Shopping in Tuscany

If you're heading to Tuscany then you really do have to check out the fantastic bargains to be had in the array of shops that are on offer. Selling everything from designer clothes and accessories to locally made crafts, there's something for everyone.

Known best for its leather goods, crystal, terra cotta and lace, you'll find these in the majority of shops where you can browse and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. These kinds of goods will often be found in the smaller craft shops where you can test out your bartering skills and grab a few bargains, and these make lovely gifts or souvenirs to bring home. These kind of items can be found in all the towns and in a fair number as well meaning you'll have plenty of choice when it comes to buying the local crafts.

However, as many know, the Italians love their designer wear and as a result Prada, Gucci, Armarni and Fendi among others have stores in the majority of the number of shopping outlets here where you can find some serious bargains. With some prices up to 50% off compared to back home, those who really do like to dress to impress will be in awe of the prices and range of clothes in these outlets.

If it's a day out shopping you fancy then look no further than one of the many retail outlets where you can find endless numbers of great shops to explore. The Valdichiana Outlet Village situated south of Arezzo is spread over 200,000 square metres and has 70 shops for you to enjoy, many of these fashion orientated. Designed around a village square with bright buildings and interesting architecture, this outlet is a great day out where you can enjoy a delicious meal or a coffee in one of the cafes and watch the world go by before heading out to explore the rest of the shops.

The Barberino di Mugello north of Florence designer outlet village is also another great day out with over 90 shops and is the ultimate shopping experience. A pleasant and peaceful location, it is like a village within itself and is situated between two rivers where space and comfort is top of the list of priorities. Small walkways connect each square where small cafes make the ideal place to stop for lunch. From large designer stores to smaller, more traditional shops, you'll find something for everyone right here.

There's also another fashion outlet at Valdarno between Florence and Arezzo where you can find Gucci & Prada outlets.

If you fancy something a little different or if you're in search of something specific then there are many companies in Tuscany which run shopping tours. These can either be on one particular category, for example fashion, where you are taken on a tour of all the best clothes shops, or you can take a shopping tour to a specific location to enjoy everything the area has to offer.

Where ever you head in Tuscany, you'll be assured a warm welcome, a great day out and the ideal chance to find some real bargains. Offering designer clothes to handmade crafts, the shopping in Tuscany really is diverse, and with so much on offer from the shops in the towns to the village-style outlets, there's such an abundance to choose from. When it comes to shopping, you really are spoilt for choice.