A Walk to Get Some Focaccia in Vallo di Nera

There's daily life, and then there's _la dolce vita_—a way of living that turns even the smallest routines into rituals of beauty, connection, and pleasure. One such ritual in the heart of Umbria begins with something surprisingly simple: a walk to get some focaccia in Vallo di Nera. But as you’ll soon discover, this short stroll, especially when in the company of Riccardo—your host at Dolce Vita Coliving—is far more than a quest for bread. It’s an intimate immersion into Italian village culture and the soul of slow living.

The Morning Begins: Riccardo’s Way

The sun has barely crested the hills of the Valnerina valley, bathing the stone walls of the medieval village in warm, golden light. You meet Riccardo at the coliving’s old cobblestone courtyard, where he offers a friendly buon giorno—perhaps already mid-conversation with someone leaning out of a window above.

The plan is simple: “Let’s go grab some focaccia.” But what unfolds over the next 25 minutes (or maybe 45, depending on how many people are out and about) is something far richer.

Through the Winding Alleys of Time

As you follow Riccardo through the village, something magical happens: the modern world fades gently into the background. Vallo di Nera is one of _I Borghi più belli d’Italia_—one of the most beautiful villages in Italy—and it lives up to its title. Around every corner are arches draped in trailing vines, laundry fluttering lazily from stone balconies, and alleys that spill out into unexpected courtyards.

The village is small, yet in the hands of someone like Riccardo, it may as well be Rome. He greets each person like family, often launching into conversations filled with quick, expressive Italian. You might not catch every word, but the stories are there in the tone: concerns over olive harvests, news about someone’s mother, an update on the priest’s pending festa. Every interaction is sincere. Here, relationships are currency—and Riccardo is rich beyond measure.

Want to blend in?

Tip: Even if you don’t speak Italian fluently, learn a few words—_“Ciao,” “Grazie,” and “Che bella giornata!”_—and always greet people with eye contact and a smile. In Vallo di Nera, every passerby is acknowledged. It’s what keeps the social fabric strong.

Arrival at the Forno: A Heavenly Scent

Finally, through an arched passage studded in medieval sealings, you arrive at the village forno. The scent hits first—freshly baked focaccia, warm and laced with rosemary, olive oil, and just a whisper of sea salt. You see trays of golden, slightly blistered dough cooling behind the counter while the baker, hands dusted in flour, nods a friendly “Buongiorno.”

The focaccia here is not fancy, but it is perfect. Chewy, golden, and still warm. Pick up one for the walk back—and trust Riccardo to maybe swing by one more house to return a borrowed plate, or to wave at a granny sitting in the sun.

Craving More?

Suggested Bite: Pair your focaccia with Umbrian extra virgin olive oil from Spoleto. This DOP-certified treasure, made from Moraiolo, Leccino and Frantoio olives, adds a peppery, fruity richness to even the simplest peasant bread.

Unexpected Adventures on the Return

With focaccia in hand, the walk back to Dolce Vita Coliving is equally charming. Riccardo points out details you’d have otherwise missed—a crumbling coat of arms on a doorway, a fig tree that only fruits once every few years, a bench that’s the social hub every Thursday at 5 p.m.

This is the heart of what makes Dolce Vita special: it’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place that invites you to belong. You’re not a tourist passing through; you are part of the story, and even the most mundane errands are rooted in connection, history, and warmth.

Explore More of Vallo di Nera

While a walk for focaccia is all you need to fall in love with this village, there’s more to explore for those drawn deeper into Vallo's spell.

• San Giovanni Battista Church – A beautiful stone church with 14th-century frescoes.

• The Town Walls – Walk the fortified edges of the village and take in sweeping views of the Umbrian countryside.

• Pathways to Spoleto – For the adventurous, hike through olive groves and forests to nearby towns, soaking up rural Umbria in its purest form.

Keep an eye out for local festivals, folklore celebrations, and seasonal gatherings where villagers share food, dance, and age-old stories.

Come for the Focaccia, Stay for the Life

A walk to get some focaccia in Vallo di Nera might not sound like much—until you experience it as part of daily life in a village where time slows down, people know your name, and each step invites you into authentic connection.

At Dolce Vita Coliving, we don’t offer just a place to work remotely—we offer a different rhythm of life. Fast Wi-Fi? Yes. Coworking spaces? Absolutely. But more importantly, we give you front-row access to what la dolce vita really means: finding joy in the simple, together.

Come walk with us. Come taste the focaccia. Come feel what it’s like to live in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.

Your life reset starts here. 🌿🏡🍞

Plan your stay at Dolce Vita Coliving—experience Vallo di Nera for yourself.Italian Supermarkets: Farmers Market Quality at Your Fingertips

Travel Diary from Umbria, Italy

On my first full day at _Dolce Vita Coliving_—a dreamy remote work haven nestled in a medieval village in Umbria—I set out for an ordinary chore: my first supermarket run. I expected the typical stock-up of standard groceries. What I found instead was a total revelation about everyday Italian life.

As I walked into the local commercial supermarket (yes, just your standard chain store) I was instantly drawn to the fruit and vegetable section. It felt more like a farmer’s market than any supermarket I’ve seen in the UK. The vegetables weren’t shrink-wrapped in plastic. They weren’t all shaped the same. In fact, they looked like they came straight from the soil—still earthy, vibrant, and perfectly imperfect.

From plump heirloom tomatoes in a dozen reds and oranges, to deep-green zucchinis and oddly-shaped but sweet-smelling peaches, everything glowed with freshness. It was clear that Italians expect high-quality ingredients every day—not just on market day.

And then, the meat counter. There, you’ll find paper-thin slices of prosciutto crudo expertly folded by the butcher, fresh mortadella with delicate pistachio flecks, local salame, porchetta, fresh ham—it’s not just food, it's culinary art. Don’t be afraid to ask for “un assaggio” (a taste)! The staff are usually warm and generous.

Trip Details

• Stops: Local supermarket in Vallo di Nera area, nearby towns for extra flair—Spoleto, Foligno, and Vallo di Nera itself.

• Duration: 1–2 hours food shopping, or make it a half-day adventure if you include a stop in a nearby historic town for lunch or sightseeing.

• Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all. A basic level of Italian or a translation app helps.

• What to Bring: A shopping bag or two (Italians rarely offer plastic bags), cash or card, and your appetite. If you're staying at Dolce Vita Coliving, a backpack is perfect for the winding cobbled walk back.

Nearby Cultural Stops

After shopping, wander through Spoleto, a historic gem known for the Festival dei Due Mondi and its magnificent Roman theater. Or visit Foligno, set along the Topino river, where the rhythm of everyday life dances between tradition and understated beauty. Of course, Vallo di Nera itself is like walking through time—a medieval village untouched by modern stress, where stone houses and local legends invite slow discovery.

Foods & Drinks to Try

Seek out Pecorino cheese, locally made olive oil, wild boar ragu, and lentils from Castelluccio. Don’t miss a glass of Montefalco red wine or a cold Peroni birra for something lighter. Try truffle-based spreads and fresh egg pasta at nearly any local deli corner.

Living at Dolce Vita Coliving means discovering that even a trip to the supermarket can be part of your Italian adventure. Whether it’s the flavor of a sun-warmed tomato, the friendly smile from behind the meat counter, or a slow-strolling afternoon through historic alleys, this place invites you to rethink your daily routine—one moment of la dolce vita at a time.

Ready to taste it for yourself?
Book your stay now at dolcevitacoliving.com/book and let Umbria feed your soul (and your fridge).