Outdoor itineraries among biking, walking, spirituality, and lakes
There’s a time of year when Umbria slowly awakens and reveals itself in its most authentic form.
It’s spring. The hills glow with bright green, the fields fill with wildflowers, the air becomes clearer, and the back roads return to being quiet companions for your journey. It’s the ideal season to embrace slow, sustainable tourism—made of gentle rides and mindful steps. If you love nature and experiential travel, these are the perfect itineraries to discover Umbria in spring.
Lake Trasimeno by Bike
Water, light, and open horizons
Umbria may not have a coastline, but it is still a region rich in water, with springs, streams, and lakes. The Lake Trasimeno area—the fourth largest lake in Italy—is one of the most distinctive and well-known in Umbria, as well as a favorite among cycling enthusiasts. You can choose to ride along its flat shores or climb the surrounding hills, enjoying views of its three islands and, at the right time of day, unforgettable sunsets. Ancient fishing villages alternate with small beaches and tourist spots, while breathtaking viewpoints complement the charm of the main towns, such as Castiglione del Lago, Passignano, Tuoro, and Magione. It’s a soft, romantic landscape—perfect to explore by bike and discover its many facets. You can cycle effortlessly along the lakeside, watch fishermen at work, then stop for lunch at a small trattoria overlooking the water to enjoy fresh fish or the traditional torta al testo. Alternatively, head uphill to reach medieval villages like Panicale, Paciano, and Città della Pieve, where you can wander through enchanting streets and take in some of the most beautiful panoramic views in Umbria.
The Way of St. Francis
Walking through spirituality and landscape
Spring is the perfect time to set out on foot. Forests are at their most vibrant, trails are scented with earth and flowers, and temperatures are ideal for tackling daily stages without strain. The Way of St. Francis crosses symbolic places such as Assisi and Spoleto, as well as the northern route touching towns like Gubbio, Città di Castello, Valfabbrica, Sansepolcro, and Pietralunga. Yet its true value lies in the landscapes that unfold between one stage and the next: rolling hills, olive groves, and small hidden hermitages. In 2026, the Eighth Centenary of St. Francis is celebrated. This “800th anniversary” is not just a historical commemoration, but an opportunity to rediscover Francis’s message: peace, brotherhood, respect for creation, and a harmonious relationship with nature—values that feel more relevant today than ever.
Lake Piediluco
Outdoor experiences between water and mountains
More intimate than Lake Trasimeno, Lake Piediluco offers a peaceful atmosphere and evocative scenery, where water meets mountain landscapes. It’s perfect for combining panoramic cycling, lakeside trekking, and slow moments in the surrounding villages.
Nestled among the hills of the Valnerina, just a few kilometers from Terni, Lake Piediluco is one of Umbria’s most charming destinations. It is a natural lake with calm, deep waters, surrounded by woods and small villages overlooking the shore. Its name is thought to mean “at the foot of the sacred wood.” The village of Piediluco is a medieval gem, with a quiet and intimate atmosphere, stone alleyways, scenic views, and the outline of a fortress rising above. In the historic center, the Church of St. Francis stands out, featuring bas-reliefs inspired by the lake, depicting fish and fishing tools. It’s an ideal destination for those who enjoy slow outdoor activities: scenic cycling, lakeside trekking, canoeing, and rowing—thanks to the presence of one of Italy’s most important rowing centers, home to the Italian Rowing Federation.
