Our guide to Self-Catering in Umbria

Nestled in the heart of Italy, Umbria offers an enchanting escape where time seems to stand still. Known as the "green heart" of the country, this region is packed full of rolling hills, verdant vineyards, and mediaeval towns that beckon travellers seeking a truly authentic Italian experience. While the allure of Umbria is undeniable, the way you choose to immerse yourself in its beauty can make all the difference. This is why self-catering holidays are perfect, providing an unparalleled blend of freedom, flexibility, and local flavour.

Self-catering holidays are the perfect choice for those who value independence and the opportunity to create a personalised holiday experience. Staying in a villa not only provides a home away from home, but it also allows you to set your own pace. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, enjoying a leisurely breakfast on your private terrace, and planning your day based on your desires, not a fixed itinerary. Whether you're an early riser keen to explore ancient Etruscan ruins or prefer a lazy afternoon lounging by the pool, the choice is entirely yours.

One of the highlights of a self-catering holiday in Umbria is the chance to delve into the region's rich culinary heritage. With a villa as your base, you can shop like a local at bustling markets, selecting fresh produce, cheeses, and meats to prepare your own authentic Italian meals. The farm-to-table experience is something truly special in Umbria, where you can savour the flavours of the land with each bite. 

In a world that often feels overwhelmingly fast-paced, a self-catering holiday in Umbria provides a sanctuary where you can unwind and reconnect with what truly matters. Whether you're travelling as a couple or with family and friends, the space and privacy of a villa offer the perfect setting for creating cherished memories.

Embark on a journey to Umbria, where self-catering holidays promise not only a holiday, but a captivating adventure of discovery and delight.

Supermarkets

Near Orvieto, Todi and Northern Lazio

One highly recommended supermarket is Coop Centro Italia, a well-known chain with several locations in the area, including Orvieto. Coop Centro Italia is celebrated for its wide selection of local products, fresh produce, and quality wines, making it an ideal stop for travellers seeking authentic Italian ingredients.

Another excellent choice is Conad, found in Todi, which is renowned for its affordable prices and extensive range of Italian specialities, including artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked bread.

For those exploring Northern Lazio, Tigre Amico is a popular option, offering a friendly shopping experience and a variety of regional delicacies. Tigre Amico is particularly noted for its impressive selection of olive oils and pastas, perfect for those wanting to recreate traditional Italian dishes.

Additionally, Eurospin provides a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality, with stores situated conveniently in both Orvieto and Todi. Eurospin is especially favoured for its diverse selection of organic and eco-friendly products. 

Near the Umbria and Tuscany border

One standout is Coop Centro Italia, a staple in the Italian grocery scene, known for its wide selection of fresh produce, local cheeses, and wines that will allow you to savour the authentic flavours of the region.

Another excellent option is Conad, which provides a convenient shopping experience with its diverse range of products, from artisanal pasta to delectable pastries.

For those seeking organic and health-conscious options, Eataly in nearby Florence offers a treasure trove of gourmet Italian goods, ensuring a true taste of Italy's culinary heritage.

Eurospin, on the other hand, is perfect for budget-conscious travellers, offering excellent quality at competitive prices without compromising on the authenticity of Italian flavours.

Additionally, the charming Esselunga stores are renowned for their premium selections and elegant presentation, making every shopping trip a pleasure. 

Whether you're stocking up for a picnic in the rolling hills or seeking dinner essentials for a feast back at the villa, these supermarkets near the Umbria and Tuscany border promise an exceptional shopping experience that captures the essence of Italian living.

Food markets

Near Orvieto, Todi and Northern Lazio

In Orvieto, the weekly market held in Piazza del Popolo is a sensory feast, where visitors can relish the sight of colourful fruits and vegetables, aromatic herbs, and an array of cheeses and cured meats. The market is an ideal spot to sample porchetta, a savoury Italian pork roast, or pick up a bottle of Orvieto Classico wine.

Just a short drive away, Todi hosts its bustling market in Piazza del Popolo every Saturday. Here, guests can immerse themselves in the local culture while exploring stalls brimming with truffles, olive oils, and delicious Umbrian breads.

For those venturing into Northern Lazio, the Viterbo market offers a charming blend of traditional and modern Italian cuisine. Held twice a week in Piazza delle Erbe, this market is renowned for its selection of fresh fish, homemade pasta, and local sweets like tozzetti.

These markets not only provide a chance to savour regional flavours but also offer the opportunity to engage with the friendly vendors, each eager to share the stories behind their products. Visiting these lively markets is an unforgettable experience, promising to enrich any holiday with a true taste of Italy's culinary treasures.

