Barberino Designer Outlet

The Barberino Designer Outlet is a shopper’s paradise for those in search of bargains and big-name brands. Set within stunning natural surroundings in the heart of the Mugello valley, yet conveniently close to services and major transport routes, it makes for the perfect stop if you’re planning a visit to Florence or its surrounding province.

The outlet is a beloved destination for locals too, with Florentines especially flocking to its lanes on Sundays. These are laid out to faithfully recreate a traditional Tuscan village, complete with the characteristic villas of the Mugello. Divided by the flowing Sieve river and boasting ample free parking, the Barberino Outlet houses over 120 shops, predominantly high-fashion retailers offering discounts of up to 70% off year-round. These are complemented by a wide range of indoor and outdoor bars and restaurants, plus a dedicated children’s area.

Part of the McArthur Glen group, which operates 26 outlet centres worldwide, including 5 across Italy (Barberino, Serravalle, Noventa, Castel Romano and La Reggia), the Barberino outlet stocks shops from every category imaginable: sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas sit alongside timeless favourites such as Gap and Levi’s, whilst the true icons of Italian style—Boggi, Dolce & Gabbana, Enrico Coveri, Patrizia Pepe and Trussardi—take pride of place. Rounding out the offering are numerous homeware, fragrance, lingerie, bookshop, cosmetics and handbag retailers.

Opening hours

The Barberino outlet is open seven days a week from 10am to 8pm. If you can, avoid visiting on Sundays, as it’s by far the busiest day.

The centre also opens on New Year’s Day and certain national holidays, such as 25 April, 1 May and 2 June. It’s usually closed over Easter, Christmas and Boxing Day.

Getting to Barberino Outlet

The Barberino Designer Outlet sits right next to the Barberino exit of the A1 motorway, so those with their own car will have no trouble reaching it: from central Florence it takes around 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions, taking the motorway at Florence North.

If you don’t have a car, getting here is still straightforward thanks to shuttle buses run directly by the outlet, connecting it with Santa Maria Novella railway station. The service runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with departures from Florence at 9:30am, 11:30am and 2:00pm. The return journey from Barberino departs at 1:00pm and 5:00pm. To use the shuttle buses, you’ll need to be at the Sightseeing Visitor Centre in the ticket hall of Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station 20 minutes before departure.

Alternatively, the pricier but more convenient and exclusive option is to use the private pick-up service offered by the outlet.

Things to do near Barberino Outlet

The Barberino Designer Outlet lies in the Mugello, an area with considerable tourist appeal, though still somewhat underdeveloped. You’re in the heart of a valley of gentle hills and soft slopes, perfect for escaping Florence’s oppressive summer heat.

Around the outlet, besides visiting the centre of Barberino di Mugello, you can relax on the shores of Lake Bilancino, just a few kilometres away, or explore the charming medieval towns of Scarperia and Borgo San Lorenzo.

If you’re passionate about two and four-wheeled racing, don’t miss a visit to the Mugello circuit, whilst those more interested in culture should explore the area’s fine Medici villas, part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Finally, take the SR302 regional road that runs from Borgo San Lorenzo towards Ronta and Casaglia, and you’ll arrive in what’s known as Romagna Toscana, a largely unexplored corner of tourism but absolutely worth a visit.