Umbria​

Latest page update: 21 June 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Umbria
Umbria features a collection of highly rated hotels that reflect the region’s mix of medieval hill towns, countryside estates and restored palazzi. In Perugia, Sina Brufani stands out for its historic character and central position near the city’s main squares, combining elegant interiors with views across the valley. Also in the city, Hotel Giò Wine e Jazz Area offers a modern concept with themed rooms, a rooftop pool and convenient access to the escalators leading to the old town. In Assisi, Nun Assisi Relais & Spa Museum occupies a former convent built over Roman ruins, with a renowned spa, vaulted architecture and close proximity to the Basilica of Saint Francis.

In the countryside between Perugia and Assisi, Borgobrufa Spa Resort is one of the region’s best-equipped wellness retreats, set among vineyards and olive groves with an extensive spa and panoramic terraces. Nearby, Castello di Monterone is a restored castle overlooking Perugia, featuring period furnishings, a small wellness area and a restaurant known for traditional Umbrian cuisine. In Todi, Hotel Bramante offers a combination of hillside views, classic décor and an outdoor pool within walking distance of the town centre.

On the shores of Lake Trasimeno, Relais La Fattoria in Castiglione del Lago is set in a converted farmhouse with a pool and gardens, making it a peaceful base for exploring the lake area. In Spoleto, Palazzo Dragoni provides elegant rooms in a 16th-century building close to the cathedral, noted for its views and attentive service.
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Further south, Palazzo Seneca in Norcia is housed in a historic residence with refined interiors, a Michelin-starred restaurant and proximity to the Sibillini Mountains National Park. Completing the selection, Tenuta di Canonica near Todi combines rustic charm and authenticity with a rural position overlooking the Umbrian countryside, providing an intimate setting for those seeking privacy and panoramic views.

Where is

Where is Umbria?
​Affectionately known as the "Green Heart of Italy", the region of Umbria straddles the Apennine Mountains in the centre of the country, hemmed in by Tuscany, Marche and Lazio.

Landlocked on all sides by a combination of hills, mountains, valleys and plains, Umbria's topographical enclosures have ensured the preservation of its traditions that are among the oldest in Italy. 

The region is named after the Umbrii tribe who dominated the area from around 1,000 BC before the Etruscans or the Romans.
Regione Umbria
Regional capital: Perugia

Population: 854,378 (in 2024 - source)

Size: 8,456 km²

Provinces: 2

Highlights: ​Castelluccio, Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto, Spoleto, Cascia

What People Ask About Umbria

Is Umbria worth visiting?
Yes—Umbria is worth visiting for its hill towns, medieval architecture, and rich culture. Often called the “green heart of Italy,” it’s a landlocked region offering scenic landscapes, local festivals, and historic cities like Perugia and Assisi.
What are the main attractions in Umbria?
Key attractions include the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi, the historic centre of Perugia, Lake Trasimeno, Orvieto Cathedral, and towns like Spoleto, Todi, and Gubbio. Umbria also offers hiking trails, wine roads, and traditional cuisine.
How do I get to Umbria?
Umbria is accessible by train from Rome, Florence, and Ancona, with major stations in Perugia, Assisi, and Foligno. The region also has a small airport near Perugia, and is easily reached by car via the A1 and E45 routes.
What is Umbria known for?
Umbria is known for its medieval towns, religious heritage, and natural beauty. It’s also celebrated for Umbrian cuisine, black truffles, artisan crafts, and cultural events like the Umbria Jazz Festival in Perugia.
When is the best time to visit Umbria?
The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant and the countryside is vibrant. Summer is popular for festivals, while winter is quieter with fewer tourists.
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Discover

Discover Umbria
An undulating landscape studded by medieval hill towns
​The terrain is largely dominated by rolling hills, many of which are topped by medieval towns that are full of intrigue. Umbria's capital Perugia is the largest expression of a successful hill town where dark, steep alleyways give way to expansive piazzas and glorious medieval architecture.