Near the Umbria and Tuscany border

Start your gastronomic journey at the Mercato delle Vettovaglie in Arezzo, a vibrant market where locals and tourists alike can savour the freshest seasonal produce and artisanal goods. From sun-ripened tomatoes to fragrant truffles, the stalls here are brimming with flavours that define Italian cuisine.

Just a short drive away, the Mercato di San Giovanni Valdarno offers a more intimate experience, with its charming array of homemade cheeses, cured meats, and locally produced olive oils. This market is perfect for those looking to sample authentic Tuscan specialities in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

For a taste of Umbria’s rich culinary heritage, the Mercato di Perugia cannot be missed. This bustling market is renowned for its selection of Umbrian delicacies such as wild boar salami and freshly baked torta al testo, a traditional flatbread. As you wander through its lively stalls, be sure to chat with the vendors, who are always eager to share their passion for quality food and local traditions.

Lastly, the Mercato di Città di Castello provides an enchanting blend of the best from both regions, offering a delightful array of handmade pastas, aromatic herbs, and delightful pastries. 

Typical breakfasts in Umbria

Breakfast is the perfect starting point to immerse oneself in the local culture. Umbrian breakfasts, though simple, are a delightful way to experience the region's authentic flavours and artisanal products. Unlike the elaborate breakfasts one might find in other parts of the world, Umbrians favour a more straightforward and rustic approach, focusing on quality and local ingredients.

Coffee is an essential part of the Umbrian morning ritual. A strong, aromatic espresso or a creamy cappuccino often accompanies the first meal of the day, offering a comforting wake-up call. Alongside coffee, freshly baked pastries such as cornetti; similar to croissants but slightly sweeter and often filled with chocolate or jam, are a breakfast staple. For those with a sweet tooth, the local speciality, tozzetti, a type of biscotti embedded with almonds and sometimes dipped in coffee, provides a satisfying crunch.

However, breakfast in Umbria is not solely for those who crave sweetness. Savoury options are plentiful and equally enticing. The region is renowned for its cured meats, such as prosciutto di Norcia and capocollo, which are often enjoyed alongside slices of fresh bread, such as the traditional pane sciapo, an unsalted bread that perfectly balances the saltiness of the meats. Cheese lovers will delight in trying local varieties like pecorino, which adds a rich, tangy flavour to the morning spread. Another breakfast favourite is the simple yet flavourful frittata, made with fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables, and herbs; showcasing the region's emphasis on fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.

For a more elaborate breakfast, guests might want to indulge in a classic Umbrian dish such as torta al testo, a type of flatbread similar to a piadina, often filled with a variety of ingredients including sautéed greens, sausages, or cheeses. This hearty option is perfect for travellers planning a day of exploring the picturesque Umbrian countryside.

To complement these dishes, a selection of seasonal fruits is often served, adding a refreshing note that celebrates the region's agricultural bounty. Juicy figs, crisp apples, and sweet grapes are common choices, depending on the time of year.

Typical lunches in Umbria

Umbria, often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours like Tuscany, offers a treasure trove of culinary delights that are both simple and deeply rooted in tradition. A typical Umbrian lunch is a celebration of the region's abundant natural resources, from its fertile lands to its lush forests. At the heart of many Umbrian meals is porchetta, a savoury, herb-infused roast pork that is often enjoyed as a sandwich or served with crispy bread. This flavourful dish, seasoned with rosemary, garlic, and fennel, is a testament to the region's appreciation for robust flavours.

Alongside porchetta, one might find an assortment of cured meats and cheeses, such as prosciutto di Norcia and pecorino. These are often accompanied by torta al testo, a traditional flatbread cooked on a hot stone, which offers a delightful contrast of textures. Umbrian lunches also frequently feature pasta, with strangozzi and umbricelli being regional favourites. These thick, hand-rolled noodles are typically served with earthy sauces made from truffles or wild boar, reflecting the region's connection to its land and forests.

The bounty of Umbria's agriculture is also evident in its fresh produce. Seasonal vegetables like asparagus, artichokes, and tomatoes are often incorporated into vibrant salads or served as simple, delicious side dishes drizzled with the region's renowned olive oil. Speaking of which, no Umbrian lunch would be complete without a taste of locally produced olive oil, known for its distinct, peppery flavour.

For those with a penchant for legumes, zuppa di lenticchie, a hearty lentil soup, offers a comforting and nutritious option. This dish is particularly beloved in Castelluccio, where the lentils are celebrated for their high quality and unique taste.

To complement these savoury dishes, Umbrian lunches often feature a selection of local wines. The region is known for its excellent Sagrantino di Montefalco, a robust red wine that pairs beautifully with the rich flavours of Umbrian cuisine. Alternatively, a crisp Orvieto white wine offers a refreshing counterpoint to more indulgent dishes.

