The 15 things to do in Umbria

On holiday in Italy? Discover the must-see in Umbria

Medieval villages, lost-view hills, dense forests and succulent gastronomy. So much to discover and visit in Umbria! Located between the Tuscany , Latium and Marches , it is the only Italian region not to be bordered by the sea. The one that is also surnamed the Italian green heart is full of centers of interest.

So if you want to explore a region that is still not touristic, read our guide on the must-see in Umbria!

1. Peru

It is impossible to visit Umbria without passing through Perugia, the capital of the region. Located at the top of a hill, the city is full of small squares dating from the Middle Ages, churches and palaces. During your visit to Umbria, explore the medieval alleys and explore the must-sees of Perugia.

Don't miss the Piazza of November IV, which is the artistic center of the city, and even the area for more than 2,000 years. On this square you can admire the Fontana Maggiore, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo and the Palazzo dei Priori which houses the Galleria Nazionale.

2. Tasting of local specialties

During your visit to Umbria, one thing is certain: you will eat well. And because of this, the green heart of Italy is full of more delicious specialties than others. According to the city you are, some dishes have to be preferred.

In Norcia, taste a grilled lamb with blonde lentils. In the Sibyllins Mountains, it is the charcuterie that you will have to test. To taste white truffles and ceps, go to Gubbio. And go to Foligno to crunch the spiral potatoes.

As for the wines, Umbria also has its small oenological treasures. In Montefalco, taste the delicious red wine Sagrantino. And to sip a glass of white wine, it is the beautiful city of Orvieto that awaits you.

3. Cascade des Marmores

What to do in Umbria to admire breathtaking landscapes? Head to the Marmores Waterfall. With its 165 meters of waterfall, it is the largest waterfall in Europe. Created by the Romans, the place is not totally natural, yet the beauty of the cascade is breathtaking. So much so many Italian poets have inspired the Marmores to write their poetry.

The site can be visited on foot, in mountain biking, and even in rafting for the most expensive. Whatever the way you want to discover the cascades, there are several routes to enjoy different views.

4. Assisi

A small medieval city, Assisi is known in the world through one of the most popular saints of Christianity: Francis of Assisi. During your visit to Umbria, you will not be able to pass next to the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi paying tribute to him. Inside you will discover the splendid frescoes of Giotto.

As the city has developed through religion, many churches occupy the city; the Basilica of Santa Chiara or the church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva.

Apart from these religious buildings, Assisi has a historical heritage of great wealth. Occupied from the 10th century before Jesus Christ, the city still presents several vestiges of its past. Walking through the alleys, you can observe the walls of the houses dating from the Roman era.

5. Gubbio

Located at the bottom of Mount Ingino, Gubbio is a must-see in Umbria. Again, Italian History is present at every corner of the street. Begin your visit by the largest churches in the city, namely Saint Augustine and Santa Maria Nuova.

Continue your visit by the Palazzo dei Consoli located on the iconic Piazza della Signoria. Dating back to the 14th century, the building houses the People’s Assembly Hall, which once hosted popular grievances. Complete your walk by the archaeological museum and the art gallery of Gubbio.

The city is atypical by its architecture. Walking through the streets of the city, you will see many black stone houses with arch-shaped windows reminiscent of medieval style.

6. Le fonti del Clitunno

Come to Umbria and discover the sources of Clitunno. This water area of more than 10,000 square meters is the ideal place to relax after walking through the medieval streets of Umbria. Inside the lake, many plant species cohabit to offer you an exceptional setting.

Around the shores, vegetation is also very dense with cypresses and weeping willows. With family, friends or in love, the fonti del Clitunno awaits you for a relaxing moment.

7. Horse riding in Mont Subasio Park

Visiting Umbria is going up and down the hills that live in the region. If you want to take height, go to Mount Subasio which is the highest peak of Umbria. Here you will discover exceptional landscapes and some historical monuments, such as the hermitage of the Carceris.

If you want to discover the Umbria in another way, don’t hesitate to walk on horseback to fully appreciate the nature around you.

8. Orvieto

Orvieto is a unique city in Umbria. Located at the top of a volcanic growth, the city offers a panorama worthy of the most beautiful paintings. In addition to the natural beauty of its landscape, Orvieto welcomes many historical monuments to incredible architecture.

