Location

Il Poggiolo is located in the heart of Tuscany, in the area called the Valdarno. It is equidistant from Florence, Siena and Arezzo (30-45 minutes) and just a short drive away from historic monuments, art treasures, picturesque villages, national parks, thermal baths, and bit farther away, seaside beaches. Detailed driving directions provided here.

Situated in a wine-producing region known as the “Chianti Putto”, where some of the celebrated “super-Tuscan” vineyards can be found, Il Poggiolo belongs to a region known for its olive oil, local specialties, and gourmet restaurants. A number of designer outlets are also located in the area.

The Valdarno

There is much to do and see within a short drive or train ride from Il Poggiolo. Four towns are within 10 minutes drive: Montevarchi is the largest, Levane, Mercatale, and Bucine are smaller but more characteristic. San Giovanni Valdarno and Figline are historic centers just a short drive away, while Siena, Arezzo and Cortona are situated to the south – make sure to take the secondary roads that wind through the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany.

Markets and Food Shopping:

Weekly markets: Food, clothes, tableware, handbags and accessories, ironmonger items, etc… very popular with the locals of all the nearby towns:

Tuesday mornings – tiny market in Levane (in front of the Coop supermarket)
Wednesday mornings – small market in Bucine (main road through town)
Thursday mornings – large market in Montevarchi (via Roma and other areas – follow the crowd)
Saturday mornings – largest market at San Giovanni Valdarno (via del Corso + other areas)

Antique market – Mercato dell’Antiquariato – in Arezzo the first weekend of every month.

Local delicatessens (Gastronomie) and specialty stores for fine foods and wines – see suggestions in the “Welcome Book”.

Supermarkets: Every Tuscan town has its “Coop” supermarket, which is a real cooperative, owned, staffed, and run by locals. You will get very friendly service there, and a personal touch missing in bigger stores. In Montevarchi there is also a large “Ipercoop” (Coop-Fi) supermarket, where it is possible to purchase a vast selection of goods, from food to clothing to furniture and sporting equipment.

Montevarchi Gastronomic Market: The first Saturday of every month (mornings only) hosts Montevarchi’s nationally recognized Gastronomic market, with food specialties from all of Tuscany and central Italy.

Outlet Shopping

Prada Outlet – Località Levanella, 52025 Montevarchi (AR), Tel : +39 055 91 901 – Il Poggiolo just happens to be as close as you can get to the Prada outlet, a destination for many visitors to the area (website).

The Mall – Via Europa 8, 50060 Leccio, Reggello – Tuscany’s first designer outlet mall is located at the Incisa exit off highway A-1 (first exit going from Il Poggiolo towards Florence). Luxury stores include Gucci, Armani, Valentino, Tods-Hogans, La Perla, etc. The Fendi Outlet is also nearby (website).

Valdichiana Outlet Village – Via Enzo Ferrari, 5, Localita Farniole, Foiano della Chiana (AR) – A short drive from Il Poggiolo in the direction of Arezzo (A1 highway or via SS69) will bring you to this mall. You will find major brands, Italian and non-Italian, with 30-70% discounts off tag price. Stores like Guess, Benetton, Sisley, Bata etc. are viable options for lower budgets as compared to the more upscale “The Mall” which is only for luxury goods. There are also some kitchen stores that carry discounted Italian houseware items by Alessi, Lagostina, etc. (website)

Barberino Outlet Village – Via Meucci, Barberino di Mugello (FI) – This recently opened, large outlet mall offers both luxury goods and well-known brands. On the A-1 North of Florence, Barberino exit, follow signs (website).