What to Do in Umbria: The Top 9 Best Activities in “The Green Heart of Italy”
Known affectionately as “the green heart of Italy,” the central region of Umbria is often overlooked by tourists visiting Italy for the first time. Rich in culture and natural beauty, this Italian gem is rapidly gaining popularity. You may have seen it featured on Stanley Tucci’s acclaimed series “Searching for Italy” or recently topping Conde Nast’s list of the most desirable destinations in the world.
Bordering Tuscany and Rome’s region of Lazio, Umbria is packed with beautiful sights, vibrant culture and delicious food (truffle anyone?!). Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an action-packed adventure, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this gorgeous and unspoiled region of Italy. Here’s a look at the top nine activities to experience in Umbria.
1. Visit Assisi
Experience the peace of the home of St. Francis
Located in Perugia (the capital city of Umbria), Assisi is a stunning medieval town that is full of history and culture. Perhaps the most notable attribute of this special place is the intangible peace that flows throughout its hills. It is best known as the birthplace of St. Francis of Assisi, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000.
There are plenty of shops, restaurants and charming alleyways to explore in Assisi, but most people are drawn to see the Basilica of San Francesco. The basilica is open from 6 am to 8 pm for the lower church (where St. Francis is buried) and 8:30 am to 6:45 pm in the upper church. Get updated hours and service times on the official website. Visiting Assisi is undoubtedly a soulful experience. Easter is a particularly interesting time of year to go. Not to be missed- on Good Friday, the town turns dark and a candlelit procession takes place from the Basilica of Santa Chiara (St. Claire) to that of St. Francis. It truly feels like stepping back in time to see the town’s winding medieval streets lit by candlelight.
Also of note, the charming nearby hill towns of Spello and Montefalco are not to be missed.
2. Taste the regional cuisine
Savor the flavor
Umbria has some of the best food in Italy, and you’ll want to make sure to savor as much of it as you can. The region is famous for its cured meats, wild boar (“cinghiale” in Italian), priceless truffle, Perugian chocolates, and of course its local wines. Make sure to try the region’s traditional dishes like strangozzi pasta, wild boar ragú, and roasted pork. You can also take a cooking class at your villa to learn how to make some of the region’s signature dishes. If you’re open to being tempted, see our regional guide to Umbrian cusine for some more inspiration.
3. Visit Lake Trasimeno
Beauty is the backdrop
Lake Trasimeno is the fourth largest lake in Italy, and it is surrounded by stunning landscapes. It is a great place to go for a peaceful stroll or to enjoy a leisurely picnic with your loved ones. You can also go kayaking or sailing, or take a boat tour of the lake.
One of the lake’s three surrounding islands, “Maggiore Island” is home to just twelve people, one ancient street, a tiny beach, and a few restaurants. If you wander through the olive groves to the other side of the island, you’ll encounter abandoned castle overlooking the dreamy lake.
Even if you don’t make time for watersports or exploring the lake’s islands, you are sure to encounter Lake Trasimeno’s beauty as you drive peacefully around the Umbrian hills.
4. Take a hot air balloon ride
Up and away!
If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Umbria, why not take a hot air balloon ride? The aerial views give a unique vantage point of Italy’s green heart. You can take off from Perugia and soar over the breathtaking countryside, taking in the stunning views of the landscape below. It’s an unforgettable experience, and one that you will never forget. Most hot air balloon rides last 1-2 hours.
5. Explore the ancient ruins
All roads lead to Rome
Umbria was once part of the Roman Empire, and there are still plenty of ancient ruins to explore. The Roman amphitheatre in Perugia is a must-see, as is the archaeological site of Carsulae near Terni. You can also explore the ruins of the Roman town of Carsulae, or take a day trip to the nearby town of Narni to explore the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Narnia. If you feel like exploring further, visit the Etruscan ruins (pictured above) in nearby Lazio. And of course, Rome is just a quick train ride (approx 1.5 hours) away!
6. Visit the Marmore falls
Cascading beauty
The Marmore Falls are one of the most spectacular attractions in Umbria. Interestingly, these falls are man-made! They were manufactured by the Romans. The falls are located near the town of Terni and are a breathtaking sight, but please note it is not possible to swim in them. You can take a guided tour of the falls, or go for a hike around the area to take in the stunning views. Of note, the waterfall is used to generate electricty for neighboring towns. During certain times, it cannot be accessed. For more information on when it is possible to visit, check their timetable.
7. Visit Gubbio for Festa dei Ceri
Go back in time
Every year on May 15th, the medieval town of Gubbio celebrates its three patrons: St Ubaldo, St George, and St Anthony. The festivities are marked by a race through the city streets, with each team carrying a giant wooden candle to the Basilica atop Mount Ingino. Spectators line the route, cheering and clapping to the accompaniment of musicians. Afterward, there is a banquet with dancing and delicious food, making it one of the most exciting festivals to witness!
8. Go Truffle Hunting
Taste your treasure
Over the past few years, truffles have become an absolute sensation. While it is quite expensive in the states, truffle is native to the region of Umbria hunted by locals and served abundantly in restaurants. Experience the thrill of searching and finding or your own treasured truffles in the Umbrian countryside. Accompanied by an expert truffle hunter and adorable dogs, you will be guided through the hunt and taught about the different types of this delicious ingredient and some of its most loved dishes. Of course, the best part is tasting the fruit of your labor!
9. Take a wine tour
Sip and learn
Just like its well-known neighbor Tuscany, Umbria has fabulous selection of world-class wines. As you drive through its dreamy landscapes, you’ll pass through many beautiful wineries and vineyards. If you decide to take a tour, you can learn all about the steps from grape to glass, with fantastic explanations from expert guides and winemakers.
One of our favorite Umbrian wine producers is Paolo Bea. His winery, located in Montefalco, produces beloved Pagliaro wine. The family has been making wine since the 1500s. This tiny estate is a classic Italian fattoria experience - not only producing fine wine, but raising farm animals and working the land to produce olives, and other fruits and vegetables. The vineyards are cultivated organically, all grapes are harvested manually and all wines are bottled without fining or filtration.
No matter the vineyard you choose to visit, you will undoubtedly enjoy the experience.
Rent a Villa in Umbria
Make sure that you have a comfortable vacation home to return to after exploring Umbria. Our vacation rentals in Umbria include a mix of classic and modern styles. Whether you want an intimate romantic getaway or a family reunion, we have the perfect selection of villas. Contact us to begin planning your Italian villa vacation today.
One of the most common questions we receive is “when is the best time to visit Italy”? The answer depends on your individual needs, but certainly September, October and November are some of the most underrated months of the year to visit. While summer often steals the spotlight as the most popular time to explore Italy, there's something truly magical about experiencing this country during the fall. Here are a few uniquely Italian experiences during this beautiful time of year.