Among the visits not to be missed in Orvieto, there is his Cathedral. From the outside, admire the Gothic style facade with its rosace, bas-reliefs and mosaics. Inside, you will be able to observe the Corporal relic and a fresco by Fra Angelo and Luca Signorelli. Also discover the wells of San Patrizio, Torre del Moro or the underground of the city.

9. Lake Trasimene

What to do in Umbria to take a bowl of fresh air? Direction Lake Trasimène in the heart of the Italian region. Located on the slope of a hill, the lake promises a total change.

All around you, you will admire fields of sunflowers, corn, trees of all kinds, vineyards and olive groves. Wildlife is not the rest, as Lake Trasimène hosts many ducks, cormorans, milans and fishermen.

10. Castiglione del Lago

Near Lake Trasimène is an emblematic village of Umbria; Castiglione del Lago. Set on a limestone cliff, the city offers its visitors an impressive architecture. During your visit to Umbria, discover the castle of Castiglione, the Palazzo Ducale and its ramparts dating from the Middle Ages or the Rocca del Leone.

In addition to these most beautiful buildings, you can admire the ruins of some Etruscan tombs. If you want to bring back memories of the region, go to one of the shops in the city and choose from the many craftsmanships made of iron and copper.

11. The vineyards

Visiting Umbria is tasting the wines of the region. Less known than Tuscan wines , the grape varieties of the region are becoming increasingly important at the global level. Among the best known, do not hesitate to test the DOCG Sagrantino de Montefalco, the Procanico or the DOC of Orvieto.

Thanks to its continental climate, Umbria is a perfect region for wine production. During your stay, go to one of the many vineyards and enjoy a wine tasting while admiring the landscapes of hills standing in front of you.

12. A flight to Montgolfière

Want to get high to visit Umbria? It falls well, since many hot air balloon tours are offered to appreciate the natural beauty of this region. In order to enjoy the most beautiful view, do not hesitate to wake up early to enjoy the sunrise.

And if you’re not in the morning, a flight to Montgolfière in Umbria at sunset offers you an equally exceptional show. From above, you will enjoy a unique view on the hills, the countryside and the must-see cities of the region, such as Perugia or Assisi.

13. Spello

Let us continue the visit of Umbria to the discovery of Spello; a medieval town full of charm. Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Spello is full of sites of interest. Start your visit by the church of Santa Maria Maggiore which houses magnificent frescoes of Pinturicchio.

Then go to the Spello Art Gallery where a wide variety of works are gathered; paintings, sculptures, jewellery, etc. And of course, take the time to stroll around the typical medieval streets of the historic centre and pass through the Piazza della Repubblica which is surrounded by several symbolic monuments.

14. Todi

Last village to be seen in Umbria, Todi is of great historical and artistic wealth. The city has many religious monuments where there are invaluable works of art. Among the buildings to be seen, do not miss the church of Sainte Marie de la Consolation, the church of Saint Fortunat, or the cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.

Also explore the Cesi Palace, which was built in the 16th century. Inside, admire the frescoes of the time, located in the hall of King Solomon. And finish your visit by the Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo and the Etruscan Roman Museum.

15. A hike in the forest

As the green heart of Italy is mainly made up of medieval villages, hills and forests, you cannot visit Umbria without hiking in the middle of nature. Many routes are offered to you according to your difficulty level.

Discover the surroundings of Orvieto, Assisi or Spello, explore the volcanic lake of Bolsena and explore the Roman paths of small villages. On the way, a true bowl of fresh air awaits you thanks to the density of vegetation that accompanies the forests of the region.

How do I go to Umbria?

To discover Umbria, several solutions are available to you.

By car

If you want to discover all the corners of the region, this is the best way to locomotion. In this case, you can either rent a car or go from your city. If you live Paris , the journey lasts on average 12 hours.

By train

From France , you will have a stopover Lyon then land in Perugia the capital of Umbria.

By bus

The most economical solution, many buses depart from Paris, with a connection to Bologna or Florence .

By plane

Perugia Airport is the region’s international airport. For interesting prices, do not hesitate to compare flights between France and Perugia on Skyscanner .

Where to sleep in Umbria?

If you want to visit Umbria and its historical monuments, opt for a hotel, an apartment in Airbnb or a youth hostel in the main cities of the region as Peru , Assisi or Orvieto .

Conversely, if you come to Umbria to relax and enjoy nature, we recommend villas or farms located in the Umbria countryside. Whatever your desires, there are for all budgets on hotel comparisons online.