Eight Protected Parks of Umbria

The Umbrian area consists of a third mountain and two-thirds hilly landscape and both are covered in thick forest, dense woodland and hill top copse. The eastern flank of the province is separated from Marche by the Apennine and Sibillinis Mountains. Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake on the peninsula and the Tiber River crosses the province on its winding path to Rome. There are a number of other important rivers that flow from the mountains into the Tevere, including the Clitunno, Nera, Velino and Topino.

1) National Park of Monti Sibillini
The largest park within Umbria, covering over 70,000 Ha and includes the 2,476 metre-peak of Mt Vettore. The park was established in 1993 to safeguard the natural resources of the area and create a sustainable area for people to visit and enjoy. A natural habitat for wolves, golden eagles and peregrine falcons, the landscape is littered with old abbeys, decaying castles and ancient legends. This is a mythical landscape, where time has stopped to preserve its natural elegance.

2) Colfiorito Park
The Colfiorito Park is a protected wetland area north of Foligno. The vast marshland is home to a whole host of rare vegetation and flowers and is populated by many species of amphibians, aquatic bird life and gastropods. The plain is an historically rich area in the foothills of the Apennines, where you can discover Roman towns and temples.

3) Monte Cucco Park
The region around Monte Cucco, located in the majesty of the Apennine range, and situated west of Umbria’s northern town of Gubbio, has been a safe haven since 1995. At 1,566 mt Mt Cucco dominates the landscape and is covered with glorious beech woods, mountain pastures and deep valley gorges with the foaming white waters of the Sentino and Chiasco rivers.

4) Monte Subasio Park
The humpback whale shaped mountain on which Assisi is perched, forms the centre to this park. The area includes Norcera, Spello and Valtopina within a landscape of historic, cultural and natural wonders overlooking the plains of Umbria.

5) Fluviale del Tevere Park
The park follows the winding course of the river Tevere,just north of Todi to the Lazio border and includes the area around the lakes, Bolsena and Corbara. The park was established in 1996 and encompasses Orvieto, Montecastelli di Vibio, Montecchio and Guardea. This is a region rich in agriculture and is covered by many vineyards, olive groves and hop fields.

6) Lake Trasimeno
This tranquil lake, with its unmistakable islands and ancient history is parkland of much importance. A wetland area rich in vegetation, marine and bird life, the area has been a popular destination for centuries.

7) Fluviale del Nera Park
North of Terni, the waters of the River Nera and Velino, lake Piedeluce and the magnificent Marmore waterfalls are all located in this stunning park, characterised by steep gorges, wild hillsides and rapid cascading waters. It is a diverse natural area, with extensive sites of historic interest and a marvellous combination of water, woods and culture.

8) Monte Peglia and Selva di Meana Park
These include 3 different protected areas of national, scientific interest and natural beauty, characterised by extensive species of flora, vegetation and woodlands. They contain rare turkey oak woods, cotton lavender and orchids. The grounds of the prestigious residence, Villa Cahen, contain formal Japanese, English gardens and tropical greenhouses, while the Bosco dell’Elmo is an area of particularly stunning scenery.