Looking for where to stay in Umbria? You are in the right place. I’ve spent a fair share of time exploring Umbria – including on a recent trip with my sister. It’s one of the most beautiful regions of Italy, and truly unique.
Umbria is one of Italy’s 20 regions. It’s in central Italy, bordered by Tuscany to the west, Marche to the east, and Lazio to the south. This part of Italy is often called the “Green Heart of Italy” because it is right in the center of the country and is characterized by hills, mountains, and valleys.
However, despite its convenient location, Umbria is a much less popular destination compared to Tuscany and other major places in Italy. This means traveling to Umbria can give you a more untouched, authentic Italian experience, which I strongly recommend.
The catch is that where you stay in Umbria might determine your overall experience. Some towns are better for sightseeing, others are a good base for learning about the region’s history, and others are best for landscape and views.
Not sure where to base yourself for your Umbria trip? Don’t worry! I will share the best places to stay in Umbria to help plan your visit. I’ll give you some insider tips on which town is best for what experience and give some personal recommendations on the best hotels in Umbria.
First time in Italy? My post Where Is Umbria? will help you locate the region. For the other regions, head over to my post 20 Regions Of Italy Explained.

Best Places To Stay In Umbria – Quick Overview
Here’s a quick overview of where to stay in Umbria, depending on your style, interest and travel needs.
- Best overall base with a car: Perugia (parking + central location)
- Best small town for a road trip: Spello or Bevagna
- Best countryside + wine: Bevagna and Montefalco
- Best lake stay: Castiglione del Lago
- Best outdoors base: Norcia and Valnerina
- Best place to stay in Umbria without a car: Perugia or Passignano sul Trasimeno
Where To Stay In Umbria: Quick Comparison Table
| Base | Best for | Car needed | Parking difficulty | Typical stay type | Best day trips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perugia | First-time visitors, train travellers, central positioning | No, but it can be helpful | Medium (ZTL in the historic center, but there are paid parking lots and some hotels have parking spaces) | City hotels, apartments | Assisi, Spello, Gubbio, Lake Trasimeno |
| Assisi | History, religious sites, short stays | Yes | Medium–High | Small hotels, guesthouses | Spello, Bevagna, Perugia |
| Spello | Small-town base, relaxed road trips | Yes | Medium | Boutique hotels, apartments | Assisi, Bevagna, Montefalco |
| Bevagna | Wine lovers, quiet base, flat valley driving | Yes | Low | Small hotels, agriturismi | Montefalco, Spello, Assisi |
| Montefalco | Sagrantino wine country, countryside stays | Yes | Low–Medium | Agriturismi, rural hotels | Bevagna, Spoleto, Valnerina |
| Castiglione del Lago | Lake stays, summer travel, families | Helpful | Low | Lakeside hotels, apartments | Isola Maggiore, Passignano, Cortona |
| Norcia | Outdoors, food traditions, hiking | Yes | Low | Small hotels, mountain lodges | Valnerina villages, Sibillini trails |
| Spoleto | Historic town with lots of museums and great restaurants | Yes | Medium | Small boutique hotels, agriturismo | Bevagna, Montefalco, Foligno, Spello, Perugia |

Overall Best Hotels In Umbria
These are my overall favorite places to stay in Umbria. There’s something for any budget:
- Perugia – Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel, a wonderful boutique hotel in the city center.
- Assisi – Hotel Il Palazzo is perfect for affordable luxury.
- Orvieto – Bed and Breakfast Torre Polidori a welcoming bed and breakfast in the heart of town.
- Spoleto – Bed and Breakfast Torre Polidori, one of the best places to stay in Umbria on a budget.
- Spello – another brick in the vault, a unique place to stay in the historic town.
- Norcia – Relais & Chateaux Palazzo Seneca, one of the best value for money luxury hotels in Umbria.
- Montefalco – La Corte dei Cavalieri is one of the best agriturismos in Umbria.
- Castiglione del Lago – Hotel Boutique Castiglione del Lago has wonderful views of the town and the lake.
- Gubbio – Park Hotel Ai Cappuccini, a wonderful place where you can pamper yourself.
Now, let’s discover where to base yourself for your Umbria trip.
Map of Best Towns To Stay In Umbria
To give you a better idea of where you should base yourself during your trip to Umbria, I thought of creating a map so that you can visualize each location before deciding where to stay.
How to use this Best Places To Stay In Umbria Map: This map points out the cities and small towns in Umbria where you should consider basing yourself for your trip. You can enlarge it by using your computer mouse on desktop or laptop, or your fingers on your smartphone. You can save the map to your Google Maps account by clicking on the star next to the title. To view the saved map, click on “Your saved maps” in your Google Maps. For a larger version, click on “view larger map” in the top right corner of the screen.

