Discover Umbria: Italys Hidden Gem Named Europes Most Underrated Luxury Destination

Introduction: Italy, known for its unparalleled charm and la dolce vita lifestyle, has long been a popular travel destination. However, there are still many hidden gems in the country that remain off the beaten path. One such region is Umbria, nestled between Tuscany and Lazio in central Italy and often referred to as Italy’s “green heart.” Umbria has managed to retain its rustic charm while still offering a luxurious summer holiday experience.

Umbria's Hidden Gems: Umbria is known for its vibrant, hidden gem towns such as Assisi, Spello, and Montefalco. These towns are often built into ridgelines, with their stone walls weathered by centuries and their piazzas still the center of daily life. They often boast centuries-old Roman architecture and toothsome local cuisine.

CV Villas, a London-based travel agency, recently named Umbria as Europe’s most underrated, luxurious summer holiday destination. The agency’s ranking was determined by analyzing travel reviews for top attractions in 50 lesser-visited European destinations, and Umbria ranked in the top spot with an “underrated luxury score” of 94.67 out of a possible 100 points.

“Umbria has been dubbed ‘The New Tuscany’ in recent years but still manages to elude the spotlight, retaining its rustic charm, perfect for those seeking their own slice of la dolce vita without the crowds,” CV Villas said in a press release obtained by Travel + Leisure.

The Rest of the Rankings: Following Umbria in the ranking was the surf town of Biarritz, France at No. 2. Biarritz sits along southwestern France’s Basque coast and has long sandy beaches with surf schools and an iconic rocky outcrop, the Rocher de la Vierge. The rest of the rankings were also dominated by France, with Italy and Spain following with four entries each. Here's the full list:

1. Umbria, Italy
2. Biarritz, France
3. Paphos, Cyprus
4. Brittany, France