​Perugia dates back to the ancient Etruscans yet paradoxically retains an air of youth as it's the home to some 35,000 students who attend its university, a large chunk of its overall population of 170,000. 
The two provinces of Umbria
​One of the smallest of Italy's twenty regions, Umbria is split into two provinces: the Province of Perugia to the north and the Province of Terni to the south.

​Although Terni is the second most populous city in the region, it often fails to capture the imagination in the same way that some of its smaller satellites do, but is handily-placed for one of Umbria's most compelling natural sights: the Marmore Waterfalls. Arguably the star turn in Terni Province is the hill town of Orvieto, famed for its glorious cathedral and for the wine region that bears its name. 
Famous hill towns close to Perugia
​It is though, within the Province of Perugia that the most illustrious of Umbria's sights can be found, principally its historic hill towns. A short distance from Perugia itself lies Assisi, home of Saint Francis and one of the most important religious sites in Christendom.

​Both Assisi and another of Umbria's hill towns, Spoleto, are listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Smaller hill towns such as Gubbio, Todi and Trevi are all rich in medieval architecture and merit time for exploration to complete any sensible itinerary of Umbria. 
Kaleidoscopic Castelluccio
Umbria is bordered to its east by the region of Marche, with which it shares one of Italy's national parks: Monti Sibillini. A drive or a hike through the park offers spectacular scenery, but none more so than at Castelluccio di Norcia.

​Although the town itself is tiny and recovering from a recent earthquake, at certain times of the year it becomes one of the most popular destinations in Italy as the plains that surround it take on an incredible multi-coloured spectacle. Among the flowers that combine to form this semi-natural phenomenon are lentils and poppies, carpeting the plains in an array of colours. ​
Around Lake Trasimeno
​The north east corner of Umbria is home to another sight of natural beauty. The expansive Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake in central Italy and with its ferry system open during the summers, you can access its lake islands: Isola Maggiore and Isola Polvese.

​The lake is also fringed by the beautiful lakeside towns of Passignano sul Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago. On Umbria's southern border with Lazio, the smaller Lake Piediluco offers a more intimate contrast to its northern counterpart. 
Umbria travel
International travel directly into Umbria is made possible by the somewhat underused Perugia Airport. This is particularly advantageous to UK residents who can fly from Stansted Airport with low-cost airline Ryanair. 

Things to Do

Things to Do in Umbria
  • Perugia and the Historic Centre sit atop a hill with Etruscan, medieval, and Renaissance landmarks. The city includes the Palazzo dei Priori, Fontana Maggiore, and the underground Rocca Paolina. Perugia is also home to the National Gallery of Umbria and hosts major cultural events such as Umbria Jazz.
  • Assisi and the Basilica of Saint Francis are central to the region’s religious and artistic heritage. The double church complex contains frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue and draws pilgrims from around the world. The town itself retains Roman ruins, stone streets, and views over the Valle Umbra.
  • Spoleto and the Ponte delle Torri feature a striking aqueduct-bridge spanning a deep gorge below the Rocca Albornoziana fortress. The old town includes a Roman theatre, a Romanesque cathedral with frescoes by Filippo Lippi, and hosts the Festival dei Due Mondi each summer.
  • Orvieto and the Cathedral rise from a volcanic plateau above the Paglia River valley. The Duomo is one of Italy’s finest Gothic churches, with a façade of mosaics and bas-reliefs. Underground tours explore tunnels carved into the tufa rock, and the views from the Torre del Moro tower stretch across southern Umbria.
  • Lake Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago offer a blend of nature, water sports, and historic sights near the border with Tuscany. Castiglione del Lago has a hilltop castle and a walled old town, while the lake includes ferry connections to islands, walking trails, and beaches popular in summer.
  • Gubbio and the Palazzo dei Consoli maintain a strong medieval character, with stone buildings rising along steep streets. The Palazzo overlooks the main square and houses archaeological and historical exhibits. A funicular leads to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, with panoramic views of the Apennines.
  • Todi and the Piazza del Popolo sit on a hill above the Tiber River, with a layout of medieval churches, civic buildings, and terraces. The piazza is framed by a Gothic cathedral and stone palaces, while the surrounding area includes Etruscan tombs, Roman remains, and countryside walks.
  • Narni and the Underground Route reveal layers of Roman, medieval, and Inquisition-era history beneath the town. The underground complex includes frescoed chapels, cisterns, and a former prison. Above ground, Narni’s fortress and stone streets offer views over the Nera Valley.
  • Montefalco and the Sagrantino Wine region are known for vineyards, hilltop views, and historic churches. The Church of San Francesco contains frescoes by Benozzo Gozzoli, and the local wine route includes tastings of Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG and Rosso di Montefalco in nearby cantinas.
  • Norcia and the Sibillini Mountains mark the eastern edge of Umbria near the Marche border. Known for cured meats and black truffles, Norcia also provides access to the Monti Sibillini National Park. Trails lead into high-altitude landscapes, with day hikes to Piano Grande and Castelluccio.