Where To Stay In Umbria
Perugia – best place to stay in Umbria without a car
Perugia is the capital of Umbria and one of the most connected cities. Therefore, it’s where to stay in Umbria if you don’t wish to rent a car. Public transportation is convenient throughout most of Italy, but some places are better than others.
Since Umbria is a bit less touristy and a bit more off-the-beaten-path, transportation is something to consider. My sister and I decided to rent a car because we wanted to go on a bit of a road trip, but we returned it as soon as we arrived in Perugia, as it’s really not needed there.
But there’s so much more to Perugia than just convenience. It’s known for its well-preserved Etruscan walls, a fascinating piece of Italian history. There’s also the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, a beautiful art museum dedicated to local art and history.
You should also spend some time in the city’s main square, Piazza IV Novembre, where there’s a beautiful medieval fountain and lots of activity. It’s a university city with students from all over the world, so very lively.
Finally, Perugia is a great base for day trips in the region, thanks to the easy bus connections (in case you don’t wish to rent a car).
My detailed guide on What To See And Do In Umbria includes a selection of activities you can’t miss during your trip.
My post Where To Go On Day Trips From Perugia will inspire you on places to visit within easy reach from the capital.
I also have a full post on The Best Attractions In Perugia that will guide you when planning your visit.

Best luxury hotel in Perugia – Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel
My sister and I stayed at the Locanda della Posta Boutique Hotel and loved it. It is perhaps one of the best hotels in Umbria because of its location, convenience, and overall beauty.
It’s located in the heart of Perugia along the main pedestrian street, Corso Vannucci, and in an old, 18th-century building. The hotel is a five-minute walk from some of the best attractions in Perugia, including the Duomo, the National Gallery of Umbria, and tons of shops and restaurants.
It offers spacious luxury rooms, great views, a rooftop terrace that’s an excellent spot to watch the sunset, and a buffet breakfast in a frescoed dining room.

Best mid-range hotel in Perugia – Hotel Fortuna
Hotel Fortuna is another charming yet more affordable property dating back to the 1300s. If there’s one thing Umbria does well, it’s nicely maintained historic buildings. And it’s such a cool experience to stay in one that’s been restored and decorated to the tea.
The hotel is also on Corso Vannucci, the main walking street and the place to be in Perugia. That means it’s conveniently located right next to most of the main attractions, perfect for travelers without a car.
The hotel has a continental breakfast in a medieval room, an equally beautiful reading room, and a rooftop balcony overlooking Perugia and the valley. The rooms are also large and comfortable.

Best budget hotel in Perugia – Hotel S. Ercolano
Hotel S. Ercolano isn’t the most luxurious hotel in Umbria, but it’s a convenient spot with all the necessities and a little more.
It’s a small, converted 17th-century property across the street from the Pincetto metro stop. The hotel is only five minutes from the medieval historic center and Palazzo dei Priori. It’s not right on the steps of the city center like the previous two hotels, but it’s still very accessible.
The hotel also has great views of Umbria and even Assisi off in the distance. The rooms and property aren’t the most lavish in central Italy, but people are so friendly, and you’ll have everything you need. It’s the perfect budget-friendly hotel in Umbria.

