when to travel to dolomites

Best Time To Visit The Dolomites: Weather & Things to Do!

Please note that some of the links may be affiliate links , and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products & companies I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!

A big task, I will bravely attempt to break down what each of the 4 seasons brings to the table with regards to weather and things to do , ultimately outlining when the best time to visit the Dolomites really is, and why.

The thing is, these mountains have a lot to offer, and they are big. I’ve hiked the different portions of the Dolomites a few times in the summer and fall seasons, and so I want to share my lessons learned and my experiences.

Month to month, there are things to do that are particularly pretty in a certain season , lakes to swim in, local festivals to attend, Via Ferratas to challenge you, skiing, and the list goes on and on!

➡️ NOTE: Planning a trip to the Dolomites is a bit tough. I can plan a custom itinerary for you – suggest lodging and iconic hikes, and answer any questions. All you do is book it and enjoy it! ❤️

Beyond that, I find the Dolomites to be in an area of Italy where Germanic and Italian cultures come together in perfect union to create a very special and unique vibe. One that is represented in the local Tyrolian dialect, the traditional clothing of the region, how the locals live their lives in unison with the land, and the delicious food (not your usual Italian pasta or German sausage, but the best of both worlds ).

Ultimately, each season brings its own different experience , so here are a few data points to consider regarding weather and things to do in the Dolomites before deciding what’s best for you.

Best Time To Visit The Dolomites

Table of Contents

Visiting the Dolomites in the Summer

Is there anything better than spending summer in the mountains?! You’re basically living out your best Sound of Music life, frolicking on hilltops of wildflowers.

Summer is the most popular time to visit the Dolomites ( and my favorite ) because it is warm, bright, sunny , and full of possible adventures. It’s a great time to go hiking, paragliding, mountain biking, climbing, waterfall exploring, hut-to-hut adventuring, and road-tripping.

Summer in the Dolomites will also be the most expensive because it’s the middle of peak tourist season. This is especially true in the month of August when most of Europe takes a vacation in alignment with “school’s out!” for the kids.

🏠 Where to Stay

Val Gardena  was where I’ve lodged a few times, and is ideal for Ortisei town, Alpe di Suisi, Seceda peaks, Sella Massif, Gran Cir, and Passo Gardena. It’s a cute area and my first choice of lodging in the Dolomites. Peak season lodging prices will be around $300 per night, and be careful that some hotels only offer stays 2 days or longer.

📍 Mid-Level: Hotel Hell – Don’t let the name fool you. I’ve stayed here, and it’s really nice, plus good bang for your buck. The beds are comfy, and it’s a newly remodeled little authentic B&B. 📍 Luxury: Hotel Montchalet – While it’s not the most expensive, I like this chalet A LOT, mostly because it’s a cozy luxury. If you can splurge for the suite with the spa to soak in after the hikes, that would make this worth it a thousand times over.

Visiting the Dolomites in the Fall

The second most popular season to visit the Dolomites is the fall season, mid-September through October. This is when the leaves change and the forests become the exact color of those favorite Instagram posts you troll.

Jokes aside, the fall season in the Dolomites is spectacular in its own right. Early fall, around September and early October, is the best time for outdoor photographers to come out and shoot. It’s also a great time for those seeking the adventure of Via Ferratas.

Towards the end of fall, it gets a bit colder and the mountain huts around the Dolomites close. Snow begins to set in as the mountains prepare themselves for ski season.

Three Peaks  is ideal for seeing Lago di Braies, Lago di Dobbiaco, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo, which is one of my favorite hiking areas. The best town to stay in is Cortina d’Ampezzo in this area because it’s close to everything, and you get all the cute restaurants and bars for apres-mountain trekking adventures.

📍 Mid-Level : Chalet Falorie – Great if you’re traveling with a family because it’s right in town, has a great kitchen, and bunk beds for the kids – plus fantastic light. I think this is the best value for how beautiful the apartment is. For me, chalets always stand a level above! 📍 Luxury: Hotel de LEN – I always go for cozy luxury in the mountains, and this takes the cake. The breakfast and restaurant on the property are especially fantastic, and the amenities are what sold me here – the spa!!

Visiting the Dolomites in the Winter

Coming in 3rd in the contest of “Best Times to Visit the Dolomites”, winter will not be outdone by the other season. Prepare yourself for a winter wonderland, sunny days, and white snow-capped mountains and forests.

Winter is perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, low-altitude hiking, and any other snow sports you can think of. It’s also great for hanging out in the cute little mountain towns, sampling everything from the local goodies to the local wines!

Winter is also cold, and the mountain huts are all closed. It’s not ideal to travel here using public transportation and so this is the season when you need to rent a car to move around.

Again, I recommend Cortina d’Ampezzo  in the winter. It is ideal for Cortina town, Lago di Sorapis, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Misurina, Cinque Torri, Croda da Lago.

I mean, can you imagine spending the Christmas holidays here?! ⤵️

Visiting the Dolomites in the Spring

Spring is the low season in the Dolomites. It boasts the fewest number of visitors and with that, the lowest prices all year. Mountain huts are still closed, snow is still on the ground, and it’s cold.

Spring in the Dolomites is good for lower-elevation hiking and cultural or town-focused activities. It’s also a great time to escape your hometown after the drudge of the first couple of months of the year and just get a quiet, natural change of pace at an affordable price.

Bolzano  is obviously great for Bolzano town, Strada del Vino, and Merano. It’s also pretty close to Val Gardena and Val di Funes. I think it’s a bit far from a few of the more iconic hikes near Cortin (like my favorite Tre Cime and Cadini di Misurina hikes), but if you have a car that won’t be a problem. The town itself is also pretty cute and the capital of the region.

📍 Mid-Level: Goldenstern Townhouse – If you like a mid-century modern feel like me, this is an old townhouse renovated in such a chic way. The beds are comfy, and the townhouse is right in the middle of town! 📍 Luxury: Parkhotel Mondeschein – The hotel is fantastic, with great decor, amenities, ambiance, and all the things. What makes this lodging stand out is the vibe at the bar, restaurant and shared spaces – it’s a VIBE! This is where I would be staying with my partner or my girlfriends.

Things to Do in the Dolomites Per Season

When it comes to things to do in the Dolomites, each month comes with its own benefits and challenges regarding activities, and a lot has to do with weather, access, and vibe. My favorite times to explore the Dolomites, in this order, are first during the Summer, then Fall, then Winter, and lastly – if someone really convinces me – the Spring.

