The best towns in Umbria to visit

Medieval hilltop towns rise up from the lush landscapes of Umbria, known as the ‘Green Heart of Italy’. Within them, majestic cathedrals guard the piazzas, charming streets lead to local authentic restaurants, and panoramic views stretch out below.

One of Italy’s most underrated regions, there’s so much to see and do here, but it’s really the towns of Umbria that are the highlights.

While neighbouring Tuscany gets much more attention (with destinations like Florence, Siena, and Pisa), there are plenty of things to do in Umbria – and it offers it in a more authentic way and without the crowds.

At first glance, it may seem like the best Umbrian towns are quite similar. Yet, look closer, and you’ll realise they are unique, each offering something special for travellers who take the time to visit and explore.

Whether you’re basing yourself in one of them and doing day trips, or travelling through the region to see a collection of towns in Umbria, I think it’s worth heading to a few of them while you’re here.

In Assisi, I’m dazzled by the enormous basilica and the story of St Francis.

In Orvieto, I think the decorated cathedral will be the highlight until I find the local treasures in the warren of side streets.

In Spello, it’s the colourful flowers that capture my imagination, while the views from Todi are breathtaking.

And I start to feel like I belong in Perugia after spending a few days and experiencing its warm hospitality.

You can reach Umbria with just an hour’s drive from Rome, and exploring the region is relatively easy by public transport (although, as is often the case in Italy, hiring a car is an easier way to get between destinations).

As you can see from the map below, though, most of the Umbrian towns are quite close to each other, so you don’t need to travel long distances to get between them.

With dozens of towns in Umbria (big and small), it might be hard to know where to start, which is why I wanted to put together this guide.

Hopefully it helps you choose the best places to visit in Umbria on your trip.

The biggest

Let’s start with the biggest towns in Umbria – although not necessarily just the biggest in population, but also the most iconic.

If you’re short of time or just want to prioritise your visit to Umbria, then these are the three towns I would suggest prioritising.

Perugia

OK, technically a city and not a town, Perugia is the capital of Umbria. It can sometimes be ignored by visitors who…