Lakes are poetically referred to as “blu eyes” in the green landscape of Umbria. The largest lake of the region is Trasimeno Lake which contains three small islands along its ridge: Isola Maggiore, Isola Minore and Isola Polvese. Traces of Roman interventions presumable indicate that Isola Polvese – the largest of the three – was known and perhaps inhabited ever since the early centuries of the Christian Era. Trasimeno Lake is a place that has a fascinating history, with a tradition of fishing going back to ancient times. Today Lake Trasimeno is clearly the most attractive place to go sailing and windsurfing.

Rivers in Umbria include the Tiber (il Tevere), the Velino and the Nera: the last boasts the spectacular manmade waterfall, the Cascata delle Marmore (Marmore Falls) and some particularly fine scenery. The water cascades down in three stages, over a total height of 156 m (541 ft), to reach the River Nera below. Parco Fluviale del Nera offers excellent opportunities for watersports like rafting, canoeing and kayaking.