In Umbria, dream lakes and water sports
In Umbria, the lakes and water bodies are a delight for visitors in search of freshness and relaxation after a hike, a mountain bike session or a horseback ride. The best known and most popular is Lake Trasimeno. On its waters or on its beaches, there are many good moments to spend. Here you can swim, fish, canoe, paddle, pedal boat, and even sail, water ski or wakeboard.
In the southeast of Umbria, you can also enjoy the lake of Piediluco and its nearby waterfalls (Cascata delle Marmore). There are also many water sports activities here, but above all it is one of the most famous rowing centers in Europe. In fact, the lake offers an ideal spot (no wind) for training and hosts many international competitions.
Between Umbria and Marche, to the assault of the Apennines!
In the Apennine Mountains, lovers of wide open spaces will fall under the spell of the Sibillini Mountains, a territory steeped in mystery and legend. The town of Norcia in Umbria can be an ideal base for accessing the Parco nazionale dei monti Sibillini, although most (80%) of this natural site covers the land of the neighboring region, the Marche. This national park is truly the best spot in the region for hiking in the heart of a wilderness with exceptional flora and fauna. Under the ballet of golden eagles, chamois, deer and wolves move among nearly 1,800 varieties of plants and trees, including the Alpine anemone and the Apennine edelweiss. One of the ways to discover it is to take the Grande Annello dei Sibillini, a spectacular 9-stage hiking trail that starts in Norcia and goes around the park. Along the paths of the national park, you should not miss the natural lake of Pilate, delightfully languishing in a cirque of glacial origin at an altitude of 1,940 meters. You should also enjoy the Castelluccio plateau (1,452 meters above sea level), a fantastic landscape forming the largest closed basin in the country. At the arrival of the good weather, from the end of May to the middle of July, the plateau is in bloom and you can witness a real explosion of colors.
Rafting and hydrospeed.
It is in this national park that the Nera river has its source. It then flows through the valleys of the Apennines. Some agencies offer rafting and hydrospeed sessions to enjoy it, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rafter.Fishing.
For fishing enthusiasts, the many rivers that crisscross the Valnerina should be a great playground. Two rivers are particularly popular: the Fiume Nera between San Lazzaro and Vallo di Nera, and the Fiume Corno between Serravalle and Triponzo.Hang gliding. In the Apennines, you can also take off on a hang glider to enjoy spectacular landscapes seen from the sky. An unforgettable moment!
Delicious Adriatic Sea
In the Marche region, you should definitely head for the Conero Natural Park, near Ancona. Beyond the pine forests, this park offers a beautiful opening to the idyllic Adriatic Sea and a coastline with breathtaking landscapes. This protected area offers unique landscapes, beaches, vegetation and sea beds.
In summer, the sandy beaches of Portonovo attract many people, and for those who want a little peace and quiet, they can reach the beautiful beach of Due Sorelle, accessible only by boat from Numana. After a few swims, the more athletic can also go along the hiking trails or climb the white cliffs of the natural park.
