Perugia is a good place to start if you want to hit the shops for the day. For those interested in fashion, the main street in Perugia – the Corso Vannucci – has some great shops including designer boutiques, department stores and high street shops.
Unfortunately, for those looking to grab a real bargain, Umbria doesn’t have any large outlet malls. However, depending on where you are staying, it might be worth taking a drive to one of the malls in Tuscany, or, if you’re based further south, to one on the outskirts of Rome.
Only 90 minutes north of Perugia is The Mall (www.themall.it), where you will find plenty of designer labels inlcuding Alexander McQueen, Armani, Burberry, Fendi, Gucci, Hogan, Stella McCartney, Tod’s, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent. Alternatively, head south from Foligno for about 2 hours and you will reach the McArthur Glen factory outlet just outside Rome, open every day from 10 in the morning until 9 in the evening. (www.mcarthurglen.it/castelromano)
For those looking to buy food, the Merato Coperto in Perugia is worth visiting. Situated just off the Piazza Matteotti, the permanent food market is a great place to stock up on picnic supplies! Terni also has a permanent daily market. However, most towns and villages in Umbria also have their own weekly food and homewares markets. Some of the markets outside the bigger cities of Perugia and Terni are listed below:
Market Days:
| Monday | 8 – 1 | Assisi |
| 8 – 1 | Marsciano | |
| Tuesday | 8 – 1 | Gubbio |
| Thursday | 8 – 1 | Citta di Castello |
| 7 – 12 | Orvieto | |
| Friday | 8 – 1 | Bastia Umbra |
| Saturday | 8 – 1 (3rd Saturday of the month) | Citta di Castello |
| 8 – 1 (2nd Saturday of the month) | Gubbio | |
| 7 – 12 | Orvieto | |
| Sunday | 8 – 8 | Spoleto |
And finally, for the lovers of antiques and collectables, there are plenty of markets to keep you amused for hours too! Assisi holds an antiques and collectables market on the second Sunday of every month, whilst there is one in Citta di Castello every third Sunday of the month, in Trevi every 4th Sunday of the month, and in Castiglione del Lago every 3rd Saturday of the month. Perugia also boats a market on the last Sunday of the month from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The flea market in Pissgnano is also worth a visit and is probably one of my favourites in Umbria. Held on the first Sunday of every month, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. it’s a wonderful flea market with an electic mix of objects to buy, from rustic farm equipment to books, hand embroidered linen, ceramics, glassware and furniture.
Happy shopping!