Things To Do in the Dolomites Summer & Fall

✅ Adolf Munkel Hike   ✅ Cadini di Misurina Ridge Hike   ✅ Tre Cime de Lavaredo Hike ✅ Seceda Ridgeline Hike   ✅ Via Ferrata Tridentina ✅ Lake Hikes [ Braies, Carezza ] ✅ Dolomites Road Trip ✅ Paraglide in the Dolomites ✅ Hut-to-Hut Hiking ✅ Stay in a Rifugio

Things To Do in the Dolomites Winter & Spring

✅ Eat your Heart Out [ especially Kaiserschmarrn ] ✅ Drink the Local Wine ✅ Stay in Val Gardena ✅ Explore the towns [ Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Ortisei ] ✅ Skiing / Snowboarding ✅ Snowshoeing

Best Time To Hike in The Dolomites

I think the summer and early fall are the best time for hiking in the Dolomites because you have wonderful weather, flowers blooming, all sorts of summer sports like paragliding and swimming available to you, and the mountains just look STUNNING! Not only that, this is when the rifugios, huts, cable cars, and restaurants are all open!

PRO TIP: Hiking is NOT all difficult in the Dolomites. There are plenty of trails that are rated easy and medium on the challenge scale, and everything is very well marked. In fact, some of the most iconic views from the Dolomites can be accessed by an easy hike!

When do the Mountain Huts/Rifugios open and close?

Most of the Mountain Huts ( Rifugios ) in the Dolomites are the property of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), and are manned by The Club, offering food, lodging, and showers to hikers at about $50-80 a night. Most CAI huts open mid to late June and close on September 20th .

The huts at higher altitudes may have even more limited opening times. Remember, there are operating costs for these little huts, and so if there’s not enough demand, they can’t afford open too early in the summer.

How do you book Mountain Huts/Rifugios in the Dolomites?

To book a room at a hut, you literally have to look them up on Google, find the specific hut website you want, look for their email or phone number, and old-school email/call them. You will give them your name, and the date you are wanting lodging and that’s it. The next step is to show up at the time you requested and enjoy the views.

For my hut-to-hut hike, I used the company Alpine Exploratory – they took care of the booking, route, and baggage transportation, which was a big help. I also found that Facebook groups around a particular hike are super helpful – I did the Alta Via hike, and this is the group I used to get info.

If you’re doing it yourself, don’t expect fancy online reservations. But DO expect that your reservation will be honored. It’s raw out here, ie. in the world above the interwebs!

Do I need travel insurance when visiting the Dolomites?

Yes, anytime you travel outside of your country, you need to cover your bum. It’s quite cheap and offers protection in case of emergencies – because shit happens. Plus, you can call 24/7 and talk to fellow travelers like yourself to get info and help as you need it.

This is what I use: ➡️ Safety Wing Insurance ⬅️

Note:  You can buy it while you’re traveling as well, like that one time I decided to go up a Via Ferrata in the Dolomites and it was only my second time – AND my anxiety was through the roof! Yea, it’s a no-brainer on the travel insurance – get you some.

How To Get to The Dolomites

There are a few ways to get to and around the Dolomites .

How To Get To The Dolomites

Renting a car.

Renting a car is the way to go so that you have the flexibility  to do whatever the heck you want in the Dolomites at your own pace. I usually use Discover Cars to review all the rental car company rates and pick what works for me – ie. a small, automatic, diesel, fewer fees, etc.

Check Prices for Rental Cars to the Dolomites ➡️  DISCOVER CARS   ⬅️

I recommend flying into the Venice Airport and renting a car there  for a few reasons:

• It’s a bigger international airport compared to Bologna & Verona, so  more connecting flights  from the bigger airport hubs around Europe.
• It’s the  closest driving time to the Dolomites  compared to other Italian cities like Milan.

PRO TIP:  Before you hit the road, make sure you review the  common mistakes when renting a car in Italy , where I go into a few unique road rules, documentation requirements, and experience driving through the land of La Dolce Vita.

Public Transportation

SudTirol Mobility  is the best resource to navigate and book tickets to trains and buses around the Dolomites. You can buy a 1, 3, and 5-day pass at tourist info spots or any hotel. There are also little ticket stations. This is the cheapest way to get around the Dolomites if you are not renting a car.

Dolomites Travel Tips

Here are a few travel tips when it comes to the Dolomites, because planning a mountain trip can be a bit tedious.

➡️ Help Me Plan My Trip! ⬅️

How many days is enough for the Dolomites?

I recommend at least 5 days to really appreciate a taste of the Dolomites. If you think about it, it’s half a day to a day’s worth of work just to travel to the Dolomites , and each day only allows time for 1 big hike. Two hikes if they’re close to each other or short enough. To really start exploring the mountains, especially for the first time, you’ll need at least 5 days.

What is a good Dolomites itinerary for first-timers?

Building a good Dolomites itinerary first starts with inspiration. Here are some of my favorite hikes that can be done in 1 week in the Dolomites. This is taken right out of my 2-week hiking trip through the Italian and Swiss Alps!

My Favorite Hikes in The Dolomites

✔️ Adolf Munkel Hike to Geisler Alm   (easy) ✔️ Cadini di Misurina Ridge Hike   (easy) ✔️ Tre Cime de Lavaredo (easy) ✔️ Seceda Ridgeline Hike   (easy) ✔️ Via Ferrata Tridentina (challenging)

Are the Dolomites expensive?

Not really, because it’s a nature hub – and nature stuff is free! That said, lodging & transportation costs will fluctuate with the time of year you go, summer being the most expensive. Here is a rough outline based on some of my road trips to the area during the peak summer season.

• Car Rental : €50-100 per day
• Lodging : €150-300 per night
• Funiculars/Gondolas:  €30-50 per gondola, per person
• Food   & Drink : €60 a day per person
• Nature in Your Life :  Priceless!

Conclusion: Best Time to Visit the Dolomites

So, after reading all these goodies, what is the best time to visit the Dolomites? It’s July 23. 😊

Jokes aside, the best time to visit the Dolomites depends a lot on the weather. Because the Summer and Fall seasons between July and September have the sunniest and warmest days, these months are ideal for all of the activities and awe-inspiring views of the Dolomites. Note that August will be the most touristed month, as well as the most expensive in that ideal time.

Ultimately, each season brings its own pros and cons, the gist being:

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Destinations A-Z

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to the Italian Dolomites — Luxury Hotels and Beautiful Hiking Trails Included

Take a breath of fresh air in the famed Italian mountains.

