We want to share with you our favorite places, they are the ones we recommend to our friends who come to visit us from all over the world. They are special places that change their charm and energy based on time and seasons. Choose them carefully, however if you want we are always at your disposal to advise you.
At 1,500 meters above sea level, in the heart of the Monti Sibillini National Park, the mountain celebrates its natural bloom between mid-June and mid-July. A magical moment to witness and experience. Not to be missed by photography, nature, trekking, or mountain bike enthusiasts. It can be reached by car in about 30 minutes.
In a hidden valley in the heart of the Sibillini peaks, you’ll find these water basins that make this pristine natural landscape even more stunning. Water, always a symbol of life, attracts herds of wild horses and grazing white Marchigiana cows during the day. It can be reached with about an hour of trekking from the Forca Canapine pass.
Starting from the Pineta Pass toward Ancarano, or directly from Norcia, the adventure begins through our Apennine woods. The breathtaking views become increasingly stunning as you approach the summit, reached via a final ridge trail. There, at the peak, stands the great Cross of Monte Patino, placed many years ago on the highest mountain overlooking the Norcia valley. It’s a challenging trek with over a thousand meters of elevation gain. From the Cross, you can either return to Norcia or continue descending on the other side toward the Pian Grande of Castelluccio.
Mount Vettore, at 2,476 meters, is the queen of our mountains. The easiest ascent begins at Forca di Presta. The area’s minimal light pollution allows for incredible stargazing, making this trek even more special. At the summit lies Lake Pilato, a high-altitude lake in a glacial cirque. This delicate ecosystem is home to the Chirocephalus marchesonii, a tiny prehistoric crustacean that thrives in its icy waters.
About 45 minutes from Norcia is the Marmore waterfall, the highest waterfall in Europe. Also worth seeing on the slopes of the waterfall is the water museum. We recommend consulting the full opening hours of the waterfall, considering that it powers the most important hydroelectric plant in the Region and therefore sees its water flow considerably reduced at certain well-defined times.
The historic center of Ascoli Piceno is stunning, full of breathtaking sights like Piazza del Popolo. It’s a perfect place to stop, relax, and enjoy an aperitif at the historic Caffè Meletti, which, like us, is a member of Italy’s Historic Places Association. Don’t miss the famous stuffed olive all’Ascolana, a must-try. Ascoli is about 45 minutes from Norcia. The Saba Torricella parking area is very convenient, with an elevator taking you directly into the historic center.
The Fiastra lake (sotto testo:) About an hour from Norcia is Lake Fiastra, a turquoise body of water in the heart of the Sibillini Mountains National Park. The lake is suitable for swimming although its waters are cool even in summer. Ideal for a day of sedentary relaxation.
30 minutes from Norcia you can discover Spoleto with its enchanting historic centre. We recommend the Sfera car park, connected with lifts and escalators to the historic center of the city. Don't miss the Piazza del Duomo, the Ponte delle Torri and the Rocca Albornoziana which contains a notable museum of art from this area. From 27 June to 13 July 2025, if you want to spend a different evening, the options include ballets, opera and high-quality concerts of the famous Festival dei Due Mondi.
Umbria has three major wine regions, with Montefalco just 45 minutes from us. It’s home to the unique indigenous Umbrian grape, Sagrantino. Each winery has its own story of courage, often taking paths distinct from others, always committed to quality and a deep love for the land and vines. If you have time, we also recommend a visit to Bevagna, a tiny Roman village in the area.
Umbria has an extra virgin olive oil production of extraordinary quality. Given our not very flat territory, making oil in Umbria is not easy, it is a choice of love and courage. At our reception we will be happy to provide you with the contact details of our favorite oil mills. By car they can be reached in approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Assisi is the city of Peace, of Giotto's paintings and of San Francesco, patron saint of Italy. Its historic center is fabulous, its many churches and views are worth the trip. Being a very well-known tourist destination, if you decide to visit it, evaluate the most suitable days and times. We recommend the Giovanni Paolo 2° car park (the road will be uphill but it is the closest to the Basilica of San Francesco). By car it can be reached in about 60 minutes.
