Spello, Italy: Travel Guide to Umbria’s Most Charming Town

Daydreaming of visiting the ancient town of Spello, Italy, in the heart of the underrated region of Umbria? I don’t blame you!

Perched up high, on the side of Mount Subasio, Spello features outsized charm, millennia of fascinating history, delicious traditional restaurants, and incredible views of the Umbrian Valley below.

All of this, without the chaos and crowds you’d find in similar hilltop towns in Tuscany!

During my last three-month trip to Italy, I wanted to get off the beaten track. So, I spent one week in Spello – soaking up the peaceful atmosphere, drinking amazing local wine, eating all of the truffles and wild game I could, and savoring la dolce vita… As you do in Umbria, right?

In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Spello, Italy.

From the best things to do in Spello and where to stay, to the best restaurants and must-know tips, let’s dive in!

Why Visit Spello, Umbria?

Thanks to its significant historical, cultural, and artistic heritage, Spello is officially classified as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy” (I Borghi più Belli d’Italia).

Spello may be off the beaten track, but it’s well worth visiting! Most Italy travelers skip Umbria altogether, so you can expect to explore Spello’s narrow, winding alleys, historic sites, flower gardens, and cobblestone streets in peace.

Well, unless you’re lucky enough to visit Spello during the spectacular Infiorate di Spello (Spello Flower Festival) in June. That’s just about the only time Spello is “busy”. (More on this festival below.)

I spent one week in Spello, taking day trips via rental car to different towns and wineries, so I can report that Spello is also the perfect home base for exploring the rest of the region.

Spello is ideally located in the green heart of Umbria – essentially equidistant from other must-visit places like Perugia (30 minutes), Assisi (20 minutes), Spoleto (25 minutes), Gubbio (45 minutes), and the vineyards of Montefalco (25 minutes).

How to Get to Spello

Whether you’re coming from popular destinations like Assisi, Rome, or Florence, getting to Spello is pretty easy. Take your pick between driving a rental car, taking the train, or catching a bus.

Note: If you’re flying in, the most convenient international airports are Perugia Sant’Egidio Airport (PEG) and Rome Fiumicino (FCO).

Via Rental Car

In my opinion, the best way to get to Spello – and around the rest of Umbria – is by driving a rental car! This will allow you to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and visit hard-to-reach vineyards and villages.

The historic center of Spello is mostly car-free, but you’ll find many free parking lots and spots just outside of the walls (yes, even in the high season!). If you rent a car, you shouldn’t have any issues with parking.

Many accommodations offer free parking too – especially if you stay at a farmhouse or Agriturismo like this, just a quick drive from the historic center.

HOT TIP: Here’s the website I always use to find great deals on rental cars in Italy and beyond! Click here to book your rental car. 

Via Train

Spello’s tiny train station is situated about a 10-minute walk from the southernmost gate to the city, Porta Consolare – which, by the way, dates back to the 1st century B.C.

There are direct train services to Spello from popular places like Assisi (10 minutes), Spoleto (25 minutes), Perugia (30 minutes), Rome (2 hours), and Florence (3 hours). 

The best way to search for train tickets, fares, and timetables is via Trenitalia. 

Via Bus

Buses also run through Spello frequently. If you’re coming from a smaller town in Tuscany (i.e. Cortona) or Umbria (i.e. Gubbio), then taking the bus may be your best bet (other than renting a car, of course). However, you might have to make a few transfers.

I always use this website to search for bus timetables and reserve tickets. 

Where to Stay in Spello

The best area of Spello to stay in is the Centro Storico, within the old city walls… That way, you can walk to Spello’s best restaurants, soak up the charming atmosphere, and enjoy sweeping views of the valley below.

However, another option is to stay at an agriturismo (farmhouse-style accommodation) in the lush countryside surrounding Spello.

When my fiancé and I visited Spello, we stayed in a cute two-bedroom rental home just outside of town and it was lovely.

Best Hotels in Spello

There aren’t many hotels in Spello, but there are plenty of cute B&Bs and apartment rentals!

Here are my top picks for the best places to stay in Spello!