Laura Itzkowitz is a freelance writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015 and going freelance in 2016. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure , her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest , Surface Magazine , Brooklyn Magazine , T Magazine , The Wall Street Journal , Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country , Condé Nast Traveler , Robb Report , Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy"

Best Time to Go to the Dolomites

Best places for dolomites hiking, best things to do in the dolomites, best dolomites hotels, best dolomites restaurants.

Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty Images

Located in the northeast corner of Italy, bordering Austria, travelers will find the Dolomites. Le Dolomiti (in Italian) share some of the alpine styles of neighboring regions, but boast a culture — and even a language — all of their own.

Ladin is a language spoken in South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno, though you're just as likely to hear German and Italian throughout the region. That's because South Tyrol was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, when it was annexed to Italy.

The Dolomites also offer some of the most incredible mountain scenery in Europe, with 18 peaks rising more than 10,000 feet. Dolomitic limestone forms the mountains' peaks, which rise dramatically above green valleys and picturesque lakes that freeze in the winter. The region is a favorite ski destination among Italians and famous for hiking in the summer. Here's everything you need to know about visiting the Dolomites.

Michela Sieman/Travel + Leisure

The Dolomites are a famed ski destination , with many visitors and Italians alike heading there during the winter holidays. They have also become increasingly popular in the summer, especially for hiking and nature lovers. During the shoulder seasons — from late March through late May and from early October through mid-December — many resorts and hotels shut down.

A cable car will take you up to the summit of this mountain , which is a popular spot for skiing in the winter and hiking come summer. At the first stop on the cable car, you'll find the Masi Wine Bar and Ristorante Col Druscié 1778, which serves apple strudel and spiked eggnog alongside salads and heartier fare.

Lago di Misurina

Arriving at the beautiful Lago di Misurina, about 20 minutes by car from Cortina d'Ampezzo, you'll see the yellow rehabilitation center for children, created because the fresh mountain air was believed to cure respiratory ailments. The lake, situated 5,761 feet above sea level, draws people in all seasons to walk the 1.6-mile perimeter, along which there are places to picnic. It's also the access point for hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, a popular trail that departs from the Rifugio Auronzo.

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

This Instagram-famous lake is especially alluring in the summer, when the sun reflects off its emerald waters, around which rises the impressive Seekofel massif. From June to September, you can rent a wooden rowboat (€25 for an hour, €15 every 30 minutes after that) and cruise around the lake, but because it has become so popular, the boathouse often runs out of boats by 11 a.m. If you don't want to wait, it's best to arrive when the boathouse opens at 9:30 a.m. You can also walk around the lake's perimeter, stopping to admire the chapel built in 1904. For a more strenuous hike, you can access the trails that lead up into the mountains from the south end of the lake.

Dolomiti Superski is a network of 16 ski resorts with 745 miles (1,200 kilometers) of slopes and 450 lifts that you can access with just one pass. It includes popular destinations like Cortina d'Ampezzo, Alta Badia, Val Gardena, and Marmolada. There are single-day tickets, multiday options, or season passes available online . Of course, you can also buy tickets at the individual lifts.

If you don't know how to ski (or just want a break from the slopes), sledding is an exhilarating outdoor activity. At Lago di Misurina, you can ascend the Tre Cime di Lavaredo aboard a snowmobile and sled back down. The driver will drop you off at the Rifugio Auronzo 7,654 feet above sea level, where you can borrow a sled to whiz down.

Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

The grand dame of Cortina d'Ampezzo , the ritziest ski town in the Dolomites, Cristallo boasts a long and illustrious history. Opened in 1901, it hosted an impressive roster during its dolce vita heyday, including Frank Sinatra, Brigitte Bardot, aristocrats like the Duca d'Aosta, and even the U.S. Olympic team, which practiced at the hotel's ice-skating rink in 1956. Now a member of Marriott's Luxury Collection, the property combines alpine charm with the amenities of a luxury hotel, including a relaxing spa and a fabulous bar that serves creative cocktails.

Hotel La Perla

A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this family-run mountain chalet was opened in 1957 by Annie and Ernesto Costa, who still live on the third floor. Their sons now run the property and have added distinctive touches, like a trippy tour of the wine cellar, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and an après-ski club. The resort is so close to Austria that you're just as likely to hear German as Italian. Ask for a peek of Ernesto's impressive collection of vintage motorcycles.

Run by a young couple, this Michelin-starred restaurant highlights fresh local ingredients, including cheeses and charcuterie made at the owners' agriturismo up the road. The tasting menu is a gastronomic journey into the mountains, with dishes like marinated trout with smoked broth and barley prepared like a risotto with aged cheese, pepper, and bay leaves.

El Brite de Larieto

If you don't want to splurge on a full meal at SanBrite, you can get a little taste of the owners' sustainable cuisine at their charming wood-paneled agriturismo . The fonduta served with crunchy cubes of toasted bread is not to be missed.

Baita Fraina

This B&B and its restaurant may look traditional, with its wood-paneled walls and old-fashioned chairs, but dishes are presented in a fresh, modern way. Try the spaghettini with braised onion sauce, or go for casunziei, a local specialty of ravioli stuffed with beets and herbs and sprinkled with poppy seeds.

Related Articles

Join our Adventure: Get all my insider tips for motorhoming & road trips

The ULTIMATE Dolomites Itinerary for 1-5 days (with Maps!)

So, you want to visit the Dolomites but only have a few days. You need a  short Dolomites itinerary  for a day trip, weekend or visit up to 5 days which gives you ALL the best places in the most sensible order. You need to know  what’s worth your time , what you can forget and where you should stay. 

And here it is- the perfect Dolomites Itinerary for short road trips.

Our Dolomites travel blog posts cover most of our favourite places in more detail, but this is an overview of the routes and itinerary we took, along with driving distances and stops.

Grab a coffee and let’s get started.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

Why visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are unlike anywhere else we have been. We’ve road-tripped around Europe for years- and  this place took our breath away. 

We’d always hurried past Northern Italy before, wanting to explore the Italian lakes, the Alps, or Slovenia- all of which are beautiful and totally worth a visit- but we REALLY wish we’d stopped at the Dolomites earlier.

It’s hard to explain the beauty of these mountains, or how they differ from the Alps or other European mountains we’ve seen. The combination of HUGE green meadows, jagged peaks, hiking trails and some of the most beautiful places we’ve ever seen- the whole package is captivating.

Dare we say it, but after 4 short days, we had completely fallen in love with this region- every corner is another ‘wow’ moment.  And after  Norway , our ‘wow’ meter is set pretty high. 

