Known as the ‘Green Heart of Italy’, Umbria is a charming region surrounded by verdant countryside. In between the vineyards and olive groves, you'll find medieval towns and villages rising from the fertile land. They offer a tranquil escape, with just enough culture and history to occupy your days. Thanks to Umbria’s central location, you’re also well-positioned to explore other regions like Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. Our travel experts here at Plum Guide know the area well, and have plenty of tips to make the most of your holiday. Ready to start planning? Take a look at our guide to where to stay in Umbria.

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If you’re planning on exploring Umbria in full, the region’s capital of Perugia makes for an excellent base. This university town always has something going on, so if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere mixed with history, this is the place to stay. Don’t miss Umbria Jazz and Euro Chocolate, two of the most popular annual festivals in town. Perugia is also home to one of the finest Centro Storico (historical centres) in all of Italy, thanks to its prosperity during the Etruscan era. Very little has changed – you can admire intricate Gothic facades, cobbled alleyways and grand piazzas. We recommend grabbing a gelato at Il Gelato Di Mastro Cianuri before continuing on to Giardini Carducci, a small park with spectacular views of the town and the surrounding countryside.

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Set on the slopes of Mount Subasio, Assisi is a historic town famous as the birthplace of St Francis, the founder of the Franciscan order. It’s an important pilgrimage site, with his remains found in the Basilica di San Francesco. It’s definitely worth a visit, and you don’t have to be religious to appreciate the cathedral’s brightly coloured frescoes and stained glass windows. For more places of worship, you can also visit the Basilica of Santa Chiara and the Romanesque Cathedral of San Rufino. You’ll notice that the buildings in town are made of local white limestone, making them appear to glow in the sunlight. To appreciate the architecture, sit back with a drink in Piazza del Comune. Want to pick up a few souvenirs instead? Take a stroll along Via San Francesco and pop into the many boutiques selling souvenirs, religious artefacts and local produce.

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Just a short drive from Assisi is Spello. It’s regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, so there’s no way we’d miss it off our list of where to stay in Umbria. The picture-perfect streets are lined with flower-filled balconies and are ideal for photographers or romantic walks. Spello even holds a flower festival each summer called Infiorata di Spello, where the main street is decorated with large carpets of blooms. But there’s still plenty to see even when it’s not festival season. Check out the various churches, including Capella Tega, Collegiata di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Church of St Andrea, all of which house beautiful artwork. For more inspiration, pop by the Pinacoteca Civica di Spello, the town’s local art gallery, which has a brilliant collection of Renaissance art.

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Located on the plains of the Umbria Valley, Spoleto is one of the oldest towns in Italy. It dates back over 2,500 years, and was once an important Roman colony. There’s plenty of history to discover here, from Roman ruins to a Romanesque cathedral and churches enclosed by a medieval fortress. However, Spoleto’s most iconic piece of architecture is the Ponte delle Torri, a colossal limestone bridge that spans the Tessino River – the views from here are unrivalled. As well as incredible architecture, a stay in Spoleto means you’re surrounded by beautiful nature, with plenty of opportunities for walks, cycling and even horseback rides. Don’t miss the Marmore Falls. Created by the ancient Romans, this is the largest man-made waterfall in the world and its sheer size and beauty will take your breath away.

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Located on the slopes of Mount Ingino, the town of Gubbio will immediately draw you in with its medieval charm. It doesn’t see as many visitors compared to other hamlets in the region, but that’s not to say there isn’t anything to see here. In fact, the town has plenty of gems waiting to be discovered. We recommend starting at the main square of Piazza Grande, where you’ll find the Gothic-style Palazzo dei Consoli. This 14th-century palace is home to the Museo Civico, where you can learn about the town’s history and admire various artefacts that have been uncovered from the area. When you’re not nose-deep in the museum, get happily lost amongst the alleyways of the historic centre or take a cable car ride up the mountain to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo for spectacular views.

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We couldn’t miss Orvieto on our list of where to stay in Umbria. This is one of the region’s highlights, a beautiful town right out of a postcard. The historic centre is home to the Orvieto Cathedral, a truly breathtaking piece of architecture – we recommend finding a spot in the Piazza del Duomo to take in its show-stopping facade. From here, head to Pozzo della Cava to discover an underground world of man-made caves, some of which date back to the Etruscan era. Once you’ve explored underground, climb up the 250 steps to the top of Torre del Moro clocktower for jaw-dropping views. Another great viewpoint is the majestic Albornoz Fortress on the edge of Orvieto. Take a stroll through the gardens, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a performance at its amphitheatre.

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The peaceful village of Bevagna is another great place to stay if you want to step back in time and learn about its past. The village has maintained its medieval character, and you can take in the old buildings when wandering through the narrow streets of the historical centre. One of the best attractions is the well-preserved Roman baths, as well as the Church of Saint Michael Archangel's remarkable facade and interior. If you’re visiting in June, you’ll get to join in the festivities of Mercato delle Gaite, an annual fair and historical reenactment of the Middle Ages. It’s a fun-filled event, with locals dressed in historical costumes, music performances, banquets and workshops. The village's historical significance and authentic culture make Bevagna a top choice when looking for somewhere to stay in Umbria.

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With its collage of honey-hued stone houses lying against a backdrop of sunflower fields, vineyards and olive groves, the hilltop town of Todi looks like something right out of a fairytale. It’s easily one of the most beautiful destinations in Umbria, perfect for those who want to stay somewhere surrounded by bucolic beauty. While away the hours wandering its pretty streets and pop by the 12th-century Cathedral of San Fortunato, home to exquisite works of art. Take a break from sightseeing with a drink in the Piazza del Popolo, and when the sun starts to get low in the sky, climb to the top of the Campanile di San Fortunato to witness the golden light illuminate the rolling green hills.

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Amelia is a wonderful place to stay for those keen to experience a more authentic Italian town away from the tourist crowds. It’s thought to be one of the oldest villages in the region, offering a blend of fascinating Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque remains. 3rd-century polygonal walls surround its historical centre. Rather than the usual rectangular-shaped stones, these defensive walls were built with stones of different shapes, creating a rather striking sight. Enter through the Porta Romana and the Porta della Valle, well-preserved Roman gates. A stay in Amelia is ideal for those who like to explore at a slower pace. You could spend one day admiring the treasures in Museum Circuit Amelia and the next swanning around the Renaissance-era Petrignani Palace.

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Wine enthusiasts will want to make a beeline for Montefalco, famous for its excellent vinos like Sagrantino and Montefalco Rosso. There are various wineries in and around town where you can enjoy tours and tastings. We particularly recommend Cantina Fratelli Pardi S.S, which dates back to 1919. Another favourite is Montioni – Frantoio & Cantina for a range of organic wines. Dubbed the ‘balcony of Umbria’ thanks to its elevated position, Montefalco boasts scenic panoramas of the vineyards and olive groves surrounding the town. We think the best place to take in the views is by walking along the medieval walls. There’s plenty of history to explore as well, with historic buildings like the church of San Francesco and its Renaissance frescoes to the rather grand Palazzo Comunale.

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