Lago Trasimeno
Lake Trasimeno is the fourth largest lake in Italy. There has always been a lot going on at the lake.
Even in the past.
History
For example, HANNIBAL and his Carthaginians compleatly
defeated the Romans at lake trasimeno.
The ‘Battle of Lake Trasimeno’ is quite famous.
In the already pretty little town of TOURO SUL TRASIMENO
there is a documentation centre, where you can see an exhibition
about the battle. There is also a circular walk with 12 stations,
on with monuments oft he battke. You can also experience the sites of the battle up close.
​Link to the page of the documentation centre of Hannibal and the Battle of Trasimeno.
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Boat trips
A trip to PASSIGNIANO SUL TRASIMENO is definitely worthwhile. The small town is really pretty. You can also take a ferry from here to Isola Maggiore and enjoy a walk around the small island. There are wonderful views of the lake and the marvellous Umbrian landscape.
If you can't get enough of boats, take a trip from San Feliciano to Isola Polvese.
Bathing
Let's put it this way: yes, bathing in the lake is possible. There are several very beautiful bathing spots. Lake Trasimeno has no natural inflow and is only fed by rainwater. As a result, the lake is very shallow, especially in summer and autumn, and there is also quite a lot of algae. The joy of your bathing experience might therefore be somewhat limited - depending on the time of year. But if you just want to lie on the beach and enjoy the water and nature, you will find some really marvellous spots. If you still need water afterwards, we recommend to jump into our pool for a quick swim ;-)
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Hiking
This is a paradise. If you want to go hiking, you've come to the right place around the lake. There are wonderful hiking routes with various degrees in difficulty - all with marvellous views. There is also a beautiful circular route (approx. 1 hour) directly from our house with an amazing view of the lake and the Umbrian mountains up to Perugia.
Stroll & Enjoy
There are pretty lakeside promenades in Castiglione del Lago, Passigniano and other small towns on the lake. Wonderful for a stroll, a café, a gelato or a cool drink.
Castiglione del Lago
Medieval, Etruscan town directly on, oh what, IN Lake Trasimeno. The town with its old town walls stretches out into the lake on a headland.
A marvellous place for a stroll, with many small shops, bars and restaurants. Below, directly on the lake, there is a long lakeside promenade for strolling. Castiglione also has all the shops for daily needs and plenty of choice, e.g. supermarkets. Further information can be found here:
Distance: 17 km, Travel time: ca. 20 Minutes
Panicale
Dream scenery high up on the mountain. The medieval village is a real gem and looks like a film set. And it really is! The TV series ‘Signora Volpe’ was filmed here. Panicale has numerous sights, but it is the atmosphere of the village with its alleyways arranged in concentric circles that is so impressive. And as you stroll around, there are always fantastic views of Lake Trasimeno and the vastness of Umbria. And to make it perfect trip - end it with a café or a glass of wine in a bar in Piazza Umberto I.
Further information can be found here:
Panicale de | www.umbriatourism.it
Distance: 11 km, Travel time: ca. 20 Minutes
Paciano
Less famous but not less beautiful is Paciano. It is also a wonderfully preserved medieval village on a hillside. Sitting on the terrace of the ‘Echoes Café’ bar, you can enjoy a cappuccino with a marvellous view over the countryside. And then simply stroll through the town gate into the medieval setting and through the ‘umbrella alley’. You can also enjoy a wonderful meal here. E.g. on the terrace of ‘L'Oca Bruciata’ or in the marvellous garden of ‘L'Orto in Tavola’ - both must be booked in advance. Further information can be found here:
Distance: 14 km, Travel time: ca. 20 Minutes
Perugia
The capital of Umbria. It fights with Bologna over who has the oldest university in Italy. Perugia is marvellous. The numerous sights are best discovered on foot. Perugia is situated at the top of a mountain and there are always marvellous views of the Umbrian mountain landscape. Perugia creates a very special atmosphere. And not just in July, when the world-famous jazz festival ‘Umbria Jazz’ takes place, when famous jazz artists and jazz fans from all over the world come to visit Perugia. If you travel to Perugia, it is best to park for free in the car park of the football stadium and take the ‘Minimetro’ into the city. That alone is an experience itself. Further information can be found here: Tourist Information Office - Comune di Perugia - Turismo
Distance: 30 km, Travel time: ca. 35 Minutes
Assisi
Assisi lies 20 kilometres south-east of Perugia. Assisi is beautifully situated on a hill and is (almost) car-free. This makes Assisi a great place for a stroll - but we are not the only ones who know that ;-) The many pilgrims also contribute to the special atmosphere. Because everything in Assisi revolves around Saint Francis of Assisi (San Francesco), the founder of the Franciscan order. The medieval townscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is beautiful despite the sometimes large crowds. Picturesque houses, small alleyways and cosy squares create a unique flair.
Further information can be found here:
Distance: 60 km, Travel time: ca. 60 Minutes
Montepulciano
Montepulciano is a pearl of Tuscany. Situated high on a hill, you can see it from Castelli & Primavera. Especially when the lights sparkle on the horizon in the evening and at night. Montepulciano is the ‘Little Florence’. The façade of the 14th century Palazzo Communale (town hall) looks like the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence. Numerous well-preserved churches, the medieval townscape and - of course - not least the world-famous red wine make Montepulciano a centre of attraction for tourists. But a wonderful one! The location is also truly exceptional and there are fantastic views of the beautiful Tuscan and Umbrian countryside. It's definitely worth a visit.
Further information can be found here:
Distance: 40 km, Travel time: ca. 45 Minutes
Cortona
Cortona, on the northern shore of Lake Trasimeno and thus in Tuscany, beautifully situated on a hillside, is world-famous for its medieval historic centre, the magnificent ‘Piazza della Repubblica’ and numerous sights. It was one of the oldest and most powerful cities of the Etruscans. One of the largest Renaissance paintings hangs here in the Diocesan Museum. Or just simply sit on the steps and watch the hustle and bustle of Cortona pass by. The townscape is picturesque, the outside oft he cathedral is simple, the inside is simply impressive. Cortona has a medieval city wall, has (of course!) already been a film location and is definitely worth a visit.
More information can be found here:
Cortona | Visit Tuscany.
Distance: 37 km, Travel time: ca. 45 Minutes
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