Things to do in Umbria

Looking for things to do in Umbria? Here are just a few of our recommendations.

1. Shopping - Umbria is probably most famous for its ceramics. This ages old traditional craft dates back to the Etrucion times. Many of the towns and villages have a local ceramic craftsman but the best for ceramic shopping is Gubbio. Other famous crafts include gold working, which is still practiced in the region and fabrics work, Umbria is home to the Assisi stitch and is world renowned for its cashmere too. For a shopping day out, Perugia is the best city for a day. It holds the main shops while still maintaining old traditional crafts shops too. If you love a good market day then Perugia's in on a Tuesday morning for general produce and clothing and the first Sunday of every month, they have a great Antiques Fayre.

2. Events and Festivals - Umbria has some of Italy's liveliest festivals most hosted around spring to early summer and centred around local traditions, crafts and of course food and drink. If you happen to be in the region later in the year, in particular - October, the Chocolate festival in Perugia "Euro chocolate" in a must visit. Home of the "Bacio" the streets of the city become a chocolate lovers dream and is said to be the largest chocolate festival in Europe for the sweet treat indulgence. If you visit in May, the Candles race in Gubbio is definitely worth a visit too.

3. Walking - The nature of the landscape of Umbria makes it a walker's dream, whether you want to follow the network of paths in the footsteps of St Francis, Italy's patron saint, or enjoy the mountains and gorges of the Sibilini Mountain range. The good news is, there's a lot to explore on foot and even getting lost would prove enjoyable as the scenery is so breath-taking you would not mind. However, please bear in mind, it can be very rural with miles and miles of absolutely nothing around, making it quite easy to get lost. For an easier but most exhilarating walk with a map we love the remote area of natural beauty of Norcia, you can pick up a well guided map from the town and follow the well-worn paths up through the wondrous Monte Sibilini.

4. Wine tasting - With its rainy winters and sunny dry summers Umbria has the perfect climate for great regional wines. Despite only producing a 3rd of the amount of its neighbouring region of Tuscany, the wines of Umbria are internationally recognised, notably the king of Umbrian wines, Orvieto and Orvieto Classico, with their delicate dry pallet. Equally popular are the Montefalco and the Sagrantino DOC and not surprisingly the area around Orvieto is the largest production zone of wine. The proud locals are happy that the crowds flock to Tuscany with their huge queues, whereas in complete contrast, Umbria vineyards allow people to simply explore by themselves in peace & quiet, sampling some truly irresistible wines in a serene countryside experience.

We had an amazing day at the Moretti Omero Vineyard where they host "Wine Picnics" for their visitors. Is there a better way to enjoy a glass (or 2, or 3) learning about age old local traditions of wine making, than in the middle of the vines themselves overlooking some of Umbria's best views? Alongside the delights of fresh local produce, that complements each bottle laid out to our delight. Unquestionably, one of the most memorable wine-tasting tours we have experienced and all organic too.

5. The arts, museums & history - For history lovers, you are spoilt for choice - the region is endowed with many spectacular medieval hill towns offering the chance to step back in time and learn about its history. If you are looking for culture, Umbria is awash with art exhibits, drama, opera, classical music, and performances, many of which are outside or take place in the magnificent piazzas. Perugia's old part of town situation on the top of the hill with cultural and architectural masterpieces and one of the most extensive museum collections in Italy. There's Orvieto with its famous and magnificent Duomo Cathedral resplendent in Italian Gothic art and finally Assisi, the place that brings together art and spirituality and unsurprisingly recently awarded the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

6. Food & drink - Umbria's cooking is uncomplicated, hearty and excellent. Often referred to as "cucina povera" or peasant cooking and relying on seasonal ingredients all prepared and cooked in very traditional methods. The towns markets are awash with local produce and the region produces great olive oil, wheat and truffles. The Umbrians love their pasta and you will find a great selection in local restaurants. Norcia, classed as one of Italy's gastronomic centres and renowned for its truffles, salamis, lentils and cheeses and also famous for its pork butchery and preparation of cured meats. A gem of a town for food lovers who can visit this small city and immerse themselves in in a variety of meats from cojoni di mulo to wild boar sausages.

7. Sports & activities - The region is a true paradise of lovers of outdoor sports. From hiking, sailing, mountain biking to horseback riding and hunting and not forgetting the ski resorts in the winter, definitely something for everyone at any time of year. If you have a love of caves and have ever been potholing a trip to the Cave of Monte Cucco is a great experience. A fairy-tale world underground and has been studied by geologists and botanists for years. You can simply walk through its many cavities with amazing rock formations and all around you are small lakes and streams, the Gallery of the Bones - Pharoahs chamber, houses an abundance of animal bones that lived more than 20,000 years ago. For an even deeper adventure and not for the faint hearted you can book on a guided potholing tour.