The Dolomites are now firmly in our top 3 favourite places to road trip in Europe- they really are THAT impressive.

Convinced it’s somewhere you want to visit? Even if you only have a short break? Good- let’s plan your perfect Dolomites itinerary.

What is there to do in the Dolomites?

There are SO MANY THINGS to do in the Dolomites.

It’s a place for outdoor explorations, especially hiking, photography, dog walks, star-gazing, road trips, picnics and just feeling awe-struck at the beauty of nature. Seriously, it’s one of those places where you just want to be outdoors ALL. THE. TIME. Even when the weather isn’t at its best.

In winter, many of the towns become ski resorts, which would be a wonderful way to enjoy the views.

We didn’t have much time to spend in the area, so we didn’t add any of the big or best hikes into our Dolomites itinerary. If you’d like to know more about hiking to a glacial lake or which mountains are easiest/ most fun to hike,   this book  will tell you everything you need to know.

Also, make sure you know   what to wear while hiking  and dress for whatever the weather may have in store- these are big mountains and it’s easy to get sucked in by their beauty and forget the dangers of hiking if unprepared.

Instead, we focused on some of the most beautiful lakes which were just a short walk or short hike away, so we could see as much as possible in the short time we had.

Of course, you can do an all day hike if you wish, but that might not be the best option if you’re short on time. 

Must-Know Tips for your Dolomites Itinerary

Where are the dolomites.

The Dolomites are in northeastern Italy and one of the most beautiful mountain ranges I’ve ever experienced. As well as mountains, there are plenty of quaint towns and fantastic driving roads- making it one of the best road trips in Italy.

The area is protected as a Unesco World Heritage site due to the  ‘series of highly distinctive mountain landscapes that are of exceptional natural beauty. Their dramatic vertical and pale coloured peaks in a variety of distinctive sculptural forms are extraordinary in a global context.’ (taken from the UNESCO website )

Why Is It Called ‘the Dolomites’?

The 250-million-year-old formation also known as the “Pale Mountains” took its name from the French geologist Dieudonné Dolomieu, who studied the region’s geology and dolomitic limestone formations in the 18th century.

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

I visited the Dolomites in early October and in my opinion that’s a great time to visit- much better than in high season (which is July and August). 

What is the best way to explore the Dolomites?

Ideally, you want to explore the Dolomites in your own car or vehicle. We visited as part of our motorhome tour in Italy . Foolishly, because we were heading to Croatia, we didn’t take our motorcycles with us, but it’s a fantastic place to go motorcycle touring in Italy. 

If you have a rental car, make sure you take time to add the Dolomites to your itinerary. If you’re only using public transportation, you can still explore the Dolomites, but services might not be as regular as you are used to, so you may wish to spend more than one day in the area.

The town of Ortisei or Cortina D’Ampezzo are the main towns to aim for, especially from Venice – it’s a beautiful drive at any time of year although the route has many hairpin turns and is not advised for those prone to motion sickness.

You can take the train to Bolzano and Val Gardena from Venice, Milan, or Verona.

Where is the closest airport to the Dolomites?

The closest airports to the Dolomites region are in Venice – Marco Polo and Treviso. You can reach Venice from most major hubs across Europe and the US. 

Are the Dolomites Italian or German?

The Dolomites are a bit of both. The language is bilingual – and even trilingual in some places – so expect to find towns and villages sharing Austrian and Italian names, and sometimes even Ladin, the ancient Roman language passed down by the first valley inhabitants.

Almost everyone speaks Italian, German, Italian and English, but don’t be surprised if you find most Dolomites speaking the native Ladin.

What is the Currency in the Dolomites?

The currency in the Dolomites is the Euro, just like in most parts of Italy. All major debit and credit cards are widely accepted, but be prepared for those $5 withdrawal fees if you need to use an ATM for cash and plan for these expenses in advance.

What are the opening hours in the Dolomites?

Opening hours for the lifts, cable cars, and hotels in the Dolomites vary, but you can expect a standard 8:00 am to 7:00 pm timetable for most services. Restaurants hours extend until 10:00 pm or later.

A word of caution: make sure to check your hotel’s check in time carefully as some do not offer reception service after 5 p.m. in selected areas.

How Good is the Internet in the Dolomites?

The four major mobile networks in Italy are  Vodafone, Windtre, TIM,  and  Iliad .

Some town provide free WiFi in the main squares and lift facilities, but if your smartphone supports it, you can have internet on the road with a regional Eurolink e-sim (prices start from $5).

Hiking in the Dolomites

The Dolomites and South Tyrol are a great place for those who love to hike in mountainous areas. The most popular hikes can get busy in summer, so you might wish to start in the early morning for longer day hikes in order to get the route to yourself as much as possible.

For even longer hikes, there are mountain huts (rifugio) all over the place which can be booked in advance and are a great option for multi-day hikes. One of the most popular of these is Rifugio Auronzo on Tre Cime, one of the favorite hikes for many visitors. 

Dolomites for non-hikers

What we really liked was that you  don’t HAVE to go for long hikes if you don’t want to ; many of the most popular locations and lots of the   best lakes in the Dolomites  are quite close to the road and easily accessible. So you can pick and choose exactly what you do or don’t want to see. 

Driving in the Dolomites

In the Dolomites, you can enjoy a few of the most scenic routes Europe has to offer. Driving across the mountains might seem like an intimidating option, especially if it’s your first time in Italy, but driving in the Dolomites is actually way easier than you think!

Is it Safe to Drive in the Dolomites?

The roads are well maintained with road signs in both German, Italian and sometimes English. All passages through the mountains are fairly easy to cross, except for instances of heavy snowfall when you will find them usually closed.

In the Dolomites, people drive on the right side of the road just like in most other places in Europe. The speed limit is 50 km/h in towns and 90 km/h on country roads. As long as you keep an eye out for fuel signs and toll roads, you are sure to have a safe journey in the Dolomites.

NOTE: Be sure to watch out for cattle! They tend to cross the roads frequently in many farmed areas, often without warning signs.

Driver’s License & Autostrade (Toll Roads)

Toll Roads, or  Autostrade  are the common Italian highways, motorways, and freeways marked by easy-to-spot green signs. You’ll need a full driving license or international driving permit to travel on those by car, campervan, or trailer.

If you are traveling on a budget, you can avoid those by taking alternative, longer routes–just be sure your map is up to date.

How Many Days Do You Need in the Dolomites?

