About Umbria
Umbria, often called 'Italy's Green Heart,' is a landlocked region of rolling hills, medieval hill towns, and spiritual significance that offers travelers an authentic Italian experience without the overwhelming crowds of more famous destinations. This region is renowned for its artistic heritage, with Assisi—the birthplace of St. Francis—drawing pilgrims and art lovers to its stunning Basilica adorned with Giotto frescoes. Perugia, the vibrant regional capital, hosts the world-famous Umbria Jazz Festival and boasts Etruscan arches and a lively university atmosphere. The perfectly preserved town of Spoleto, home to the Festival dei Due Mondi, sits dramatically on a hillside. Umbria's landscape is dotted with olive groves, vineyards producing renowned Sagrantino and Orvieto wines, and the serene waters of Lake Trasimeno. Travelers can explore mystical forests like the Bosco di San Francesco, savor truffles and porchetta in Norcia, and discover fresco cycles by Perugino and Pinturicchio. The region's intimate scale, profound spirituality, and culinary excellence—from handmade pasta to prized lentils—create a deeply rewarding journey through the soul of central Italy.
Things to do in Umbria
E-Bike Tour near Assisi with Wine Tasting & Winery Lunch
From €180
5.0 (55)
5-Hour Cooking class of Italian Cuisine
From €154
5.0 (41)
Spello E-Bike & Wine Tour with Scenic Winery Lunch
From €190
5.0 (34)
Montefalco Wine Tour with Farm-to-Table Lunch (2 Wineries)
From €199
5.0 (34)
Bevagna E-Bike Farm to Table
From €180
5.0 (33)
Assisi: the Three Major Basilicas. St. Francis, St. Clare and Porziuncola chapel
From €160
5.0 (30)
Surroundings of Assisi: in the Footsteps of Saint Francis
From €250
5.0 (26)
Family cooking class
From €400
5.0 (22)
Jewelry Crafting Experience in Todi
The spell of Lake Trasimeno - Trekking Tour
From €25
5.0 (16)
Wine Tasting in Montefalco
Orvieto, the Cathedral with golden mosaics and the medieval city – Private Tour
From €119
5.0 (13)
Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi - Private Tour
From €97
5.0 (12)
Fresh Pasta Class Create and Taste between Tuscany and Umbria
The Wonders of Assisi Private Walking Tour
From €160
5.0 (10)Places to visit in Umbria
el Faixero
el Faixero, Carrer Sant Lluís, 12318 Cinctorres, Spain
Mirador de la Carrasqueta
Mirador de la Carrasqueta, Assagador de la Carrasca de la Guaita, 12312 la Mata de Morella, Spain
Estrechos de Cañada de Benatanduz
Estrechos de Cañada de Benatanduz, A-1702, 44559 Villarluengo, Spain
Casa Rural El Portillo
Casa Rural El Portillo, Plaza Portillo, 3, 44140 Cantavieja, Spain
Mirador de las Dehesas
Mirador de las Dehesas, A-226, Fortanete, Spain
Hotel Mercadales
Hotel Mercadales, Calle Loreto, Fortanete, Spain
Mirador de La Tarayuela
Mirador de La Tarayuela, TE-23, 44140 Cantavieja, Spain
Muun
Muun, La Cuba - Cantavieja, 44141 Mirambel, Spain
La Posada
La Posada, Calle García Valiño, 6, 44140 Cantavieja, Spain
Mirador de las Cabrillas
Mirador de las Cabrillas, A-2706, 44142 La Iglesuela del Cid, Spain
Mirador del Castillo
Mirador del Castillo, Calle Villa, Cañada de Benatanduz, Spain
Mas Nou
Pista del Mas Nou, 12318 Cinctorres, Spain
Hospedería Palacio Iglesuela del Cid
Hospedería Palacio Iglesuela del Cid, Calle Ondevilla, 4, 44142 La Iglesuela del Cid, Spain
La Antigua Botiga
La Antigua Botiga, Calle Mayor, 22, 44142 La Iglesuela del Cid, Spain
Homenatge als treballadors de la indústria tèxtil
Homenatge als treballadors de la indústria tèxtil, Avinguda del Llosar, 12150 Vilafranca, Spain
Travel Tips for Umbria
Getting Around
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Umbria's hill towns and countryside flexibly. Major rental agencies are at Perugia's airport and train stations. The regional train network (Trenitalia) connects main towns like Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, Foligno, and Terni, but service to smaller villages is limited. Regional buses (Busitalia) serve more destinations but require checking timetables carefully. Taxis are available in towns but best booked by phone or at stands. Ride-hailing apps like Uber are not widely available. Popular navigation apps are Google Maps and Waze. For a unique experience, consider cycling or hiking the region's many trails.
Best Time To Visit
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal. These months offer pleasant temperatures (18-25°C/64-77°F), fewer crowds, and vibrant landscapes perfect for hiking and exploring hill towns. September-October is also harvest season for grapes, olives, and truffles. July-August can be hot and crowded, especially during festivals like Umbria Jazz (July) but offers lively atmospheres. Winter (December-February) is cold and quiet, with possible snow, but magical for Christmas markets and experiencing local life.
Local Customs
Umbrians value polite greetings: use 'buongiorno' (good day) and 'arrivederci' (goodbye). Dress modestly when visiting churches—cover shoulders and knees. Meal times are important: lunch is around 1-3 PM, dinner after 8 PM. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated: round up the bill in restaurants (5-10% for excellent service), leave small change in cafes. A 'coperto' (cover charge) is common on restaurant bills. Many shops close for a long lunch break (1-4 PM) and on Sundays. Embrace the slow pace of life, especially in smaller towns. Local festivals (sagre) celebrating food are central to community life.
Safety Information
Umbria is one of Italy's safest regions with low violent crime. Petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in crowded tourist areas (Assisi's Basilica, Perugia's historic center) and on public transport—stay vigilant with belongings. Driving on narrow, winding rural roads requires caution, especially at night. Avoid isolated areas after dark. Common scams are rare but be wary of unofficial 'guides' or individuals offering 'free' items. Emergency services are reliable. Natural risks include occasional earthquakes (the region is seismically active) and summer wildfires in dry areas.
Health Information
Umbria has a good public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale). EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement, the GHIC. Non-EU travelers should have comprehensive travel insurance. Major hospitals (Ospedali) are in Perugia (Santa Maria della Misericordia) and Terni. Pharmacies (Farmacie) are widely available for minor ailments; look for a green cross. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine ones. Tick-borne encephalitis is a minimal risk in rural wooded areas; use insect repellent. Tap water is generally safe to drink. In summer, beware of heat exhaustion and stay hydrated.
Languages Spoken
Italian
Quick Facts
Currency
Euro (EUR)
€
€
Timezone
Europe/Rome +01:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+39
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
870,000
Area
8456 km²
Government
Regional government (Regione Umbria) with a President and Regional Council
ISO Code
IT-18