Camping in Umbria

Unspoilt and almost untouched natural landscapes make Umbria a fascinating holiday destination, and not just for botanists and birdwatchers. With numerous nature parks, blossoming valleys and gently rolling hilltops, extensive hikes are possible. The milder climate during the cold season makes camping an enjoyable pastime for hibernators, while camping by the lake is an equally popular leisure activity thanks to the many campsites on Lake Trasimeno and provides unlimited bathing fun.

Special features of camping in Umbria

Lake Trasimeno in the province of Perugia is regarded by camping enthusiasts as an important and extremely picturesque centrepiece of the Umbria region. Exuberant water sports, relaxing walks and extensive excursions by bike around the 128 km² lake in the west of the Umbria region are popular leisure activities.

Unique excursions into cultural, architectural and gastronomic realms are possible at any time in the old and typically medieval villages and towns of the region. Perugia, the capital of the Umbria region, is a prime example of this.

As an inland region without access to the sea, Umbria is all the more impressive with its magical forests, rugged mountains and rushing rivers and streams. Camping in Umbria therefore naturally stands for a regenerating holiday away from the hustle and bustle.

Journey

The journey is via southern Germany, for example from Munich. First, take the A8 motorway past Rosenheim and take the turn-off towards Kufstein. The next stage to Innsbruck is on the A12 motorway and continues on the A13 after bypassing the city. After a tranquil drive through the impressive Alpine valleys, you finally cross the Brenner Tunnel and then find yourself on the Italian side in South Tyrol.

After a section in the Dolomites, the A22 leads through wide cultural landscapes deeper and deeper into the south. Important stops along the route are Bolzano, Trento, Verona and Modena. Each of these architecturally and culinarily masterful cities is ideal for an extensive stop for a break and refreshment. At Modena, the route changes to the E35. Bologna and Florence are other famous cities along the route. A good 20 kilometres after Bettolle, the clear waters of Lake Trasimeno appear, which marks the border with the Umbria region. The regional capital Perugia is a further 40 kilometres away. The total distance is 792 km. Please note that tolls are compulsory on many of Italy's motorways.

Destinations for camping in Umbria

Umbria has an enormous amount to offer in terms of town planning and cultural history: Perugia, the historic regional capital, and Assisi, the birthplace of St Francis of Assisi, are just two of the many worthwhile destinations.

Carefree student life meets medieval architecture in Perugia

The old university town is a popular holiday destination thanks to its spectacular buildings and unique festivals. Due to the large number of students, there are plenty of nightlife options with bars, clubs and restaurants for the young and young at heart. The city can be explored in a quieter and more relaxed way on a city tour: Piazza IV Novembre, also known as Piazza Grande, marks the historic centre of Perugia and is flanked by historic buildings. The Cattedrale di San Lorenzo, the Palazzo dei Priori and the Umbrian National Gallery are located very close to Piazza IV Novembre, along with excellent restaurants and trattorias, and offer spectacular photo opportunities.

In the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi

In 1181 or 1182, Assisi's most famous son was born: the founder of the Franciscan order and St Francis of Assisi. The city is dedicated to the founder of the order. The Basilica of Assisi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. The Roman Temple of Minerva and the Roman Forum, on the other hand, are much older and provide impressive evidence of the ancient world.

Activities and excursions

The central Italian region, which incidentally is home to Italy's geographical centre in the small town of Narni, offers many different activities and excursions:

Hiking in the Sibillini National Park

The Sibillini National Park in south-east Umbria offers a wide range of activities in an area of 697.2 km². Colourful fields glow brightly and the huge poppy fields in the Piana di castelluccio di Norcia area in particular stand out as a blooming sea of red between May and July.

Extensive hikes on special themed trails such as the saffron trail encourage excursions with the whole family or romantic walks for two. Climbing enthusiasts can enjoy the slopes of Monte Bove as well as mountain bikers who can enjoy the landscape on marked trails. There are also opportunities for canyoning and rafting in Forca Canapine.

Marvelling at the waterfalls of Marmore

Featuring dense forests, powerful streams, deep gorges and lush meadows, the Nera Water Park near the municipality of Marmore is also a true natural paradise. With a height of 165 metres, the Cascate delle Marmore - the Cascades of Marmore - are the highest waterfall in Italy.

This is without doubt one of the most beautiful places in Umbria, with opportunities for rafting and canoeing. An information centre, restaurants and a campsite are located close to the waterfall.

Gastronomy

What fish is in many regions of Italy, meat is in Umbria. World-famous and long-lasting meat products such as smoked salami or air-dried ham are the region's flagship products and are often produced in Norcia: Umbrian mortadella, sausages, Norcia ham or the bag-shaped salami with the unfamiliar name Cojoni di Mulo - loosely translated as mule testicles - are popular products.

Strangozzi, similar to tagliatelle, is a popular pasta dish and can be prepared in different ways. Bruschette, on the other hand, is simply toasted bread with brushed and cold-pressed olive oil from the region and crushed garlic. Other delicacies such as lentil soup, torta al testo, black truffle or Perugian pralines are specialities that you should try.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are generally considered to be the best times to visit Umbria for many visitors. The number of visitors increases from the beginning of June and peaks from July to mid-September. However, summer offers ideal bathing weather on the lakes and rivers and transforms the campsites in Umbria into convivial meeting places.

The low season offers mild temperatures, lower prices and ideal weather for hiking or mountain biking. Comparatively pleasant winters in the lowlands make Umbria a place of longing, offering refuge from the harsh winters of central and northern Europe. Overall, the climate is dry, with both continental and Mediterranean characteristics depending on the season.