While the lush landscapes of rolling green hills and pretty villages equal to those famous examples in Tuscany, the rich foodie culture and incredible wines, the fascinating cultural heritage, and the fact that the region remains largely untouched by mass tourism are all excellent reasons to book a vacation rental in Umbria, there is one sight that makes a summer break here particularly unforgettable. Each year, between May and July, a great blooming of wildflowers spreads across vast meadows in the countryside of Umbria. This colourful natural spectacle is an extraordinary thing to behold and a true natural wonder that we think is well worth adding to your bucket list. Book your villa in Umbria for the early part of summer 2026 now and take it all in with your own eyes...
To see this incredible phenomenon, you will need to head to the Umbro-Marchigiano Apennines, to the heart of Valnerina, in the Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini (Sibillini Mountains National Park), and to the Plains of Castelluccio by the town of Castelluccio di Norcia. This karstic and alluvial plateau spreads out over 15 square kilometres and is made up of three plains. Of these three, it is in the Pian Grande in the province of Perugia where the most impressive example of the fioritura, or flowering, takes place each year.
During this time, the lush green hills of this beautiful and pastoral part of the region are transformed into an extraordinary rainbow. Lentils (for which the area is known) put on their multi-colour display alongside the poppies, violets, narcissus, daisies, clovers, orchids, cornflowers, and other wildflowers that are able to grow among the lentil crop due to a lack of pesticides.
Dependent on weather conditions and temperatures that year and during the winter beforehand, the amount of rain in the weeks coming up to the blooming, and various other factors the fioritura is a little bit different each year. The exact dates are hard to pin down but it all usually starts off in May and continues into June and July. However, it could arrive a little earlier or later, reach its height at different points, include a greater or smaller number of types of flowers, and present more or less vibrant hues – you never really know quite what you're going to get and that's all part of the magic!
If you're truly lucky, you'll get the biggest showing of varieties, in bold, bright, beautiful bands of technicolour. Although, you're always guaranteed to experience this normally sleepy and peaceful part of the world at its prettiest time of the year. Plus, the Feast of the Fioritura takes place on the third and last Sunday of June, which will also offer music, festivities, excitement, and lots of delicious food with a colourful backdrop.
This plateau is also always a great hub for recreational activities while staying in one of our holiday rentals in Umbria. Hiking, mountain-biking, rafting, paragliding and more can be enjoyed in the area throughout the year. However, if you are coming to take in the flowers, in particular, then be sure to be respectful of the natural wonder. Ensure that you stay on the paths and do not step into the fields and on the flowers.
