Welcome to Umbria! Top 10 Things to Do

Umbria is known as the 'green heart' of Italy, a place where 70% the landscape remains covered by vast forests that support a rich and diverse ecosystem.

This area is known for its earthy, plain cuisine, with hunting and cooking popular pursuits. It is not unusual to encounter porcupine, wild boar or deer in the forests and even wolves have returned to the upper reaches of the Apennine Mountains.

For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Umbria excels with miles of paths and trails on which you can walk, cycle or ride a motorbike. Or why not rock climb or horse ride your way around the province?

Nature lovers can forage for truffles, porcine, wild garlic or asparagus whilst hiking under walnut and hazel trees. This is an outdoor province, and not having a coastline, the dark, tree-filled recesses are our playgrounds.

From the peaceful reaches of the Upper Tiber valley to the exciting, dynamic capital of Perugia and to the hilltop villages of the south Umbria, there is plenty to see and do during your stay. ItalyItalia are pleased to bring you ten highlights:

1) Visit the Cascata del Marmore
A wonderful 2200 year old waterfall at the heart of the Parc Fluviale del Nera. Created by Romans it stands at 550 foot high in a national park featuring white water rafting, hilltop villages, abandoned abbeys and the Marmore Waterfalls.

2) Taste the Eurochoc Festival
Every October in Perugia thousands of people descend on the capital for the taste of chocolate. This ten-day festival provides ample opportunity to taste every sort of chocolate possible.

3) A Tour around Assisi
A trip to Umbria wouldn’t be complete without visiting the place made famous by the two saints, St. Francis and St. Clare. With its two cathedrals, religious pageants and peaceful walks, Assisi is a perfect day out.

4) See the home of Majolica ware
For those interested in antiques or pottery, a visit to Deruta to see where the world famous colourful Majolica ware is manufactured is a 'must'.

5) Enjoy a Hilltop Tour of Orvieto
One of the most beautiful hilltop towns in Italy, Orvieto is renowned for its wine and disproportionately large cathedral which can be explored in the south of Umbria.

6) Party in Gubbio
Two of the provinces' most interesting festivals are held in this ancient town, the Palio del Balestra (link to article), a medieval crossbow championship and the Corsa dei Ceri, a religious race featuring three 25-foot candles.

7) Perugia
The provinces exciting and busy capital city is full of interesting art, history and shopping opportunities in the Corso Vannucci. Visit the Roman aqueducts, churches and galleries.

8) Umbrian Jazz Man
Perugia’s now world-famous jazz festival is held every July. This is when the whole city erupts to the cool, smooth sounds of jazz for two weeks every year.

9) Try water sports on Lake Trasimeno
The fourth largest lake in Italy, with shallow, warm waters where you can swim, water-ski, sail or take a pleasant boat ride around the lake. Explore its history-filled shores or simply relax at the waters' edge.

10) Truffle Supper
If you only try one local dish, taste a pasta dish featuring the strong, earthy taste of the local truffles found in vast quantities throughout Umbria.

This are just a few suggestions in this area full of cuisine, festivals and history that dates back to Etruscan times. St Francis, St Claire and St Benedict all left their spiritual mark here, while the artists Perugino, Piero della Francesco and Giotto left their mark in paint.
Umbrians celebrate everything, and have festivals to honour every food known to man, medieval pursuits and modern music and theatre, all represented within the yearly calendar. A great place to visit for your holiday.