Viale dei Cipressi: The Cypress Road

This 5km avenue of 2,540 cypress trees is the most photographed road in Tuscany. Planted in the 1800s, the trees have grown into a dramatic tunnel leading to the medieval village of Bolgheri. Every wine label in the region features this view. You've seen it a thousand times. Now you'll drive it.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Drive the Full Avenue Adventure · Free

   5km of cypress trees planted in the 1800s.

   Start at the SS1 (Via Aurelia) exit and drive north on SP16d toward Bolgheri village. The cypresses line both sides for the entire 5km. Drive slowly—the experience is in the approach. The road ends at the medieval village gate.

   Log Memory
2. 2 Capture the Classic Shot Adventure · Free

   The photo that appears on every Bolgheri wine label.

   About 2km from the village, there's a small dirt pull-off on the right side. Park here. Walk to the center of the road (carefully!) and shoot looking north toward the village. The cypress trees create a natural frame. A telephoto lens compresses the rows dramatically. Morning light facing north, or afternoon facing south.

   Log Memory
3. 3 Find the View from Above Adventure · Free · Optional

   The village cemetery viewpoint shows the entire avenue.

   After entering Bolgheri village, walk past the castle arch to the small cemetery on the hill. From here, you can see the cypress avenue stretching toward the sea. This is the reverse angle—most tourists miss it. Best at sunset when the road catches the light.

   Log Memory

Insider tips

• Best photographed at sunset when the road glows golden

• There's a pull-off about 2km from the village for photos

• The village entrance arch frames the cypress avenue perfectly from above

• Drive through first, then visit wineries, then return for sunset photos