As many as you can- and it still won’t be long enough! In this guide, you will discover various options for experiencing the beauty of the Dolomites, whether it’s for a duration of a one day visit, a weekend/ two days or 3-5 days. Aim to spend at least five days if you enjoy hiking and plan to go on Alpine hikes or try a cycling trip.

How to plan YOUR perfect Dolomites Itinerary

Below, I’ll share our 3-day Dolomites itinerary, but before I do, I want to share a couple of quick tips to help you plan your own trip.

• Decide on what is important to you . With only 3 or 4 days in the Dolomites, you will not be able to see it all. Heck, you couldn’t see it all in an entire week! There are just too many things to do. So pick a few things which you REALLY want to see, and enjoy those.
• HIRE/ TAKE a vehicle.  The Dolomites are MADE for road trips. They are perfect for picnics up mountains with incredible views, hiking, late-night photography and getting up early to see the sunrise. This itinerary is designed for road trips- taking public transport will take you much longer, but there are options for bus, train, and shuttle service. 
• If you can,  travel the Dolomites in a motorhome or campervan.  That way, you can stay in some INCREDIBLE locations for much less money than the price of a Dolomites hotel. It’s definitely a more cost-effective option and   campervanning in Italy  is awesome anyway.
• Go out of season . Either May/ June or September/ October. We went at the beginning of October, and it was the PERFECT time- clear days, cool nights with bright stars and incredible foliage. The Dolomites in Autumn are breathtaking.
• Use Google Maps. We plotted all the things we wanted to do and see on Google Maps, and then drove between them. It’s definitely the best way to plan a trip.   Learn how to use Google Maps to create an epic itinerary.

Our 3-4 day Dolomites road trip itinerary & highlights

We didn’t mean to go to the Dolomites at all; we detoured on the way to Slovenia without any plan at all.

Therefore, we didn’t really have a Dolomites itinerary planned and instead just crammed as much as we could into 3 days  (technically, we were there for 4 days but we spent one full day camped at the top of Tre Cime- we’ll get to that shortly!)

One of the most iconic shots in the Dolomites- but is it REALLY worth your time?

Italian Dolomites Itinerary Road map

Map of our dolomites road trip itinerary.

Here’s the route planner for our Dolomites itinerary. You can see the roads we took. Below, I’ll break it down into day-by-day and mileage/ stop points/ things to see in the Dolomites on the way.

Our starting point was Bolzano (A) and finished in Tre Cime (J). Of course, you can add and amend this itinerary or do it in reverse order if you wish.

NOTE- Not every point we stopped at is listed on the map above- Google Maps only allows you to plot up to 10 points at one time for a route map. But it shows all the roads we drove over the three days so you can use it as a Dolomites route planner for your own road trip. 

Dolomites Route Planner

One day in the Dolomites itinerary- what to see, what to avoid and how to plan your route!

Day One (or One Day in the Dolomites Itinerary!)

If you only have one day in the Dolomites, this is the route we would take- unless you go to Tre Cime!

Dolomites One Day Itinerary & Route Planner

Bolzano (A) to Val di Funes (F) • 170km • 5h 40 mins (including stops)

If you only have one day in the Dolomites, this is the itinerary I would pick. It showcases some of the best views, roads, lakes, mountains and more! 

It’s a loop which is easily driveable in daylight hours (both in summer or winter) and is a fantastic introduction to these beautiful mountains. As a first day introduction to the area, it was incredible. 

Day One Route & Highlights

• Driving the Great Dolomite Road (SS241) from Bolzano to Canazei- 2 hours • 76km (Point A- Point C)  READ: 9 essential tips to drive the Great Dolomites road
• Stop at Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza) en-route (Point B)- this is where we had a late breakfast (TOP TIP: get there early- even in October there were a lot of tour buses arriving.)
• Sella Pass towards Ortisei (SS48, becoming SS242) – 3 hours • 76km  (Point D)- stopped for lunch near the top where you can see Alpe di Siusi- the largest alpine meadow in Europe
• Ortisei to Val di Funes, to see Santa Maddalena church (accurately called St Johanns Church)- the little chapel in the field and one of the most photographed churches in the world. Only a short drive at 40 mins and arrived late afternoon • 32 km (D to E)
• Stayed overnight near Santa Maddalena (see exactly where  here )

Day Two- Dolomites Travel blog

Map and route planner for Dolomites roadtrip planning for two days

Weekend/ Two Day Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary

If you’re visiting the Dolomites for a weekend or two days, I would do Day 1 and Day 2 to showcase some of the best spots in the region. It’s best to have an early start and get as much done as possible- it also means you can take advantage of spaces in the free parking lots.

Val di Funes (A) to Lago di Braies (Lake Braies) (D) on the map above • 130km • 2h 30 mins (NOT including stops)

• Val di Funes to Ortisel (Col Rainer or Seceda Cable Car) – 31 mins • 39km
• Gardena Pass (B/C) – 49 mins • 32km 
• Lago di Braies for evening – 1h10 mins • 59km

This hotel at Lago di Braies  is RIGHT ON THE SHORE of the lake and would be perfect to stay in if you don’t have a campervan.

If you stay nearby and it’s a clear night, getting up to photograph the stars over the lake is a great idea- it’s seriously beautiful.

Day Two – Highlights for where to visit in the Dolomites

• Val di Funes- St Johann’s Church/ Santa Maddalena-   READ : Val di Funes perfect itinerary .
• Col Raiser/ Seceda/ Alpe di Siusi Cable car–visit the top of  Seceda if you can, but motorhome parking at the cable car station is a NIGHTMARE, so Col Raiser is easier for vans to visit.
• An alternative option is to visit Alpe di Suisi (called Seiser Alm in German) on the opposite side- it’s the largest high-alpine pasture in Europe.
• Gardena Pass –  this was breathtaking–well worth going this way instead of the quicker autoroute to Lake Braies.
• Lago di Braies –  we arrived the night before and stayed overnight. If you’re not staying on site, get here REALLY early or you will be overrun by Instagram photo hunters… many in wedding dresses… #notevenkidding.

Day Three- Dolomites Travel blog

Day Three Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary

Lake Braies (A) to Tre Cime (D) • 73km • 2 hours

A shorter road trip route today, with plenty of pretty lakes and stunning views. Don’t miss  Tre Cime di Lavaredo – despite the expense it was our favourite part of the Dolomites.

If you can, stay up there for the night, either in a camper or a tent or at a hostel. You won’t regret it!  

