The Ultimate Lake Trasimeno Holiday Itinerary: Explore Tuoro, Borghetto, and Castiglione del Lago
Where is Lake Trasimeno?
Nestled in the stunning region of Umbria within the province of Perugia, Lake Trasimeno is framed by a bowl-shaped landscape of rolling hills. This setting serves as a sanctuary to rich fauna—foxes, porcupines, wild boars, herons, mallards, and pheasants coexist with a variety of fish like pike, carp, tench, bleak, and perch.
The Islands of Lake Trasimeno
Rising from the lake’s deep blue waters are three islands that serve as stepping stones to explore this scenic Umbrian corner. Of the three, Isola Polvese in the southeast is the largest. Declared an Educational Scientific Park in 1995, the island’s southern portion is lush with reed beds that shelter amphibians and birds, while oak forests dominate the north. With only sporadic habitation, the island is easily accessible from San Feliciano, one of the lakeside towns. Highlights on the island include the ruins of the Romanesque San Secondo Monastery, the water garden Porcinai, and a 14th-century fortress that once served as the islanders’ bulwark.
Covering an area of 24 hectares, Isola Maggiore is the only permanently inhabited island. An intricate network of trails opens up vistas of olive groves, cypresses, poplars, and other Mediterranean flora. You can reach the island via ferries from Castiglione del Lago, Tuoro sul Trasimeno, and Passignano sul Trasimeno. Notable landmarks include the 14th-century Guglielmi Castle, a neo-Gothic structure built upon Franciscan ruins; the San Salvatore Church with the Barbarossa emblem; and the red-bricked Guglielmi Street.
Isola Minore, the smallest of the trio, is a dense green sanctuary frequented by cormorant colonies. With an area of just 0.05 km² and an elevation slightly over 250 meters above sea level, the island is currently uninhabited and inaccessible by public transport.
Journeying Around Lake Trasimeno
The mainland itinerary can kick-off from San Feliciano, a charming district of Magione located on the lake’s eastern shore. From its cozy harbor, boats set sail to Isola Polvese. Here, you can also check out the Fishing Museum and a neo-Gothic parish church, which offers panoramic views of the lake and its largest island.
Continuing your journey through the Magione region, you can stop by Monte del Lago, a hilltop hamlet fortified in the 14th century, now a popular summer hotspot. Be sure to check out the Church of Sant’Andrea, adorned with priceless frescoes, and Villa Palombaro Schnabl, where even the composer Giacomo Puccini once stayed.
Further points of interest include the ancient abbey in Sant’Arcangelo and Torricella, visited by King Frederick of Bourbon in the early 1800s. There’s also San Savino, overlooking the lake’s eastern banks, where you can take part in the traditional “Sagra del Gambero” (Shrimp Festival) every second week of August.
For motorsports enthusiasts, a detour to Magione offers a visit to the Knights of Malta Castle, the Lombardi Tower, and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, constructed by the Maltese order in 1571, destroyed in WWII, and rebuilt post-war. Nearby, the Umbria Racetrack awaits adrenaline junkies.
Your tour could continue towards Montecolognola, a tiny village perched on a hill overlooking the lake, replete with medieval atmosphere, limestone castles, and the sanctuary of Madonna delle Fontanelle.
To the north, Passignano sul Trasimeno beckons. Here you can explore the medieval fortress, the Renaissance-style Church of San Rocco, and the 16th-century Madonna dell’Oliveto sanctuary. Also worth a visit is Villa del Pischiello, the summer home of the Bourbon di Sorbello family, famous for its embroidery school established in 1904 by the American Romeyne Robert. You’ll also find the Boat Museum and the unique Palio delle Barche event held in the last week of July.
History buffs should make a point to visit Tuoro sul Trasimeno, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Second Punic War in 217 B.C., where Carthaginian forces under Hannibal defeated the Romans led by Gaius Flaminius.
More Wonders Around Tuoro sul Trasimeno
Also located on the north shore of the lake where the beach lies, this town is equipped with a ferry pier that offers direct services to and from Maggiore and Polvese Islands. In addition to the beautiful beach, you can admire Campo del Sole, an open-air museum hosting about thirty sculptures made from serene stone by various artists. Of particular interest is the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, built at the end of the 14th century and then rebuilt in the mid-1800s. Don’t miss the futurist-style painting by Gerardo Dottori. If you visit this place in June, remember that the Corpus Domini is celebrated here with the traditional flower festival, while in August, the local districts compete in the “Ferragosto Torreggiano” with sports events and culinary festivals.
Hidden Corners in the North-West Bay
In the north-western bay of Lake Trasimeno, also in the territory of Tuoro, lies the hamlet of Borghetto, where you can visit the ruins of the Benedictine monastery of Badiaccia, the medieval tower on the shore of the lake, and the 14th-century church of San Martino. Every year at the end of June, the “Fish Festival” takes place here, featuring local fish specialties.
A Tilted Marvel: The Leaning Tower of Vernazzano
On SS 75bis of Trasimeno, 3 km outside Tuoro, lies Vernazzano, known primarily for the leaning Torre Torta, which is anchored to the ground by a sturdy metal structure to prevent its fall due to a slant greater than even the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The Dual Facets of Vernazzano
Divided into Vernazzano Basso and Alto (the latter perched on the hills overlooking Lake Trasimeno from the north), the location is popular among tourists due to its proximity to the lake. Outside the castle walls, you’ll find the church of Santa Maria delle Trosce, which features two valuable frescoes from the 1500s.
The Star of the Show: Castiglione del Lago
Perched on a limestone spur that was once believed to be Trasimeno’s fourth island, Castiglione del Lago is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. The city owes its name to the formidable fortress built in the 13th century and known as the Castle of the Lion, due to its five-sided shape resembling the constellation of the Lion in the sky.
A Journey Through History
Among the numerous monuments and places of interest are the Palazzo della Corgna, the main residence of the family that ruled from 1563 to 1647 over the Marquisate of Castiglione del Lago. The palace, accessed through two flights of stairs, is adorned with breathtaking frescoes. Between the basement and the noble floor, you’ll find secret rooms where private meetings were organized.
Unmissable Events and Festivals
Numerous events and festivals take place here as well: from the Strasimeno Marathon that starts and ends in the historic center, to the Spring Aviation Gathering, to the Tulip Festival and the Coloriamo i cieli event.
Concluding the Tour
The tour can be concluded in the Panicarola district of Castiglione del Lago, where you can visit the sanctuary of Madonna della Carraia built in 1659 and consecrated two years later. For decades, it has been the center of the popular end-of-August festival, which still retains some religious functions today.
A Taste of Local Flavors
Before returning from your journey exploring this corner of the Umbrian territory, don’t forget to savor its traditional cuisine: olive oil from the hills of Trasimeno, DOC wines from Colli del Trasimeno and Pieve del Vescovo, cheeses, and honey.
Picture-Perfect Spots
For those looking to capture the essence of Lake Trasimeno through their camera lens, Passignano sul Trasimeno offers awe-inspiring panoramic views, especially from its medieval fortress. Monte del Lago, with its elevated vantage point, is another photographer’s paradise. If you’re keen on nature photography, the reed beds and forests of Isola Polvese provide diverse flora and fauna to shoot.
