SPORTS & HOBBIES
Sports
Umbria is particularly well set up for all manner of sports and hobbies. With its rolling hills and spectacular mountain ranges for rock climbing and walking, beautiful rivers for canoeing, white water rafting and of course its plentiful lakes for a whole range of water sports and even island hopping! (Lake Trasimeno has three islands). All the materials needed for a wide range of crafts and hobbies can be easily found since all the major towns in the area (Cittą di Castello, Umbertide and Trestina) have an extensive range of hobby and hard ware stores.
Water sports: Lake Trasimeno, Montedoglio, Corbara and the beautiful Pediluco in the south are the major lakes in the area. Trasimeno is the only one safe for bathing (With sandy "Beaches" at Castiglione del Largo and Passignano) but most feature some form of water sports. Trasimeno is the most used however with "pedaloing", sailing motor boating and wind surfing being particularly popular. Canoes can be hired in Cittą di Castello although the Tiber (Tevere) is not navigable for its full length especially during dry summers. In the south of Umbria the beautiful "Val Nerina" features various water sports including white water rafting.
Cycling: Being so mountainous, Umbria might not be an obvious choice for cycling enthusiasts, however there are now a number of very beautiful and relatively flat cycle ways including one that circumnavigates most of lake Trasimeno and others along the banks of the Tiber river. (One of these starts at the duck ponds park in Cittą di Castello) The other great advantage for cyclists in Umbria is the vast network of Strade Bianche (Dirt tracks) that riddle the region. These usually have little passing traffic and although often hilly could not be described as mountainous, so provided you have a hybrid or mountain bike with a decent number of gears you should not find them too daunting (after all, the exercise will do you good!) A local agency called CdE (Circolo degli esploratori) is specialised in organising "Cultural tours" in the area on foot, bike or horseback. They also hire out bikes/horses and maps for unescorted tours if you feel more adventurous. See their site for more details www.hikeandbikeitaly.com
Walking and Hiking: There are many signposted walks across Umbria and most Tourist information centres will be able to give you maps and guides (Usually free of charge) The walks range from a few hours to whole day excursions. Most of the walks aren't circular however and are often fairly strenuous. The signposting also leaves much to be desired so intuition and a good map are invaluable assets. There is also a locally produced guide of circular walks from Martin Daykin. This contains very clear maps photos and instructions for eighteen walks in the Niccone valley, lake Trasimeno, Umbertide and Montone areas. Copies of the guide can be obtained directly from Martin or by visiting his website. One word of warning when walking in Umbria - WATCH OUT FOR VIPERS.
Horse riding: Umbria is an ideal place for pony and horse trekking and there are a large number of stables locally which hire out horses as well as conducting guided treks. At San Pietro a Monte for example, Ivan and Francesca organise training courses as well as horseback excursions for both children and adults.
Extreme sports: These are also well catered for with hang gliding from Monte Cucco in the north and the Sibilini mountains in the south, mountaineering and rock climbing in the vast choice of rocky mountains in the north (i.e. "Alpi della Luna"), Hot air ballooning (There is a major gathering of "balloonatics" in Todi every spring) Bungee jumping, Potholing and of course Skiing in the winter.
Hobbies
Umbria is a favourite haunt for artists and painters. A number of new galleries have opened up over the past few years giving exhibition space for local artists. There are also often exhibitions of local art in some of the local restaurants and clubs.
Kite flying: Every year Castiglione del Lago hosts a festival of amateur and professional "Kitests". The sky becomes an incredible tapestry of colour and movement so whether you go as a participant or observer you are sure to have a great time.