Bordered by Tuscany and Le Marche, Umbria is one of Italy's most exquisite regions to visit, studded with vineyards and silvery olive groves that stretch as far as the eye can see. Unlike Tuscany, one of Italy’s most popular destinations, Umbria has managed to remain relatively under the radar, offering a quieter and crowd-free alternative.
On a villa getaway, you can hop between the region’s vineyards to sample the region’s exquisite crisp, dry whites like Grechetto and rich red wines like Sagrantino. Wine enthusiasts can dig deeper with bespoke tastings and tours organised with local producers and sommeliers.
Umbrian cuisine is equally exquisite and just as much a reason to visit. Rooted in tradition, the region’s culinary scene is synonymous with hearty recipes, celebrating everything from earthy black truffles and handmade pasta to olive oil and locally cured meats.
With a stay in one of our luxury villa rentals, there’s ample opportunity to slow down and experience Umbria’s relaxed rhythm. Read on for the top 8 reasons why you should make Umbria your next Italian holiday.
Rich culture and history on your doorstep
Once home to the ancient Etruscans, the region's rich culture and heritage are just some of the many reasons to visit this captivating Italian region. The Romans later left their mark, including the Cascata delle Marmore Waterfall – the world’s tallest man-made waterfall, located around 8 km from Terni.
Amble the cobblestone streets of Spello, Todi or Gubbio, where you’ll find centuries of history alongside traditional trattorias. In Orvieto, you’ll discover a network of eerie underground tunnels and passages that reveal the town’s ancient history. Elsewhere, you’ll find centuries-old fortresses in Perugia, including the imposing Rocca Paolina, and the superbly preserved churches of Assisi.
Traditional cuisine and hearty fare
Epicureans will delight in Umbria’s rustic and hearty cuisine. Ancient recipes make the most of simple local ingredients, such as mushrooms, tomatoes, truffles, lentils and chickpeas, reflecting the principles of “cucina povera” (peasant cookery).
This style of cooking relishes simplicity, wasting nothing and making the best of the ingredients you have. The beloved Bruschetta al Pomodoro is an example, a recipe that unites two quintessential symbols of Italian cuisine: extra-virgin olive oil with tomato.
For a truly local experience, the Mostra Mercato Nazionale del Tartufo di Fabro is a feast for your senses. Taking place annually in November, the market offers stalls upon stalls of truffles, local cheeses, cured hams, olive oils and artisanal sweet treats.
Stay in one of our luxury private villas for the full culinary experience, where you’ll get to sample traditional Umbrian recipes prepared by your private chef. Tailored cooking classes can also be arranged through our award-winning concierge team.
Countless small towns
Dotted throughout the countryside, there are numerous idyllic towns and villages to visit in landlocked Umbria. From Todi’s picturesque piazzas to Assisi’s religious sites, every town in Umbria offers a unique learning experience away from the polished tourist routes.
Once voted one of Italy’s most liveable cities, Todi sits at the centre of Italy’s green heart, with photogenic streets and narrow alleys preserved since the Middle Ages. Norcia will appeal to the gastronomically inclined, a culinary playground for truffle enthusiasts. Roughly a 90-minute drive from Rome, the ancient town of Orvieto deserves a mention for its Gothic architecture and subterranean network of mysterious tunnels.
To elevate the experience, our award-winning Concierge can arrange a village-hopping tour of the region. Read our guide to Umbria’s prettiest small towns for more local tips.
An ever-evolving wine scene
Umbria’s wine scene is varied and exciting, with excellent winemakers producing delicious dry whites and rich reds of the highest quality. Small, boutique wineries are scattered across the region, inviting visitors in for tastings and guided tours.
Orvieto produces some of Umbria’s best-known white wines, enjoyed for their fresh flavours and acidity. Or head to Montefalco for a taste of an Sagrantino, where you’ll find wineries such as Paolo Bea, a boutique estate known for its expressive wines.
Private tastings and winery visits offer the chance to explore the region’s indigenous grapes and meet the producers behind some of its most distinctive bottles.
Take part in the olive harvest
Umbria’s undulating hills are punctuated with olive groves, producing some of Italy’s finest olive oil. Visit during October and November to witness the annual harvest season in action.
The atmospheric Frantoi Aperti festival takes place throughout October and November, opening working mills across the region to visitors. The programme includes tastings, mill visits, walks and events celebrating the arrival of the new olive oil.
Tip: The timing of the harvest can vary from year to year; check online or speak to our Villa Specialists for the most up-to-date information. Umbria also plays host to a series of hyper-local harvest festivals you won’t always find online. Read our guide to the harvest season for more local tips.
Plenty of off-the-beaten track outdoor adventures
From mountain peaks to sprawling green meadows, Umbria abounds with outdoor adventures. There are plenty of untouched routes for exploring on foot, by bike or on horseback. Head to the Monti Sibillini National Park in the Apennines to discover valleys, rivers and small cobbled villages.
Further south, the Valnerina offers scenic hiking trails, cascading waterfalls and quiet country roads that snake around deep valleys and abbeys. For something more active, try rafting or kayaking along the River Nera – considered one of the cleanest rivers in Italy – or explore the area’s many walking and cycling routes organised through our award-winning concierge team.
Annual festivals to bookmark
Umbria’s cultural calendar is packed with exciting events and major festivals year-round. Head to the Perugia Eurochocolate festival in November to devour artisanal sweet treats, with workshops aplenty and tastings with chocolate makers.
During the holiday season, Gubbio’s towering Christmas tree is marvellous to witness in person. Then dance your way into the New Year at Orvieto’s winter jazz festival, which is an experience like no other. In the summer months, each town has its own festivities and celebrations going on. For the full list of Italy’s best festivals and happenings, refer to our month-by-month guides.
A family-friendly destination for all ages to enjoy
Umbria’s spectacular nature parks and varied outdoor activities welcome families of all ages and sizes. Go horseback riding, explore hilltop towns together and retreat to Lake Trasimeno for some fun on the water, from swimming to kayaking.
To top it all off, our villas in Umbria are perfectly sized for multi-generational get-togethers and group getaways. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a milestone celebration, there’s a villa to suit every occasion.
FAQs
01. How do I get to Umbria?
Umbria is easy to reach by air, rail and road. The region’s main airport in Perugia offers seasonal domestic and international connections, while Rome and Florence are within easy reach by train or car.
02. When is the best time to visit Umbria?
Umbria is a delightful destination to visit year-round. In the spring and summer months, the countryside abounds with outdoor activities, while the winter period invites cosy days exploring medieval towns.
The shoulder season in September and October is an equally superb time for discovering Umbria’s food and wine traditions and soaking up the shifting colours of the countryside. Expect milder weather and fewer crowds – a win-win.
03. What is the best way to get around Umbria?
A car is often the best way to see Umbria, especially if you’re up for exploring vast swathes of the countryside, hilltop towns and spontaneous stop-offs at small wineries.
04. Is Umbria suitable for a family holiday?
Umbria is a glorious destination for families to enjoy. Go on hikes, explore medieval towns together and embrace the great outdoors, ditching screens altogether. As some ancient hill towns have cobbled, narrow and steep streets, speak to our Villa Specialists if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Plan your ultimate Umbria holiday
From grand palazzos to restored farmhouses, our luxury villa rentals in Umbria offer everything you need for a restorative and enriching vacation.
With over 35 years of experience, our Villa Specialists work directly with villa owners to create stays that feel personal and immersive. They can match you with your perfect villa, create tailored experiences and make sure you’re in the loop with what’s going on, and where.