With such a big reputation for being a nation of fashion lovers, it is no surprise to see that Italy has a number of fantastic designer outlets spread across the country.
The following are 12 of the very best of them, with top brands, easy access and a range of useful services and facilities for shoppers. Included are some of the classiest outlets from big European-wide outlet owners such as McArthur Glen and Chic Outlet Shopping, where the fashion style is matched by the food options and the sense of being somewhere very special.The Mall Luxury Outlet, Reggello, near Florence
Address: Via Europa 8, 50066 Leccio Reggello (FI) - Tuscany - Italy.
This designer shopping center is branded as Tuscany's luxury outlet, with stores from the likes of Burberry, Emilio Pucci, Dior, Fendi, Balenciaga and Moschino. On offer is a mixture of fashion, accessories, perfumes, home items and more. The food options are dominated by the Gucci Caffé, on the rooftop of the Gucci Store and with a large outdoor terrace. Local specialties from this famous food region are joined on the menu by an excellent selection of wines. The Mall is just 30 minutes from the city of Florence, with excellent road and rail links.
Serravalle Designer Outlet, near Milan
Address: Via della Moda, 1, 15069 Serravalle Scrivia, Italy.
The big range of top designed brands featured in this Milan outlet include Gucci, Prada, Armani, Iceberg, Nike and Kiton. It is located in Serravale Scrivia, some 50 minutes from the city of Milan and with a dedicated shuttle bus operating each day. It is described as the country's first and biggest designer outlet, with more than 300 brands present. The retail center also has a children's play area, a range of cafes and some excellent restaurants. Like many of the other best designer outlets in the country, this is part of the impressive MacArthur Glen Group.
Soratte Outlet Shopping, Sant'Oreste near Rome
Address: Piazza Felice Abballe, 1, 00060 Sant'Oreste RM, Italy.
The wide range of brands on sale at Soratte Outlet Shopping covers the likes of Basile, Doppleganger, Gant, John Ashfield and Navigare. It is found in a pleasant natural setting in Lazio, very close to Rome and with an inexpensive shuttle service going there every day. The architecture here is a described as a modern twist on the classic Roman style. The three main buildings are called the Baths, the Amphitheater and the Circus and there are pleasant outdoor streets to stroll along. Food options at Soratte cover fast food at Burger Day and paninis at Le Cirque among others.
Noventa di Piave Designer Outlet, near Venice
Address: Via Marco Polo 1, 30020 Noventa di Piave, Italy.
Among the stores in this stylish McArthur Glen designer outlet are big name brands such as Paul Smith, Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Prada. The center has an excellent schedule of free events as well as luxury shopping, together with a range of options for food and drink. The dining options include Sutto Cafe, L'Orto and La Bottega dei Sapori. Younger visitors are catered for with a stylish adventure playground, while many of the best stores have fashion for children on offer too.
Vicolungo Outlet, Vicolungo, near Turin
Address: Piazza S. Caterina, 28060 Vicolungo NO, Italy.
This is one of the impressive outlets brought to the buying public by The Style Outlets chain. In this case, it is situated in Vicolungo, close to Turin. Here, you will find Samsonite, Swarovski, Calvin Klein, Levi's and many other top brands, giving a total of around 150 stores. Among the services on offer are free Wi-Fi, a children's play area and a shuttle service from Milan and Turin, while art exhibitions and other family events are often held here.
Fashion Valley, Reggello, near Florence
Address: Ruota al Mando, 50066 Reggello, Italy.
This fashionable designer outlet is beautifully located in the picturesque Tuscan countryside near to Florence. As you would expect, it features top brands such as Bally, Guzzini, Red Valentino, Versace and Vivienne Westwood. Fashion Valley is about half an hour from Florence and offers fine dining experiences in a range of restaurants and cafes. There are parking spaces for up to 1,000 cars and the outlet center features lots of open spaces and elegant architecture.
Valdichiana Outlet Village, Foiano della Chiana
Address: Via Enzo Ferrari, 5, 52045 Foiano della Chiana AR, Italy.
This is another spectacular Italian outlet in a lovely setting. Services and facilities include free Wi-Fi and a kid's play area. In this case the main brands to choose from include Adidas, Borgo Tessile, Enrico Coveri, Gap and Melluso. The food and drink options at Valdichiana are represented by Fashion Café, Gelateria Ice Village and Pizzeria del Borgo among others.
Franciacorta Outlet Village, Rodengo Saiano, Brescia
Address: 25050 Rodengo-Saiano BS, Italy.
At the Franciacorta outlet center the brand selection is extensive, from Angelico to La Casa Italiana and from Lumberjack to Skechers. As for dining possibilities, it runs from the fast food of McDonald's to sandwiches at Pablito Bar and to the Autogrill snack bar. In terms of services, the kids have a playground to enjoy, there is an ATM present and a delightful piazza offers the chance to relax between boutiques.
Valmononte Outlet, near Rome
Address: Via della Pace, 00038 Località Pascolaro, Valmontone RM, Italy.
This fashionable designer outlet near Rome offers over 180 brand stores from big names like Blu Kids, Carpisa, Dolomite and Kappa. It also hosts a number of exciting events throughout the year, from music and talks to competitions. The center enjoys excellent transport links to Rome and offers an "I Love Shopping" tour service. Services covered here include a range of dining options, umbrella rental and free car parking.
Castel Romano Designer Outlet, near Rome
Address: Via del Ponte di Piscina Cupa, 64, 00128 Roma, Italy.
Castelo Romano is another McArthur Glen location, this time near Rome. It has stores from Hugh Boss, Moschine, Versace and Tommy Hilfiger among others. The outlet center is about 20 minutes from Rome, with a shuttle bus and a hotel pick up service offered. The food and drink available here runs from delicious homemade ice cream at Bonetti to traditional Italian dishes at Design Bistrot / Spizzico. Children can enjoy the adventure playground, while there is a beauty center for older visitors.
Barberino Designer Outlet, Barberino di Mugello, near Florence
Address: Via Meucci, 50031 Barberino di Mugello FI, Italy.
This McArthur Glen retail centre in Tuscany offers an extensive range of quality brands in an attractive setting. The top stores here include Prada, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss and Polo Ralph Lauren. In total there are over 100 classy boutiques here, covering high fashion, sporting clothing and high street names. The outlet also has a children's play area and a selection of dining options such as Borgo Café, Il Torrachione and Baccanale. A shuttle service here takes 30 minutes to arrive from Florence.
Fidenza Village, near Milan
Address: Via S. Michele Campagna, Chiusa Ferranda, Fidenza PR, Italy.
The Chic Outlet Shopping center at Fidenza Village offers the quality and selection we have come to expect from this outlet chain. In terms of brands, Armani Outlet, Beretta, Cesare Paciotti and Paul Smith are all here. As you would expect, the food and drink is also pretty special, with Lindt, Barlumeria and Ca'puccino among the options. A coach service runs from Milan daily. Facilities at Fidenza include free Wi-Fi, hands free shopping and a play area for the youngest shoppers.
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