THE Lake Trasimenoan enchanting body of water in the heart ofUmbriais the ideal destination for a weekendautumn: the still warm days and the golden light of the season give the landscapes an enchanting atmosphere, in which to immerse yourself in total relaxation, choosing from numerous possibilities for outdoor experiences, combining sport, culture, art and nature.
Today more than ever, it is possible to build your own tailor-made itineraries thanks to “Trasimeno for everyone», a project which offers a new way of traveling, without barriers and in the name of the inclusion of all types of travelers, regardless of their origin, age, language, physical and cognitive conditions.
By bike on the Trasimeno cycle path, now even more inclusive
One of the strong points of the project is the “Trasimeno cycle route”, a flat ring which runs along the lake for more than 58 km. The route, which takes place mainly on cycle paths, dirt paths and local roads with almost no traffic, is today completely marked with brown tourist signs, indicating the nearest destinations and, at certain points , the most relevant distances in kilometers. Information panels are located along the route to help cycle tourists find their way, while by scanning the QR code they can find further information about the route and locations, and also download the route GPX to use on a smartphone or bike computer.
The route is suitable for all types of bikes (except racing bikes) and different types of mobility aids: ideal for enjoying a day outdoors or an entire weekend in the saddle, also relying on the numerous bicycle or electric bike rental points. .
Whatever the starting point chosen, along the Trasimeno cycle route, you can admire untouched landscapes and charming villages overlooking the lake: from Passignano sul Trasimenorenowned for its characteristic lakeside and developed beaches, a Tuoro sul Trasimenoa thousand-year-old village which preserves the traces of Hannibal's passage, until Castiglione del Lagowith its powerful medieval walls and the imposing Rocca del Leone, from where you can admire a splendid panorama of the entire lake and its islands – the PolveseTHE Bigger and the Minor – all accessible with comfortable ferries to enjoy a picnic on the grass or a walk among the fishermen's houses.
Even the small villages encountered along the route are full of charm and preserve the atmosphere of the lake intact: a stop at Monte del Lago, San Feliciano, Sant'Arcangelo or Magione is an invitation to relax and slow down the pace, but also to savor the traditional cuisine, decisive and authentic like the locals, which ranges from fish from the lake to flavors of the land and transmitted from generation to generation typical recipes such as royal carp in porchetta or the stovea fish soup that takes its name from the earthenware pan in which it is cooked.
Active activities on Lake Trasimeno, from cycling to trekking to water sports
The “Trasimeno Cycle Route” is not only a route in itself, but it is also the access route, at different points, to the naturalist heritage of the hinterland, made up of hills and woods, to be explored by bike or on foot to admire the spectacle of fall foliage.
From Passignanofor example, you can travel the north side of Trasimeno passing through Borghetto to reach the Mount Castiglioneand from there continue for a long stretch on the mountain crest until reaching the Gosparini Passincredible panoramic point on the lake. It is a route very popular with motorcyclists in the region, for the variety of terrain and the beauty of the landscape that it offers, but the length of 48 kilometers and a difference in altitude of more than 1000 meters make it a route suitable only for those more prepared.
There is no shortage of “gentler” alternatives:The naturalist oasis of the Valleyat the gates of San Savino di Magione, in the heart of Trasimeno Parkis an environmental education and experience center, ideal to enjoy with children, where you can admire the flight of many native species, including coots, mallards, red herons and gray herons. With a little patience, you may also spot marsh harriers, peregrine falcons, owls and many other migratory species.
Finally, Lake Trasimeno is also an ideal destination to enjoy the last warm days dedicated to water sports. Thanks to its large extension and shallow depth, almost all disciplines are practiced there: windsurfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, sailing, SUP and water skiing, made accessible by numerous rental points and schools in the region. Whatever the choice, the imperative is to stop until aperitif time: I sunsets over Trasimeno they are famous, especially in autumn, for the play of light which colors the waters with a suggestive palette of pink and purple.
Art and culture accessible among the villages of Perugino, on Lake Trasimeno
As in the rest of Umbria, the beauty and wonders of art permeate the Trasimeno region and today are truly accessible to everyone. To understand this, you can follow the exciting route that addresses “Perugin’s Places”and which today benefits from the support of the project “Perugin for everyone” with the aim of improving the understanding of the works by a broad target audience.
Signs accessible in Italian, English and Braille and tactile reproductions of the works accompany travelers to discover artistic masterpieces, while other content is accessible via QR code or NFC: audio guides for adults with languages simple, also designed for blind and visually impaired visitors, but also audio stories for children, video guides in LIS and IS versions, simplified content in AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication).
With this useful information, traveling is even easier. The route in the Trasimeno region begins in Panicale, a picturesque medieval village overlooking the lake at 440 meters above sea level: the Church of Saint Sebastianjust outside the walls, houses two splendid frescoes by Perugino, the Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian and the Virgin and Child among the saints.
From here we arrive at Town of Pievebirthplace of the painter, where we can admire many of his works, such as the extraordinary Worship of the Magi at the Oratory of Santa Maria dei Bianchi, or at Deposition from the cross in the church of Santa Maria dei Servi.
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In the small hamlet of Fontignano instead you can visit the tomb of Perugino, in the small church of Santa Maria dell'Annunziata. It was the painter himself who frescoed it before his death, a new demonstration of love for his land, which still leaves an indelible mark in the heart of every traveler today.
Information: Umbriatourism.it
