Parco Regionale di Colfiorito
Thirty kilometres east of Foligno on the border with Le Marche, the Altopiano di Colfiorito is a high karst plateau at 760 m where a protected wetland — one of the most important in central Italy — sits in a natural depression ringed by beech forest. In late May and June, wild orchids and marsh irises bloom in extraordinary numbers; in autumn, migratory birds stop here by the thousand.
The Wetland and Wildlife
The Lago di Colfiorito is a shallow marsh lake, much of it covered in white and yellow water lilies from June onward. A 3.5 km wooden boardwalk and gravel path loops the entire perimeter — flat, easy and suitable for all ages. Bring binoculars: grey herons, little egrets, marsh harriers and, in spring, purple herons all breed here.
The surrounding plateau is equally rewarding for walkers. A network of signed CAI trails leads through hay meadows where you can find over 30 species of wild orchid in May, including the rare Orchis militaris and Anacamptis pyramidalis.
Practicalities and the Village
The small village of Colfiorito has a modest visitor centre (Centro Visite, open weekends Apr–Oct, free) with maps and wildlife checklists. Parking is free at the main lake car park off the SS77.
The SS77 road from Foligno to Colfiorito is itself spectacular — a winding mountain route through the Appennino Umbro-Marchigiano with pull-offs for views back over the Valle Umbra. Allow 45 minutes each way and do not rush it.
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