Assisi – best place to stay in Umbria for historical significance
Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the crown jewel of Umbria’s past. This is Saint Francis and Clare’s birthplace, meaning it’s also an essential location with religious connections.
The Basilica di San Francesco is the place to connect with the town’s religious history. It is also a centerpiece in Assisi’s skyline. In addition to beautiful churches and cathedrals, there are ancient Roman ruins.
The Temple of Minerva is located in the central Piazza del Comune. The structure dates back to the 1st century and is an amazing example of Roman architecture. If you go, you might even get lucky enough to learn more about some fascinating ancient Roman myths and legends from a local.
Overall, Assisi is a fantastic place in Italy. Even though it’s super touristic compared to other places in Umbria (it was packed with pilgrims when we went), it’s still worth visiting, especially if you want to learn more about the history of Umbria. Assisi is also a bit more budget-friendly than the capital city.
My post What To See And Do In Assisi shares more insights and information about this lovely town.

Best luxury hotel in Assisi – Hotel Il Palazzo
Assisi is very affordable, especially compared to Perugia. That means finding luxury and comfortable hotels in Assisi is much easier without breaking the bank. Hotel Il Palazzo is just that. While it’s one of the best hotels in Umbria, it’s actually reasonably priced.
The hotel is right between Assisi’s Basilica of Saint Francis and Piazza del Comune, so it’s the perfect place to use as a homebase while exploring the city. It’s also in an ancient building that dates back to the 16th century, with beautiful frescoed ceilings, vaulted ceilings, unique stone walls, and lovely decorations.
The rooms are also huge, with everything you need, including a walk-in closet, modern bathrooms, and good views overlooking the city.

Best mid-range hotel in Assisi – Camere Capobove Assisi
Camere Capobove Assisi is another great option at an even more affordable price. While it’s a bit nicer on the wallet, it’s honestly just as convenient.
It’s a 5-minute walk from Via San Francesco and a 9-minute walk from Basilica di San Francesco. And while it’s the perfect location in Assisi, it’s also a very quiet area. So, you get the best of both worlds.
This guesthouse is a bit smaller than other hotels in Umbria, so it feels a little more personal. The rooms, though, are incredibly spacious. They have a bed and all the usual, but most also have a mini-kitchen and small seating area. The rooms and decorations are the best part of the hotel.

Best budget hotel in Assisi – La Casina Colorata
La Casina Colorata is one of the places where you can get 5-star care at a much lower price. It’s super budget-friendly, especially when planning ahead, but has incredible staff who seem to really care about your travels in Italy.
You’ll find it a little further away from the city center than other hotels on this list, but it’s still centrally located. However, it’s only about a 10-minute walk from the Basilica di San Francesco and 400 yards from Via San Francesco. So, while they aren’t right on your doorstep, you can get there no problem.
The hotel is also beautiful. It features brick walls and a romantic vibe. The rooms are pretty simple, but they have everything you need.

Orvieto – best place to stay in Umbria for beautiful views
When it comes to where to stay in Umbria for breathtaking vistas, Orvieto stands out as a clear winner. This ancient Etruscan city is perched atop a volcanic butte with panoramic views that are simply unparalleled in this part of Italy.
Orvieto’s unique location gives it great views of rolling hills covered in vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. It’s honestly a landscape that feels straight out of a Renaissance painting.
The main landmark in the city is Duomo di Orvieto, which also offers 360-degree views of the town and the valley below and an intricately designed facade. If you’re here for the views, though, you have to climb Torre del Morre, a medieval clock tower in the heart of the city. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Lake Bolsena.
There’s no question that Orvieto has some of the best views in Umbria (we were in awe of the views of the city from a distance, to be fair!), but there’s a lot more to explore in the town itself. Give it a chance if you want something a little different.
My post, A Useful Guide To Orvieto, shares the best tips for visiting this unique small town.

Best luxury hotel in Orvieto – Altarocca Wine Resort (Adults Only)
Altarocca Wine Resort is a luxurious adults-only resort in one of the most beautiful parts of Umbria. The sprawling property promises relaxation and indulgence to all guests, and the friendly staff makes sure you have the best experience from check-in to check-out.
The hotel is rather large, with multiple buildings encompassing wellness suites, two outdoor swimming pools, a spa, three restaurants, and a fitness center.
The only downside to this hotel is it’s not actually in the center of Orvieto, so it’s more like a retreat. The hotel is around 7 km (4.3 miles) from the town, so it’s best if you have your own car and are looking for more of an escape.