Tours and Activities

Umbria Tours and Activities

What to Eat

What to Eat in Umbria
  • Strangozzi – Long, hand-rolled pasta resembling thick spaghetti, made from flour and water without eggs. Typically served with black truffle shavings, tomato sauce, or wild mushrooms, it’s found throughout Umbria, especially in the area around Spoleto.
  • Torta al testo – A flatbread made from flour, water, salt, and baking soda, cooked on a hot stone or iron griddle known as a testo. Often sliced and filled with grilled sausage, greens, or cured meats, it is eaten as a sandwich in markets and countryside fairs.
  • Zuppa di farro – A hearty soup made with farro (spelt), beans, vegetables, and sometimes pancetta or sausage. This ancient grain dish is rooted in Umbrian mountain cooking and is commonly eaten in cooler months as a complete one-bowl meal.
  • Porchetta umbra – Whole roasted pork, typically seasoned with garlic, fennel, rosemary, and other herbs, then cooked slowly until the skin is crisp. Commonly sold from vans or market stalls, it’s sliced and served in crusty bread, especially during festivals.
  • Lenticchie di Castelluccio – Small, delicate lentils grown on the high plains of Castelluccio di Norcia, prized for their flavour and ability to stay firm when cooked. Served with sausages or in soups, they are often eaten on New Year’s Day as a symbol of good luck.
  • Crescia – A type of savoury flatbread similar to focaccia, often enriched with lard or cheese and eaten plain or filled with meats. It varies slightly between towns, with the Gubbio version being particularly thick and used to accompany roast meats.
  • Palomba alla ghiotta – Wood pigeon slow-cooked with garlic, herbs, wine, and sometimes tomatoes, creating a rich and aromatic sauce. This game dish is part of Umbria’s hunting tradition and is usually served during autumn festivals in rural areas.
  • Pappardelle al cinghiale – Broad ribbon pasta served with a slow-cooked wild boar ragù, flavoured with juniper, rosemary, and red wine. It is a robust and earthy dish, widely served in trattorias throughout the Umbrian hills and woodland towns.
  • Friccò all’umbra – A traditional mixed meat stew, often combining chicken, rabbit, and lamb, cooked with tomato, garlic, sage, and white wine. It is particularly common in the Foligno area and served during village feasts and family gatherings.
  • Ciaramicola – A ring-shaped cake made with lard or oil, eggs, and alchermes liqueur, topped with white meringue and coloured sprinkles. Traditionally prepared for Easter in Perugia, it is a colourful and symbolic sweet representing joy and celebration.

