling hills. Ferries serve its islands, while beaches and trails follow the shoreline.
Castiglione del Lago is the main town, with a lakeside fortress and lively centre. The lake is popular for cycling, boating, and birdwatching, especially around the Oasi La Valle nature reserve. There are train stations in several towns. The lake sits between Perugia and the Tuscan border, near Cortona. |
Lake Trasimeno, Umbria
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Castelluccio
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Castelluccio sits above the high plains of the Piano Grande, surrounded by peaks of the Sibillini Mountains. In late spring, the fields burst into colour during the flowering of lentils.
The tiny village was badly damaged by earthquakes but remains a favourite for hiking, photography, and dramatic scenery. Its isolation adds to its unique character and appeal. Best reached by car, it’s usually combined with Norcia. The road in is closed during the snowy months. |
Castelluccio, Umbria
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Marmore Waterfalls
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The Cascata delle Marmore was created by the Romans to control river flow and remains one of Italy’s most dramatic waterfalls. Water is released at set times to create a roaring cascade.
Trails wind through the park with several viewing platforms, and guided tours explain the history and engineering behind the falls. You can also visit the nearby river gorge. Located near Terni, it’s accessible by train or car. Best visited during water release hours for full effect. |
Marmore Waterfalls, Umbria
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Trevi
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Trevi clings to a hillside surrounded by olive groves and views of the Umbrian valley. It’s known for high-quality olive oil, with an entire museum dedicated to its production.
The compact centre features Renaissance buildings, ancient churches, and quiet piazzas. In autumn, festivals celebrate the olive harvest, drawing visitors from across the region. Trevi lies just off the Spoleto–Foligno line. A small funicular helps reach the historic centre from the lower car park. |
Trevi, Umbria
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Todi
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Todi is a hilltop town with elegant streets, medieval arches, and some of the best views in Umbria. Its main square is one of the region’s most harmonious civic spaces.
Highlights include the Duomo, the Church of San Fortunato, and ancient cisterns below the streets. Todi is rich in art, history and local pride, with festivals throughout the year. It’s a short drive from Orvieto and well connected by road. A lift carries visitors up to the old town. |
Todi, Umbria
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