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Umbria, the green heart of Italy, enchants visitors with its rolling hills, medieval towns and culinary delights. The region is often overshadowed by the better-known Tuscany – unjustly so, as it is a real gem for travellers seeking unspoilt authenticity. Here, you’ll find plenty of hidden gems and unique experiences away from the main tourist crowds. Join us on a journey of discovery through Umbria!
06.03.2025
Eliza
Photo: A picturesque view of the Rocca Paolina fortress in Perugia at sunset.
Perugia is not only the capital of Umbria, but also a paradise for chocolate lovers. In October, the famous Eurochocolate festival attracts thousands of visitors. Be sure to try the world-famous Baci chocolates from the long-established Perugina factory. Among the sights in Perugia are the imposing Palazzo dei Priori, the magnificent Fontana Maggiore in the heart of the old town, and the impressive Rocca Paolina, a historic fortress that once served as a symbol of papal power and now houses fascinating underground passages and exhibitions. An insider’s tip is the charming Café Sandri, serving delicious espresso and homemade dolci, including the famous Torta di Cecco, a traditional Umbrian cake made with nuts and honey. For stylish accommodation, we recommend the boutique hotel Locanda della Posta, which combines historic elegance with modern comforts.
Photo: A view from the rooftops of the old town of Orvieto in Umbria, Italy.
The impressive town of Orvieto is spectacularly perched on a rocky plateau and delights visitors with the Torre del Moro, from the top of which you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. Other highlights include the magnificent Orvieto Cathedral with its Gothic façade and the town’s fascinating underground cave system, which you can explore on a guided tour. A special culinary tip is Trattoria La Palomba, renowned for its Umbrian cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Another hidden gem is Gelateria Pasqualetti, famous for its outstanding homemade ice cream. Stay in style at the historic Hotel Palazzo Piccolomini or, just outside Orvieto, enjoy the unique charm of the Altarocca Wine Resort, which is surrounded by vineyards.
Photo: Assisi in Umbria at sunset: the medieval old town glows in warm light – a magical place for lovers of Italy.
Assisi captivates visitors with a unique spiritual atmosphere, which is palpable thanks to the history of St Francis and the numerous historic churches. The town’s finest attractions are the impressive Basilica of St Francis, with its famous frescoes by Giotto, and the Rocca Maggiore, from where you can enjoy a spectacular view across the valley. The so-called Calendimaggio processions in May are also particularly impressive, bringing the town’s medieval traditions to life. Visit the vegan restaurant Bibenda, which delights with sustainable, creatively prepared dishes made from regional ingredients and charms with its cosy, family-like atmosphere. A hidden gem is the little Café Minerva, which entices visitors with delicious homemade pastries. You’ll find stylish accommodation at the Hotel Ideale, which overlooks the Basilica of San Francesco.
Photo: Umbrian cuisine is best experienced on an authentic cookery course.
Umbrian cuisine is best experienced through an authentic cookery course. At Slow Cooking – Food and Wine Experiences in Paciano, you’ll immerse yourself in the world of regional specialities and wines. Here, you’ll learn to prepare dishes mindfully and at a leisurely pace, before enjoying your creations in a relaxed atmosphere. During the cookery class, you’ll also learn a great deal about the cultural and historical background to the traditional recipes. A particular highlight is a visit to local markets, where you’ll select fresh, seasonal ingredients together. The dishes are accompanied by carefully selected regional wines, which perfectly round off the culinary experience. This authentic experience not only teaches you practical cooking skills, but also gives you deep insights into the way of life of the people of Umbria.
Photo: The Nikis Resort in Gubbio offers stylish accommodation in a historic setting, combining a touch of luxury with modern comforts.
Gubbio captivates visitors with its superbly preserved medieval old town, featuring imposing palaces such as the Palazzo dei Consoli and the Gothic cathedral, which invites you to take leisurely strolls through its winding alleyways. A particular highlight is the cable car ride on the Funivia Colle Eletto up Monte Ingino, which offers an unrivalled view of the town and the surrounding countryside from its charming open-top gondolas. Once at the top, the impressive Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo awaits you, exuding a magical atmosphere, particularly in the evening. A real insider’s tip is the annual Corsa dei Ceri festival in May, when the town is transformed into a colourful and lively spectacle. Gubbio is a unique destination for May, captivating visitors not only with its beauty but also with its cultural experiences.
