Umbria

Italy's mystical green heart

Umbria is a central Italian region known for its rolling hills, medieval towns and olive groves. The landscape features soft mountains, clear rivers and open farmland that stretches toward the horizon. Cities like Perugia serve as cultural hubs with historic squares and museums showcasing local art. Visitors can explore ancient churches, sample regional foods such as truffles and lentils or hike through protected nature areas. The area’s pace is slower than many busy cities, making it a place to experience daily life at a relaxed rhythm while enjoying fresh air and scenic views.

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Region in Italy

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$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

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Safety: 8.0

General Safety:	8
Health & medical:	8
Accessibility:	7
Tap water:	9

Read details

2/5

English proficiency varies widely across Umbria. In tourist centers like Assisi and Perugia, hotel staff and restaurant workers generally speak basic English. In smaller towns and rural areas, communication can be challenging, so learning a few Italian ph

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Umbria Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

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Excellent for hill towns and countryside food. Visit medieval villages, taste regional wine and truffles and hike scenic landscapes.

Place score

7.6

Best at:

Local cuisine

Guided tours

Traditional culture

Spotless

Fine dining

Personal score

Suited for

👶 8

Families

🧓 8

Seniors

❤️ 9

Couples

🛡️ 8

Travel Beginners

Italy – Quick facts

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Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19
Cashless info:	Rating 5/5 Cashless payments are widely accepted in Italy, particularly in cities. While larger establishments and chains are fully cashless, smaller shops may still prefer cash. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is customary in Italy, especially in restaurants where 10-15% is typical. Tipping for taxi drivers is usually rounded up or 5-10%. Small tips for hotel staff are also appreciated.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is allowed in Italy, especially in public squares and during festivals. In some regions, it is illegal to drink alcohol in certain areas like public transport or near schools.
Public smoking:	Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and on public transport. Designated smoking areas are available outside.

Ferragosto (August)	Many businesses close, and Italians take holidays. It’s very busy in tourist areas.
Christmas (December)	Christmas markets and festivities are popular, expect higher prices and crowded attractions.
La Befana (January)	Celebrated on January 6, the Epiphany is a public holiday with festive events, and some businesses close.

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
Taxi apps:	Uber, Free Now, ItTaxi
Other:	Italy's tourist infrastructure is well-developed, but some rural or historical areas may require extra planning for accessibility.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Umbria, Italy

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Jan

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Feb

🌤️

Mar

☀️

Apr

🌦️

May

☀️

Jun

☀️

Jul

🔥

Aug

☀️

Sep

☀️

Oct

🌤️

Nov

☀️

Dec

High season:	April - Oct.
Shoulder season:	March
Crowdedness:	4 (Moderate tourist numbers)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Climate and season vary by area: hill towns best April to June and September to October, Apennines (Norcia, Castelluccio) for hiking June to September, Lake Trasimeno for swimming July to August

Umbria Jazz in Perugia runs ten days in mid July, with accommodation booking out early

Many agriturismi and small-town restaurants close in January and February

Don't miss

⛪ Visit the Basilica of Saint Francis in Assisi
🌊 See the thundering Cascata delle Marmore waterfalls
🏰 Explore medieval hill towns like Gubbio and Spoleto
🍷 Taste exquisite Umbrian wines on vineyard tours
🥾 Walk the ancient paths of the Valnerina valley

You've been here?

Why travel to Umbria?

Umbria offers that increasingly rare combination of extraordinary beauty, rich history and relative tranquility. After years as an impoverished backwater, the region has found its footing without sacrificing its authentic character. Unlike more famous Italian destinations, you can still wander through perfectly preserved medieval towns like Gubbio or Todi without fighting through crowds, enjoy world-class artistic treasures like Giotto's frescoes in Assisi's Basilica di San Francesco or simply get lost in the pastoral countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves. The region's culinary traditions alone justify a visit – from the prized black truffles of Norcia to the robust Sagrantino wines of Montefalco, chocolate in Perugia and rustic dishes like torta al testo (stuffed flatbread). What makes Umbria truly special is how these pleasures can be enjoyed against a backdrop of mystical spirituality – this is, after all, the birthplace of saints including St. Francis and St. Benedict – creating an atmosphere that nourishes both body and soul in a way that's increasingly difficult to find in our hyperconnected world.

