Umbria is one of the smallest Italian regions and ideal for anyone seeking top quality tourist facilities. Situated in the heart of the peninsula, its breath-taking natural landscape surrounds towns with their magical atmosphere like a casket enclosing a highly valuable artistic and spiritual heritage. A vast range of attractions and events attract thousands of tourists to the region throughout the year: archaeological sites, medieval hamlets, gourmet excursions, folklore events, traditional fairs and fetes.
One of the most fascinating sites in the region is Lake Trasimeno: an indisputably precious and magical place set amidst the gently rolling Umbrian hills. Situated in the northern part of the region it is the fourth largest lake in Italy and is enclosed in the regional “Lake Trasimeno Park” that was established in 1995 in order to protect the natural, historic and artistic wealth of the area and towns next to the lake. The Park has some very unusual environmental features and its ecosystem is striking for the marriage that has been formed between the flora and fauna: enabling us to admire beautiful sedentary and migratory birds in the typical lake reed thickets. There are thousands of specimens including some very rare species, and this is the ideal habitat for them to survive, reproduce and nest, while for the migratory species from north Europe towards Africa this is the perfect resting stop along their journey. An important wealth of fish species are also found in the lake.
Three islands stand in Lake Trasimeno. The largest is Polvese which has been converted into a public park and offers numerous interesting sites to visit, including a recently renovated XIV century medieval castle, the “Aquatic Plant Garden” and the S. Secondo Monastery. The second largest is Isola Maggiore with a medieval hamlet where some important artistic and historic churches and buildings are found, like Guglielmi Castle. Last but not least, Isola Minore – or isoletta – is the smallest of the three. Trasimeno is surrounded by interesting towns and villages including: Castiglione del Lago, Panicale, Passignano, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Castel Rigone and Magione, all magical places surrounded by the natural luxuriant green countryside that is distinctive to the area, enclosing noteworthy architectural and artistic heritage, culture and traditions.
Visitors to Trasimeno also find a wealth of excellent craft and wine and food products. The traditional craftsmanship of the area is seen in the pottery, copper and iron creations, and the traditional lace that is still made on Isola Maggiore. Lovers of gourmet food and wine will be pleasantly surprised by the excellent fish dishes, exceptional cheese, saffron, the typical Trasimeno bean – not to forget the precious Trasimeno hills olive oil and quality wines.
Why not try a fun-filled, active healthy holiday here? The breadth of different sports and leisure activities is vast: water sports like sailing, canoeing and windsurfing, fantastic horseback trekking and cycling along the itineraries specially laid for mountain bike lovers.
There are then the excellent hospitality facilities for outdoor tourism: campsites and holiday villages are waiting to welcome visitors with open arms, ready to recommend the range of activities and itineraries to make any holiday unforgettable.
Umbria, the “Green heart of Italy” is a natural paradise to spend your holiday living in perfect harmony in an authentic experience with the surrounding nature, pursuing culture, fun and discovering the evergreen local traditions.