9 Best Shops in the Italian Lakes

When in <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy">Italy</a>, do as the Italians do — shop! The stylish country’s penchant for hand-crafted fashion, couture houses and obsession with la bella figura means it goes without saying that you should leave a little room in your suitcase for the souvenirs, goods and mementos you’re sure to bring back home.While memories are the best way to preserve your travel abroad, sometimes you want something tangible that you can wear or use and proudly boast, “Oh, I picked this up on my trip in Italy.” Below, we’ve put together a short list of the top spots to shop in the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy/italian-lakes">Italian Lakes</a> and pick up one-of-a-kind specialties from the region.<h3>Lake Como &amp; Bellagio, Italy</h3>

<h4>HANDBAGS &amp; PURSES</h4><a href="https://nosetta.com/">Nosetta</a>Nosetta is a small brand that specializes in crafting contemporary accessories, drawing inspiration from the chic Italian lifestyle of Lake Como. Their brand launched five years ago and they now have a flagship store in downtown Como.The team carefully selects the most suitable fabrics from the region, renowned for its long-standing tradition of textile expertise. These fabrics are then combined with vegetable-tanned leather, sourced exclusively from Tuscany, and the entire production process takes place within small, artisanal workshops located in Milano.<h4>SILK</h4>Anywhere you step in the town, you are sure to see the sheen of silk scarves, ties or any number of silken wares enticing you at local shops — welcome to Italy’s capital of silk! There are a number of reasons why Lake Como became such a large producer of the shiny, luxurious fabric: an already-abundant number of mulberry trees and production taking place in the nearby Po River Valley just south of the region, combined with ample water sources from alpine streams and the lakes.Silk production in the Como area dates back to 1400, when the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza (also known as the man who commissioned Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper), began to invest in the industry, eventually employing 20,000 workers in the silk trade. It continued to flourish in 1869, with the opening of setificio Paolo Carcano: a 5-star program dedicated to training masters from across the country in the art of crafting this luxurious fabric. By 1972, silk production in Lake Como exceeded that of China and Japan.Almost all the silk found throughout Italy is produced here, with the weaving, dyeing and finishing continuing to take place in Como. In turn, the region sees many outlets and boutiques where you can pick up sleek evening dresses, scarves and ties, all made of silk. Its intricate creation process and delicate nature require a close eye. When purchasing silk, be sure to inspect the quality carefully. Some pieces may be imperfect, particularly at factory outlets, and minor imperfections may not be marked.Before you venture in search of that perfect piece, keep in mind Italians enjoy long lunch breaks and typically close shop between noon and 2:30-3:30 pm. Most stores are closed on Sundays, and occasionally on Mondays, so phoning ahead is a good idea. The shops below are some of the most well-known brands for silk, and walking around, you may make your own silk shop discovery — it’s the souvenir&nbsp;in this region!<a href="https://www.masciadri.tv/">Pierangelo Masciadri</a>Known as ‘Bellagio’s tie guy’, some of his clients include HRH Prince Albert of Monaco, both Republican (George W. Bush) and Democrat presidents (Bill Clinton) and Microsoft mogul Bill Gates, among others. The eponymous owner used to work in fashion for a number of the big houses like Armani, Pierre Cardin and more, and now designs his own line of ties, scarves, bags, shawls and other creations in silk.

<a href="https://www.mantero.com/fe/">Mantero</a>Mantero has been a family-run business since 1902. They are the exclusive maker of Chanel scarves, and while you won’t find the Chanel label here at their production site, you can snag one of their colourful, floral-printed scarves or bags.<a href="http://www.incomo.com/">Diffusione Seta</a>In this outlet of silk accessories, you may find brands such as Lanvin, YSL, Moschino, Fendi, Missoni, Versace and many others. They also have a boutique store at the Piazza Cavour in Lake Como.<a href="http://www.ratti.it/">Ratti Factory Outlet – Setteria Ratti&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Ratti first opened in 1945 and today is one of the largest and most respected manufacturers of silk in the area, offering a selection of ties, scarves, fabrics, pillows and blouses. Find their entrance on the first floor of the Fondazione Antonio Ratti, a museum dedicated to the art and history of the fabric.<a href="http://www.frey.it/">Frey</a>Frey has been in business for over a century, turning silkworms into scarves and shawls since 1899. Peruse their range of sophisticated designs at their outlet in Como or from their boutique shop in Bellagio.<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Armani-Outlet/120396988037491">Armani Factory Outlet</a>Found 30 minutes south of Como, the Armani outlet offers a wide selection of pieces under the Armani label, typically from last season. Inventory is sometimes discounted up to 50-80% off the regular price, meaning you may be able to grab that 2000 EUR Armani suit for a mere 500.<h4>OLIVE OIL</h4>While not as famed as its southern neighbours, the North can still hold its own when it comes to producing tasty olive oil.Olive Oil from Olio VaniniElevate your home cooking with flavourful olive oil from Lenno, Italy, or sample their line of all-natural, olive oil-infused skincare. You can find it at most grocery stores in and around the region, or arrange for a visit to their groves along Lake Como.<h3>Lugano, Switzerland</h3>When you’re this close to the Italian border, hopping over to Switzerland just makes sense. One of the closest cities, Lugano, belongs to Switzerland but is located in Ticino, an Italian-speaking canton. When shopping in Switzerland, why not pick up a timepiece for yourself in the watch capital of the world?<h4>WATCHES</h4>Watchmaking in Switzerland dates back to the late 16thC after Huguenot refugees introduced the craft of portable timepieces to the booming city of Geneva. Under Calvin rule at the time, the citizens of Geneva were strictly banned from displaying any signs of wealth, including pieces of jewellery. The city’s goldsmiths were left in a precarious situation and needed to diversify their skills. They turned to watchmaking and went on to export their masterpieces to the Orient and American colonies.The art of watchmaking began to spread across the country, evolving into crafting other timepieces like pendulum clocks and pocket watches. By the 19thC, Switzerland was considered the most important watch manufacturer in the world.Near the end of the century, their success was briefly jeopardized by the Americans, who had matched Swiss innovation and added mass production. The Swiss responded by adding additional features to their watches like calendars, stopwatch functions, and waterproof protection, swinging them back into the market.Pick up a classic from the world leaders in watchmaking from one of these shops so that you can linger in the memories of your time in the Swiss Lakes with every glance of your wrist. A VAT refund (about 7.7% in Switzerland) means you can shop tax-free (just ask for the form), and you may also find a wider selection at the stores here than back at home, with the possibility of better prices in their country of manufacture.