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Perugia
A historic university town in central Italy, Perugia offers medieval streets, Renaissance art and a vibrant cultural scene. The city’s hilltop position provides panoramic views of the surrounding Umbrian countryside, while its markets showcase local crafts and cuisine.
2 Assisi
This historic hilltop town in Umbria features ancient Roman ruins, medieval architecture and panoramic views of the valley below. It remains a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking quiet streets, local cuisine and spiritual heritage away from Italy's busiest destinations.
3 Orvieto
A hilltop town in Umbria offers medieval charm and panoramic views of rolling hills. Its cathedral houses a famous fresco cycle, while the underground tunnels reveal ancient Roman engineering for visitors seeking history and quiet in a tranquil setting beyond the.
4 Spoleto
A hilltop town in central Italy, Spoleto offers medieval streets, a Roman bridge and an ancient cathedral that dominates the skyline. The city hosts the annual Festival dei Due Mondi, drawing artists from around the globe to its historic venues.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi
2 Rocca Paolina
3 Orvieto Cathedral
4 Todi
5 Basilica Papale di Santa Maria degli Angeli in Porziuncola

🎡Places for activities

1 Bevagna
2 Montefalco
3 Spello
4 Castelluccio
5 Norcia

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Lake Trasimeno
2 Monte Subasio
3 Via Lago di Corbara
4 Palude di Colfiorito
5 Sibillini Mountains National Park
6 Cascata delle Marmore
7 Piano Grande

🎈Events

Eurochocolate Festival (Perugia)
Festival dei Due Mondi (Spoleto)
Calendimaggio (Assisi)
Corsa dei Ceri (Gubbio)
Corpus Christi Flower Carpets (Various Towns)
Umbria Jazz Festival
Sagrantino Wine Festival (Montefalco)
Quintana (Foligno)
Fioritura di Castelluccio (Wildflower Blooming)

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Rent a car. Public transport between hill towns is limited and infrequent.
Pack layers for variable weather, as mornings are cool and afternoons warm in the green hills.
Taste black truffles and Sagrantino wines; book a hunting tour or winery visit for authentic flavors.
Seek frescoed churches and small museums in medieval towns like Assisi or Gubbio for hidden artistic treasures.

How to travel to Umbria

The main gateway to Umbria is Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport, which offers flights from various European cities. Alternatively, many visitors arrive via Rome's airports (about 2 hours by car to southern Umbria) or Florence (about 2 hours to northern Umbria). Train connections are good from both Rome and Florence to Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto and other major Umbrian towns. If driving, the A1 autostrada runs along Umbria's western border with exits to major towns, while the E45 highway cuts through the heart of the region.

Access summary

From Perugia Airport (PEG): Shuttle or taxi to Perugia, about 20–30 minutes.
From Rome: Train or car via A1 to Umbria, usually 2–3 hours.
From Florence: Regional trains or driving south into Umbria, around 2–3 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Umbria

Umbria offers diverse accommodation options that showcase its unique character. Historic centers like Perugia, Assisi and Orvieto feature boutique hotels in converted palazzos and monasteries, while the countryside is dotted with agriturismi (farm stays) offering authentic rural experiences. For a truly immersive stay, consider renting a restored farmhouse or villa, particularly in the picturesque areas around Todi, Spoleto or Lake Trasimeno. Prices are generally lower than in neighboring Tuscany, though accommodations in Assisi can be expensive during religious festivals.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

TH Assisi - Hotel Cenacolo

Fonteverde Tuscan Resort & Spa

9.4

Giotto Hotel & Spa

8.8

BV Grand Hotel Assisi

8.5

Sangallo Palace

9.2

Hotel Perusia La Villa

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Umbria

Exploring Umbria is best done by car, which provides the flexibility to visit the region's scattered hill towns and natural attractions at your own pace. The main route through Umbria follows Highway 3 (E45), connecting major towns from north to south. Public transportation exists between larger towns like Perugia, Assisi and Spoleto, but service to smaller villages can be limited. For those without a car, basing yourself in Perugia or Todi and taking day trips is recommended, as these towns have better transportation connections.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-16 %

Daily expenses in the region are around 16% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-3 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to EUR) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£77	£153	£381
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£41	£83	£188
🍝 Food per day	£29	£62	£164
🚕 Transportation per day	£6	£8	£30

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£26
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£15
🍟 Fast food combo	£10
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£10
☕ Cappuccino	£1.60
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£3

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£1.30
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£18
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£1.50

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£8.50
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£65
🤧 Cold medication	£9
💇 Basic haircut	£12

Safety information overview

General safety

Umbria is generally very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in larger towns like Perugia. The main concerns are pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and navigating narrow, winding roads when driving, especially in hill towns and rural areas.

Health & Medical

Healthcare in Umbria is good, with hospitals in major towns like Perugia and Terni. Pharmacies are widely available and can help with minor issues. European visitors should carry their EHIC/GHIC card. The hilly terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues or respiratory conditions.

Accessibility

Umbria's medieval hill towns present challenges for visitors with mobility issues. Steep streets, cobblestone surfaces and historic buildings with stairs are common. Major attractions are making improvements, but many smaller towns remain difficult to navigate with wheelchairs or for those who have trouble walking long distances.

Tap water

Tap water in Umbria is safe to drink and of good quality. Public fountains in towns and villages provide fresh drinking water, often from mountain springs. Bring a reusable bottle to refill as you explore, especially during summer when staying hydrated is important.