• Il Sogno: This two-bedroom apartment rental in the heart of Spello’s old town is super cozy and beautifully decorated. It’s the perfect Umbrian home away from home. Click here to book it!
• Domus Flora Guest House: Staying at this cute, traditional guesthouse within Spello’s medieval walls will make you feel like a local. Click here to book it!
• Azienda Agrituristica Il Moraiolo: Nestled into the green foothills of Mount Subasio, this agriturismo features stunning views and a pool. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Spello’s Centro Historico. Click here to book it! 
• Fattoria ColSanto: Looking for the dreamiest farm stay in all of Umbria? Here it is! Fattoria ColSanto is 20 minutes west of Spello, surrounded by DOCG Montefalco vineyards and ancient olive groves. Click here to book it!

Still looking? I always use this website to find amazing deals on luxury hotels, quaint vacation rentals, and B&Bs across Europe – usually, they offer free cancellation! Click here to book your Spello accommodation!

Best Things to Do in Spello

Spello is a tiny town. So naturally, your to-do list will be short. Here are the best things to do in Spello! 

1. Attend the Flower Festival (Infiorate di Spello)

One thing about Spello: the locals love their flowers!

Every year, the Infiorate di Spello (Spello Flower Festival) turns the town into a beautiful flower-covered wonderland to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ).

On the eve of the festival, locals work through the night to carpet Spello’s main streets in the most spectacularly colorful and intricate flower-petal murals – depicting nature, religious symbols, and geometric and abstract shapes.

This tradition dates back to the early 1600s (at least), and it’s well worth traveling for! 

The next flower festival is scheduled for June 21-22, 2025.

Want to attend? Make sure to book your Spello accommodation well in advance! Click here to find the best deals on Spello B&Bs and vacation rentals. 

2. Stroll the Centro Storico

Even if you visit outside of the festival, you’ll notice flowers everywhere you look… As if Spello’s winding cobblestone streets weren’t already magical enough! 

Simply strolling through Spello – noticing all the little details and snapping a few photos – is the best thing to do here!

As you wander, you’ll see cute boutiques and wine bars, ancient Roman structures, medieval stone buildings, narrow and arched alleyways, lots of potted flowers, the 12th-century church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the old city walls, and three ancient city gates (Porta Consolare, Porta Urbica, and Porta Venere).

HOT TIP: If you want to dive deep into the history of Spello, then go on this Private Spello Walking Tour!

You’ll learn about the ancient Umbrii (Umbrians) who originally settled here; the Roman foundations of Spello (called Hispellum back then!); and Spello during the Middle Ages and the Umbrian Renaissance. You’ll also see some fantastic art, including frescoes by the great Pinturicchio in the Baglioni Chapel.

Click here to book your Private Spello Walking Tour!

3. Go Wine-Tasting at a Local Vineyard

While in Spello, I highly recommend booking a wine-tasting tour. In particular, I loved this “Winemaker for a Day” Organic Winery Tour at a vineyard and winery just 10 minutes from Spello.

I’ve been on dozens of wine tours across Italy – in Umbria, Tuscany, Veneto, and Puglia – but this “Winemaker for a Day” Organic Winery Tour was one of my absolute favorites!

First of all, the vineyard is 100% organic. For me, that’s a major plus!

But also, the sunny al fresco setting, romantic atmosphere, and panoramic vineyard views were perfect.

We tried five delicious Assisi DOC and Umbria IGT wines (whites, reds, and rosé), paired generously with bruschetta, organic extra virgin olive oil, local salami from Norcia, artisanal Umbrian cheeses, and typical homemade desserts… All while our knowledgeable host guided us through the tastings in a fun and approachable way!

Then, we explored the vines, winery, and cellar to learn all about organic wine-making, local grape varieties, and the Assisi DOC and Umbria IGT requirements.

I highly recommend this wine-tasting experience; I know you’ll love it as much as I did! The tour is also priced very reasonably!

Click here to book your “Winemaker for a Day” Tour.

4. Bike Along the Path of Olives (Via degli Ulivi)

Undoubtedly, biking along the Path of Olives (which connects Spello, Assisi, and the Umbrian Valley) is one of the best things to do in Spello!

On this E-Bike Tour of Spello (with Lunch & Wine-Tasting!), you’ll bike along the quaint Path of Olives, passing by historic villages (including hilltop Collepino), monasteries, vineyards, and, of course, olive trees.

The journey through the Umbrian countryside is super scenic – and easy too, thanks to the e-bikes! But the best part? The experience peaks with a delicious traditional lunch and wine tasting at a local winery!

Click here to book your E-Bike Tour of Spello (with Lunch & Wine-Tasting!).

