Lake Trasimeno is the fourth-largest lake in Italy, and one of the most beautiful. It’s the perfect place to retire to, as it offers all the beauty of nature on the lake, as well as in the surrounding hills. The villages are rich in tradition, art and good food. The whole area exudes a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing.
Where is Lake Trasimeno?
Lake Trasimeno is located in the region of Umbria, just west of the regional capital, Perugia. From aerial views it is like a smooth emerald in the centre of the green heart of Italy. The lake’s northwest shore almost touches the border, with the ever-popular region of Tuscany.
In fact, you can drive to Siena in about an hour, and the popular Tuscan villages of Montepulciano and Cortona in less than 35 minutes. For more information about buying property in the Siena province see our Guide to buying property in Siena.
Where can we do our shopping?
You will be able to buy fresh fruit, vegetables and other produce at weekly markets, such as the one on Wednesday mornings in Castiglione del Lago. Although, for day-to-day shopping there are also grocers, supermarkets, clothes shops, hardware stores and even a Leroy Merlin store for all those DIY projects around your new home.
Some of the typical food products of the area include Saffron from Citta della Pieve, extra virgin olive oil, broccoli tops, Trasimeno beans and the local DOC wine from the Trasimeno hills.
From Lake Trasimeno, you can also drive to the suburbs of Perugia City in just 15 minutes. Here you will find large supermarkets and stores. In addition, there are cinemas, sports clubs and a football stadium. You could even catch a train or tram to explore further afield.
In December, you’ll be able to buy all your festive gifts and treats at one the Christmas markets in the villages of Castiglione del Lago, Città della Pieve, Passignano sul Trasimeno and the hamlet of Cibottola. The atmosphere is magical, with lights in the shape of a large Christmas tree on the lake, music echoing through the streets and people ice skating.
Is there healthcare nearby?
It’s always reassuring to know that there is a good hospital close by, particularly in your retirement years. Perugia Hospital is just 23 minutes’ drive from the lake and has 983 beds. It is a large and highly rated facility, which performs surgeries and houses many specialist departments. The Perugia hospital website is available in English and has sections specifically for foreigners, with information on how they can access healthcare.
For collecting prescriptions and dealing with minor ailments there are pharmacies in the main towns around the lake, plus doctors and medical centres. Castiglione del Lago, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Magione having the best medical facilities near the lake.
Beautiful view of Lake Trasimeno
How do I get to the lake?
Being near Umbria’s capital city, which has good roads links, Lake Trasimeno benefits from its central location. The main Perugia train station and the international airport are also less than 30 minutes from the lake.
Flights
Heading west from Umbria airport you will reach Lake Trasimeno in about 25 minutes by car. With regular flights throughout the year, and a journey time of less than two and a half hours from London, you will easily be able to visit for viewing trips and holidays. Then, when you are ready to make the big move to Italy, family and friends will be able to come and visit.
Trains
When travelling to or from other Italian cities, trains are a great way to travel. The Milan-Florence-Rome service, calls at Castiglione del Lago and Terontola. An example journey from Castiglione to Florence takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, and costs from €13.50. Another option is the Ancona-Foligno-Florence railway, which stops at Magione, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Tuoro sul Trasimeno.
Buses
There are local bus services, and some even take bicycles on the back. With an “Umbria Go” ticket you can access all public transport in the Umbria region with just the one ticket.
About Lake Trasimeno
You can spend hours sitting by the lake with a camera and binoculars. Having a maximum depth of only six metres, Lake Trasimeno is a natural paradise for wildlife, such as ducks, cormorants, kites and kingfishers. The La Valle nature reserve is a wonderful area for birdwatching. You can also marvel at some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets reflected on the lake.
There are three islands, which you can visit by ferry from the main towns. You can access timetables through Busitalia. The largest island is Polvese, which is part of the Trasimeno regional park. The second is Maggiore Island, which is the only island that is inhabited. Many of the residents live in the picturesque fishing village where the ferry stops. In addition to the beautiful natural surroundings and lovely beaches, you can visit churches and the Guglielmi Castle.