A culinary highlight is the Osteria Orto restaurant, with its vegetarian specialities sourced from its own garden, which delights guests with its creative and regional dishes. If you’d like to spend the night in Gubbio, the Nikis Resort offers stylish accommodation in a historic setting with a touch of luxury and modern comfort – ideal for winding down at the end of the day.
Photo: Lake Trasimeno offers tranquillity, natural beauty and a wide range of water sports, such as sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Lake Trasimeno offers tranquillity, natural beauty and a wide range of water sports, such as sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Enjoy leisurely walks along the shore or go for a cycle ride on one of the many scenic routes around the lake. A real hidden gem is the small island of Isola Maggiore, where you can not only enjoy the peace and quiet but also visit historical sights such as the medieval church of San Michele Arcangelo. Be sure to try the local fish dishes at the cosy restaurant L’Oso, which is renowned for its authentic Umbrian cuisine. A particularly lovely place to stay is the Morami Wine Agriturismo in Panicarola, situated right on the shores of Lake Trasimeno. Here you’ll stay surrounded by vineyards, enjoy a magnificent view of the lake and have the chance to sample the excellent wines from the on-site vineyard.
Photo: The spectacular Cascata delle Marmore waterfall, with a drop of 165 metres, is one of the highest in Europe and an impressive natural spectacle.
The spectacular Cascata delle Marmore waterfall, with a drop of 165 metres, is one of the highest in Europe and an impressive spectacle of nature. Originally built by the Romans to divert water, the waterfall is now a fascinating destination for day trips. We particularly recommend a guided walk along hidden paths behind the waterfalls, where you can gain fascinating insights into their history and enjoy breathtaking views. In addition, the well-marked footpaths around the waterfall are ideal for long walks and hikes, during which you’ll discover numerous vantage points. A real insider’s tip is to visit in the evening, when the waterfall is atmospherically lit, creating a very special ambience. For an overnight stay, we recommend the cosy holiday apartment L’Amoruccio in Belvedere Inferiore. From its balcony, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the waterfall, making your stay an unforgettable experience. The stylish décor and peaceful location ensure a relaxing break surrounded by nature.
Photo: Hortus Natural Living in Todi is not only a charming organic restaurant serving excellent vegetarian specialities made from its own produce, but also offers stylish accommodation in sustainably designed rooms.
The town of Todi captivates visitors with its medieval architecture, picturesque alleyways and a relaxed atmosphere that invites you to take leisurely strolls of discovery. Well worth a visit is the impressive Piazza del Popolo, the town’s central square, lined with historic buildings such as the Palazzo del Popolo and the Duomo di Todi. A stroll along the old city walls also offers magnificent views of the surrounding Umbrian countryside. Be sure to visit Hortus Natural Living, which is not only a charming organic restaurant serving excellent vegetarian specialities made from its own produce, but also offers stylish accommodation with sustainably designed rooms. Here you can enjoy seasonal dishes, prepared with creativity and care, as well as homemade desserts and local wines. Another hidden gem is the Residenza Roccafiore, an elegant boutique hotel in a peaceful location, which also boasts its own vineyard, a spa area and an excellent culinary offering.
Photo: Spello and Trevi are among the most beautiful towns in Umbria, particularly renowned for their flower-lined streets and their traditional olive oil production.
Spello and Trevi are among the most beautiful places in Umbria, particularly renowned for their flower-adorned alleyways and their traditional olive oil production. In Spello, you should definitely visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, whose interior houses impressive frescoes, and in Trevi, it’s well worth taking a stroll along the historic city walls, which offer breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside. A special insider tip is the small workshop Il Frantoio di Spello, where you can taste and purchase excellent, freshly pressed olive oil directly from the producer. For a culinary experience, we recommend the Enoteca Properzio restaurant in Spello, which delights diners with its vegetarian dishes and local wines in particular. For a stylish place to stay, the Hotel Palazzo Bontadosi in nearby Montefalco is the perfect choice. This charming hotel spoils its guests with an exclusive spa, comfortable rooms and a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills.
