Lago Trasimeno Quick-Take

Castle to Coast: A Trasimeno Quick-Take

We love our hilltop life near Castelo di Sismano, but sometimes the soul just needs a horizon. This week, we traded our castle walls for the shimmering "inland sea" of Lake Trasimeno.

The hour-long drive north is a scenic dream, watching rugged Todi hills soften into sun-drenched valleys. We arrived just in time for the local market—a chaotic, wonderful symphony of vendor calls and the scent of fresh rosemary.

We headed straight for the Rocca del Leone. Walking the "Walk of the Warriors" along the fortress ramparts is essential. Looking out at the ferry wakes and distant Tuscan hills, you realize why they built a castle here—the views are absolute gold.

Then came the main event. You don’t come to Castiglione del Lago without a pilgrimage to Porco Matto. We grabbed their famous porchetta sandwiches—perfectly salty, herby, and featuring that world-class crackling crunch. Paired with a chilled glass of local white wine under the afternoon sun? Chef’s kiss.

As the "golden hour" glitter hit the water, we wound our way back to Sismano. It was the perfect reset: a dash of history, a lake breeze, and the best pork sandwich in Italy.