Discover the breathtaking attractions in Umbria in this Viewtraveling blog post.It is a region renowned for its historic towns, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.
Umbria is a region in Central Italy. Its capital city is Perugia.
What is Umbria known for?
Occupying the central part of Italy,, Umbria region is known as the greenbelt of Italy.
Lush forests consisting of large groves of olive, towering, cool hills, terrific waterfalls, and historical medieval towns are the identities of Umbria.
Admire imposing churches, and visit several art museums. When you are visiting any European city or small town, you can be sure finding at least one art museum.
Location of Umbria:
It is 153 km north of Rome. Below is the route map of Rome to Umbria.
How to reach Perugia from Rome?
Though, there are government buses plying frequently between Rome and Umbria, hiring a taxi to reach Perugia is highly recommended. The 150+ km distance can be covered in about an hour! That is really superfast.
Alternatively, a cheaper option is available. Take a train from Rome, and reach Umbria in two and a half hour.
How many days you need to see all Must-See Attractions in Umbria?
The area is vast, and its natural attractions are numerous. A minimum one week is required to tour the Umbria region.
Umbria is also famous for great Italian cuisine, chocolates, and truffles.
To top it all, you get to taste some of Italy’s finest red wines.
Which are the popular cities and towns to visit in Umbria region?
- Perugia
- Assisi
- Gubbio
- Spoleto
- Orvieto
- Todi
- Spello
- Torgiano
Where to stay in Umbria so that it is a center place to see both the north, and south Umbria region?
If you are really intended to allocate a week to see all the attractions in Umbria, choose to make Perugia as your headquarters/base.
When is the best time to go to Umbria?
April to June is the ideal time due to pleasant weather. Other months are hot and humid.List of attractions to see in Umbria
Top 13 Must-See Attractions in Umbria, Italy: A Traveler’s Guide
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Olive groves
We all might have seen numerous coconut groves, pine tree groves, and mango tree groves. But Olive groves?
Most probably not. Here is a video clip showing the olive forest in Umbria and harvesting of olive fruits.
Olive oil is considered as ‘liquid gold’ in Italy. Umbroia yields the maximum olive oil production in Italy.
You can buy high quality, pure olive oil bottles and take back home as edible gifts.
The entire valley of Valle Umbria is planted with olive trees. Visiting this valley of olives is one of the top attractions in Umbria.
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Lake Trasimeno
I think the sprawling lake, the surrounding hills, wildflower fields, the meadows speak for themselves.
It is no wonder the Lake Trasimeno is rated among the top 10 attractions in Umbria.
The large lake is fed by streams from River Tiber, and River Po. If you take a bicycle tour of the lake, you will realize how big the lake is. It comprises a big 128 sq. km area.
You can swim in the lake. Fishing is also allowed. If you are a passionate angler, you must try your luck here because there are about 15 species of exotic fish that includes a species that eat the mosquito eggs.
Interestingly, one of the three lake islands is inhabited!
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Abandoned castles
Strangely, abandoned, and empty castles attract more visitors than those in which royal families live.
The wild growth of plants, birds’ nests, the eerie silence in the uninhabited castles are a bit dramatic to walk through.
These abandoned castles are scattered around Lake Trasimeno.
Here is a photo of a castle.
The picturesque lake is located only 37 km from Perugia.
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Vernazzano Leaning Tower
It seems Italy is the only place in the world to have leaning towers.
After Pisa, Umbria region hosts a leaning tower. You can reach this leaning tower by driving just 35 km from Perugia, in the northwest direction.
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Marmore Waterfalls
Absolutely enchanting! Truly gorgeous! Water is falling voluminously.
What is so unique about these waterfalls is, they are manmade!
It is the work of the genius Romans, who made it in as early as 271 B.C.!
It is no doubt one of the best attractions in Umbria.
You have to hire a cab from your hotel in Perugia to visit the site that is located 90 km south of Perugia.
The water is falling on the ground from 540 feet, generating a big roar.
The closest town to these magnificent waterfalls is Terni at just 8 km away.
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Apennine Mountains
This beautiful mountain range runs nearly 1200 km. If you reach a vantage observation point on the mountains, you can see the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Ligurian Sea, but not simultaneously.
The mountains are trekked avidly by wildlife enthusiast, and botanists who scream with delight, when they hike through the forests.
The mountains are certainly scenic with different landscapes. The Apennine Mountains deserve to be listed among the top ten attractions in Umbria region, Italy.
I guess the mountains are covered in lavender farms.
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Visit Assisi
Assisi is a pilgrimage center and is very popular for the church and religion promoted by the St. Francis of Assisi.
Among the various temples, and churches in Assisi, the ‘Temple of Minerva’ is a striking structure.
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Todi
The entire town of Todi in Umbria region is perched atop a small hill. Therefore, it is known as the ‘balcony of Umbria’. The altitude is 1,350 feet!
Todi town is located 45 km directly south of Perugia.
From anywhere in the town, you can get a stunning view of the famous Tiber River.
Since the town was established during 7th century BC, you can witness numerous archaeological structures.
The Mars of Todi, is the top sight in Todi.
Apart from several ancient Gothic churches, there is a Duomo on the hill slopes.
Another tourist interest is the magnificent Santa Maria dellaConsolaizone.
If you are fan of Roman period cathedrals, you need to spend a day in Todi to visit all of them, and admire.
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Mongtone
Do you love visiting small but quaint village in Italy? If so, when you are in the region of Umbria, and staying in Perugia, allocate half a day to drive 35 km to visit Montone village, perched on a hillock.
It is a walled village, developed in the medieval times.
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Sibillini Mountains
Do you like this picture perfect scene? If so, you should go to Nursia, a small town that is located 100 km southeast of Perugia.
The Subillimi Mountains are part of Apennines mountain range.
The idyllic setting will capture your heart.
The Sibillini Mountains are one of the peaceful attractions in Umbria.
Tourists to Nursia are recommended to eat a sausage or tow made of wild boar! That must be an exotic dish in Umbria region.
The monastery of St. Benedict is a damn good sight to appreciate.
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Gubbio
It is another scenic town in Umbria. It is worth visiting for spending a calm afternoon.
It is 53 southwest of Perugia. The town is beautifully built on the slopes of Mt. Ingino, one more arm of the Apennines.
You are likely to visit Gubbio if you know it has been habituated since the Bronze Age!
Wouldn’t you like that?
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Orvieto Cathedral
Wow! This is a terrific sight! It is the main attraction in the small town of Orvieto, Umbria.
Orveto’shidden (literally) attraction are the subterranean tunnels, that belong to another Roman age. You can enter the caves with the help of a local guide.
I would head straight to Orvieto, if I ever visit the Umbria region in Central Italy.
All the towns, and villages in the Umbria region are sun drenched, and steeped in Italian culture, and traditions.
You get to eat amazing Italian cuisine, combined with excellent red wines, brewed in the Tuscan region.
Try a goblet of the world-famous Chianti Wine when you are in Umbria.