Best mid-range hotel in Orvieto – Bed and Breakfast Torre Polidori
Bed and Breakfast Torre Polidori is the best mid-range hotel in the heart of Orvieto. It’s a bit more convenient and perfect for travelers who want to explore on foot.
The hotel is located in a renovated historic building just a stone’s throw from Piazza della Repubblica, an important landmark in town. Even though the building is old, the interior feels brand new. It’s really clean, modern, and brightly colored.
The rooms also have stunning views and come fully equipped and elegantly decorated. Even though it’s a bit simple, it definitely has everything you need for Orvieto, and it’s hard to beat this location.

Best budget hotel in Orvieto – Industrial Chic House
Industrial Chic House is a spacious house with a small handful of rooms converted into hotel rooms. This means you’re missing out on some of those hotel amenities, but it’s such a good value that it’s hard to pass up as one of the best budget stays in Orvieto.
The house has a unique blend of contemporary design and Italian charm. Everything feels brand new on the inside, and there’s so much personality and charm in the guesthouse’s decor. Not only that, it’s also in the center of Orvieto, so it’s also convenient.
One of the best things about this guesthouse is the shared kitchen. It’s a large kitchen with all the cooking utensils you need. So, if you want to save a few euros by cooking some food at home, this is the perfect place to do so.

Spoleto – best place to stay in Umbria for cultural events
If you’re looking for where to stay in Umbria for rich history and a vibrant cultural scene, Spoleto is the place to go.
It’s known for its world-class festivals and cultural events, like the Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds). This performing arts festival takes place every summer and features a wide range of performances, from opera to contemporary dance to theater.
Italy has some fantastic festivals all year long, but Spoleto and the Festival of Two Worlds is one of the best.
There are also some interesting cultural landmarks in Spoleto. They aren’t as famous as some of Italy’s most iconic monuments, like the Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain, but they’re still an important piece of history.
Albornoziana is a 14th-century fortress, and Ponte delle Torri is an impressive Roman aqueduct and bridge you can visit. We also enjoyed visiting the Roman Theater and the beautiful Cathedral.
So, if you happen to be in the area during the summer, you can try to attend a festival. Otherwise, there’s still a lot to do, making this town home to some of the best hotels in Umbria. We visited at the end of September and found no shortage of things to do.
Planning to visit Spoleto? Make sure to read my post What To See And Do In Spoleto for more guidance.

Best luxury hotel in Spoleto – Aurora Boutique Hotel & Private Spa
Aurora Boutique Hotel & Private Spa is a luxurious hotel in Spoleto, just a short walk from La Rocca fortress.
The hotel really offers the best of both worlds: luxury alongside adventure. It’s hard to decide whether to spend an entire day in the spa and lounging around the common areas or going out in town to explore. But you can’t go wrong with either decision.
The hotel is only about a 40-minute drive from Piediluco Lake and Marmore Falls, so it’s also a really good base to get out there and explore other parts of the region. While it’s a little more expensive than some of the other places to stay in Umbria, you can see why.

Best mid-range hotel in Spoleto – Hotel Dei Duchi
When we visited, my sister and I opted to stay at Hotel Dei Duchi. It’s the best mid-range hotel in Spoleto, but it feels more lavish than anything. It’s right across from the ancient Roman Theater and nestled in Ancajani Park, putting you right on the doorstep of the best places in Spoleto.
You can walk through Piazza del Mercato, explore medieval handicraft shops at Via dei Duchi, and visit the town’s cathedral and castle. The rooms and property grounds are also really lovely, with a soothing, romantic vibe and friendly staff.
This is the place to stay in Spoleto if you want to be in the best area of town and pampered (at a good price).

