Umbria Photo Spots
Known for its picturesque landscapes, charming medieval towns, and rich history, Umbria offers an abundance of breathtaking backdrops for unforgettable photos. Nestled in the central part of the country, it’s often referred to as the “Green Heart of Italy.” No matter what time of the year you visit, rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves create an abundance of beautiful backdrops, and perfect places to take photos in Umbria.
It’s a region of Italy that has captivated artists, writers, and photographers for centuries, and it should be on everyone’s travel radar. As photographers, we understand the importance of finding the perfect location for a photo shoot, and we’re here to tell you that Umbria is filled to the brim with Instagrammable locations.
Here at Flytographer, we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. Today, we asked our local photographers to show us all the very best places to take photos in Umbria.
TLDR
- Assisi: The perfect place to capture breathtaking views, incredible architecture, and stunning sunsets.
- Città della Pieve: A picture-perfect location no matter the season, with narrow streets adorned with colourful flowers and charming doorways.
- Panicale: A stunning hilltop town that will take you back in time to a fairy-tale land.
- Spoleto: The incredible 13th-century aqueduct offers a unique perspective, where nature and man-made marvels leave you mesmerized.
- Todi: Arguably one of the best views in Umbria.
Photo: Emma in Umbria for Flytographer. City photo of Todi.
1. Assisi
Located atop a hill in the heart of the Umbria region, Assisi is a town brimming with history and spirituality. Known as the birthplace of St. Francis, Assisi attracts millions of visitors each year. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it makes an alluring destination for both pilgrims and photography enthusiasts. The town’s medieval streets, adorned with charming stone buildings and flower-covered balconies, provide the ideal setting for a romantic and artistic photoshoot.
The town features two medieval castles as well as the captivating Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, which make great backdrops for portrait and architectural photography. If you come early in the morning, you’ll see Assisi slowly come alive as the soft morning light bathes the narrow alleys. Do not miss the chance to visit the Basilica di Santa Chiara with its iconic rose window; it’s another must-visit spot for capturing the interplay of light and shadow. 🌹
Looking for another truly magical photo opportunity? Hike up to the Rocca Maggiore Fortress, where you’ll be treated to mesmerizing views of Assisi and the surrounding countryside. Check out this spot during sunset and golden hour, as the golden glow casts a warm embrace on the town and leaves a picture-perfect moment etched in your memory and camera roll for years to come.
TOP TIP!
Book yourself onto a truffle hunting experience and capture the moment as you learn a brand-new skill.
Photo: Emma in Umbria for Flytographer. City photo of Assisi.
2. Città della Pieve
Nestled between the valleys of Chiana and Nestore, where Umbria skirts the border of Tuscany, Città della Pieve is a delightful medieval town that exudes a warm and inviting atmosphere. This medieval town changes with the seasons, offering different opportunities for photography throughout the year.
The narrow streets, adorned with colourful flowers and charming doorways, create a quaint ambience that is simply perfect for Instagram photos. If you want an extra special setting for capturing breathtaking landscapes and architectural wonders, take a trip to the town’s Palazzo della Corgna.
During the spring, you’ll find Città della Pieve alive with vibrant blooms, and the golden hues of autumn create a very warm and inviting atmosphere. Be sure to capture the light and shadows as they dance along the town’s ancient walls during golden hour. For that little touch of romance, the picturesque Lake Trasimeno, with its surrounding olive groves and sunflower fields, offers an idyllic backdrop for those dreamy couple shots. 🫒🌻
As you explore the town and its surrounding countryside, you’ll find an abundance of opportunities to capture the essence of Italian rural life in all its rustic beauty. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, head down to the town of Castiglione del Lago, right on the shores of Lake Trasimeno, and snap some pics right by the water’s edge. 📸
Photo: Emma in Umbria for Flytographer. City photos from Città della Pieve.
3. Panicale
If you’re looking for a place to take panoramic shots, Panicale is the place to go. Considered one of Umbria’s hidden gems, Panicale is a historic and picturesque hilltop town overlooking Lake Trasimeno. This spot is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and those looking to capture their incredible Umbrian holiday.
The town is just a few kilometres from Perugia, and its intact city walls, quaint piazzas, and medieval charm will transport you back in time. As you walk throughout the town, you’ll notice the important presence of olive groves, which provide acid-free olive oil, one of the pillars of the local cuisine.
