Italy is renowned all over the world for fashion, style and health.
Tuscany in particular is famous for high level textile products, and this confers to this region an important role on an international level.
Travelling around Tuscany the visitor can be delighted not only with good quality hand made clothes, but also regenerate him thanks to the many thermal baths and spas.

If you walk along the main streets in Florence you will be stunned by the shop windows showing beautiful accessories and clothes, leather, etc…you will have to put yourself out not to buy something!! In central Florence you can find all fancy and trendy boutiques like Gucci, Prada, Ferragamo, Cavalli, Armani, Valentino…you only have to choose!! You can also find good shops in central Arezzo, Lucca, Siena, etc.

You can learn more on clothing, textiles and yarns by visiting the Museo del Tessuto in Prato (it is situated in the centre), a rich collection of historic textiles that lead you to this walk along the real Italian style and the development of this sector though the centuries.

And now…you prefer to have a full day immersion shopping somewhere? Here’s a list of outlets in Tuscany that will fit your wishes. Most of them are located in strategic points, such as exit tolls (just a few kilometres), therefore you have easy access to them:

The Mall – Reggello
This is one of the most high-quality outlets, you can find the most important brands, such as Armani, Dior, Gucci, etc. it is located near the exit toll Reggello on the A1 highway between Arezzo and Florence.

Prada – Levanella
This factory produces leather articles (bags, shoes, accessories), and you can find good clothes (Prada and Miu Miu) at convenient prices. Normally you do not find the new collections, but the last ones, anyway the discounts are considerable.

McArthur Glen – Barberino di Mugello
With hundreds of shops, Barberino Outlet Village is one of the biggest outlets in Tuscany. Situated just a few kilometres from Barberino di Mugello exit toll (on the A1 highway Florence-Bologna), it is easily reachable from Florence centre (more or less 30 minutes’ drive), and you can even stay one whole day inside!

Valdichiana Outlet Village – Bettolle
This is a smaller outlet, but well equipped with the most important brands and sport apparel.

Centro Commerciale “I Gigli” – Campi Bisenzio
This is a big shopping centre on two floors, with hundreds of shops, every kind of shop you wish, you will find it here! It is situated between Florence and Prato, and it is easily accessible thanks to its position (exit toll Calenzano on the A1 highway).

Once you have spent one day shopping, you can have a rest in one of the most beautiful thermal establishments or spas immersed in the green Tuscan hills. In most of the towns you can find more than a good thermal bath, a place where relax matches with peace and health. Here are some names among the most renowned thermal establishments in Tuscany:

Calidario
Natural spring and wellness centre, the “Calidario” is a small lake with a natural hot water spring (around 36°C) on the Etruscan Coast. Its geographical position (Venturina) is ideal for those who like the sea and the surrounding countryside: the Tyrrhenian coast is very close (10 minutes’ drive) and many small hamlets are situated in the inland. Most of these villages can be visited throughout the whole year and offer some nice festivals and local fairs even in autumn (probably the most famous are Suvereto and Sassetta).

San Giuliano Terme
The water is rich of calciferous magnesic sulphate (a naturally curative element) and the baths are divided into two different springs (40°C and 38°C temperature). The mud originated by the water is well known for rheumatic illnesses. San Giuliano Thermal establishment is also famous for inhalation treatments which are especially indicated for respiratory problems (the water is very rich in calcium).

Terme di Casciana
These thermal waters represent a great benefit for those who need to do some kind of rehabilitation therapies, as well as for those with cardiovascular problems, or digestive problems.

Terme Bagni di Lucca
There are two kind thermal waters in Bagni di Lucca, both famous for treatments for rheumatism and vascular problems. The two geothermal caves (temperature between 40°C and 47°C) have two separate waters with a different temperature according to the level of the body (hotter in the middle of the body and less hot at the feet).

Terme San Filippo
Its water rich in sulphur and calcium, and the natural mud are a real benefit for inhalations and respiratory cures.

La Bagnaia
The Buddha Wellness Centre is a huge establishment (in the hills surrounding Siena) that offers modern wellness treatments such as Turkish baths, sauna, aromatic baths, body massages, etc. This centre has been built recently, but can count on specialized therapies using its thermal spring water.

Bagno Vignoni
This is a place that you have to visit at least once in your life, even if you do not like thermal baths…a day-trip is worthwhile! Located in the heart of the Val d’Orcia (one of the most beautiful corners of Tuscany), Bagno Vignoni is a small village with a huge thermal water square. Somewhere nearby you can find small springs where at night you can refresh your feet in the hot water.

Rapolano Terme
Two thermal establishments can be found in this small town south of Siena (30 minutes’ drive), very popular for their sulphuric waters and also crowded in summertime. The Antica Querciolaia and the Terme San Giovanni offer body treatments and wellness programs in the wonderful frame of the Tuscan landscape.

Chianciano
This town is full of hotels and thermal establishments famous to many people affected by liver and gastrointestinal problems. Its waters are also used for inhalations and respiratory therapies.

Fonteverde spa
High level thermal and wellness centre, the Fonteverde spa offers many treatments with thermal spa waters and cosmetic programs.

Terme di Saturnia
Last but not least. Saturnia is one of the most fascinating thermal complex all over Italy. Set in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma, Saturnia’s waters are a real benefit for people with vascular problems and its thermal water falls are a pleasure which will be difficult to forget!