Umbria is one of the lesser-known regions of Italy, but that only means that there is more for you to explore and fall in love with. Immerse yourself in rolling hills blanketed with vineyards, explore medieval towns that whisper tales of history, and indulge in the region's rich culinary traditions.  Unveil the essence of authentic Italy in this hidden gem where time seems to stand still, inviting you to create unforgettable memories in a land of beauty and tranquillity.

The Secretplaces team has carefully selected for you the best holiday rentals and boutique hotels in Umbria to offer you a diverse array of historical, artistic, and natural wonders, to immerse in the timeless fascination and cultural richness of the region.

You can opt for our selection of nice hotels or cottages in Umbria. As well as our handpicked holiday homes or holiday villas in Umbria and the best boutique hotels in Umbria, specifically in some bigger cities that include Gubbio, Orvieto, Assisi and Spoleto, where you can delve into the rural beauty of the region while experiencing the lifestyle. The cities share a common thread of historical significance, artistic richness, artistic heritage, and natural beauty and encourage tourists to explore their cultural treasures, and beautiful vistas. The historic cobblestone alleys, medieval buildings, and remarkable landscapes transport you to a distant period.

On the other hand, if you are looking to explore, and enjoy “la dolce vita” the natural charm and the historical culture of the region, Secretplaces has handpicked a selection of beautiful rural holiday apartments or country hotels in Umbria. Once again, you can pick our stylish holiday villas and boutique hotels in Umbria, in more isolated areas, like the towns of Castel Ritaldi, Spello, Nocera Umbra, Bevagna, and Montone. With their antique gravel alleys, historic stone walls, and picturesque squares, these enchanting towns invite you to explore their hidden treasures, delight in local cuisine, and immerse yourself in their genuine atmosphere.

Umbria, also called the ‘Green Heart of Italy’, is a place where history and nature embrace, creating a timeless canvas of beauty and serenity, and establishing an enchanting haven that captivates the soul and ignites the senses.

When visiting Umbria, there are many things to do and places to visit, that will allow you to immerse yourself in the region's rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty.

A must-do is surely visiting the town of Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, where you will be able to immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of this pilgrimage destination. Wander through the UNESCO-listed historic centre, explore the Basilica of Santa Chiara, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

And not to forget about the capital of the region, Perugia, where you can explore the historic centre, including the impressive Palazzo dei Priori and the National Gallery of Umbria. And make sure not to miss the opportunity to indulge in Perugia's famous chocolate at the Perugina Chocolate Factory.

A unique experience is provided by the splendid city of Orvieto, where you will be enchanted by the magnificent mosaics and delicate carvings that embellish the architectural wonder that is the Orvieto Duomo. Take a guided tour of the underground city to explore hidden chambers and find prehistoric Etruscan antiquities. Enjoy wine sampling while sipping locally produced Orvieto Classico.

Or even, the fantastic town of Gubbio, where to discover the grandeur of the Piazza Grande, visit the Palazzo dei Consoli and ride the Funivia Colle Eletto, a cable car for unforgettable views of the surrounding landscape. Experience the Corsa dei Ceri, a traditional race held annually in May.

And, if visiting in June, Attend the Festival dei Due Mondi in Spoleto: experience the renowned festival that brings music, theatre, and dance performances to various historic venues. Immerse yourself in the cultural richness and artistic atmosphere of this international event.

And for the ones looking to explore the spectacular and raw natural beauties of Umbria, we recommend visiting the Marmore Falls, located near the town of Terni, a magnificent natural wonder that commands attention. Cascading over three tiers, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in Europe. Created by the ancient Romans, the falls offer a stunning spectacle of rushing waters amidst lush greenery.

Another must-visit is surely Lake Trasimeno, the biggest lake in central Italy, a tranquil oasis nestled amidst the picturesque Umbrian hills. With its shimmering waters, charming lakeside towns, and surrounding vineyards, the lake exudes a sense of calm and serenity, where to relax on its sandy beaches.

Umbrian gastronomy is a delightful blend of rustic flavours, locally sourced ingredients, and traditional recipes. Umbrian gastronomy offers a true taste of the region's rich culinary heritage.

In Umbria, some staple foods are Strangozzi al Tartufo, a dish that highlights Umbria's renowned truffle production and is a true delicacy for truffle lovers, or, Cinghiale in Umido, a hearty stew made from wild boar, a common game meat in the region. Again, make sure to try Porchetta, a classic Italian dish that originated in Umbria. It features a whole pig that is seasoned with herbs, garlic, and spices, then slowly roasted until the meat is tender and the skin becomes crispy.

Also, Umbrian desserts showcase a combination of simple, yet high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and a touch of regional flair. An example is Torta al Testo Dolce, a cake-like bread made with ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, and flavoured with lemon zest or other aromatic elements, or St. Francis Biscuits, almond-based cookies with a crumbly texture. Lastly, the most famous Umbrian dessert is Strufoli, deep-fried dough balls that are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They are traditionally coated in honey or caramelized sugar.