Top 10 best places to stay in Umbria
I always think a little piece of my heart belongs in Umbria. Having been lucky enough to stay at a number of Umbria villas over the years, I’ve explored so many of Umbria’s towns and villages and either driven, walked or cycled through its countryside so often, that a trip to Umbria always feels a bit like I’m heading home. Umbria certainly is somewhere I can feel my shoulders drop and my body relax, a place to unwind and take a break from the everyday fast pace of life. So, we thought we’d share some of the best places to stay in Umbria, including some of our favourite Umbria villas and Umbria apartments, all of which we’ve tried and tested to make sure that they’re up to our exacting standards!
Foligno features in our top 10 places to visit in Umbria and, whilst it may not have the character that perhaps other Umbrian towns can boast due to bombing which destroyed much of the historic centre during WWII, it’s somewhere that we still have rather a soft spot for. Foligno also plays host to one of Umbria’s most exciting events – the Giostra della Quintana – every June and September. This Umbria apartment is just a few minutes drive from Foligno. Offering exceptional value for money, it’s one of five apartments here, all with either one or two bedrooms. These apartments share use of the swimming pool and each boasts their own private terrace, perfect for al fresco dining. Inside, they are all furnished tastefully and sympathetically. And, guests can relax knowing that they’ll be looked after by the owner himself, Oscar, who is the most perfect host.
Spello is one of the places in Italy that I have returned to most often. Lured each time by the incredibly friendly locals, the wonderful restaurants, the picture perfect postcard setting, fascinating local history and most amazing wine bars, I just don’t seem to be able to keep away! Casa Giardino is one of my favourite Spello rentals. With 3 beautifully presented bedrooms and stylish interior-designed decor throughout, this villa offers an oasis of calm. It also offers the best of both worlds – views over the stunning Umbrian countryside to one side but in the heart of Spello’s charming cobbled streets to the other.
Paciano is one of Umbria’s most charming villages. It may be small but it’s perfectly formed and, if it’s good enough for Ed Sheeran, then it’s certainly good enough for me! Fonte Cicerum is just a short walk from its historic centre. Boasting five comfortable bedrooms, staying here is a chance to stay in an authentic Umbria villa where you have the choice of walking in to the village for dinner or cooking up a delicious dinner to eat al fresco at the beautiful outdoor dining area. It’s the perfect Umbria villa for larger families or groups of friends looking to catch up in the most idyllic of settings.
Set on a large estate and with views of Assisi in the distance, this Umbria villa comfortably sleeps up to 10 guests in 5 good-sized bedrooms. Offering the privacy of a villa rental but with the services of a hotel on tap should you want them, it really does offer the best of self catering and hotel accommodation combined. And there are plenty of services on site to enjoy including a golf course, football pitch, tennis courts, spa and restaurant. The only thing to be aware of is that it’s more suited to families with older children or groups of friends since the bedrooms are accessed externally and not internally.
Podere Marone oozes authenticity. With its ivy-covered facade, traditional fireplaces and wooden ceilings, it offers a real taste of Umbrian life. Three comfortable bedrooms accommodate up to 6 guests who can make the most of the large private swimming pool set behind a wooden fence, providing some added peace of mind for families with young children. For animal lovers, it has the added bonus of being pet friendly so even your four legged friend can join you on holiday!
This Paciano apartment is one of just three apartments on this country estate in Paciano and it’s also the largest. It’s a fantastic option for families who are perhaps looking for a chance for their children to meet others whilst not being too crowded. And certainly, the owners have gone out of their way to make it family friendly offering guests a selection of children’s toys to keep them entertained when they’re not playing in the infinity swimming pool. Not only that, but children will love the chance to pick their own fruit and vegetables when in season from the well tended vegetable garden nearby, or to walk up to the nearby playground just 5 minutes away. If Mum or Dad fancy a night off, then your welcoming hosts will happily organise a babysitter for you. And there is plenty to keep all the family entertained too including a chocolate factory, a water park, horse riding, donkey riding and more. Or why not enjoy one of the cookery classes on offer locally or a family pottery making lesson?
Take a look at all the Umbria villa rentals available from award-winning villa rental company and Italian specialists, Bookings For You.