Day Three Dolomites – Things to do and things to miss

• Next morning, get up EARLY to see Lago di Braies at sunrise for the best experience of this beautiful lake. The good news is you’ll see the sunrise and avoid the hundreds of Instagrammers!
• Lake Braies to Lake Misurina – 43 mins • 35km (you pass Lake Dobbiaco and Lake Landro on the way- both pretty and worth a stop)
• Lake Misurina to Cortina d’Ampezzo – 23 mins • 15km (missable- we only went for fuel and shopping)
• Cortina to Tre Cime – 42 mins • 23km
• Stay up Tre Cime for the evening so you can see sunset and sunrise. Both are stunning. We chose to spend two nights up here, but you don’t need to if you’re short on time. 

If you can’t stay up Tre Cime itself (an extra cost, but worth it),  this is one of the closest hotels to Tre Cime – the views are SPECTACULAR!!

Some common questions about the Dolomites:

Dolomites Itinerary for non-hikers- do I HAVE to walk or hike?

We didn’t do many BIG hikes in our 3-day Dolomites itinerary. On the 4th day, we spent it hiking and exploring Tre Cime. But you can easily spend three or four days in the Dolomites and not hike at all if you don’t want to.

When Should I visit the Dolomites?

In our opinion, Autumn is perfect. It’s actually one of our favourite   places to experience Autumn in Europe.  The trees are a beautiful backdrop to the views, the weather is still warm enough to go outside and yet the visitor numbers are much fewer than in summer, which makes the whole experience much better.

September/ October is beautiful. Don’t come any later than mid-October as many of the cable cars/ mountain passes in the Dolomites will be closed and not re-opened until April-ish. Snow and ice can cause difficulties reaching many of the best things to do in the Dolomites during winter, so while it can be pretty, you may not see everything you want to. (Here are some more   incredible places to enjoy in Europe in October )

If Autumn isn’t an option, try and visit May or June, which is a perfect time to enjoy the spring flowers on the alpine meadows. The weather will just be warming up, snow will be mostly melted, and you should get many opportunities to enjoy the spectacular views!

Where can I visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are in Northern Italy, about an hour north of Lake Garda. 

How do you get to the Dolomites from Venice/ from Milan?

If you’re doing a Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary (which we highly recommend), you can easily get to the Dolomites from Venice or Milan. 

Venice to Bolzano (the start of our Dolomites itinerary) will take you about 3 hours (267km)

Milan to Bolzano is about 3 and a half hours (278km)

How much does it cost to visit the Dolomites?

One of the advantages to visiting an area with a lot of hiking and photography spots is that it can be visited quite cheaply, especially out of season.

Our 4-day Dolomites itinerary didn’t cost us much at all:

• 4€ parking at Lake Carrezza, plus gifts and souvenir postcard (we collect them)= 25€
• Breakfast and bread for lunch from bakery = 6€
• Col Raiser Cable Car- 40€ for 2 adults and a dog (dog free)
• Cake and coffee at top of Col Raiser = 17€
• Overnight parking at Lake Braies = 8€ (15€ as of 2022)
• Gift shop at Lake Misurina = 35€  (bought amazing woolly slipper socks – worth it!)
• Tre Cime for 2 nights with a motorhome = 70€
• Fuel and LPG = 80€
• Not a thing- we were up Tre Cime! Although there is a restaurant and a shop there, we didn’t use it.

TOTAL costs for Dolomites road trip = 351€

This doesn’t include travel to or from the Dolomites, or food which we already had in our motorhome, but should give you an idea on what you could expect to spend on your own road trip.

Where to stay when you visit the Dolomites?

I’ve mentioned it a couple of times already, but we highly recommend visiting the Dolomites with a motorhome or campervan. That way, you can stay in campsites or use aires (called Sostas in Italy.)

You can either bring your own van, or hire one nearby.

If that’s not an option, hire a car and be prepared to move hotels each night, so you’re not wasting time returning to a hotel back where you started.

The hotels we recommend are:

• Val di Funes- hotel with a hot tub and views of the Dolomites?  Yes please!
• Lago di Braies- right on the shores of the lake!
• Near Tre Cime- you won’t believe these views!

Travel Essentials for your Dolomites Itinerary

Whether it’s a surprise hailstorm in the middle of summer or a spontaneous hike, it doesn’t hurt to be ready to face the unexpected in the Dolomites. Read on and make a list of the essentials that will allow you to relish in the Alpine experience, rain or shine!

What to Wear in the Dolomites

A rain jacket   – ideally lightweight and insulated to accompany you in every exploration.

Sun hat & Sunscreen  – depending on when you visit. Dolomite summers are mild with average maximum temperatures in July and August rarely spiking over 25°C –  but, let’s face it, an unexpected sunburn can really ruin a holiday so it’s best to be prepared.

Sturdy shoes or sandals  – able to withstand spontaneous hikes and the tricky cobblestone streets of the scenic towns along your trip.

What to Pack for the Dolomites

A power bank, travel adaptor, hiking shoes, and your trusty reusable water bottle go a long way in any vacation and will prove essential in your outdoors adventures in the Dolomites. Visiting in May or during the summer months? You might want to pack your swimsuit, but  only if you’re brave enough to try the cold waters in Lake Braies. 

If you want to see more photos of the beautiful Dolomites,  check out our Instagram.

There is so much to see in the area, it can be overwhelming trying to narrow it all down. Here are some of our favourite guides to help:

• Shorter walks in the Dolomites
• The best photo locations in the Dolomites
• Dolomites UNESCO tourist map

We hope you found those itinerary ideas for the Dolomites useful. You might find these posts helpful too:

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-05-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

Hohenzollern Castle- 11 essential things to know!

Gorges du Verdon with a motorhome (route & map)

10 Best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe

Dolomites with a Motorhome | Itinerary, Route & travel blog

Winter in Spain: 10 Warmest places in mainland Spain for winter sunshine

25 Unmissable European Cities to visit in Winter

12 comments.

Do you have any suggestions on motorhome or camper van rentals in that are?

Love this blog post! I’m planning to go September or October and am inspired by your pictures! Thank you

Love this post! We’re in Bolzano now and about to embark on your 3 day roadtrip suggestion!! VERY excited.

Awesome!!! Let me know how it goes 🙂

The Dolomites are great for your camper I agree, but if you want to see the really dramatic sceneries, a hike is required don’t you think so?

Hikes are awesome, but not everyone is capable or has enough time. But yes- the higher you go, the better the scenery. That’s why we loved Tre Cime so much 🙂

Hi! How were the roads for large (8.5m) motorhomes?