<a href="http://www.bucherer.com/">Bucherer</a>Established in 1888, Bucherer was Lucerne’s first watch and jewellery store. Rolex, Tissot, Girard-Perregaux and Jaeger-LeCoultre watches are just a sample of the Swiss brands on offer here, along with their line of dazzling, award-winning jewellery.<a href="http://www.foxtown.com/en">Foxtown Designer Outlet</a>About 30 minutes from Lugano, you may encounter a rare find at Foxtown. The outlets are worth a look for quality bargains on labels that are not often discounted back at home, including Dolce &amp; Gabbana, Dsquared, Etro, Fratelli Rossetti, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Missoni and other European and Italian brands.&nbsp;While these souvenirs are indeed beautiful reminders of the region, the best thing to take back are the memories made on a trip to the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy/italian-lakes">Italian Lakes</a>. Join a small group <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/italian-lakes-walking-hiking">Walking &amp; Hiking</a> trip, or build shopping directly into your itinerary on a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/italian-lakes-bespoke">bespoke journey</a>. Whichever you choose, you'll be delighted to discover the serenity of Como, Garda, and Maggiore with B&amp;R.

Discover the best shops in the Italian Lakes—from Como silk and handcrafted timepieces to unique artisan finds that capture the region’s timeless style and craftsmanship.

Best Shops in the Italian Lakes | Silk, Watches & Artisan Finds

Italian Lakes

The Italian Lakes are grandeur, comfort and elegance incarnate. A lofty claim, sure, but once you’ve laid eyes on this land of perched villas and verdant hills, you’ll forgive our hyperbole.&nbsp;Truly incredible walks lead us through the charming streets of Lugano and über-chic Bellagio to unforgettable authentic meals at opulent waterfront resorts. Where much of Italy is built for bikes, the Lakes are to be explored by boat and on foot. Suddenly, a “week at the lake” takes on a whole new meaning.

Discover the serenity of Como, Garda, and Maggiore

Walk Lake Como and Bellagio's shores and explore by private boat on small group or private bespoke trips at the Italian Lakes, with grand villa stays.

Italian Lakes Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Travel beyond as we're the only ones who will take you to both the crystalline waters of Lake Como and over to the stunning Swiss side, wandering through charming Lugano and Ticino. Soak in the incredible views from the water on not one, two, but three separate boat cruises.Please note the 2025 hotel lineup: Grand Hotel Victoria, Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola &amp; Grand Hotel Des Iles Borromees &amp; Spa

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Great Walks

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Italy’s lakes: where nature shamelessly shows off, truffles beg to be found, and villa-hopping by speedboat feels totally reasonable. Wander Lake Como’s garden-lined shores, scale castles with postcard views, and savour lakeside meals with Alice, our favourite local foodie. Swim crystal-clear Mergozzo, hunt for truffles with a seasoned tartufaio (and his adorable dog), and unwind each night in style.

Where grandeur and elegance go to relax

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Go beyond the crystalline waters of Lake Como as we’re the only ones who pop over to the stunning Swiss side, wandering through charming Lugano and Ticino. Soak in the incredible views from the water on not one, two, but three separate boat cruises.

Spend 5 nights hiking Lakes Como, Lugano and Maggiore in a small group. Lakeside trails, clifftop gardens and private villa access that takes months to

Italian Lakes Walking Tour: Como, Lugano & Maggiore with Private Villa Access

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Luxurious Stays

On the Water

In the Italian Lakes, elegance comes with a mountain backdrop and a spritz in hand. Pedal scenic routes through storybook towns, wander stylish streets in Bellagio and Lugano, and cruise across glassy waters by private boat. With perched villas, sublime cuisine and lakefront luxury, this isn’t just a week at the lake—it’s la dolce vita, distilled.

Elevated elegance in the Italian Lakes

Bike clifftop roads, take private boat tours and hike above Lakes Como and Lugano. The Italian Lakes beyond the ferry, tailor-made and built for you.

9 Best Shops in the Italian Lakes

By Dana Quinn

Italian Lakes

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