The green heart of Italy, the silvery one of the olive trees, the intense green of holm oaks in Assisi, the opaque green of cypresses or the light green of Piani di Castelluccio in spring.
Nature and food
Umbria: the green heart of Italy
Umbria: the green heart of Italy
TRADITIONAL FOOD SPECIALITES: black truffle, extra virgin olive oil, Pecorino cheese and Norcia ham, pork butchery, cold cuts and sausages, Castelluccio lentils, game, lake fish, Perugina chocolate.
WINES: Sangiovese, Sagrantino, Montepulciano, Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Grechetto, Trebbiano Toscano, Malvasia Bianca Lunga, Verdicchio e Canaiolo Bianco
MUST DO’S: Saint Francis’ Basilica in Assisi, Gubbio, Perugia, Lake Trasimeno and its villages, Spello, Marmore Falls, the spectacular flowering in Castelluccio di Norcia.
RECOMMENDED READS:
- Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center, by Michelle Damiani
- The Lady in the Palazzo: An Umbrian Love Story, by Marlena de Blasi
Umbria: a big green heart
Umbria is a central Italy region bordering Tuscany, Lazio and Marche.
Often referred to as the green heart of the country, it’s known for its medieval hill towns, dense forests and local cuisine, especially wines and truffles. From Assisi to Perugia passing through Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno and the Marmore Falls, Umbria is a region with distinctive peaks covered with luxuriant woods, large valleys crossed by rivers, lakes and waterfalls, hills surrounded by villages and castles crossed by paths steeped in history, art and culture.
Spirituality in Umbria
A mystical and spiritual land, Umbria is the ultimate destination for body and soul healing, where ancient religious traditions reveal themselves in churches, cathedrals, basilicas and sanctuaries. You may come across locations where hermits live, indulging in solitude and silence, or visit churches and sanctuaries with unique ambiances.
Open air activities in Umbria
Water sports fans can practice their activities in streams, long rivers and the large basin of Lake Trasimeno. Green Umbria also has a network of cycling itineraries for open air active holidays.
best time to go: The best time for a trip to Umbria is in spring. Between spring and summer the majority of events and festivals takes place. Umbria Jazz in July, recalling every year the most renowned international artists. In August, Festival dei Due Mondi, an international music, art, culture and entertainment event, in Spoleto. But autumn is also charming for those who appreciate a glass of red wine in one of Umbria’s typical taverns.
how to get there: By plane (Umbria-Perugia International Airport “San Francesco d’Assisi”), by car or by train.
how to get around: the best way to visit Umbria is driving or by motorbike, for a flexible and dynamic itinerary. Another way to explore the lesser-known wonders of this region is cycling or walking along the paths that cross the area. Among the most beautiful walks, il Cammino dei Borghi Silenti (the path of the silent villages), il Cammino delle Terre Mutate (the path of the changed lands) between Marche, Umbria, Lazio and Abruzzo and St. Francis Way in the footsteps of the Saint.
where to stay: Even though it’s a small region, Umbria has dozens of interesting places to visit and activities to do including excursions, art cities, rafting, canyoning and tastings. Perugia area can be a good choice to stay when visiting the northern part of Umbria while Spoleto is a good starting point for the southern part.
how long should i stay: Having just a couple of days, you should definitely go to Assisi and Perugia. Having more time you should definitely include other destinations in your itinerary.
Would you like to go on this trip? Let's design it!
My travel diaries...
