When you think of an Italian village, what springs to mind? Cobblestoned streets? Quaint little homes built from limestones? Sweeping views from high above over spectacular countryside? You can find all of that (plus so much more) in wonderful Spello, Umbria. This flower-obsessed hilltop town (literally the streets are lined with basket upon basket of flowers, and they also host an annual flower festival!) is one of the most quintessential Italian towns ever. Full warning – if you visit, you might never want to leave! Keep reading to find out how to make the most of a trip to this charming Umbrian town full of life, community spirit, and so much soul.
The reason I first fell in love with Spello was because I read Michelle Damiani’s beautiful travel memoir in which she recounts moving her family (and the two cats in tow) there from the States. She describes the town so vividly – the friendly locals, delicious Umbrian meals, and picturesque scenery – that it practically jumps off the page and I was itching to visit.
Visit Umbria with me!
Want to visit Spello and explore Umbria with me? Join our Untold Italy week long adventure in Umbria in Spring or Fall. We’ll show you the highlights of Umbria getting you off the beaten track and experiencing the region like a local. On this 7 day tour we’ll visit Perugia, Orvieto, Spello, Montefalco, Deruta, and more. We’ll wine and dine our way around this gorgeous region while enjoying unforgettable experiences together. Find out more now.
Where is Spello Italy?
Wondering where is Spello Italy located? Spello is a town in the central Italian region, Umbria. It’s about a 30 minute drive from the region’s capital, Perugia, and only 14 minutes away from the more well-known Assisi. It’s just over a 2 hour drive south from Florence and north from Rome. If you’re not interested in driving, there’s even a direct train from Rome to Spello Italy that takes just under 2 hours, although you will then need to call a taxi to drive you from the station into town. Have a look at the Spello Italy map below to get a better understanding of the location.
Best time to visit – what’s the weather in Spello Italy like?
There is not really a bad time to visit Spello, as each season offers its own peculiarities. Winter can be very cold with temperatures around 5C or 41F in February and whilst prices are at their lowest, the region is very quiet. Spello Italy weather is perhaps at its best during Spring and Fall/Autumn as flowers bloom, the wine harvest ensues and the new oil is made in October/November. Summer can be quite hot (26C/79F), especially in the landlocked region, but it’s also a wonderful time to visit as there are many sagre or festivals happening in town and over the region.
9 Best Things to do in Spello Italy
Wondering what to do in Spello Italy? It’s a little cliche, but honestly, my favorite thing to do is simply wander the cobblestoned streets, take in the views of the Umbrian countryside, spot the cute resident cats, and eat porchetta and stringozzi until my heart’s content. Spello Umbria is a very small hilltop town, but there are still some wonderful attractions. Here are my suggestions for Spello things to do in 2024:
1. Enjoy the view over aperitivo in Bar Bonci’s courtyard
This gorgeous bar in the center of town is a constant throughout Michelle’s travel memoir. One step inside and it’s clear why as the friendly owner greets you and you see the view from the garden courtyard out the back! It sweeps across the countryside and the feeling is pure relaxation. They make a wonderful aperol spritz with snacks and there are always cute cats to observe/play with if that’s you’re kind of thing too.
2. Attend the incredible Spello Italy Flower Festival
Also known as the ‘infiorata‘ this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I cannot recommend enough! Once a year, the town comes together in small groups to make incredible artistic carpets made entirely out of flowers. It’s more than just the Sunday event – the whole weekend the town comes alive with preparations, street food, and a wonderful atmosphere. Read more about it in my blog on the Spello flower festival now.
3. Visit the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore
Founded as far back as the 11th century, this church is a must-visit if you love frescoes. Prepare to be wowed by the splendid frescoes in the Baglioni Chapel painted by the famous painter Pinturicchio from Perugia. In vibrant colors are the Sibyls Tiburtina, Eritrea, Europea, Samia; the Annunciation with a self-portrait; and the Shepherds and Magi or ‘Wise Men’.
4. Go shopping in the boutiques
If you like ceramics, Umbria is pure heaven! There are a few wonderful craft stores in town to get your fill including Arte Legno for wooden chopping boards, Dipende and Francesco Greco for ceramics and Le Botteghe Degli Intrecci for clothing. Another interesting store to pop into for a peek is the antique store Ceramica Curiosità Cose d’altri Tempi – quite literally curious ceramics from another time!
