The region is well connected by rail and by road to other central Italian cities such as Rome and Florence. It enjoys equally good connections with the airports at Ancona and at Rome itself. Towns, Villages & Attractions of UmbriaThe village of Montefalco is situated high in the Colli Martani, an area famous for its production of fine wine and olive oil. Montefalco commands excellent views of the surrounding countryside. The particular speciality of the area is Sagrantino of Montefalco wine, produced from a native vine originally imported by Franciscan monks. Those same 14th century monks were the founders of Chiesa San Francesco which is now deconsecrated and has become the home of the fascinating town museum. The similarly tiny village of Spello, situated on a low hill at the foot of Monte Subasio near Assisi, is a little “off the beaten track” as far as general tourism is concerned. Nevertheless it presents a feast of historical architecture. There are many churches in and around Spello, the most prominent of which are San Maria Maggiore, San Andrea and San Lorenzo. The three stone arches dating from Roman times which form the entry points to the town are well worth viewing. The Fossil Forest of Dunarobba near Avigliano Umbro is one of the oldest discoveries of its type in the world, dating back some three million years. It is peculiar insofar as the trees – which measure up to 5 feet or so in diameter – are vertical and woody in character (as opposed to horizontal and petrified). To the south-west of Umbria, the Oasi di Alviano is a natural reserve under the auspices of the WWF (“World Wildlife Fund”). This is an important feeding and nesting ground and a migratory waystation for many species of birds. The reserve is designed for birdwatching, with numerous hides located throughout. It harbours species as diverse as ospreys, herons and kingfishers. |  A typical cobbled street at Montefalco |
On the border with the neighbouring province of Lazio, lies the village of Piediluco – literally “at the foot of the mountain”. Piediluco and the adjacent Lago di Piediluco are dominated by a ruined 14th century castle on one side and by Mount Caperno – famous for its exceptional echo – on the other. The lake itself is not suitable for bathing but boat trips are available.
Umbrian Accommodation
Self-catering accommodation in Umbria is plentiful and affordable. There is an abundance of rental properties from which to choose, available for both short and long term lets. Umbria's diverse rental offerings include modern urban apartments; more rural cottages; houses; villas and “fattorie” (small farms). Fattorie often maintain a medieval or renaissance flavour, with traditional wooden beams and terracotta floors. Accommodation is well distributed across the Umbrian region although specific types and availability are very much determined by location.