Best budget hotel in Spoleto – Agriturismo AgrileisureTime
Agriturismo is a type of stay that’s really popular in Italy. It’s an independently owned farm property that’s partially used as a hotel while keeping up with its traditional tasks. Think of it like a tourist farm. It’s wonderful for those who want to really experience local culture and see how things are done here.
Agriturismo AgrileisureTime is where to stay in Umbria to explore Spoleto if you are traveling on a budget.
The farm has rustic-styled rooms with private balconies, an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and other fun activities. It’s located a few miles outside Spoleto town and near some great hiking trails and walking paths.

Spello – best place to stay in Umbria for small-town charm
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the authentic charm of small-town Italy completely, Spello is your place. Nestled in the Umbrian hills, this little village has more of an intimate atmosphere, really friendly locals, and everything else you want from a traditional Italian village.
Spello is famous for its Infiorate, a floral festival held each year during Corpus Christi. During the festival, locals line the town’s streets with vibrant floral carpets. Even outside of the festival, the stone houses in the town center are decorated with flower boxes.
You can spend an entire afternoon just walking through the streets and admiring the beauty of the small town or lounging at one of the cafes with a cup of coffee.
Porta Venere is also a must-see in town. It’s an ancient Roman gate flanked by two towers that offers visitors a brief glimpse into the village’s past.
If you are visiting Spello, my Quintessential Guide To Spello will be very useful!

Best luxury hotel in Spello – another brick in the vault
another brick in the vault is perhaps one of the most unique places to stay in Umbria and one of the most luxurious in Spello. This place stands out because it’s actually an entire apartment in the heart of Spello.
You get a lot more value because it’s an apartment instead of a hotel room. There’s a fully equipped private kitchen, a bedroom, a private bathroom, a living room, and an outdoor barbecue area. The apartment is nicely decorated and stocked with all the essentials, and the brick interior adds extra charm (and keeps it cool during the summer).
To top it off, the location is perfect. So, you have convenience, comfort, and beauty all wrapped up in one. It’s not the cheapest option in town, but it’s certainly one of the best.

Best mid-range hotel in Spello – Pietra Rosa
Pietra Rosa is the place for a relaxing retreat with a lovely outdoor swimming pool and great views of Spello. Like the previous option, this is an entire apartment. But depending on who you’re traveling with and what’s available, you can choose between a one-bedroom, a superior, or a three-bedroom apartment.
All the units are really spacious, fully furnished, and separated from the rest, so they feel very private. The outdoor swimming pool is also peaceful, with a great view of the historic buildings on the property.
This is another great value for travelers who want their own space and independence without sacrificing comfort.

Best budget hotel in Spello – Domus Antiqua Bed & Breakfast
There aren’t many hostels or ultra-budget hotels in Spello because it isn’t as popular a destination as places like Rome, Florence, or Venice.
That said, Domus Antiqua Bed & Breakfast is a really charming property that is good value for money. It has a beautiful garden, a small spa featuring a hot tub, and a balcony with a nice view.
It’s a bit further from Spello, so you might want to come with a rental car to explore the area, but that just adds to the charm and beauty of the hotel. We opted to stay here as we wanted to have a place with plenty of parking, which isn’t necessarily the case in the center of Spello.
Whether you’re driving, taking a train, or taking a bus around Italy, make sure to read my comprehensive guide, The Best Way To Travel In Italy: 12 Tips On Getting Around. It’ll help you plan transportation, which helps in a place like Umbria.

Norcia and Valnerina – where to stay in Umbria for nature lovers
Norcia is a mountain town in southeastern Umbria, set on the high plains of the Valnerina near the Sibillini range. It is known for its food traditions, outdoor activities, and historical links to Saint Benedict.
The historic center of Norcia is compact and largely rebuilt following the 2016 earthquakes. The main landmark is the Basilica of San Benedetto, traditionally identified as the birthplace of Saint Benedict, founder of Western monasticism.
Nearby are the Castellina, a fortified building that now houses the Museo Civico and Museo della Castellina, with archaeological finds from the Roman period.
Norcia is closely associated with gastronomy, particularly cured meats: growing up, my dad would call any place that sold cured meats “norcineria” as that’s the word that was commonly used in central Italy, including in Viterbo, where he’s from.
Local norcinerie sell products made from the Cinta Senese pig, including prosciutto, capocollo, and sausages, as well as black truffles from the surrounding mountains. Lentils from nearby Castelluccio are another regional specialty.
Norcia is where to stay in Umbria for outdoor activities. The Valnerina offers hiking, cycling, rafting on the Nera River, and access to trails in the Monti Sibillini National Park. Norcia is best visited with a car: public transport connections are limited.