5. Stock up on Umbrian wine
Have you ever tried wine from Umbria before? Whether it’s Orvieto white wine, a tannic Sagrantino or full-bodied red from Montefalco, it’s all really delicious. Unfortunately, it’s also relatively unknown outside of Italy, which means you’ll find it hard to source their wine in the States or Australia. Visit the wonderful enoteca ‘Vinosofia‘ (another tip from Michelle which we visited on our trip) to explore the delightful local wines that the region has to offer.
6. Go for a walk along the aqueduct
Fancy a lovely walk along the olive groves line the old Roman aqueduct? Head to the top of Spello and follow signs for the Roman acqueduct. The path is bordered with wild fennel and mint which is just so very Umbria! Have a read of Michelle’s wonderful account here.
7. Have coffee at Bar Tullia
Another iconic location from Michelle’s book is the welcoming Bar Tullia right outside the school on the main street of Spello. Enjoy a cornetto or brioche with your coffee in the mornings as we did on our last visit to Spello. They also serve aperitivo (as all good bars in Italy do) if that takes your fancy. Rub shoulders with locals in the piazza as you sip your drinks here.
8. Bike ride along the ‘path of olive oil’
Did you know Umbria makes some of the best extra virgin olive oil in the world?! It’s probably my favorite in the entire country (but don’t tell anyone I told you that!) Jump on the pedal-assisted e-bikes and enjoy a relaxing ride through the country roads of the Olive Path Trail, which connects Spello to Assisi and the Umbrian Valley. You’ll also get to explore the hilltop town Collepino, and stop for lunch and olive oil and wine tastings at a local winery.
My favorite Spello Restaurants
I won’t lie, one of my top priorities when I travel is to enjoy the best food there is. That doesn’t mean Michelin starred restaurants – but the best local food experiences I can find. Luckily for me, the food in Umbria is seriously good. It’s rustic sure, but centered on golden spicy extra virgin olive oil, delicious game meat, woodfired bread, and vegetables. Plus they even have truffles! Hungry yet? Try these best restaurants in Spello Italy on your trip:
La Cantina Spello: This was our first meal when we stayed for the weekend of the Infiorata and it got our entire mini vacay off to the right start from the get-go. It’s intimate, romantic and the food is seriously delicious. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in Spello Italy, so make sure to book well in advance!
Orlando Furioso Spello: In the mood for a casual pizza instead? It’s not traditionally Umbrian, but it’ll likely rival what you get at home. Pop into this casual and friendly restaurant for a delicious meal.
Where to Stay – Spello Hotels
When it comes to Spello accommodation, my favorite thing to do is rent a little apartment in the centro storico and feel like a local for a few days. As a small town, there are not many hotels in Spello Italy, so you might have more luck trying with a guest house style aparmtnet instead. That said, here are some ideas to try when looking for great accommodation in Spello Italy:
La Bastiglia Spello: It’s right in town inside a mill dating back to the 17th century! Rooms are large and comfy and there is a swimming pool on-site ideal for the hot Spello summer.
Agriturismo Il Barco Spello: Prefer somewhere just slightly out of town that’s nestled in the countryside? Try the farm stays or agriurismi Spello instead. This one features lovely quaint rooms, and is a good option if you’ve got kids thanks to the swimming pool, BBQ and children’s playground.
Albergo Il Cacciatore: If you really want to stay in a hotel, this is the best option!The only actual ‘hotel’ in Spello, this is a 3 star property with a stuning view over the countryside. Comfortable rooms and convenient location for exploring town.
Maddalena House: Looking for a self-catering apartment? Try one of these lovely local apartments from Maddalena House. It’s nestled in the historic center, so you can feel like a local Spellani.
Day trips from Spello in Umbria
And of course, Spello makes for a wonderful launching pad to explore many other stunning hilltop towns in the region. Spello to Assisi is just a short 15 minute drive! Visit famous Assisi, a continued pilgrimage site famed for its St Francis Basilica; Montefalco for winery visits; and sleepy Trevi for stunning views. Here are some great ideas to help you plan a wonderful daytrip:
Visit Spello in 2024
Inspired to visit Spello in Umbria Italy? It’s one of my favorite places in the entire region and I can’t wait to go back! Let me know if you visit or if you have any of your own tips to share.