Most of them you’ll be absolutely fine- just go early to avoid buses or other vans coming the other way. And maybe sound a horn before blind bends where you might swing out into the road.

can we do this road trip in a scooter ( vespa )

Absolutely- it would be fun on a scooter. Just remember the roads can be steep, so it would need enough power to get up them and you’ll need to make sure you have fuel.

What an amazing and detailed blog, must say you have shared some really good information. The ideal Dolomites itinerary.

Thank you. Hope you make it there one day. The Dolomites are beautiful.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• The Perfect Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days

The Italian Dolomites are not only one of the most beautiful places in Italy but they are one of the most stunning mountain destinations in the whole world.

Jagged peaks, breathtaking viewpoints, emerald alpine lakes, fairy tale towns, amazing hikes, and delicious food – you can have it all in the Dolomites!

This 5 days long Dolomites road trip itinerary will be perfect for you if you want to discover all the beauty the Italian Dolomites have to offer in a short period of time.

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

No time to read now? Pin it for later!

Table of Contents

Useful Info for Visiting the Dolomites

How to get to the dolomites.

Although the Dolomites are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful dream destinations in the world , getting there is a little bit tricky as there is no dedicated airport in the area.

Since this Dolomites road trip itinerary will require you to have your own car, if you’re planning to arrive from a nearby country it’s best to take your own car and drive to the Dolomites from your home.

We personally arrived from Budapest and even if it was a 9-hour drive it was much better (and cheaper) to have our own car.

If this is not an option for you, there are many airports in the region to choose from. If you’re looking for a bigger international airport, the best option is to arrive at the Marco Polo Airport in Venice, from there you can reach Ortisei (the first base on this Dolomites road trip itinerary) within 3-3.5 hours.

Another great option is the Orio Al Serio Airport in Bergamo or the Malpensa Airport in Milan, it takes 3 hours to get to Ortisei from Bergamo and 4 hours from Milan. If you’re planning to go on a big Northern Italy road trip , you can easily visit all these places in one trip!

Munich Airport in Germany can be another great option, it takes around 3.5-4 hours to reach Ortisei from Munich. If you have more time you can include a few stops in Tyrol and Bavaria as well, like visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle !

The disadvantage of arriving at Munich is that you need to cross the German-Austrian and the Austrian-Italian border in order to get to the Dolomites and with a rental car it’s not the easiest thing to do.

There are a couple of other smaller airports in the area, like Treviso Airport, Valerio Catullo Airport in Verona, or Bolzano Airport so it’s worth taking a look at them as well.

No matter which airport you arrive at, you will need to rent a car for your Dolomites road trip. I recommend Discover Cars to check the best offers and availability!

Best time to visit the Dolomites

The best time to visit the Dolomites entirely depends on your personal preferences. Although each season has its own charm, for the sake of this Dolomites road trip itinerary I recommend visiting the Dolomites from the end of May until the end of September.

The simple reason is that before or after this the mountains are usually covered with snow and many hiking trails are not accessible anymore. Don’t get me wrong, visiting the Dolomites in winter is still a great idea, just not so much for a road trip!

If you want to avoid the crowds, the best is to visit either in early June or the middle of September. We personally visited in the middle of September and we had the best weather, but of course, it can change from year to year.

All the photos you can see in this article were taken in the middle of September so you can have an idea about what the area looks like around this time.

How much time to spend in the Dolomites

As much as you can! Seriously, the whole area is so gorgeous that you will not believe your own eyes.

As a first-timer, I recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the Dolomites. This will give you enough time to visit the must-see sights such as Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies or Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

There are countless amazing hikes in the Dolomites so if you’re an outdoor person and you love hikes, you can even spend weeks in the Dolomites without getting bored.

I’d say the perfect amount of time would be between 1 or 2 weeks but I understand that not everyone has that much time for a mountain vacation.

That’s why I created this 5 day Dolomites road trip itinerary so you could visit all the best places in the Dolomites in just a short period of time.

Overview of Your 5 Day Dolomites Itinerary

Below you can see an overview of your Dolomites itinerary with the highlights that you should visit on each day. For the first two nights, you will stay in Ortisei and you’re going to visit Lago di Carezza, Val di Funes, Alpe di Siusi, and the Seceda ridgeline.

La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo will be your base for the second part of your Dolomites road trip, from where you can visit some amazing alpine lakes such as Lago di Braies and Lago di Limides and you can also visit Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Breakdown of your Dolomites itinerary

• Day 1 : Visiting Lago di Carezza and arriving to Ortisei
• Day 2 : Visiting the Santa Maddalena church and the church of Saint John in Val di Funes, seeing the sunset in Alpe di Siusi
• Day 3 : Hiking at the Seceda ridgeline, driving through Passo Gardena, and arriving at La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Day 4 : Renting a boat at Lago di Braies, hiking to Lago di Limides and visiting Lago di Valparola
• Day 5 : Hiking around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, hiking to Cadini di Misurina

Map for your Dolomites road trip

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you will need for this Dolomites itinerary. Nearby airports, parking spots, interesting sights, viewpoints, literally everything!

If you open up this post on your phone and you click on the bracket in the upper right corner of the map, it will open up in your Google Maps app so you can always have it with you.

Day 1 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

The first day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary is all about arriving at the Dolomites and settling in your chosen accommodation in Ortisei/St. Ulrich, which is going to be your base for the next few days.

Fun fact: Did you know that there are three official languages spoken in the Dolomites? That’s the reason why you see multiple names for one place!

Usually, every place has a name in Italian and in German (even on the road signs and maps), and sometimes in Ladin. That’s why you will see names like Ortisei/St. Ulrich, Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm, Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee and so on. But back to the main topic!

If you’re planning to arrive in Italy by plane, it can take you anywhere from 1.5 hours to 4 hours to get to the Dolomites, depending on which airport you arrive at. However, if you’re driving from another European country, such as Germany or Austria, it might take you even longer to arrive at the Dolomites.

For more details about how to get to the Dolomites, please refer back to the beginning of the article!

Since you can arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, for the sake of this Dolomites itinerary we’re gonna take the first day easy and you will only have one stop before arriving at your hotel.

Of course, if you have more time, feel free to add some additional stops to the first day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary!

Lago di Carezza

Instead of heading straight to your hotel in Ortisei/St. Ulrich, first make a stop at Lago di Carezza/Karersee!

If you’re coming from either Venice or Bergamo, it’s only an extra 30 minutes (23 km) to get to the lake but if you’re coming from Innsbruck or Munich, you will need to drive an extra hour (45 km) to arrive at Lago di Carezza.

