About Umbria and Casa Umbra
Where is Umbria?
Wedged in central Italy, Umbria is Italy’s only landlocked region that doesn’t touch the sea or another country. It’s often called “the Green Heart of Italy” not just for its lush hills and forests, but for its soul: quiet, humble, deeply rooted in tradition. Unlike the more famous Tuscany, Umbria remains largely undiscovered by mass tourism. This, together with its central position (close to both Florence and Rome), makes Umbria exactly what you are looking for as your next Italian experience.
5 Towns in Umbria you shouldn't miss
Assisi
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Subasio, Assisi is one of the most iconic towns in Italy and a jewel of Umbria
Orvieto
Orvieto is one of Italy’s most striking hill towns offering the authentic charm of Italy’s Green Heart
Perugia
At the very heart of Umbria lies Perugia, the region’s lively capital and one of Italy’s most fascinating hilltop cities.
Spoleto
Set in the green heart of Umbria, Spoleto is one of Italy’s most captivating hill towns.
Natural Landscapes of Umbria
Trasimeno Lake
Surrounded by gentle hills and dotted with medieval villages, Lake Trasimeno is one of Umbria’s most enchanting natural destinations
Marmore Falls
Few natural sights in Italy are as dramatic as the Marmore Falls (Cascata delle Marmore), one of the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world.
Umbrian flavors: Hearty & Earthy
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Sagrantino Wine
One of Italy’s boldest red wines, unique to a small patch of land near Montefalco. Dark, complex, and intense, it’s made from a grape found only in Umbria
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Torta al Testo
A rustic flatbread cooked on a hot stone (the “testo”), Torta al Testo is the true street food of Umbria. Filled with local prosciutto, pecorino, or grilled sausages, it’s best eaten warm
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Strangozzi al tartufo
Long, thick pasta with a rough texture, perfect for catching truffle shavings. Black truffles are a regional treasure here, especially in Norcia and Spoleto
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Olive oil
More than a condiment: in Umbria, olive oil is a pillar of identity. From the green hills between Assisi and Spoleto comes a strong, peppery oil that wakes up any dish
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Ciaramicola
A pink, ring-shaped cake topped with white meringue and colored sprinkles, is a festive dessert from Perugia, traditionally made for Easter, flavored with Alchermes and full of symbolism
The best time to visit Umbria
Spring is when the region truly comes alive
While Umbria is beautiful in every season, spring (especially April and May) is when the region truly comes alive.
The hills are at their greenest, wildflowers bloom in every direction, cherry trees explode in white, and even the stone towns feel softer in the light.
Autumn is also a wonderful time to visit Umbria: it feels more romantic with its warm colors, and it coincides with the grape harvest and olive picking season.
Plan your journey in Umbria
✈️ Fly into Rome or Florence - both are just around 2 hours away by train or car. Perugia has a small airport too, you can check connections.
🚆 Trains connect Umbria’s major towns and spots like Perugia, Assisi, Spoleto, Orvieto and Trasimeno lake
🚗 Renting a car is ideal if you want to explore smaller villages, countryside roads and natural spots at your own pace.
🏡 Stay local: the best choice would be an agriturismo or a family-run B&B. Go for a boutique hotel in a hilltop town if you are looking for more comfort
About Casa Umbra
Ciao!
I’m Jacopo. I was born and raised in Assisi, one of the most iconic towns in Italy and a jewel of Umbria. After years living abroad, I realized how deeply connected I am to this land and to its quiet beauty, its flavors, its rhythm.
That longing gave birth to Casa Umbra: a way to help international travelers discover the Italy that exists beyond tourist crowds and Instagram clichés, starting from Umbria.