Norcia is picturesquely positioned on a wide plain under the Apennines, within the borders of the Sibylline Mountains National Park, so our Gurus often find themselves recommending the best places to stay in Norcia to hikers, bikers, climbers and explorers. As well as to foodies, and anyone asking about slightly out of the way Umbrian centres which feel like ‘the real Italy’, where you'll find great agriturismos and converted farmhouses. Norcia also has a couple of purpose-built hotels and a collection of charming converted villas in the town proper.

Norcia is much flatter than many of its Umbrian neighbours, and within its historic centre, surrounded by 14th century walls, are monasteries, churches and fortresses, some of them originally built by Romans! So the town has plenty to offer in the way of sight-seeing, even though it’s been partly destroyed by earthquakes on multiple occasions, including in 2016. The oldest, and most important architecture is gathered around the main square, and you’ll also find Norcia’s most valuable art treasures here too. Throughout its history Norcia has been home to a healthy community of artisans and craftsmen, and that’s left a lasting visual imprint.

In the foreground or Norcia’s views, before you get to the peaks and bowls of the Sibylline Mountains, is a patchwork of bucolic farmland, one of the reasons for all the agriturismos, and for the appeal to foodies. Local lentils and pork are a delicacy, and there’s a truffle festival held at the end of February/ beginning of March. It also knows a thing or two about chocolate.

Don't forget that this charming town, whilst being slightly off-the-beaten-track, will still get busy during the peak summer months. So if you're planning to visit during July or August and want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Norcia, get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Norcia

For Romantics

• Palazzo Seneca is an elegant, 16th century palazzo, beautifully converted into a historically romantic hotel. As well as 24 rooms and suites, minimally decorated with antiques and contemporary design pieces, the palazzo has grand communal spaces: a light drenched lounge, a contemporary spa, and an atmospheric fine dining restaurant.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Perugia’s San Francesco d'Assisi International Airport is the closest airport to Norcia, around an hour and a half away by road, or four hours via public transport. Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Airport is the second closest, and will be more convenient for some, around two and a half hours' drive, or four and a half hours by public transport.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Summer is Norcia’s busiest season, and Umbria’s more generally, because it’s sunny and hot, and there are festivals happening all over the place, including a huge summer festival, the Festival dei Due Mondi, in neighbouring Spoleto during June and July. Summer is also when Italians visit, some to escape the heat of Rome or Florence. Truffle, chestnut and grape harvest dominate autumn, but the weather is still pleasant. and in November comes olive harvest.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Umbria
• Include other local towns, like Spoleto, Assisi, Montefalco, Gubbio or nearby Todi
• You might want to refine your search by the kind of accommodation you’re looking for, and consider the best hotels in Umbria for couples, the best hotels in Umbria with pools or the best family hotels in Umbria
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.