Peace and tranquility on Lake Trasimeno’s Isola Maggiore

The central Italian region of Umbria is a wonderful place to explore, with its medieval hilltowns, picturesque stone homes shaded by cypresses, stunning art, and excellent food and wine. Umbria also boasts Italy’s fourth-largest lake (shared with Tuscany) – Lake Trasimeno (Lago Trasimeno).

On your visit, it’s worth visiting Isola Maggiore, one of the three natural islands in Lake Trasimeno. Boats connect the island with mainland from Tuoro sul Trasimeno, Passignano sul Trasimeno and Castiglione del Lago.

The Island has only eighteen year-round residents, but the summer population increases those numbers, as visitors seek out the tranquility a visit to the island can offer.

Via Guglielmi is the main thoroughfare, close to the harbor. The stone homes have mostly been restored and there’s an excellent example of medieval architecture, a large 14^th century palazzo.

The town has restaurants and cafes with tables set out on the lakeside lawns. They’re  a great place to sit and relax, while enjoying the light lake breeze.

There are beautiful hill paths leading up to the panoramic high points of the island. The trails lead through cypress, olive, poplar, and oak trees, with lots of wildflowers adding color to the pretty landscape. There are beautiful views over the lake, and medieval churches to visit.

The 14^th century Franciscan monastery and adjoining church was purchased by the Marquis Giacinto Guglielmi in 1878 and transformed into a private castle. The Guglielmi Castle was maintained as a residence up until the 1970s. Since then, unfortunately, it has fallen into disrepair, although there are plans to reconstruct it. It maintains a panoramic position on the island.

Enjoy the wonderful tranquility of car-free Isola Maggiore on your next visit to Umbria.