Exploring Umbria

Lake Trasimeno is the largest lake on the Italian peninsula and a favorite holiday destination for seaside lovers. Surrounded by a bed of reeds, dotted with nine well-tended beaches and offering a variety of water sports this lake continues to attract tourists and locals alike. There are a lots of castles, ruins and churches to explore and the region offers a vibrant dining and nightlife. Plenty of trails lead around parts of the lake, with the opportunity to discover the lush coastal strip of ilex wood, oak trees and firs that make up part of the Lake Trasimeno Regional Park.

The beautiful shoreline and romantic hidden coves are the perfect place to stay for couples. Are you curious about this wonderful place? Take a minute to view our holiday homes in Paciano or Tuoro sul Trasimeno. There are three islands in the lake. If you catch a ferry to one of the lake's islands you can visit Isola Maggiore to watch the fishermen mending their nets and women knitting lace. There's an old romantic castle and the small church on top of the island where you will definitely enjoy the fantastic panoramic view. Or go to Isola Polvese, a natural reserve with the ruin of an old monastery. Around the lake there are many interesting little towns for shopping, museums and restaurants. The lake is very shallow and gets warm in summer. The quality of the water is regularly monitored by the authorities. Around the nicely kept beaches you will find many playgrounds for children.

The Oasis of Alviano is an area of 500 hectares of marshland that includes the artificial basin of the lake of Alviano. Created in the 60s by the hydroelectrics company with a dam on the river Tiber, the artificial basin has become protected since 1978 by a splendid WWF oasis. The lake is surrounded by typical swampland vegetation and forms a very pleasant square landscape. The area is an important station of food supply for rare migratory birds and a privileged location for those passionate about birdwatching. Two nature trails covering 4 kilometers allow you to see several bird species throughout the year. The footpaths, foot-bridges and observation points are placed in the most interesting spots, allowing visitors to a approach birds without disturbing them. Among the rare birds are the kingfisher, the grebe, herons, cormorants, falcons and many amphibious and reptile species. Passionate about birdwatching? Take a minute to view our holiday homes in Umbria.

The Dunarobba Fossil Forest nearby Avigliano is one of the most important paleontological sites in Europe and consists of trees that grow 1.5 million years ago in this part of the continent. The fossils have enormous dimensions: 1.5 m in diameter and between 5 and 10 meters in height. The main characteristic of these trees is that they have maintained their wooden structure and lay in an upright position. It is believed that these remains were part of a large forest made of trees similar to modern day Sequoia. The position of the trees and their structure may confirm the theory that a flood could have overwhelmed the forest preserving it in the shape we see today. If you think you must see this amazing location during your Italy vacation, book our apartments in Umbria.

Located just 7 km from Terni the famous Marmore Waterfalls is the most amazing and beautiful natural sights in Italy. Visiting this exceptional spectacle of the water is the perfect way to escape the heat and dust of the city and stretch your legs at this verdant and refreshing place. The waterfall was created by the Romans to move the stagnant waters of the Velino River. With its 165 meters the Marmore Waterfalls is the highest in Europe. It attracts thousands of tourists who come to see the foaming mass of the water, crashing with a roar over the rocks and throwing clouds of spray upwards, making rainbows in the air. Start your tour with a walk along the banks of the River Nera, past the lowest parts of the falls. Cross the river and walk through the botanical gardens to access the trails leading to the waterfall. The most challenging of these will take you up to a steep slope of around 150 meters.

The path snakes through cool and shadowy greenery to the Lovers'Balcony. To reach the stunning view from this small rocky terrace, you need to walk through a narrow tunnel carved through stone. From the balcony you can see the crest of the highest fall, gleaming in the sunlight as it curves over the edge, released from the Velino River. If you prefer the lower trails, you get the most impressive experience of the site. The water comes crashing down the 3 steps creating a continuous cloud of gentle rain. Today the river offers other pleasures to the visitor. Beside from walking the more adventurous can go rafting, climbing, canoeing and kayaking. Seduced by the romantic spell of the Marmore Waterfall? We've got the solution for a comfortable stay in Umbria offering a full range of picturesque farms and estates in the green countryside.

National Parks

The Sibilline Mountains National Park is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Umbria. Split between Umbria and the nearby region, known as the La Marche, the massive limestone block of Sibillini comprises more than 50 mountain peaks of 2,000 m or higher. Full of fascinating legends and magical tales about the Sibyl fairies, the territory is an adventure lover's dream for its hills and peaks, plenty of trails for trekking, mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. Further attractions are the flora including the rare Alpine star, the fauna with roe deers, golden eagles and sparrow-hawks and the rocky rivers and tranquil lakes perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Make time for a refreshing adventure in the Sibilline Mountains and see our holiday homes in the mountains in Umbria.

Monte Cucco Regional Park is characterized by underground caves, deep valleys crossed by crystalline rivers, and mineral springs. It conserves virtually unspoilt beech woods and hosts golden eagles and wolves, and water courses are inhabited by crayfish. Sites of particular naturalistic interest include the Rio Freddo and Balzo dell'Aquila gorges, the imposing Corno di Catria, the canyon known as Valle delle Prigioni. With 120 kilometers of excellent trails this area in an irresistible attraction for hikers as well as for those who love horseback riding, mountain biking and canyoning. Are you fascinated by the high peaks and silent forests? Don't miss out to book a nice holiday home in the mountains in Umbria.

The Mount Subasio Regional Park spreads along Assisi's eastern border and takes its name from its highest mountain, the 1290 m high Mount Subasio. Marked trails offer wonderful opportunities for hikers, leading all the way up from Assisi, or down to Spello on the mountain's other side. Book our holiday homes in Bettona located in fabulous panoramic setting called the Etruscan Balcony for its beautiful views above the Spoleto Plain.