Best luxury hotel in Norcia – Relais & Chateaux Palazzo Seneca
If you are looking for a place that’s great value for money while offering a very comfortable stay, Palazzo Seneca is where to go. Considering the luxury and style of this place, when we stayed there, we found the price was more than reasonable.
The spacious rooms have classic decor and traditional furnishings.
There is a beautiful garden where you can enjoy breakfast in the morning, and a fantastic fine-dining restaurant on site, too. We opted to eat there when we stayed, and enjoyed our meal thoroughly.
Best mid-range hotel in Norcia – Hotel Casa Bianconi
Hotel Casa Bianconi offers modern, spacious, and comfortable rooms in the historic center of Norcia, in a beautifully restored historic building. There’s an offer of double rooms for a wide range of prices, but they also have family rooms in case you are visiting with children.
While there are many good restaurants in Norcia, here you also have the option of dining at the on-site restaurant, which is decorated in a beautiful 16th-century style.
Best agriturismo in Norcia – Agriturismo Casale Perla
If you want to stay outside Norcia, then Agriturismo Casale Perla is an excellent choice. It’s a nice farm stay with small yet comfortable rooms that have everything you need for your stay. While most agriturismo in the region are family-friendly, this one is adults-only so not a good option if you are traveling with children.

Bevagna and Montefalco – where to stay in Umbria for wine lovers
My sister and I ended up in Bevagna by chance. We were driving back to Perugia from Spoleto and wanted to break up the journey. Bevagna looked like a reasonable stop, close to Montefalco, so we pulled in. It turned out to be one of the more rewarding stops of the trip.
Bevagna is a small medieval town in central Umbria, known for its well-preserved historic center and calm, lived-in atmosphere. It lies in the Umbrian Valley between Montefalco and Spello, which makes it a practical base for exploring the area, especially if you’re travelling by car and interested in wine country without staying in a busier hill town.
The heart of the town is Piazza Silvestri, one of Umbria’s most intact medieval squares. It is flanked by the Romanesque churches of San Silvestro and San Michele Arcangelo, both from the 12th century. A short walk away are fragments of Roman mosaics from ancient baths, reminders of Bevagna’s Roman past as Mevania.
The historic center is compact, mostly flat, and easy to explore on foot. Bevagna is also known for artisan workshops that recreate medieval crafts such as papermaking, silk production, woodworking, and painting.
In June, Bevagna hosts the Mercato delle Gaite, a major historical festival. Outside this period, it remains noticeably quieter than nearby Assisi or Orvieto.
Food and wine are a key part of the appeal. Bevagna sits within the Montefalco DOC and DOCG zones, with vineyards covering the surrounding countryside.
There are several wineries just outside town that offer wine tasting. Bevagna itself has a small number of wine bars and enotecas where you can sample local wines, including Sagrantino di Montefalco and Montefalco Rosso.

Best luxury hotel in Bevagna – Villa Sweetest Wish
If you are traveling with a family and have the budget to splurge, this villa just outside Bevagna is easily one of the best places to stay in Umbria. You will be immersed in the glorious countryside, have your own private pool with a view, and enjoy stylish interiors furnished in a contemporary way.
The beautiful garden makes it a suitable spot for families with children, who will have plenty of space to roam around.