Photo Gallery

Umbria Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Umbria
​
1. Assisi
2. Spoleto
3. Gubbio
4. Perugia
5. Orvieto
6. Lake Trasimeno
7. Castelluccio
8. Marmore Waterfalls
9. Trevi
10. Todi

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Umbria
By Rail: Umbria is served by Trenitalia regional and Intercity trains, with major stations in Perugia, Foligno, Spoleto, and Terni. The main lines include connections from Florence and Rome via Terontola, Orte, and Foligno. Journey times are approximately 2 hours from Florence to Perugia and around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Rome to Terni. Additional branch lines connect smaller towns such as Assisi and Spello.

By Road: Umbria is centrally located in Italy and accessible by several major routes, including the E45 from Cesena to Orte, the SS3 Flaminia from Rome to Fano, and the SS75 between Perugia and Foligno. The drive from Rome to Perugia takes about 2 hours, from Florence around 1 hour and 45 minutes, and from Ancona approximately 2 hours. Parking is widely available in historic centres, often with park-and-ride facilities near major towns.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Perugia Airport (Aeroporto Internazionale dell’Umbria – San Francesco d’Assisi): Located near Assisi, about 12 kilometres from Perugia. The airport serves a limited number of domestic and European routes.
  • Rome Fiumicino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci): Approximately 190 kilometres south-west of Perugia, the drive takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is the most convenient airport for long-haul and international travel.
  • Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze Peretola): Around 160 kilometres north-west, with a driving time of approximately 2 hours. It offers a wide range of European connections.

Private Transfers

Umbria Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel to destinations across Umbria or continue your journey within the region and to neighbouring parts of central Italy. You’ll be collected directly from your chosen location and driven by a professional local driver, ensuring a relaxed and convenient journey without the need for car hire or public transport.

Private transfers can be arranged to and from Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport, which provides the most direct air access to the region. Journeys to and from Rome Fiumicino Airport and Florence Airport are also easily arranged, offering flexibility for international arrivals and departures. Transfers can connect you to popular Umbrian destinations such as Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto, Todi, and Gubbio, or to nearby cities including Rome, Siena, and Arezzo.
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To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

    Private  Transfer  Request

    WE OFFER PRIVATE TRANSFERS ACROSS THE WHOLE OF ITALY!
    To request the price and availability of any transfer route in Italy please use the form below or contact us via the [email protected] mailbox. Make sure you've included details such as the name of the hotel, name of the town/city or which airport/train station where relevant. Our English booking team will get back to you ASAP to assist with your enquiry.

Perugia Province

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Castelluccio, Perugia Province

Terni  Province

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San Gemini, Terni Province
Umbria by Category
Hill Towns of Umbria
​Lakeside Towns of Umbria
​Major Cities and Towns of Umbria
Natural Sights of Umbria
​Parks of Umbria
​Pretty Villages of Umbria
​Scenic Towns of Umbria
​Things to see in Umbria - Italy Review
​Top 10 Places to Visit in Umbria
​UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Umbria
​Umbria's Borghi Piu Belli d'Italia
Umbria Destinations A-Z
Acquasparta 
Allerona
Amelia 
Arrone
Assisi
Bastia Umbra
Bettona
Bevagna
Campello sul Clitunno
Cascia
Castelluccio
Castiglione del Lago
Cerreto di Spoleto
Citerna
Città della Pieve
Città di Castello
Civitella del Lago
Corciano
Deruta
Ferentillo
Foligno
Fratta Todina
Giove
Gualdo Tadino
Gubbio
Lake Corbara
Lake Piediluco
Lugnano in Teverina
Magione
​​Marmore Waterfalls
Marsciano
Massa Martana
Monte Castello di Vibio
Monte Cucco
Montecchio
Montefalco
Monteleone di Spoleto
Montone
Narni
Norcia
Orvieto
Paciano
Panicale
Passignano sul Trasimeno
Perugia
Piediluco
Pozzo di San Patrizio
Preci
Rasiglia
Ripa
San Feliciano
San Gemini
Santa Maria degli Angeli
Sellano
Spello
Spoleto
Terni
Todi
Torgiano
Trevi
Tuoro sul Trasimeno
Umbertide
Vallo di Nera
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