Explore Umbria by foot or bike...
In Umbria, explore Lake Trasimeno's tranquil shores, Monte Subasio's historic trails, and Monti Sibillini's rugged peaks. Cyclists can enjoy scenic routes in the Tiber Valley or along the Spoleto-Norcia railway trail. Discover Umbria's natural beauty on foot or by bike - here are some of our recommendations!
Walking & Hiking Trails
Embark on a scenic journey along The Olive Groves’ Path, stretching from Spoleto to Assisi. This picturesque route, crafted by members of the Alpine Club Spoleto Section, meanders through the hills and valleys adorned with sprawling olive groves. Passing by ancient Roman castles, this 75-km trail unveils a glimpse into the region's rich history. Divided into 5 legs, ranging from Spoleto to Assisi, the path offers a mix of unsurfaced roads with manageable elevation gains. While water sources are plentiful along the way, it's wise to start with an ample supply. Marked by red-and-white flags or red marks, courtesy of the Spoleto and Foligno sections of CAI, the route promises an enchanting journey through Umbria's timeless landscapes.
The route is broken up into 5 sections:
1) Spoleto – Poreta (14.5km)
2) Poreta – Trevi (13.5km)
3) Trevi – Sassovivo (16.5km)
4) Sassovivo – Spello (16.5km)
5) Spello – Assisi (13km)
Olive Tree Trail
75 kilometres
Photo courtesy of: UmbriaTourism
The Way of St. Francis, or La Via di Francesco, is a contemporary Italian pilgrimage honouring Italy's cherished patron saint, St. Francis of Assisi, renowned for founding the Franciscan order and his profound love for nature and simplicity. Spanning through picturesque woods and dirt roads with occasional asphalt stretches, the journey entails significant elevation changes, totaling approximately 6700 metres of ascent and 7500 metres of descent over 9 days.
Despite the mountainous terrain, the route promises moments of physical exertion and spiritual fulfilment. While weather conditions pose potential challenges, the varied classifications of the itinerary accommodate both seasoned hikers and leisure walkers. Unlike traditional pilgrimages like the Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena, the Via di Francesco is a newer path, crafted to guide enthusiasts through the landscapes dear to St. Francis, where his legacy remains vibrant in local life.
Divided into two routes, the Via del Nord from La Verna to Assisi covering 189km, and the Via del Sud from Rome to Assisi spanning about 300km, the pilgrimage connects significant Franciscan sites, inviting participants to walk in the footsteps of the revered saint.
La Via di Francesco
300 kilometres
Photo courtesy of: Italia.it
Discover the Anello della Rupe trail in Orvieto's Environmental Archaeological Park (Paao), spanning 5 kilometers of medium-low difficulty terrain. With an average route time of 1-1.5 hours, the trail features ups and downs, offering picturesque views of the tuff massif. From Piazza Cahen, explore landmarks like the Albornoz Fortress and Porta Rocca, encountering natural and historical marvels like the San Zeno Fountain and ancient Etruscan tombs. Experience the blend of history and nature, from the "Madonna del Velo" church to the Foro Boario square, before returning to Piazza Cahen. This immersive journey showcases Orvieto's heritage amidst its breathtaking cliffs.
Anello della Rupe
5 kilometres
Photo courtesy of: link
Cycling Trails
From St. Francis town to that one of the Festival of Two Worlds, a journey that you can cycle dividing it into two easy stages: the first one from Assisi to Bevagna and the second one from Bevagna to Spoleto, in this way you won’t miss anything of the beautiful countryside and villages of Umbria that you will be passing through.
Assisi - Spoleto
51.2 km
Photo courtesy of: link
The Spoleto-Norcia railway, operational from 1926 to 1968, now serves as a picturesque cycle/pedestrian route inaugurated in July 2014. Spanning over 50 kilometers, it features 19 tunnels, 24 bridges, and helical sections. Cyclists can enjoy a scenic journey from Spoleto to Piedipaterno, with a final 4 km stretch to Norcia. Notably, the Spoleto-Valnerina section covers approximately 26 km, offering a mix of unpaved and low-traffic asphalt roads, with tunnels illuminated by personal lights. Accessible near Spoleto Nord junction, the initial 6.5 km ascends gently, diverging towards Piedipaterno before rejoining the former railway track near Tassinare. From Sant'Anatolia di Narco to Piedipaterno, the route is flat and family-friendly.
Spoleto-Norcia Cycleway
44.5 km
Photo courtesy of: link
Enjoy a scenic cycling tour from Castiglione del Lago along Lake Trasimeno in Umbria. Follow the Trasimeno Hills Wine Route and the PDO Umbria Oil Route, passing through picturesque villages and panoramic viewpoints. Explore historic sites like Poggio di Braccio before looping back to Castiglione del Lago, covering approximately 58.5 km. For a cultural detour, visit the Castle of the Knights of Malta in Magione. This moderately challenging route offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Trasimeno Cycle Route
57,2 km
Photo courtesy of: link
The Spoleto-Norcia railway, operational from 1926 to 1968, now serves as a picturesque cycle/pedestrian route inaugurated in July 2014. Spanning over 50 kilometers, it features 19 tunnels, 24 bridges, and helical sections. Cyclists can enjoy a scenic journey from Spoleto to Piedipaterno, with a final 4 km stretch to Norcia. Notably, the Spoleto-Valnerina section covers approximately 26 km, offering a mix of unpaved and low-traffic asphalt roads, with tunnels illuminated by personal lights. Accessible near Spoleto Nord junction, the initial 6.5 km ascends gently, diverging towards Piedipaterno before rejoining the former railway track near Tassinare. From Sant'Anatolia di Narco to Piedipaterno, the route is flat and family-friendly.
Spoleto – Marmore Bike Lane
98 Km
Photo courtesy of: link