Overview
Tucked into the green hills of central Italy, Perugia is the historic capital of Umbria and one of the country's most rewarding under-the-radar city breaks. Medieval lanes, an Etruscan past, a famous jazz festival and one of Europe's best chocolate makers all sit within a compact, walkable centre — making it an excellent alternative to the more crowded Tuscan hotspots. Flights to Perugia land at the region's small international airport, putting you close to the city and within easy reach of Assisi, Lake Trasimeno and the rest of Umbria.
Best time to fly to Perugia
Late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring on foot. Summer is warm and lively, with Umbria Jazz drawing visitors every July, while October's Eurochocolate festival is a highlight for anyone flying to Perugia with a sweet tooth. Winters are mild by UK standards but quieter, with lower fares often available — check the When to book chart above for the best-value months to travel.
Airlines and routes
Perugia's airport handles a modest schedule, and direct flights from the UK have historically been seasonal, with Ryanair periodically operating routes from London Stansted during peak months. Because availability changes year to year, many UK travellers instead fly with carriers such as easyJet, British Airways or Ryanair into Rome, Bologna, Pisa or Milan, then continue to Perugia by train or hire car — a journey of roughly two to three hours depending on the gateway city. A direct flight from London takes around two and a half hours; use the price charts on this page to compare the fastest and cheapest options for your dates.
Things to do in Perugia
Perugia rewards slow exploration, with sights layered from Etruscan times through the Renaissance.
- Piazza IV Novembre and the Fontana Maggiore: the city's elegant medieval heart, ringed by the cathedral and grand palazzi.
- Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria: housed in the Palazzo dei Priori, this is one of Italy's finest collections of Umbrian art.
- Rocca Paolina: an underground fortress and former neighbourhood, now a fascinating network of tunnels and escalators to wander.
- Etruscan Well and Arch of Augustus: tangible reminders of Perugia's life as an ancient Etruscan and Roman city.
- Assisi day trip: the birthplace of St Francis is a short train or bus ride away and easily combined with a Perugia stay.
At Perugia San Francesco d'Assisi Airport (PEG)
PEG sits near Sant'Egidio, around 12km east of central Perugia. It's a small, easy-to-navigate airport, and taxis or the airport shuttle bus typically reach the city centre in about 20 to 25 minutes, making arrival straightforward even after a long travel day.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Perugia
- Book several months ahead where possible — regional Italian routes tend to see fares rise as departure dates near.
- Flying midweek, particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays, is usually cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible on dates and consider connecting via Rome, Bologna or Pisa if a direct route isn't running when you want to travel.
- Compare airlines and routings side by side using the price charts on this page rather than booking the first option you see.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for short leisure trips to Italy, provided you have at least three months left on your passport and stay within the 90-day Schengen limit. The currency is the euro, and a valid GHIC or private travel insurance is recommended for any healthcare needs while you're there.