Italy is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, such as the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Milan Duomo. It’s also known for its incredible cuisine and rich culture, making it a top destination for American travelers. Despite its popularity, most visitors tend to stick to just a few regions, leading to crowded spots and high prices, while much of the country remains unexplored.
Rome is an ancient marvel, Venice is incredibly romantic, and the Amalfi Coast is stunning. However, there’s a hidden gem that often gets overlooked: Umbria.
### Discovering Umbria: Italy’s Hidden Gem
Umbria, located in central Italy, is often overshadowed by its famous neighbors, Tuscany and Lazio. Despite its proximity to these popular regions, Umbria remains a mystery to many travelers. So, what makes Umbria special? What’s the landscape like? How’s the food? And most importantly, is it worth visiting?
### Majestic Nature
Unlike Switzerland or Norway, Italy isn’t typically known for its natural landscapes. However, Umbria, known as Italy’s “green heart,” offers stunning natural beauty. The region is characterized by hilly terrain, dense forests, national parks, natural springs, beautiful gorges, and spectacular waterfalls. For instance, the Marmore Waterfalls near Terni are a breathtaking sight, and the serene lake in Piediluco is surrounded by charming villages and historic castles. If you need a break from Italy’s cultural overload, Clitunno Springs is the perfect spot to relax in a rustic boutique hotel, enjoy nature, and swim in crystal-clear ponds.
### Rich Ancient Culture
Umbria has a population of about 882,000 people, mostly living in small towns. Perugia, the capital, is the main attraction with its defensive walls, historical monuments, and the 13th-century Priori Palace. Other notable towns include Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, and medieval gems like Orvieto, Gubbio, and Spello. These towns offer picturesque streets, traditional restaurants, and a glimpse into Italy’s rich history.
### Fewer Tourists, More Authenticity
Umbria is not on the typical tourist route, which means it sees fewer visitors compared to other parts of Italy. This year, around 907,000 tourists visited Umbria, with two-thirds being Italians. This results in smaller crowds, more authentic experiences, and cheaper prices. For example, hotel stays in Perugia can start at $77 per night, even during peak summer. Dining is also affordable, with meals costing under $50 a day in smaller towns.
### Underrated Umbrian Cuisine
No trip to Italy is complete without indulging in its culinary delights, and Umbria offers a unique gastronomic experience. Umbrian cuisine is known as “cucina povera” or “peasant cooking,” focusing on a no-waste approach and traditional recipes. Meat lovers will enjoy dishes like porchetta, norcino cured meats, and bistecca. There’s also plenty of pasta, salads, vegetable stews, and pizza, ensuring no traveler goes hungry or breaks the bank.
### Getting to Umbria
Umbria is a rural province, so the easiest way to get there from the United States is to fly into Rome. From Rome, you can take a train to Perugia in about 2 hours and 42 minutes, with tickets costing as little as $16. Assisi is even closer, just a 2-hour train ride from Rome for $15. The largest airport in Umbria, Umbria International Airport, offers short-haul flights from select European cities.
In summary, Umbria is a hidden gem in Italy, offering stunning natural beauty, rich history, fewer tourists, affordable prices, and delicious cuisine. It’s definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore beyond the usual tourist spots.