Castiglione del Lago

Castiglione del Lago is on the eastern shores of lake Trasimeno. It used to be an island, the fourth island of Lake Trasimeno. Now it is a peninsula with its castle overlooking the lake. The town is surrounded by its fortified and castellated walls with three gateways, a main street and a piazza.

In high season many tourists spend a lot of time in Castiglione del Lago. Along the lake you’ll find free beaches, bars and restaurants. This place is also an ideal location for those who love walking and swimming. You can take a walk with your dog on the shores if you want, but only on leads. If you prefer leaving your dog without leash, than the former airport of Castiglione del Lago is an ideal and spacious area to walk your dog.

The historical centre of Castiglione del Lago has cosy restaurants, bars and souvenir-shops. If you’re a wine or beer lover, you can eat your heart out here! There are also some gelateria’s offering a good selection of flavors.

The impressive fortress “Rocca Leone” is worth a visit, with or without children. The views over the Trasimeno Lake from the towers are just stunning!

Perhaps the most busiest day in Castiglione del Lago is Wednesday because of the weekly market in the historical centre. During the summer many festivals are held in the villages along the Trasimeno Lake. In July – August for example is the famous Trasimeno Blues music festival.

A well known Jazz & Blues event where famous artists from all over the world perform. At least 3-times is Trasimeno Blues in Castiglione del Lago. The concerts are free, but it may happen that you need to buy an entrance ticket.

Restaurant

Recently I’ve had dinner in a modern, refined and stylish restaurant in Castiglione del Lago: Bistro Restaurant Porta Senese. This restaurant is just around the corner behind the city gate of Castiglione del Lago. Porta Senese prepares and serves food in a modern style and setting.

Near my dinner table were people from Belgium. For them it was definitely not the first time to eat in this cosy restaurant. The waiter and co-owner is very attentive and kind. It is a wonderful location to spend an evening.

Pasta alla carbonara with guanciale (pork cheek), almonds and tomatoes.

Carpaccio Porta Senese with tomatoes, capers, olives, pepper, salt and good olive oil.

The food is excellent and the wine pairings are great. Local wines from Umbria and Tuscany are served. The Sangiovese wine from the winery Madrevitewas perfect to combine with my pasta and meat dish.

Porta Senese is not a big restaurant, but a small bistrot with some tables. The menu they offer is divers but most are meat dishes. Consumers can choose between cooked beef, raw carpaccio or “meat” sushi. But there are also vegetarian plates like the parmigiana and pasta with pecorino. Even the dolci are from the house!

Crostata with ricotta, fruit and chocolate.

Personally, I think that Restaurant Bistrot Porta Senese is one of the best restaurants in Castiglione del Lago. It is 5 years that I live in this town and I have never been … until now! An eye opener. It is worth eating here. Even if this restaurant is not really a cheap restaurant, but you’ll be surprised about the quality of the food they serve and the wines they serve are excellent.

The meat supplier of this restaurant is butcher Burico Ottorino. They are just outside the historical centre and sell their own selected meat coming from this area.

Address restaurant:
Via Vittorio Emanuele 2
06061 Castiglione del Lago (PG)
Tel. + 39 075 953331

Reservation is recommended, by phone or by mail. This restaurant has only a few tables available. Parking space is easy to find just outside the city walls of Castiglione del Lago. There is free parking along the fortified walls of the village.

Enjoy!