Self-catering holiday homes: Perugia

Make a holiday rental apartment or villa in Perugia, Italy your home away from home

Perugia is a city which has remained off the beaten track for travelers to Umbria and northern Italy, which to me is a huge surprise. This is a city where you can take a holiday rental then get lost for days exploring the intricate street networks, and with every step, the breath taking views over Tuscany change and develop. As an ancient hill top town, Perugia is encircled by Etruscan, Roman and Medieval walls, meaning that the city is encased, and everything is within walking distance, although be warned, it is by no means flat!

Thing to do on holiday in Perugia, Italy

Perugia is a very elegant, vibrant and youthful city, as there are two universities within the city walls. There are a huge number of delicious dishes to be discovered in the restaurants and cafes which you find, and very little influence from the throngs of mass tourism.

The festival season in Perugia is lively and exciting, and makes renting a villa in Perugia during July, September and October even more special. The Umbria Jazz Festival in July takes over the whole city with concerts and performances filling the walls with music for two full weeks. The Classic Perugia festival and Eurochocolate festival, both in September, are also great times to be in Perugia.

You could be mistaken for thinking that Perugia was designed for walkers and hikers, as there is certainly no shortage of magnificent trails originating in the city. The half day trek to the Monumental Cemetery is particularly spectacular, but there are shorter walks to be enjoyed too, including a visit to the church of San Pedro or the aqueduct of Via dell’Aquadotto.

Those with any interest in Italian history or art will feel at home in a holiday rental in Perugia, as there are many exquisite examples of Etruscan, Roman, Medieval and Renaissance architecture and masterpieces, from the National Archaeological Museum of Umbria to the Church of San Domenica, and from the impressive Roman gate at Porta Marzia to the medieval Sala dei Notari.

Do not be fooled by the medieval looking shops in the centre of town though; despite being built into narrow, winding medieval streets, there are some very fashionable shops and boutiques to be found here.

Places to holiday in Perugia, Italy

Assisi is just a few miles down the road from Perugia, and is most famous as the birthplace of St Francis in 1181. It is a remarkably peaceful city, and the famous frescos by Giotto are still visible. Taking a day trip to Assisi from your Perugia villa is a great way to take a trip back in time.

Weather in Perugia, Italy

Umbria has a Mediterranean climate, although the mountainous relief of the province means that the weather is not always predictable. Temperatures in July are a beautifully warm 24˚C, whilst winter temperatures drop to a low of around 5˚C.

Flights to Perugia, Italy

San Egidio Airport (PEG) in the city of Perugia means that getting to your Perugia accommodation could not be quicker. Flights from the UK arrive in Perugia on a regular basis, with good deals on cheap flights being provided by EasyJet and RyanAir.

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