A holiday in Umbria is always a good idea! Each visitor gets amazed by the beautiful cities of art and medieval villages,as well as by the wonderful landscapes that distinguish the so-called "green heart of Italy". Gentle hills, forests, lakes and waterfalls mix themselves in a beautiful natural context that remains stuck in the memory of people of all ages, both adults and children.
In fact, there is no better way to visit this region than with your children! If you are traveling with kids and you are looking for great places suitable for your family, you have chosen the perfect destination: this region offers dozens of fantastic options to make everyone enjoy their holiday!
Discover the top 9 places to visit with your family and start planning your trip to Umbria!
1- Lake Trasimeno
This lake is so big that it is almost like a sea! Its shores host some precious villages to visit with kids, such as Passignano sul Trasimeno, San Feliciano, Panicale and Piegaro. Don't miss a visit of the beautiful castle of Castiglione del Lago, where the medieval atmosphere will take your children on a fantastic journey back in time! After the tour, you should go to the beautiful playground next to the lake, where children can have some fun, or decide to take the ferry to Polvese and Maggiore Islands, where you can explore the wild nature. If you like to sports, then don't miss the opportunity to ride on the wonderful 60 km cycle path, where you can immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of the Lake's area.
2- Perugia
Perugia means... chocolate! The historical chocolate company called "Perugina" is based in this city and offers the possibility to visit both "the house of chocolate" and the Perugina Museum, which is dedicated to the history of the enterprise. The tour ends with an amazing tasting of countless typesof chocolates and sweets!
If you have have planned your visit to Perugia at the end of October, you will also be able to take part to "Eurochocolate" festival! From October 18th to 27th, Perugia hosts a fantastic chocolate fair that sees the participation of master chocolatiers from all over the world. Children (and adults as well) will surely appreciate it!
3- The Città della Domenica
The "City of Sunday" is located a few kilometers from Perugia and is the oldest amusement park in Italy. A fun "safari" will make you meet many wild animals, which also come from some distant places such as the American prairies. Also, the "Città della Domenica" includes the village of Pinocchio and the castle of Sleeping Beauty that children can visit on foot or by a colourful train!
4- Gubbio
Gubbio is also called "the City of the Fools", and the reason is simple. It is possible to get "the license of crazy" turning around the Bergello fountain for three times in front of an authentic Gubbio's inhabitant. Children will be thrilled to get the fainal parchment from the Congregation of the Mad! Moreover, this lovely city offers many interesting exhibitions for children in every period of the year.
5- The Marmore Falls
La Cascata delle Marmore is an unmissable destination! It has three jumps of water and it reaches a total height of 165 meters. The Marmore park offers four trekking paths passing thorugh the main hidden beauties of the area, as well as the possibility to practice rafting and climbing activities. Children can also take part to the "Fantapasseggiata dello Gnefro", a magic guided tour with the elf who lives in the Caves!
6- Narni
That's right: Narni is the city that inspired the book "The Chronicles of Narnia"! Visiting this town is like taking a dip in the fabulous world of the book, which starts from Palazzo Eroli, where there is a big lion in stone looking like King Aslan. Also, Narni's Castle hosts a medieval theme park with witches, jesters and princes, where children can be named "ladies" or "knights" after passing some courage tests!
7- Papigno
Papigno is located near Terni and it presents an open-air museum called "Il paese dei balocchi", which is totally dedicated to Roberto Benigni's movies "La vita è bella" and "Pinocchio". Visiting this magical village always gives some fabulous emotions!
8- Dunarobba
The fossil forest of Dunarobba is found near Avigliano Umbro and it preserves the trunks of redwood dating back to the Jurassic period. A walk in the world of dinosaurs will surely make children enthusiasts!
9- Church of Santo Stefano di Ferentillo
If you like horror movies and you are seeking some thrill, a stop at the Romanesque crypt of the church of Santo Stefano di Ferentillo is a must. There are twenty authentic mummies, which are perfectly preserved thanks to the dry atmosphere of the undergrounds. It will be a terrifying visit!
Would you like to book a villa in Umbria for your next trip? Choose one of our holiday rentals in the region, like Villa Contessa or Villa Assisi!
© Alice Pilastri