Photo: Gentle hills, picturesque vineyards and a golden evening glow – the sun-drenched vineyards of Umbria are a paradise for wine lovers.
Visit the Vineria del Carmine, an authentic winery idyllically situated amongst the rolling hills of Umbria, and let yourself be enchanted by the combination of exquisite wines, high-quality olive oil and local truffle specialities. Here, you can look forward not only to first-class wine tastings of various indigenous grape varieties such as Grechetto and Sagrantino, but also to intense culinary experiences centred on the famous Umbrian olive oil and the region’s exquisite truffles. Particularly impressive is a guided truffle hunt, during which you can roam through picturesque woods alongside experienced truffle hunters and their dogs, and get actively involved yourself. Once the hunt is over, you can sample your finds straight away in delicious dishes prepared on the spot. An insider’s tip is the estate’s own bistro, which serves delicious dishes featuring truffles and local olive oil, accompanied by perfectly paired wines from the estate. This intense blend of nature, indulgence and tradition makes your visit a unique experience that will remain in your memory for a long time to come.
Photo: At the Hotel Eremito in Umbria, a lovingly restored former monastery, you’ll find complete peace and tranquillity, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
At the Hotel Eremito in Umbria, you’ll find absolute peace and tranquillity, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This former monastery has been lovingly restored and combines monastic simplicity with elegant comfort. Here, you’ll consciously do without distractions such as television and the internet, allowing you to truly reconnect with yourself. Experience soothing moments of silence and contemplation in the meditative gardens or during a yoga session in the chapel. A particular highlight is the communal evening meals, where you can enjoy vegan and vegetarian dishes made from the hotel’s own organic produce in an atmosphere of quiet togetherness. A special insider tip is the guided walks offered through the surrounding woods and hills, where you can consciously experience the beauty of Umbrian nature and recharge your batteries. This unique concept makes the Eremito a place where you can not only relax but also experience deep inner reflection.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit Umbria, as temperatures are pleasant, ranging between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. In spring, nature comes to life, the hills burst into lush greenery, and the mild temperatures are perfect for walking and cycling. Autumn captivates with its golden vineyards and the harvest season, when many festivals centred around wine, olive oil and truffles take place.
Getting there & transport: The most convenient way to reach Umbria is via Rome or Florence airports. A hire car is recommended, as many charming villages and accommodation options are in rural areas and often difficult to reach by public transport. Alternatively, there are good train connections to larger towns such as Perugia or Orvieto.
Cuisine & Restaurants: Umbrian cuisine is hearty, down-to-earth and characterised by high-quality regional ingredients such as truffles, excellent olive oil and aromatic herbs. Typical dishes include ‘strangozzi’, a traditional, handmade pasta, often served with fresh truffles or wild asparagus. There’s no shortage of sweet treats either: be sure to try ‘Crescionda’, a delicious chocolate cake from Spoleto, or the ‘Rocciata di Assisi’, a traditional apple strudel.
Accommodation: Numerous charming boutique hotels and agriturismi offer authentic experiences in a stylish setting. Book your accommodation well in advance to secure the best deal. Via the Swiss Bankers booking page on Booking.com, you can even get up to 10% cashback*. Be sure to check out our Travel Deals to find the latest offers for your dream destinations.
Activities: Umbria offers a wide range of options for active and enjoyable holidays. Hikes through the hills and nature parks such as Monte Subasio are particularly popular. Wine lovers can enjoy tastings at vineyards, whilst cookery courses provide an insight into regional specialities. Cultural tours of towns such as Perugia or Assisi provide insights into history and art. Cycling tours around Lake Trasimeno and truffle hunts also enrich the trip.
Conclusion: Umbria is a veritable treasure trove for connoisseurs, nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. With these insider tips, you’ll discover the authentic side of this unique region of Italy and enjoy an unforgettable holiday far removed from mass tourism.
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