Umbria is a landlocked region in central Italy, the only one on the Italian peninsula with neither a coastline nor a border with another country. Known as the 'Green Heart of Italy', it is a land of rolling hills, oak forests, olive groves, and medieval hill towns. Umbria is famous for the Basilica of San Francesco in Assisi, the Gothic Duomo of Orvieto, the festivals of Spoleto and Perugia, and a hearty cuisine built around black truffles, cured pork from Norcia, lentils, and the powerful Sagrantino red wine of Montefalco.
Umbria is among Italy's safest regions, with low violent crime and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The main concerns for visitors are minor petty theft in crowded tourist areas and during festivals, plus natural factors: intense summer heat in the valleys, fast-changing mountain weather at Castelluccio, and ongoing earthquake reconstruction in the Valnerina. Standard precautions make for a trouble-free visit.
Current safety advisory
Low
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Advisory date
2026-06-16
Items
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Umbria is one of the safest regions in Italy, with very low violent crime; the main risk is occasional petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded tourist spots such as Assisi's Basilica area, Perugia's Corso Vannucci, and during major events like Umbria Jazz and Eurochocolate
Always validate (stamp) regional train tickets in the green machines on the platform before boarding, and validate bus and Minimetrò tickets on board; failure to validate can mean a fine of €50 or more, and inspectors are common on the Perugia-Assisi-Foligno line
Several towns in the Valnerina were struck by the 2016 Norcia and Sibillini earthquakes; reconstruction continues, the rebuilt Basilica di San Benedetto in Norcia reopened in late 2025, but Castelluccio di Norcia is still partly being rebuilt, so respect construction zones and closure signs
The Piano Grande plateau and Castelluccio sit above 1,400 metres and the weather changes fast, with cold winds, fog, and sudden storms even in summer; carry layers, check road conditions, and note that car access to Castelluccio is restricted on the busy fioritura bloom weekends
Summer heat is intense in the inland valleys, with July and August highs around 31°C and little coastal breeze; carry water, wear a hat and high-factor sunscreen, and avoid strenuous midday walking
Trenitalia and local transport strikes (sciopero) happen periodically; check the carrier website for guaranteed service bands and confirm timetables before relying on trains or buses between towns
Hill-town streets are steep, cobbled, and uneven, and many are pedestrianised; wear sturdy shoes, take care on worn stone steps, and watch your footing after rain
Mosquitoes are common near Lake Trasimeno and river valleys in summer; bring repellent, as accommodation in older buildings may lack window screens
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Restaurant menu and coperto overcharging
A few tourist restaurants near Assisi's Basilica and Orvieto's Duomo show low prices outside but add high cover charges (coperto) or charge truffle and fish dishes by weight
How to avoid: Check the printed menu and coperto before sitting, confirm the price of items sold by weight, and always ask for an itemised bill (conto)
Taxi overcharging
Some drivers at San Francesco d'Assisi airport or major stations quote inflated flat fares to Perugia, Assisi, or country agriturismi
How to avoid: Use official metered taxis from ranks, agree or confirm the fare in advance, and prefer the airport bus or train for longer trips
Friendship bracelet and petition scam
Strangers in busy squares or near major churches tie a bracelet on the wrist or push a clipboard petition, then aggressively demand money
How to avoid: Politely but firmly decline unsolicited items, keep hands in pockets, and walk on without engaging
Distraction pickpocketing at events
During Umbria Jazz, Eurochocolate, and the Corsa dei Ceri, dense crowds attract pickpockets who work in pairs, with one distracting while another takes wallets or phones
How to avoid: Wear bags across the body in front, keep valuables in inside pockets, and stay alert in tightly packed crowds
Unofficial parking and ticket touts
Touts near busy hill-town car parks or fioritura access points may demand payment for unofficial parking or sell invalid tickets
How to avoid: Use marked official car parks and pay at machines or apps, and buy event and attraction tickets only from official outlets
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No specific vaccinations required; ensure routine vaccines are up to date and standard EU travel health guidelines apply
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout Umbria and available at public fountains in every town square
- Food
- Very high food safety standards; licensed restaurants, trattorias, and markets are generally safe, including truffle, cured meat, and lentil dishes
- Facilities
- Good public hospitals serve the region, led by the Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia (Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia), with Pronto Soccorso (A&E) departments in Perugia, Foligno, Terni, and Città di Castello; pharmacies (farmacia) are widespread and display a green cross
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 113 (Polizia di Stato) or 112
- Medical
- 118 (ambulance) or 112
- Fire
- 115 (Vigili del Fuoco)
- Carabinieri
- 112 (Carabinieri)
- General Emergency
- 112 (works from all phones, even without a SIM)
- Mountain Rescue
- 118 (Soccorso Alpino for the Sibillini mountains and Castelluccio)
- Main Hospital
- Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia
- Embassy Us
- US Embassy Rome: +39 06 46741
- Embassy Uk
- UK Embassy Rome: +39 06 4220 0001