The historic population of Livigno, a cluster of hamlets set high up in Italy’s Alpine region, would hardly recognise the place today. Back then they were granted tax-free status to alleviate the poverty caused by their remote location, but all that changed in the 1960s with the construction of the Munt La Schera tunnel. Since then the people of Livigno have taken full advantage of its tax-free status by selling some of the world’s leading brands at low prices in the tiny hillside town.
Today, more than 250 shops are spread out over the Lombardy resort’s tiny and cosy pedestrian centre. Livigno has become a mecca for shopaholics looking to combine a winter or summer Alpine break with a search for some great bargains, from fashion and footwear to food and drink.
Whether you come here for a short break in the winter to enjoy the skiing, or the summer to enjoy the scenery, one thing’s for sure: there’s plenty to appreciate in the shopping all year round.
The Ultimate Livigno Shopping Guide
A great place to start your shopping spree is at La Galleria, one of the oldest stores in the resort. The department store has recently remodelled to combine its traditional Alpine look with an elegant contemporary Italian twist. This wide, lavish space is a great place to hang out for a couple of hours and check out brands like Bose, Moschino, Coccinelle, Apple, Samsung and Beats Audio.
Best For…
There are so many shops to choose from in Livigno that you might find yourself under pressure to get around them all on a short break, so here is a list of some of my favourites:
Fashion
- Arrizzia – Leading Italian fashion brands sit alongside new and cutting edge labels at Arrizzia in the centre of town.
- Da Giuseppina 1941 – The best in stylish men’s and women’s wear can be found at the sleek, contemporary store Da Giuseppina. You’ll find everything from Dolce & Gabbana to Adidas Originals, all at tax-free prices.
- RennaSport – Don’t let the name fool you – RennaSport is luxury high end fashion with only the slightest nod to sport in the form of luxury brands like Moncler and Barbour. Other brands include Burberry, Kenzo, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors.
Sporting Goods
- I’m Sport – Livigno is a ski/hiking resort after all, so if you’re looking for some high-end sportswear or equipment at reasonable prices, this is definitely the place to come. I’m Sport features all major ski and sports labels including fashion, sunglasses and equipment. Brands include Poc, Specialized, Oakley and Patagonia.
- Zinermann – Serious sport enthusiasts should head to Zinermann to pick up the very latest equipment for both winter and summer outdoor activities. The staff are highly trained and experienced and will find you the equipment that’s right for you.
- Sport Azzurro – For an amazingly wide range of stylish ski, mountain biking, running and trekking clothing and equipment, visit Sport Azzurro.
Everything Else…
- Mottini – This is a great store to wander around if you’re not sure what you’re looking for as it sells everything from Swarovski and Le Creuset homewear to Burkenstock and Mbt shoes. Mottini is always great for a browse.
- Edwins – For crazy Alpine souvenirs you’ve got to head to Edwins. The store specialises in hand carving of everything from cuckoo clocks to Alpine trolls! Worth going in just to have a look around.
- New Elettra – Take advantage of the duty free to buy yourself some new electrical equipment in New Elettra. Selling everything from sound systems to fridges, if you can fit it in your suitcase, you can find it here.
Tips for Duty Free
The shopping in Livigno may be great – but don’t get too carried away. Remember with duty free there are limits to how much you can buy and there are checks in place as you leave the area, so don’t be tempted to push your luck.
Current limits include:
- Tobacco – restricted to 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250g of loose tobacco
- Alcohol – restricted to 1 litre of distilled spirits over 22 per cent alcohol or 2 litres of distilled spirit under 22 per cent alcohol. For wine it’s 4 litres, and for beer 16 litres
- Other goods – You may also buy items for personal use up to the value of €300
How to Get to Livigno
Despite its isolated location, Livigno is served by several airports including Milan and Bergamo in Italy and Zurich and Innsbruck in Austria and Switzerland.
The quickest and most convenient way to get from any of these airports to your accommodation in Livigno is to book a Shuttle Direct airport transfer online before you set off. You’ll even be able to choose between budget group transfers or the comfort of a private car to whisk you away into the mountains to start your duty free shopping spree.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Bivio – The cosy Alpine charm of Hotel Bivio makes it a great choice for a romantic short break. Relax in the stylish wood-panelled bar, enjoy a culinary treat in the restaurant and unwind after a day’s shopping in the hotel’s contemporary spa with indoor pool. There’s also free WiFi throughout.
Alp Wellness Mota – Make sure you’re the first in to get the bargains in the morning by staying at the Alp Wellness Mota, set right in the pedestrianised centre of town. And if your feet are tired at the end of a long day shopping, you can relax in the wellness centre downstairs with its indoor pool, salt-water hot tub and massage treatments.
Hotel St Michael – Enjoy the comforts of the four-star Hotel St Michael. A great place to unwind after a day at the shops, the hotel has a welcoming terrace, bar and restaurant as well as spacious, comfortable rooms.
About Shuttle Direct:
A leading provider of airport transfers across more than 50 countries worldwide, Shuttle Direct is the stress-free way of getting from the airport to your final destination. Book a private car or an economical shared group transfer online before you set off and a driver will be there to meet you when you arrive at the airport.