Aside from the olive groves, your wander through Panicale feels like stepping into a fairy tale, with cobblestone streets adorned with climbing ivy and blooming flowers. The central Piazza Umberto I, with its historic clock tower, provides a wonderful focal point for capturing the essence of this timeless medieval town. As an added bonus, climb the Torre di Pulcinella for panoramic town views stretching as far as the eye can see.
Photo: Emma in Umbria for Flytographer. Hayley and family capture memories in Umbria with a family photoshoot in Panicale.
4. Spoleto
Surrounded by olive groves and nestled within the Apennine Mountains, Spoleto is an Umbrian town that boasts natural beauty, historical significance, and plenty of opportunities for photoshoots. Discover a rebuilt Roman theatre, a fortress, a “bloody bridge” named after the persecution of nearby Christians, and the incredible Ponte delle Torri, a 13th-century aqueduct that spans a deep gorge and offers sprawling views of the valleys beyond.
On your stroll through Spoleto’s charming streets, you’ll uncover hidden corners and ancient architecture that beg to be captured through the lens of your camera. The impressive Spoleto Cathedral is also an intriguing subject for creative compositions. A leisurely stroll across the aqueduct will give your photos a little added creativity and offer a unique perspective on this fascinating place.
Take it from us: The best time to visit Spoleto is during sunset, but make sure you arrive at least two hours early to avoid the shadows that fall across the aqueduct. With the surrounding greenery and the view of the town in the distance, you’ll be absolutely mesmerized as the scene showcases the harmony between nature and man-made marvels.
Photo: Emma in Umbria for Flytographer. Nick and family capture memories in Umbria with a family photoshoot near Spoleto.
5. Todi
The last spot on our list of places to take photos in Umbria is the town of Todi. Perched on a hill overlooking the gorgeous Tiber River, Todi’s well-preserved medieval architecture and historic piazzas create an atmosphere of timeless elegance. For some classic portrait shots and street photography, look no further than the Piazza del Popolo and the beautiful Palazzo del Capitano, Italy’s oldest public building.
As you walk the quiet streets, you’ll realize that Todi gives off the impression of a cartoonish cut-out in a child’s pop-up book. But that’s not all; Todi is strangely untouched by tourism, making it the perfect place to escape to if you want a peaceful vacation. The quietness of the town presents a slice of real Umbrian life that, if you’re lucky to capture it, will hold a place in your heart forever.
To capture the beauty of Todi, head to the Belvedere della Mole, a panoramic viewpoint that showcases the surrounding countryside and the town’s captivating skyline. And depending on who you ask, it’s arguably one of the best views in Italy. Capture a selfie with a patchwork of vineyards and olive groves as your backdrop, get down on one knee for an engagement shoot at the top of the world, or simply look out into the distance and marvel at the peace and tranquillity.
To capture the beauty of Todi from a different angle, head to the Belvedere della Mole, a panoramic viewpoint that showcases the surrounding countryside and the town’s captivating skyline. From here, you can witness the patchwork of vineyards and olive groves that adorn the rolling hills of Umbria, providing an unmissable opportunity to capture the essence of the region’s rural charm. ✨
Photo: Emma in Umbria for Flytographer. Mila and partner capture memories in Umbria with a couples photoshoot in Todi.
Capturing memories in Umbria
With its rich history, natural beauty, and charming towns, Umbria is a photographer’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking picturesque landscapes, enchanting medieval towns, or incredible architecture, Umbria promises to provide you with unforgettable moments and breathtaking images.
Some of our other favourite places to take photos include the towns of Spello and Perugia, the fascinating 16th-century Consolazione Temple, and the Piazza IV Novembre. Don’t forget to look out for cascading waterfalls and make note of all the olive groves.
As you immerse yourself in the beauty of Umbria, you’ll find that every turn offers a new opportunity to create art through the lens of your camera. So be sure to pack your camera gear or book one of our Flytographers for your dream Umbrian vacation.
Looking for more inspiration for your photo shoot? Take a look at our blogs on the best places to take photos in Tuscany and Florence.
“Emma was incredible! She was able to help us relax in front of the camera and had lots of ideas about different spaces to interact with and things to do! She used her creativity to come up with lots of different ideas, and she was receptive to our request for more in-motion walking about the city shots and fewer prom-like staged poses. The photos she took are absolutely beautiful and a cherished memory from Todi. Emma is also a delight to work with, she’s friendly, funny, positive and knowledgeable about Umbria :)”
Mila
“Emma was superb. She was professional, understood the weather volatility as we discussed the outdoor vineyard photos I wanted to capture of our family, and simply did a great job. Thank you for capturing this important family wine tasting experience for us. Sincerely, Nick”
Nick
