5 places in Umbria where you can relax body and soul

Cascata delle Marmore - Ph. Davide Dalese/Pixabay

Umbria, often referred to as the 'green heart of Italy', offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and destinations, ideal for those seeking a place to relax and rejuvenate. Majestic mountains, crystal clear lakes, rolling hills, lush forests and medieval villages characterise this region, offering every visitor an unforgettable experience. This land, rich in history, culture and nature, is a perfect retreat for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In this guide, we explore five unique places in Umbria that can offer a totally relaxing experience for mind, body and spirit. These destinations offer a combination of natural beauty, tranquillity and cultural heritage, offering visitors an opportunity to reconnect with nature, immerse themselves in history and culture, and rekindle a sense of inner peace.

In addition, before leaving for these five destinations in Umbria, you may consider taking out travel insurance to ensure that you are covered against all eventualities. Heymondo, through its insurance policies, allows you, for example, to activate coverage against trip cancellation or to protect yourself against any risks associated with adventure sports.

Heymondo also offers various optional add-on covers so as to meet all possible requirements for safe travel in our country.

Lake Trasimeno

Lake Trasimeno is the fourth largest lake in Italy and a true jewel of Umbria. Surrounded by soft hills dotted with small picturesque islands, it offers spectacular views and a tranquil atmosphere. The lake shore is dotted with small villages, each with its own unique personality and charm, offering visitors a wide choice of places to stop and enjoy the surrounding beauty.

Besides its natural beauty, Lake Trasimeno is also a place rich in history. It is known for the famous Battle of Trasimeno in 217 BC, during the Second Punic War, where Hannibal defeated the Roman army. Strolling along its shores or sailing in its waters allows one to reflect on these historical events while immersing oneself in the tranquillity of the environment.

Norcia and the Valnerina

Norcia, located in the heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park, is a town that impresses with its robust medieval architecture and its beautiful location in the mountains. Known for its exquisite cuisine, especially truffles and salami, Norcia is also a place of peace and tranquillity, thanks to its slow pace of life and the friendliness of its inhabitants.

The Valnerina, the valley south of Norcia, is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Its breathtaking landscapes of mountains, rivers and forests offer many opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, rafting and much more. Here, nature is unspoilt and wild, offering the perfect place to relax and recharge your batteries.

Norcia - Ph. Alessandro De Benedictis/flickr

Bosco di San Francesco

The Bosco di San Francesco, located near Assisi, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. This 64-hectare nature reserve, managed by the Fondo Ambiente Italiano, offers a path of meditation through nature and history. Along the path, visitors can explore a variety of natural environments, from woods to meadows, from streams to cultivated terraces.

The forest is named after St Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of Italy, known for his love of animals and nature. Walking in the forest, immersed in tranquillity and silence, offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature and oneself, following in the footsteps of this much-loved saint.

Ph. Mark/flickr

Monte Cucco Park

The Monte Cucco Park, located on the border between Umbria and Marche, is a place of incredible natural beauty. The park offers a wide range of landscapes, from forests to grasslands, from rivers to caves, and is home to a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. The park's many trails and paths are ideal for walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Monte Cucco is also known for its impressive caves. This complex of caverns and underground tunnels is one of the largest and most fascinating in Europe. Exploring the caves offers an exciting and unique experience, an opportunity to immerse oneself in the tranquillity and mystery of the underground world.

Monte Cucco - Ph Alioscia53/flickr

Ferentillo and the Cascate delle Marmore

Ferentillo, a small town in southern Umbria, is known for its tranquillity, natural beauty and fascinating history. Its two medieval fortresses, Materella and Precetto, rise above the valley, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

A short distance from Ferentillo are the Marmore Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe. This natural spectacle, with its water cascading over 165 metres, is a breathtaking experience. The sound of the water and the view of the waterfall create an ambience of peace and serenity, a perfect place to relax and admire the power of nature.

Ferentillo - Ph. Maurizio Masini/flickr

Umbria, with its wealth of natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage and tranquillity, offers many opportunities for those seeking a place to relax. Each of the five places explored in this guide has something unique to offer, whether you are seeking peace and tranquillity, deep contact with nature, or immersion in history and culture. We hope this guide will help you discover your next relaxation destination in Umbria, a region that never fails to surprise and fascinate its visitors.