Verona
Useful bookshop where you can pick up maps of Verona, the region and Kompass maps of Lake Garda should you be heading in that direction.
Must-see shopping in Italy
Cagliari
Three Sundays a month, Cagliaritani go bargain hunting at Cagliari Antiquaria, an antique and collectors market on Piazza del Carmine.
Volterra
Distinctive pieces in 18-carat gold – many based on Etruscan designs – are handmade in this workshop on Volterra's northern walls.
Ischia
A beautiful old-school bookshop in Ischia Ponte with armchairs, plies of multilingual tomes and some fine local prints on sale too.
Bellagio
Como's renowned silk manufacturing industry sends ties, scarves and other accessories up the road to this small Bellagio shop.
Società Cooperativa Artieri Alabastro
Volterra
Showcases the work of local alabaster artisans in a roomy town-centre shop – the scope of objects and styles is impressive
Western Sardinia
On the main road through the village, this is the place to stock up on local olive oil. A litre costs between €8 and €9.
Borghetto Flaminio Flea Market
Rome
Rummage through the vast heaps of used (vintage?) and new clothing, housewares and bric-a-brac at this weekly market.
Siena
This branch of the national chain stocks a good range of English-language fiction and travel guides, as well as maps.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
Hand-loomed rugs, tapestries, scarves and shawls in wool, hemp and linen bearing traditional geometric patterns.
Chianti
The town's best-known wine shop sells wines from its La Castellina estate and also offers tastings from €5.
Bellagio
Magda Guaitamacchi turns out gorgeous ceramic and porcelain pieces that have gone on show around the world.
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
Accessory-focused second store of upmarket fashion boutique Gente.
Bari
Stock up on Pugliese drops such as Primitivo di Manduria at this gorgeous old wine shop, founded in 1911.
Volterra
A workshop where you can watch alabaster being carved and also purchase the artisans' work.
Northwestern Sardinia
Stock up at the wine shop at Sella e Mosca, northern Sardinia's best-known wine producer.
Bari
Breathe in the delicious smells of Puglia's best produce at this venerable delicatessen.
Northwestern Tuscany
While away a pleasant hour admiring the creative goodies in this stylish concept store.
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
A branch of the well-known artisanal jewellery shop that started in Monti.
Milan
Opened in late 2017, this is the biggest urban shopping district Italy has ever seen. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, its streamlined bamboo interior…
Venice
Artist-in-residence Roman Tcherpak has devised his own system of hand-printing digital images onto basically anything, including ceramics and leather. You…
San Polo & Santa Croce
East–West trade-route trends begin here, with chic cast-iron teapots, Japanese-textile patchwork totes, and Orient-inspired ceramics by Rina Menardi…
San Polo & Santa Croce
This is an Aladdin's cave of trinkets and clothing. Much of the costume jewellery is made by hand in-store, with a lovely range of cameo bracelets and…
San Polo & Santa Croce
'The Blue Trunk' is a curiosity cabinet of elusive treasures where you can expect to stumble across anything from 1970s bubble sunglasses and antique…
San Polo & Santa Croce
This interesting design company produces jewellery and accessories in-store (as well as sourcing from designers around Europe), using materials such as…
Venice
A great farmers' market for stocking up on top-quality essentials. Organic vegetables, local honey and specialist cheese and bread stalls jostle for space…
Venice
Leather bags in a riotous array of colours, sizes and styles are on sale at this design store. Everything is handcrafted in the company's workshop in…
San Polo & Santa Croce
This fashion store has clothing and accessories by international designers from Japan, Korea and the US, as well as home-grown talent.
San Polo & Santa Croce
A vintage clothing store with a great range of designer clothes and shoes, jeans and accessories.
Tridente, Trevi & the Quirinale
Fascinating to browse, this clever boutique showcases unique Carmina Campus pieces – primarily bags and jewellery – made from upcycled objects and…
San Polo & Santa Croce
Declare's sleek black fit-out provides a dramatic backdrop for boldly hued, contemporary leathergoods. Made by artisans using full-grain Tuscan leather,…
La Spezia
Held in a covered (but open-sided) square in the centre of town, this market is a lively place to browse for fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olives and…
Venice
Wearable waterfalls and soap-bubble necklaces are Venice-style signatures, thanks to the Murano-born Sent sisters. Defying centuries-old beliefs that…
Riomaggiore
You'll find a wide range of quality local products at this enticing shop near the top of Via Colombo. This is the place for Genovese pesto, extra virgin…
San Polo & Santa Croce
Master of metals, Andrea d’Agostino takes his influence from the Japanese technique of mokume gane (meaning ‘metal with woodgrain’), masterful examples of…
San Polo & Santa Croce
Second-generation opticians and first-class stylists, the Vascellari family discern eyewear needs with a glance at your prescription and a long look to…
Venice
Only one thing actually moves like Jagger: Mick Jagger's bespoke fórcola, hand-carved by Saverio Pastor. Each forked wooden gondola oarlock is…
Chianti
Close to the Mall, but on the opposite side of the Arno, this place is well signed off the SR69 after you've exited the autostrada. Call ahead to check…
Turin
Giorgio Maffei was one of the world's most dedicated collectors of books by 20th-century visual and literary avant-garde artists, including futurist,…
San Polo & Santa Croce
With a clientele ranging from Hollywood stars to New York socialites, Stefano and Daniele Attombri’s contemporary glass jewellery embraces art deco,…
