It’s no secret that this summer’s heat wave has hit us quite hard, while 2014 offered a more mild, rainy season – this year we have been reminded of what an Italian summer can consist of. And yes, it can get really, truly, hot. Besides hitting the pool (like our pretty snazzy one above) we have a few ideas on how and where to keep cool. 

 Visit Lake Bilancino

Many might not be aware of a large natural reservoir right in our doorstep. This five kilometer space, very close to the barberino highway exit holds 69 million cubic metres of water and is 31 meters deep. It is a great spot for swimming and water sports in the Mugello valley, we recommend heading to the Bahia beach club, where you can rent chairs and umbrellas, and which contains a nice restaurant and bar every day in the summer. Alternatively at night, it becomes a hip place for Italians to grab an aperitivo and hang out with friends. One of the biggest advantages here is that all four-legged friends are welcomed.

Bahia Cafe & Beach: address: Via Gastone Nencini, 50031 Barberino di Mugello FI, Phone: +39 338 392 7974

We also advise you to visit the nearby Oasi Naturalistica di Gabbianello, here you can take bikes and do a little bird-watching from this protected nature reserve. address: S. P. 39, Barberino del Mugello FI, Phone: + 39 333 953 7114

Cool Churches

The Mugello Valley definitely has some interesting points of interest, which also double as places to cool off in the summer. Why not visit a few churches and museums to get your mind out of the heat? Three important points of interest in Barberino di Mugello include Abbey of St. Lawrence, the Parish of St. Cresci in Valcava and the Oratory of the Madonna of the Three Rivers. In Dicomano, another fraction in the valley, has the Sant’Onofrio Oratory and the Romanesque Pieve di Santa Maria Church, which hosts works by both Vasari and Bronzino. In Palazzuolo sul Sieno, visit thePalazzo dei Capitani, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Neve in Quadalto, and the Provostry of St. Stephen.

Embrace the Siesta 

Historically, many Mediterranean cultures have embraced the mid-day siesta, between the hottest times of the day (after lunch) for a nap. While it is less common to find those who do this quite regularly, we suggest to not rush to jam-pack museum visits and rush to visit everything and instead to take the slow approach. Vacation after all, is also about resting, isn’t it? Our advice is to enjoy visiting monuments and museums in the morning, embrace a long lunch and swim in the pool in the afternoon. You can find some of our best special offers here.

Go Shopping, It’s Sale Season!

Italy has national sales that happen twice a year, right now is the current summer sale which makes it the perfect time to visit a nearby shopping outlet Barberino Designer Outlet which also means you can stay cool for a few hours. The highway exit is the same of Bilancino Lake, which means you can ideally visit both in the same day. Here you will find designer brands at up to 70% off, all year round plus the summer sales. The shopping center is quite nice and well out-fitted, with cafes and restaurants, a children’s play area, free parking  and more than 100 boutiques. We also offer a special deal including combining a night stay, dinner, with a 25 euro gift card.

address:

Barberino Designer Outlet,
Via Meucci snc,
50031 Barberino di Mugello (FI),
Italia,
Telefono: +39 055 842161. Open daily from 10 – 9pm.