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, you’ll find practical advice on what to buy in Mugello and where to discover local markets and authentic shops during your stay in the Tuscan countryside at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort.

Guests staying in Mugello quickly realize that this area is ideal for anyone looking for authentic Tuscan products, far from the more commercial versions often found in crowded historic centers. Here, shopping becomes part of the travel experience: you speak directly with producers, taste before buying, and understand what truly makes an olive oil, a cheese, or a handcrafted object special.

Why buying local products in Mugello makes (more) sense

Many travelers look for Tuscan food souvenirs or handmade products to bring home. The challenge is that in heavily visited cities, the offer often becomes standardized: similar items, similar brands, higher prices.

In Mugello, shops are primarily used by residents. This translates into:

• more genuine quality
• often better prices
• products deeply connected to the territory
• opportunities to meet the people who actually make them

For anyone wanting to take home a real piece of Tuscany, this region is one of the most rewarding places to explore.

What to buy in Mugello: local Products that tell the story of Tuscany

When talking about Tuscan specialties, some products are immediately recognizable, while others are lesser-known discoveries that surprise even experienced visitors.

Extra virgin olive oil is naturally one of the highlights. The Mugello hills produce high-quality oils with herbal aromas and notes of artichoke and almond. At Villa Campestri, the world’s first Olive Oil Resort, guests can taste and purchase olive oil produced directly from the estate’s groves. It’s an experience that helps visitors understand what “Tuscan olive oil” truly means.

Another important product is Marrone del Mugello IGP, a prized chestnut used in traditional desserts, flour, and local recipes. During autumn, it can easily be found in markets and specialty shops.

Cheese lovers will find artisanal pecorino cheeses, both fresh and aged, often produced by small local farms. Many shops offer tastings before purchase, making it easier to choose according to personal taste. Local cured meats, hill honey, jams, Tuscan wines, and handcrafted liqueurs are also widely available.

Beyond food, Mugello is known for its artisan traditions. The town of Scarperia, for example, has been famous for handcrafted knives since the Middle Ages. Today, workshops still produce unique pieces using traditional techniques.

Buying a local product during a trip is more than shopping, it’s a way to extend the experience long after returning home.

Local markets in Mugello, where everyday Life happens

Visiting a weekly market is one of the best ways to connect with local culture. The main markets take place in towns such as:

• Borgo San Lorenzo
• Vicchio
• Barberino di Mugello
• Scarperia
  

Here you’ll find agricultural products, cheeses, cured meats, clothing, and household items. These markets are not designed for tourism; they are part of everyday life, which is exactly what makes them special.

Arriving in the morning, strolling without hurry, and observing what local residents buy is often the best way to understand what is worth bringing home.

Artisan shops and food stores

Beyond the markets, Mugello offers small specialty shops and artisan stores where carefully selected products are available. Many work directly with local producers, ensuring short supply chains, freshness, and support for the local economy.

Food enthusiasts can discover:

• artisanal cured meats and cheeses
• wines from small Tuscan wineries
• local honey
• chestnut-based specialties
• traditional preserves
  

Those interested in handcrafted objects may explore ceramics, knives, textiles, and home goods. Often, the real value lies not only in the item itself but in the story behind it.

Many guests wonder how to include markets and local shopping in their travel itinerary. Guests staying at Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort receive personalized recommendations on weekly markets, artisan shops, local producers to visit, and food experiences. If needed, transfers can also be arranged, along with practical suggestions for getting around easily.

Villa Campestri Olive Oil Resort, the perfect base to discover local traditions

Staying in a historic villa surrounded by olive groves means experiencing Tuscany not only as a landscape, but as a living culture. At Villa Campestri, the journey into local products begins right on the property: estate-produced olive oil, regional cuisine, and guided tastings. From here, it is easy to reach Mugello villages, markets, and artisan shops. The hillside location allows guests to combine relaxation, nature, and discovery without long travel times.

For guests arriving without a car, the staff can assist with transfers from Florence or suggest convenient transportation options during the stay.