Best Agriturismo in Montefalco – La Corte dei Cavalieri
La Corte dei Cavalieri is one of the best agriturismo in Umbria. You’ll love it, whether you are traveling with your family, your partner, or friends. There are spacious rooms as well as small apartments, equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay. They are simple, but stylish.
There is a beautiful, spacious garden and a large pool where you can relax, and barbecue facilities for guests.
Breakfast is included in the price of your stay. As an added bonus, it’s pet-friendly, in case you are traveling with your pets, and there are also disabled-accessible rooms.
Best budget hotel in Bevagna – B&B dell’Annunziata
If you are traveling around Umbria on a budget, look no further than B&B dell’Annunziata. It’s a family-run guesthouse close to the historic center of Bevagna, set in a small cottage with a lovely garden.
There’s a family room, in case you are traveling with friends or with your family, and a home-style breakfast is served every morning.

Gubbio – one of the best towns to stay in Umbria
Gubbio is a medieval hill town in northern Umbria, set on the lower slopes of Mount Ingino. It is one of the best-preserved historic towns in the region and retains a strong medieval urban layout.
The main landmark is Palazzo dei Consoli, a 14th-century civic palace that dominates the Piazza Grande, a raised terrace overlooking the valley. The palace houses the Civic Museum, which displays the Eugubine Tables, bronze tablets inscribed with pre-Roman rituals in the Umbrian language.
Nearby, the Duomo of Gubbio contains Renaissance paintings and early Christian artifacts.
One of the most popular things to do in Gubbio is to take the Funivia Colle Eletto, an open-air cable car, up Mount Ingino to the Basilica of Sant’Ubaldo, which holds the relics of the town’s patron saint. The surrounding area is a nice place for a walk, and the views from there are lovely.
Gubbio is also known for its traditional festivals. The most famous one is the Corsa dei Ceri, held annually in May. It’s a religious and civic event involving a foot race through the town streets.
Gubbio is where to stay in Umbria to visit a town that offers just a bit of everything – history, nature, and traditions.

Best luxury hotel in Gubbio – Park Hotel Ai Cappuccini
If you wish to pamper yourself, this is easily one of the best hotels in Umbria. The spacious rooms have everything you may possibly need for a comfortable stay, but it’s the common spaces that you will surely enjoy.
There are two swimming pools, a spa where you can relax, a restaurant, and a bar where you can have a drink at the end of the day. The well-kept inner courtyard and the interesting art pieces further add personality to the already beautiful building.

Best mid-range hotel in Gubbio – Aurora Bed and Breakfast
This lovely family-run guest house is located in the center of Gubbio. The main draw here is the terrace with incredible views of the surrounding valley and vineyards, we loved spending time there when we visited.
However, I must point out that the rooms are very modern, comfortable, and cozy. It’s a nice place to relax at the end of a day out exploring Umbria.
Best budget hotel in Gubbio – Hotel San Marco
If you want to stay in the center of Gubbio, and on a more-than-reasonable budget, Hotel San Marco is your best bet. Here you’ll find nicely curated, spotless rooms, decorated in a traditional style that have everything you need for a cozy stay.
The nice garden offers a safe space where children can play, with swings and other toys they can use.

Parco Regionale del Lago Trasimeno – where to stay in Umbria for families
The Parco Regionale del Lago Trasimeno covers the area around Lake Trasimeno, the largest lake in central Italy, on Umbria’s western edge near the border with Tuscany. The park protects wetlands, reed beds, agricultural land, and low hills, and is focused on landscape conservation and slow tourism rather than dramatic scenery.
With so much nature, Lake Trasimeno is a perfect place to stay for families (and anyone) in search of nature and nature-connected activities, such as biking on the flat lakeside paths, walking, birdwatching, swimming, and non-motorised water sports such as kayaking and sailing.
Castiglione del Lago is where to stay in Umbria to explore the lake. It is set on a limestone promontory. Its historic center includes the Rocca del Leone, a medieval fortress with views over the lake, and a compact old town with shops, restaurants, and access to ferry services.
Another great base is Passignano sul Trasimeno, which lies on the northern shore and has a small harbour, lakeside promenade, and a train station, making it one of the most accessible towns on the lake.
The lake has three islands: Isola Maggiore, the only permanently inhabited one, can be reached by ferry. It’s a nice place for short walks and visits to historic buildings.
You will need a car (or at least a bike) to explore the area, but there are ferries connecting the key towns in the peak tourist season.