Note: You can also rent a bike and go on your own, without a guide. The Path of Olives is a 15-mile (25-kilometer) loop trail.

5. Dine at Spello’s Best Restaurants

For such a tiny town, Spello is home to a surprising collection of amazing restaurants! Each of these restaurants, eateries, bars, and gelaterias is divine. If you can, visit them all! 

Best Restaurants in Spello

• Ristorante Porta Venere: I enjoyed a delicious Umbrian-style dinner and a bottle of local red wine over the most gorgeous sunset I’ve ever seen at Ristorante Porta Venere. I highly recommend this restaurant!
• Il Molino: In an equally cozy and stunning brick-vaulted-ceiling dining room, you’ll indulge in the most delicious food in Spello. My carbonara tortelloni with parmigiano sauce and crispy guanciale was out of this world!
• Ristorante La Cantina di Spello: Come here for traditional Umbrian meat dishes (wild boar, anyone?), handmade pasta, and local wine, served in a warm and homey dining room.
• Gusto Bistrot Spello: Find the most charming al fresco setting, friendly service, and smaller, sharable plates – from lasagne and eggplant parmesan to wild boar tagliatelle and panzanella – here.
• Pizzeria “Il Grottino”: This place offers amazing, budget-friendly pizza by the slice and friendly service… What more can you ask for?
• Porcellino Divino: In the mood for a quick, delicious sandwich? Head to Porcellino Divino for a panino or focaccia filled to the brim with signature combinations like porchetta, scamorza cheese, roasted bell peppers, and caramelized onions… Yes, please!
• Tili Vini: As mentioned above, you have to stop by Tili for a tasting of five different organic wines – along with local cheeses, cold cuts, bruschetta, local honey, olive oil, and more! The views are as divine as the wine. Click here to reserve your wine tasting at Tili! 
• Vinosofia: Created by an Umbrian-Californian sommelier couple, Vinosofia features a stylish setting and a vast, carefully curated collection of local, organic, and natural wines. If you love wine, come here. And order a selection of artisanal cheeses too!
• Gelateria La Paola: I tried all of the gelaterias in Spello… This is the best one! 
• Bar Giardino Bonci: Aperitivo time on a sunny day? Visit Bar Giardino Bonci for a glass of wine or a negroni over the most stunning views of the Umbrian Valley below. (I’d skip the food, though.)

6. Visit the Villa dei Mosaici di Spello

Spello’s Villa dei Mosaici (Villa of Mosaics) was a literal hidden gem, uncovered by accident in 2005.

This ancient, 20-room imperial Roman villa dates back to the Augustan era (27 B.C. to 14 A.D.). It housed the most magnificent mosaics, vibrant frescoes, and decorative plasterwork imaginable. And today, you can see it for yourself!

The Villa dei Mosaici is open Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 3 to 7 PM. On Saturdays and Sundays, it’s open from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Entry costs €8 (but kids up to age 6 enter free).

7. Stop by the Santa Maria Maggiore

The 11th-century Santa Maria Maggiore is Spello’s main church, home to seven altars and the Spello Pinacoteca Civica (Municipal Gallery). It’s lovely, but, mostly, pretty similar to other churches throughout the country.

The best part is the Cappella Baglioni (Baglioni Chapel), adorned with amazing frescoes by Benetto di Biagio – better known as the Umbrian Renaissance painter, Pinturicchio, who helped paint the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel!

It’s definitely worth checking out.

Entry to the church costs €3. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 3 to 5:30 PM.

8. Day Trip to Assisi

If you’re staying in Spello, then you have to take a day trip to Assisi!

Just 20 minutes away, this very important religious center, historical town, and UNESCO World Heritage Centre is as fascinating as it is beautiful!

I embarked on this Small Group Tour of Assisi and St. Francis Basilica and can’t recommend it enough!

With our expert historical guide, we visited the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (with skip-the-line access!), wandered lesser-known parts of town, saw some incredible art, passed by ancient Roman ruins, and uncovered so many hidden gems!

Click here to book your Small Group Tour of Assisi.

Spello, Umbria, Italy: Travel FAQs

Ultimate Travel Guide to Spello, Italy

That’s all there is to it, friends! With this travel guide to Spello, Italy at your fingertips, you’re sure to taste Spello’s best food and wine, dive deep into the town’s ancient past, and soak up la dolce far niente, Umbrian-style.

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