Best Summer Escapes in The Mugello Valley
It’s no secret that this summer’s heat wave has hit us quite hard, while 2014 offered a more mild, rainy season – this year we have been reminded of what an Italian summer can consist of. And yes, it can get really, truly, hot. Besides hitting the pool (like our pretty snazzy one above) we have a few ideas on how and where to keep cool. 
Visit Lake Bilancino
Many might not be aware of a large natural reservoir right in our doorstep. This five kilometer space, very close to the barberino highway exit holds 69 million cubic metres of water and is 31 meters deep. It is a great spot for swimming and water sports in the Mugello valley, we recommend heading to the Bahia beach club, where you can rent chairs and umbrellas, and which contains a nice restaurant and bar every day in the summer. Alternatively at night, it becomes a hip place for Italians to grab an aperitivo and hang out with friends. One of the biggest advantages here is that all four-legged friends are welcomed.
Bahia Cafe & Beach: address: Via Gastone Nencini, 50031 Barberino di Mugello FI, Phone: +39 338 392 7974
We also advise you to visit the nearby Oasi Naturalistica di Gabbianello, here you can take bikes and do a little bird-watching from this protected nature reserve. address: S. P. 39, Barberino del Mugello FI, Phone: + 39 333 953 7114
Cool Churches
The Mugello Valley definitely has some interesting points of interest, which also double as places to cool off in the summer. Why not visit a few churches and museums to get your mind out of the heat? Three important points of interest in Barberino di Mugello include Abbey of St. Lawrence, the Parish of St. Cresci in Valcava and the Oratory of the Madonna of the Three Rivers. In Dicomano, another fraction in the valley, has the Sant’Onofrio Oratory and the Romanesque Pieve di Santa Maria Church, which hosts works by both Vasari and Bronzino. In Palazzuolo sul Sieno, visit thePalazzo dei Capitani, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve in Quadalto, and the Provostry of St. Stephen.
Embrace the Siesta
Historically, many Mediterranean cultures have embraced the mid-day siesta, between the hottest times of the day (after lunch) for a nap. While it is less common to find those who do this quite regularly, we suggest to not rush to jam-pack museum visits and rush to visit everything and instead to take the slow approach. Vacation after all, is also about resting, isn’t it? Our advice is to enjoy visiting monuments and museums in the morning, embrace a long lunch and swim in the pool in the afternoon. You can find some of our best special offers here.
Go Shopping, It’s Sale Season!
Italy has national sales that happen twice a year, right now is the current summer sale which makes it the perfect time to visit a nearby shopping outlet Barberino Designer Outlet which also means you can stay cool for a few hours. The highway exit is the same of Bilancino Lake, which means you can ideally visit both in the same day. Here you will find designer brands at up to 70% off, all year round plus the summer sales. The shopping center is quite nice and well out-fitted, with cafes and restaurants, a children’s play area, free parking and more than 100 boutiques. We also offer a special deal including combining a night stay, dinner, with a 25 euro gift card.
address:
Barberino Designer Outlet,
Via Meucci snc,
50031 Barberino di Mugello (FI),
Italia,
Telefono: +39 055 842161. Open daily from 10 – 9pm.
Quick Booking snippet
Extra virgin olive oil is a natural product that continues to evolve after pressing. Heat, light and oxygen accelerate this process and gradually affect both flavour and quality. At Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, this is something we know well. Our family has been producing extra virgin olive oil for generations, using olives grown in […]
Mugello is best known for its charming villages, ancient woodlands, historic villas and quintessential Tuscan landscapes. What many people don’t realise is that, after sunset, its clear skies and low levels of light pollution create ideal conditions for observing constellations, planets and, at the right time of year, even the Milky Way stretching across the […]
Villa Campestri, the world’s first Olive Oil Resort, transforms extra virgin olive oil into an experience that brings together nature, gastronomy, wellbeing and a deep connection to the land.
Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling as tired as when you went to bed? Or found yourself exhausted at night, only to lie awake for hours? Perhaps you’ve experienced that familiar afternoon slump, when your energy suddenly disappears for no obvious reason. Most of us blame stress, a busy schedule or lack […]
One of the most meaningful experiences during a trip to Tuscany, beyond visiting art cities or iconic landscapes, is connecting with everyday local life. That connection often happens in village markets, artisan workshops, and small food shops where products are made for the people who live there year-round, not just for visitors. In this guide, […]
How to get to Mugello from Florence and how to travel around Tuscany with or without a car. Distances, trains, buses and transfers.
Romantic weekend in Tuscany between Mugello and Florence: scenic rooms, candlelight dinners, and olive oil tastings. Discover Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort.
Anyone visiting Florence for the first time imagines a stay right in the historic center, surrounded by museums, piazzas, and narrow cobblestone streets. It takes only a day, however, to realize that Florence is wonderful to explore yet challenging to inhabit. Between ZTL restrictions, scarce and expensive parking, constant noise, and high prices for even […]