Best luxury hotel in Lake Trasimeno – Hotel Boutique Castiglione del Lago
The main reason to stay at Hotel Boutique Castiglione del Lago (obviously in Castiglione del Lago) is the view of the city and of the lake, which is impressive. There’s a small but lovely pool on the rooftop terrace, too, as well as a fitness center.
We actually found the rooms to be a bit on the plain side (at least compared to the rest of the hotel), but they are spacious and comfortable, to ensure a good night’s sleep.

Best mid-range hotel in Lake Trasimeno – B&B Antica Gabella
There aren’t many rooms at this small bed and breakfast in the center of Passignano sul Trasimeno, which means service is incredibly personable. The staff there is always kind and ready to help with whatever need or question you have.
The deluxe room is spotless, comfortable, and it has antique furnishings and a vintage-style bathroom, which will make your stay unique. It’s one of the best places to stay in town, so book early.
Best budget hotel in Lake Trasimeno – Hotel La Vela
If all you care about is a comfortable, clean, and centrally located room for your Umbria trip, and you have a smaller budget, Hotel La Vela in Passignano sul Trasimeno is an excellent option.
Rooms are plain, but have everything you may need. Breakfast is served every morning in the common area, and there’s lots of parking on site, which is particularly convenient since you will likely be driving around Umbria.

FAQs on Where To Stay In Umbria
I find Perugia is the best town to stay in Umbria. It’s the region’s capital, and the most central city from where it’s easy to move around, including on public transport, and reach other places to visit in Umbria. It’s a young, lively city thanks to the presence of two universities – the Università degli Studi (University of Perugia) and the Foreigners University (Università per Stranieri). And there are lots of interesting attractions too.
I think Perugia is an overall better location to base yourself for your trip to Umbria. Of course, Assisi is incredibly charming and has a wide range of good accommodation options, but it’s also significantly more touristy (and with that, more expensive).
Both Perugia and Orvieto are lovely, but for different reasons. Perugia is more of a city, with a large international community, thanks to the Foreigners University. Orvieto is a gorgeous hilltop town that’s incredible to explore, but also truly touristy.
Yes, one base can be enough for Umbria, especially for trips of up to 5–6 days. A central base, such as Perugia, Spello, or Bevagna, allows easy day trips to Assisi, Montefalco, Spoleto, and Lake Trasimeno. For longer stays or a slower pace, splitting time between two bases—one central and one rural or lakeside—works better.
If you’re arriving in Umbria from Rome by car, Orvieto is the most practical first base. It sits directly off the A1 motorway and is easy to reach without city driving. From there, you can reach many other places to visit in Umbria within 1.5 hours drive at most.
Bevagna and the nearby Montefalco are the best bases in Umbria for wine lovers. This area sits at the centre of the Montefalco DOC and DOCG zones, with easy access to Sagrantino producers and tasting rooms. They are quieter small towns, but excellent if you want to be closer to hilltop wineries and vineyard views.
In summer, lakeside and higher-elevation bases work best. Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno offer cooler evenings and swimming access, while Norcia benefits from altitude. In spring and fall, central hill towns such as Spello, Bevagna, Assisi, and Montefalco are ideal, with mild temperatures and easy access to vineyards, walking routes, and historic centers.
Conclusions On Where To Stay In Umbria
Umbria is one of the most underrated places in Italy, even though it’s so close to other popular spots. You can visit some of Umbria’s popular towns on a day trip from Rome. However, if you can spare the time, I recommend spending at least a few days here.
Umbria is a magical region with some lovely towns, villages, and cities. But since it’s not as popular as other Italian destinations, fewer hotels, boutiques, and hostels exist.
That said, there’s still something for every budget and every traveler. Just remember one of my most important Italy travel tips: book your accommodation well in advance! Hotels book out quickly sometimes, especially during busy seasons.
PIN IT!

Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Italy, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.