Typical dinners in Umbria

The typical Umbrian dinner is a celebration of simplicity and quality, beginning with an array of antipasti that set the stage for the culinary journey ahead. Guests might start with a platter of cured meats such as prosciutto di Norcia and salami, accompanied by local cheeses like pecorino. These are often paired with freshly baked bread drizzled with golden Umbrian olive oil, which is among the finest in the world.

Umbria's inland location doesn't preclude it from having excellent fish dishes. Tegamaccio, a soupy stew made with various freshwater fish from Lake Trasimeno, is a prime example. This dish is flavoured with tomato, white wine, and chili, and is traditionally cooked in an earthenware pot.

The secondo piatto (second course) typically showcases the region's excellent meat and game. A succulent roast, such as porchetta seasoned with herbs and spices, or grilled lamb, is often served alongside seasonal vegetables. Alternatively, one might enjoy a dish of cacciagione (game), such as rabbit or pheasant, prepared with aromatic herbs and local wine. The flavours are robust yet elegantly balanced, reflecting the rustic yet sophisticated palate of Umbrian cuisine.

To conclude the meal, the dolce (dessert) offers a sweet ending to the dining experience. A slice of torta al testo, a traditional flatbread often served with sweet spreads, or ciambelline al vino, delicate wine cookies, are popular choices. For those with a penchant for something richer, a creamy tiramisu or a slice of crostata di marmellata (jam tart) may provide the perfect finale.

Whether dining under the stars on a rustic terrace or within the cosy ambiance of your dining room, the experience is sure to leave a lasting impression, inspiring you to embrace the art of Italian dining long after your holiday has ended.

Your starter shopping list

Breakfast:

• Espresso or Cappuccino (coffee)
• Cornetti (similar to croissants, often filled with chocolate or jam)
• Tozzetti (biscotti with almonds)
• Prosciutto di Norcia (cured meat)
• Capocollo (cured meat)
• Pane Sciapo (unsalted bread)
• Pecorino (cheese)

Frittata ingredients:

• Fresh eggs
• Seasonal vegetables
• Herbs

Torta al Testo (flatbread) and its fillings:

• Sauteed greens
• Sausages
• Various cheeses

Seasonal Fruits:

• Figs
• Apples
• Grapes

Lunch:

Porchetta:

• Rosemary
• Garlic
• Fennel
• Prosciutto di Norcia (cured meat)
• Pecorino (cheese)
• Torta al Testo (flatbread)
• Pasta (Strangozzi, Umbricelli)

Sauce ingredients:

• Truffles
• Wild boar

Seasonal vegetables:

• Asparagus
• Artichokes
• Tomatoes
• Olive oil (Umbrian, known for its peppery flavor)
• Zuppa di Lenticchie (Lentil soup)

Wines:

• Sagrantino di Montefalco (red wine)
• Orvieto (white wine)

Dinner:

Antipasti:

• Prosciutto di Norcia (cured meat)
• Salami
• Pecorino (cheese)
• Freshly baked bread
• Olive oil (Umbrian)

Primo Piatto:

• Strangozzi (pasta)
• Tagliatelle (pasta)

Sauce ingredients:

• Wild truffles
• Wild boar ragù
• Zuppa di Lenticchie (Lentil soup)

Porchetta:

• Herbs and spices
• Grilled lamb

Cacciagione (game):

• Rabbit
• Pheasant
• Herbs
• Local wine
• Seasonal vegetables

Dolce (Dessert):

• Torta al Testo (flatbread, for sweet spreads)
• Ciambelline al Vino (wine cookies)
• Tiramisu
• Crostata di Marmellata (jam tart)

Our favourite self catering villas in Umbria

Very tranquil, super-stylish and enjoying a typically timeless rural setting, Casale del Sole in Umbria offers undisturbed escapism, within easy reach of fascinating towns and cities. With two chareming al fresco areas and a portable barbecue, guests can enjoy dining around the clock, in multiple spots. 

Ripa Bianca is a stylish and supremely comfortable villa set in very private and extensive lawned gardens. An ideal spot for enjoying spectacular scenery and sightseeing and within easy reach of picturesque towns. With charming dining areas inside and out, guests always have somewhere to exquisitely dine.

Ceccomoro is a spacious and stylish family villa in Umbria. This popular house sits amid acres of lawned gardens, offering space and privacy, and magnificent views of Todi. With an al fresco area providing jaw-dropping and far reaching views, the perfect spot to enjoy al fresco meals is at Ceccomoro. 

Our Villa Specialists are happy to book a range of experiences for you. If you're feeling inspired by these experiences and would like to speak with one of our Specialists, make an enquiry or browse our Umbira collection today.