Framed partly by the Umbrian hills and looking towards the flatter Val di Chiana, the area surrounding the lake includes woods, olive groves and sunflower fields. There are some beautiful villages, as well as castles and fortresses to explore.
How can I spend my time?
Several of the properties for sale are back from the shoreline and have beautiful gardens. Therefore, you will be able to potter in the garden, go for walks and chill on the patio, taking in the panoramic views.
There are many relaxing activities to enjoy that are in harmony with the lake. These include boating, fishing, swimming, walking, horse riding, cycling and wine tasting tours. There is a lovely cycle path, called Grande Anello del Trasimeno, that covers a 26-kilometre circuit around the lake. Alternatively, you can take a relaxing ferry ride to the island of Maggiore.
For the more energetic, there is also windsurfing, kitesurfing, wake boarding, waterskiing, and paddle boarding. You can also rent sailing boats and motorboats to see the islands and shoreline from a different viewpoint.
The nearest golf courses are Golf Club Perugia and the prestigious Golf Club Lamborghini. There are an additional three courses within 30 minutes’ drive of the lake.
While visiting local villages, you will find some interesting museums showcasing chocolate, lace, glass, fossils, fishing and the Battle of Trasimeno. There is even a lovely little theatre in Panicale.
History buffs will want to visit the mighty medieval fortress “Rocca del Leone” in Castiglione del Lago and the ruins of “The Passignano Fortress”.
Boating on Lake Trasimeno at sunset
Where should we retire to?
You could choose the convenience of a village home, where you can stroll to the café each morning and pop out for a loaf of bread. Alternatively, there are some gorgeous Umbrian farmhouses in the surrounding countryside, with space, privacy and stunning panoramic views. Here are some of the most popular areas:
Passignano sul Trasimeno
On the northern shore of Lake Trasimeno and conveniently located near a fast road to Perugia, Passignano sul Trasimeno lies between green hills and blue waters. Standing on a small promontory, this ancient fishing village combines, nature, folklore, architecture and artistic heritage. The medieval fortress offers spectacular views, and the village hosts a Palio in July. On our property portal, you will find a selection of properties for sale in Passignano sul Trasimeno, Umbria.
Tuoro Trasimeno
Tuoro sul Trasimeno is a medieval village on the slopes of Mount Castelluccio, overlooking the northern shores. It has a medieval historic centre with a pleasant piazza and fountain. At the shoreline there is a nice sandy beach.
Tuoro is rich in tradition and ancient stories, which can be discovered in the Hannibal Museum. Architectural highlights in the area include the Borghetto tower, the castle of Montegualandro and a unique sculpture park consisting of 27 columns carved from the local grey sandstone called “pietra serena” and positioned in a spiral. On our property portal, you will find a selection of properties for sale in Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Umbria.
The medieval village of Tuoro sul Trasimeno
Image: Cris Foto via Shutterstock
Castiglione del Lago
Castiglione del Lago stands on a promontory located on the western shore of Lake Trasimeno. The historic centre of the town is surrounded by medieval walls with three gates: Perugina, Senese and Fiorentina. Outside the walls, on the lakeside there are bars, restaurants and public beaches.
When approaching by boat, the Medieval Fortress, also called Rocca del Leone, dominates the shore. Built in 1247, it is a great example of Umbrian architecture from the Middle Ages. The space inside the fortress is now used for summer shows and open-air film showings. Another Castiglione highlight is the Palazzo della Corgna, which has amazing frescos. As well as delicious food festivals, the village hosts a tulip festival, the international Kite meet, a folklore festival and a blues festival. You can see a selection of property for sale in Castiglione del Lago, Umbria on our property portal.
Property market at Lake Trasimeno
Property for sale around Lake Trasimeno is in high demand because of the stunning Umbrian landscape and the good holiday rental returns. Asking prices vary depending on location. They can be high in the historic centres, and a property with a lake view comes at a premium.
A palazzo in the historic centre of Castiglione del Lago or Magione can be quite pricey, as are the large prestigious villas with lake views. However, you can find some bargains in the suburbs and the countryside. For example, Panicale and Paciano properties usually give you more house for your money.
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