There is one image that, on its own, encapsulates Tuscany for the world: a long avenue of ancient cypress trees leading straight towards a red castle. That place really does exist; it’s called Bolgheri and is just a few minutes’ drive from the Canado Family Hotel.
If, during your holiday, you’re looking for a magical afternoon that will enchant your children’s eyes and offer you, the parents, a moment of pure relaxation, this village is the ideal destination. A day trip that transforms a day at the beach into a little journey through time.
Let’s start with a few details: Bolgheri is a hamlet in the municipality of Castagneto Carducci, situated inland from the Etruscan Coast. It sits on a small hill overlooking the plain below, surrounded by some of the world’s finest vineyards. The village is about 10 km from our Family Hotel; the journey there is very straightforward, and in just a few minutes’ drive you’ll be at the entrance to the village on the iconic Viale dei Cipressi.
Viale dei Cipressi: the start of the adventure
The experience begins even before you step out of the car. Turning onto the famous Viale dei Cipressi is like stepping into a picture book: almost five kilometres of road lined with over two thousand majestic trees.
To children, it will seem as though they are passing through an army of green giants guarding the road. This avenue was immortalised in the verses of Giosuè Carducci, the very poet who gave Castagneto its name. It is the perfect spot for a safe stop in the lay-bys: a family photo here is the most beautiful souvenir to take home.
Once you reach the end of the avenue, you’ll be greeted by the spectacular tower of Castello della Gherardesca. Passing through the village’s entrance gate means leaving the noise of the modern world behind.
Bolgheri is a cosy, immaculately kept village and, above all, extremely safe for children. The streets are almost entirely pedestrianised: little ones can wander freely through the cobbled alleys, whilst you, the parents, can enjoy the beauty of the stone façades and flower-filled balconies without the stress of traffic.
A pleasure that everyone can agree on
Bolgheri is world-famous for its excellent wines — such as Sassicaia and Ornellaia — but it is also incredibly welcoming for those travelling with children.
- For parents: Wine bars and small open-air bistros are the ideal spot for a glass of local red wine, breathing in the fresh air of the Tuscan hills.
- For children: The craft shops selling wooden toys and the artisan ice-cream parlours are sure to capture their attention. There’s nothing better than a traditional snack of warm Tuscan schiacciata, to be enjoyed whilst sitting in one of the village’s little squares as the sun begins to set.
Canado’s tips for your visit
Here at Canado, we understand the rhythm of family life. Our advice is to visit Bolgheri in the late afternoon.
After a day spent swimming in the pool and playing on the beach, the breeze blowing down from the Bolgheri hills is a real cure-all. The light of the sunset, which bathes the vineyards in gold, makes the atmosphere even more enchanting and magical. And the beauty of it is that, as it’s so close, you can be back at the hotel in time for dinner, with the wonder of one of Italy’s most beautiful villages still fresh in your mind.
As the village is almost entirely pedestrianised, you’ll need to leave your car just outside the walls:
- Car parks: You’ll find two large paid car parks (Parcheggio Bolgheri and Parcheggio Castello) located just a few metres from the entrance gate.
- Accessibility: The car parks are flat, making it very easy to unload pushchairs and reach the centre in less than two minutes on foot.
Bolgheri awaits you: an unmissable stop for those who want to experience the most authentic Tuscany, just a stone’s throw from the comfort of the Canado Family Hotel.
