Bolgheri is probably most famous to many as a wine area. Located in the province of Livorno, it was a long-time producer of wines but none of its makers were especially well-known. After an event organised by Decanter, in 1974 in which a 6-year-old Sassicaia won over an assortment of Bordeaux wines, the area has become much more well-regarded, though still not especially well-known internationally. However, in addition to her respected wines, Bolgheri has a lot more to offer visitors. This beautiful little town is impossibly charming and quite the looker, full of character, a foodie haven, steeped in history, and rich in culture, plus it’s only 10km from the Tuscan Coast. So, if you’re looking for a relaxed destination that has it all but is also a little off the beaten tourist track and incredibly peaceful, just find a vacation rental with a pool in the Bolgheri area and come explore all that the village has to offer for yourself.
Before you even get into town, you will likely pass through the Viale dei Cipressi (Cypress Avenue), a 5km long straight road that is framed by ancient cypress trees and leads to the beautiful façade of the red brick Bolgheri Castle through the gates of which you find the old Via Aurelia, which brings you into the village. This famous avenue is one of the most photographed parts of the village and for good reason; it is truly beautiful. Then there is the town itself with its lovely historic centre, populated by little streets lined with stone and brick buildings, some of which are home to little speciality shops, food stores, artisans’ workshops, restaurants, and bars. Just wandering the streets, popping into the shops, browsing the artisanal products and local speciality foods, buying some of those famous local wines, and stopping for a bite to eat is enough to keep you delighted and occupied for the day.
If you are holidaying in Livorno, be sure to set aside time to come explore this beautiful village: take in the flower-draped old buildings, visit the beautiful churches (like the San Guido Oratory, a hexagonal chapel commissioned by the same Della Gherardesca family that built the castle), maybe go on a wine tour, and enjoy the deliciously slow pace of life in this pretty corner of Tuscany.
Photo credits:
Picture 1: Manuelarosi / CC BY-SA 4.0;
Picture 1: Manuelarosi / CC BY-SA 4.0;
