✴️ = best choice!
Wake up early because we have a long day ahead of us today.
We drive up in the direction of the Monti Sibillini National Park in the Umbria-Marches Apennines (approx. 2 and a half hours). Today we will trek from Forca di Presta to the summit of Monte Vettore, the highest of the massif (2,476 m).
We planned everything in detail: 10 km outward and return, 900 metres of altitude difference, about 3 hours to climb and 2 to descend. The only variable out of our control is the weather, which unfortunately does not promise well.
Although intimidated by the clouds that are about to roll in, we decide to set off anyway, leaving our car at the side of the road, where the path starts.
After about an hour’s ride, totally in fog, we decide to beat a retreat.
A wise choice… just enough time to get in the car and it starts pouring!
In 10 minutes by car we are in Castelluccio di Norcia.
Unfortunately, there is almost nothing left of the village: it was the epicentre of a powerful earthquake in November 2016.
If you pass by here, however, you will be able to admire from a privileged position the immense plain with its cultivations of cereals and pulses – in particular the PGI lentil – that can be purchased directly from the farmers on site, who are trying to rise from the occasion thanks to this deep-rooted and traditional economy.
Ideally, it should be visited at the end of June, in order to admire the colour palette of the bloom, which ranges from yellow to red, purple to blue and attracts many photographers every year.
While observing the plain, try to spot the grove that is shaped like the Italian boot!
In a little bar, a nice gentleman served us his speciality: the ‘parafischio’ sandwich. We’re still not sure what was in it… but it was really good.
In the afternoon, in about an hour and a quarter by car, we arrive in Spello.
This village, which is part of the association ‘I Borghi più belli d’Italia’ (Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages), really enchanted us! ✴️
It is a real treat: each street has its own uniqueness, is landscaped in every detail and competes with the others for the most flowery balcony.
Spello – the ‘flower capital’ – is best known for its magnificent ‘infiorate’, floral works of art composed each year by artists and inhabitants on the occasion of Corpus Christi (between late May and early June).
If you get the chance, we recommend you visit at this time, especially on the ‘night of flowers’, the night before Corpus Christi: you will be immersed in the village festivities with music, shows, exhibitions and shops and bars open all night.
But even if you can’t be there, like us, for this event, don’t worry: the alleys are decorated all year round and it will still be a feast for the eyes.
The Roman walls that surround it, the view of the hills and the little artisans’ shops (which I love) where you can buy unique and personal souvenirs… you will carry it in your heart, guaranteed!
If you are an art lover, also pay a visit to the Villa del Mosaici, a museum housing splendid, well-preserved and restored floor mosaics from an ancient villa of the late imperial age.
We dined at the Locanda del Postiglione, in the centre. Umbrian cuisine (try the snails!) and friendly waiters.
For the overnight stay, we chose the B&B Villamena. The owner was super friendly and helpful, the property has a classic charm and even has a nice outdoor pool!
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