The jagged Dolomites are the crown jewel of alpine Europe. Their unapologetically beautiful landscapes etch the mountains and valleys in Italy’s most northeastern corner.
Refined resorts, elevated cuisine, and postcard towns make the Dolomites one of the most exciting destinations in northern Italy. Whether you kick back at a posh resort in Alta Badia or find yourself summiting the Seceda Ridgeline, the adventure in the Dolomites is as relaxed or as thrilling as you choose. But nothing comes at the sacrifice of beauty — everywhere you turn, there are sights to admire, from alpine mountains to green meadows.
Plan a few days of road-tripping through the provinces of Trentino and South Tyrol to discover all it has to offer, and read on for why you should plan to visit the Dolomites.
Why visit the Dolomites?
Adventure- and culinary-seeking travelers flock to the Dolomites for several reasons. The first is access to nature, as many of the incredible views and experiences are easily reachable. Yes, there is strenuous climbing and hiking for those who want to summit legendary peaks, but there are also plenty of short hikes and cable car rides yielding big rewards.
The second reason is that thanks to their remote setting—at a high altitude in the northeast of the country—the Dolomites feel a world away from the ordinary. This is evident with Ladin, an ancient language spoken widely in the area (Italian, Friulan, and German are the next most spoken languages).
Alpine living has shaped the area’s history, culture, and cuisine. The Tyrolean culinary landscape is rooted in the land and reflects the region’s multicultural heritage. Along with historic inns serving traditional Dolomites food, you’ll find several innovative Michelin-starred restaurants to try it all.
Where are the Dolomites?
The Dolomites are predominantly in South Tyrol, the northeastern Italian region east of Milan and north of the Veneto. They are directly north of Trentino in the northern Italian Alps and border Austria. The Dolomites run through the provinces of Belluno, Alto Adige (South Tyrol), and Trentino.
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a mountain range of 18 peaks and over 350,000 acres. The highest peaks here reach well over 10,000 feet, with Marmolada being the highest mountain in the area. The landscape is vast and dense, with valleys, towns, and mountains. It’s the perfect playground for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seeking adventurers.
How Do I Reach The Dolomites?
The easiest way to reach the Dolomites is to fly into one of the nearby airports and then rent a car. The closest and most convenient airport is the international Venice Marco Polo Airport near Venice, Italy. You can also fly into regional airports like Verona, Bolzano, or even Innsbruck, Austria, and cross the border.
For those already in the country, consider taking an Italian train to the nearest major station and then renting a car. Bolzano train station is one of the best options for accessing public transportation.
When is the best time to visit?
If you want to hike the trails without crowds, the best periods are late May through early June and September through early October. Most of the trails have had all the snow melted off, which gives hikers a chance to adventure. If you’re more interested in winter activities, consider visiting from January to early March, when the snow is typically at its peak.
Things To Do In The Dolomites
Start by simply taking in the scenery. Jagged peaks drenched in sunlight, sheer cliffs, and intimate valleys adorn the landscape. Soak it all in, from an adventurous mountain hike, a casual lakeside stroll, a cable car ride, or even just from your hotel room terrace.
Outdoor adventure is available year-round in the Dolomites. As the snow melts off the summits in the summertime, it makes way for world-class hiking and mountaineering. Come winter, the mountains are blanketed in snow. The combined ski resorts of the Dolomiti Superski (home to the Sella Ronda route) comprise one of the largest ski areas in Europe.
See it all via a postcard-worthy road trip that winds in and out of the 2,000+ mountains. The region is dotted with hilltop towns, castles, and historical sights dating back thousands of years, so endless discoveries are needed. You’ll also find wellness resorts, luxury chalets, and rustic mountain huts to hang your hat at the end of the day. The Dolomites gladly offer a little bit of everything for everyone.
If you’re headed to the Fassa Valley, be sure to plan on watching a sunrise or sunset when the Dolomites famously turn pink.
Food Of The Italian Dolomites
The Dolomites food is unapologetically alpine but majorly refined. It is always exciting and influenced by Italian, Ladin, Tyrolean, Austrian, and German cultures.
In the Dolomites, people eat farm-to-table, thanks to easy access to local produce, meats, and cheeses. A few Tyrolean classics include handmade dumplings (knödel), beet-filled pasta known as casunziei, smoked meat speck, and rich alpine cheeses.
There’s even wine to match! The Trentino-Alto Adige region is known for its crisp, refreshing whites like sparkling Trentino DOC or the light-bodied Lagrein. What better way to reward yourself after a hike than with a crisp glass of white wine with local delicacies like speck and South Tyrolean cheeses?
Consider a Dolomites Road Trip
One of the best ways to experience the Dolomites is by embarking on a road trip. This part of Italy beckons a scenic drive through the mountain passes and the hilltop villages. It’s an opportune time to travel at your speed. The best way to do so is by picking up that rental car from your arriving airport or train station.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Dolomites
The Italian Dolomites are a mountain range located in northeast Italy within the Italian Alps. These mountains run across the regions of Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia and are renowned for their dramatic cliffs, vertical walls, idyllic valleys, and unique alpine landscapes. In 2009, the Dolomites were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best time to hike in the Dolomites is from June until the end of September. This is when most trails are free of snow, mountain huts are open, and seasonal buses and cableways operate. For skiing, the Dolomites winter season begins in earnest in early January and ends in early April.
There are several popular areas to stay in the Dolomites, including:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Known for attractions like Lake Sorapis and Tofana di Rozes.
- Val Gardena: Accessible even without a car and close to attractions like Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.
- Alta Badia: Known for its luxury hotels and Michelin star restaurants.
- San Martino di Castrozza: A base for hiking in the Pale di San Martino mountain group.
- Val di Funes: A picturesque destination at the base of the Odle/Geisler Group.
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Bolzano Italy Travel Guide
As you explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Italian Dolomites, be sure not to miss the opportunity to visit Bolzano, a town that perfectly encapsulates the region’s unique blend of culture and natural beauty. Known for its fascinating mix of Italian and Austrian influences, Bolzano offers something for every traveler—from medieval castles and vibrant markets to world-class vineyards and museums.
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Photo Credit: All photos by Jessica Wright