Nestled in the Val d’Ega valley, Lago di Carezza is often referred to as the ‘Rainbow Lake’ thanks to its impressive colors. Legend has it that once upon a time, there was a beautiful mermaid living the lake with whom a wizard deeply fall in love but the mermaid was impossible to win over.

In order to seduce her, with the help of a local witch, the wizard came up with a plan to throw a rainbow from the mountains to the lake and disguise himself as a jewelry salesman.

The wizard indeed stretched a rainbow but he forgot to dress up so the mermaid immediately recognized him and disappeared into the water forever.

The wizard got so angry that he ended up smashing the rainbow into million pieces and throwing it into the lake, where they still continue to shine to this day. Interesting story, right?

Rainbow colors or not, the emerald green alpine lake is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and since it’s easily accessible, it’s a must-stop on everyone’s Dolomites itinerary.

There is a parking lot close to the lake where you can leave the car and then walk a few minutes to get to the lake. Parking is free for the first 15 minutes, then it’s €1 for 1 hour, €2 for 2 hours, and €4 for 6 hours.

There is a wooden viewing platform at the entrance of the lake where you can also learn more about the history of the lake, such as the destructive storm that struck in 2018, destroying more than 5,000 hectares of forest just in the South Tyrol region alone.

After that you can walk along the loop trail that goes around the lake, it takes around 20-25 minutes to complete it.

Although it’s undoubtedly one of the best photography spots in the Dolomites, it’s important to know that the whole lake is fenced off and it’s not possible to get close to the water.

That being said, I still keep seeing many photos on Instagram where people are standing or sitting on a rock, right by the lake.

Please be respectful and don’t break the rules just for the sake of a photo, you can take amazing photos by staying out of the fenced area as well!

Arriving to Ortisei

After visiting Lago di Carezza and taking a million photos of the beautiful scenery, it’s time to head to Ortisei/St. Ulrich that will be your base for the following days. From Lago di Carezza, it takes around 1 hour (55 km) to reach Ortisei at a normal pace.

Located right in the center of Dolomites Val Gardena, the charming little town of Ortisei is mostly famous for its hand-made wooden sculptures. The local woodcarver families kept the tradition alive to this very day!

Ortisei is one of the best places to stay in the Dolomites and hence very popular among travelers, thanks to being super close to the Seceda ridgeline and Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm. More about them later!

If you have some more time on the first day of your Dolomites road trip, it’s worth taking a stroll in the town and seeing the traditional hotels and gorgeous residential buildings.

A must-visit place is the pedestrian area between the chapel of Saint Ulrich and the Antonius Church which is often described as the most beautiful shopping street in the Dolomites.

In order to follow this Dolomites road trip itinerary, I recommend spending your first 2 nights in Ortisei. We personally stayed at Hotel Angelo Engel which is a 4-star family-run hotel with a large private garden, an indoor and outdoor pool, and an excellent SPA & beauty farm (pictured below).

We had an amazing time there and I can totally recommend this hotel for anyone! You can check the prices and availability here.

If you’re looking for something else or there is no availability at the hotel on your preferred dates, you can find some more recommendations below.

Luxury:  Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti  | Alpin Garden Luxury Maison

Mid-range: Hotel Pinei |  Apartments Villa Venezia Luxury

Budget:  Villa Moroder  | Sule Hof Agriturismo

Day 2 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Santa maddalena church.

On the second day of your Dolomites road trip head over to Val di Funes in the morning where you can visit two of the most beautiful churches in the Dolomites.

It takes around 45 minutes (35 km) to reach the town of Santa Maddalena from Ortisei and the first church of your day will be the Santa Maddalena church.

This picturesque little church with the Odle mountains in the background is the symbol of Val di Funes and it’s one of the most photographed places in the entire Dolomites.

It’s important to know that you can’t drive up to the church so you need to park your car in the center of the town. There are multiple parking spots in the city, I marked them on the map I shared at the beginning of the article so please refer back for the exact locations!

In order to get to the famous viewpoint, you need to hike for around 20 minutes but it’s a very easy hike, basically, you just need to walk up to the hill across the church.

Search for ‘ Panchina Panoramica ‘ on Google Maps and I’m sure you will find it easily! After that you can visit the church inside if you want, it’s open daily and it features a beautiful Baroque style altar and interesting wall paintings.

Church of St. John in Ranui

The second church of the day is the church of St. John in Ranui, which is another small little Baroque church with an insanely beautiful background.

It takes around 30 minutes to reach it from Santa Maddalena on foot, but if you’re feeling lazy you can go back to your car first and park in a closer parking spot from where you only need to walk 5-10 minutes to get to the church.

There is a built wooden viewing platform close to the parking lot and it’s an amazing place to take photos of the church with the mountains in the background.

The church itself can be also visited for €4 per person and it can be booked for small events and weddings as well.

Sunset at Alpe di Siusi

After visiting the two churches in Val di Funes it’s time to head over to probably the most famous place in the Dolomites: Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm!

It’s important to know that driving there is strictly prohibited and if you don’t want to get fined hundreds of euros, you need to follow the rules.

Alpe di Siusi is the largest mountain plateau in Europe and it grants amazing views over the peaks of Sasso Lungo, Sasso Piatto, and Sciliar. It’s a must-visit on every Dolomites road trip itinerary!

You have basically three options for getting there. You can book a hotel for the night, in this case, you are allowed to drive up in your car but only until you reach your hotel (no further) and you can only do it once on the day you arrive.

There are only a handful of hotels at Alpe di Siusi, these two are the closest ones to the famous viewpoint (pictured below): Hotel Icaro***S  and  Sporthotel Sonne .

From Ortisei you can take a cable car to get up to Alpe di Siusi, a one-way ticket costs €16.90 while a round-trip ticket costs €24.90.

The cable car runs from 8.30 am usually till 6 pm which is great if you want to visit during the day, but unfortunately, it’s not good for sunrise or sunset visits. The opening hours vary depending on the season, you can check the exact timetable on their official website .

If you want to visit for sunrise or sunset, the best thing you can do is to drive up to Compatsch and leave your car at the P2 parking lot (I marked it on the map that you can find at the beginning of the article).

You can’t drive up on the road between 9 am and 5 pm without getting a big fat check but if you go earlier or later it’s going to be fine.

After you left the car in the parking lot, you need to hike for around 1 hour to get to the famous viewpoint (pictured above).

I marked the coordinates on the map at the beginning of the article but if you search for ‘ Belvedere dell’ Alpe di Siusi ‘ on Google Maps you will also find it. The hike is super easy, it’s mostly flat and the views along the way are simply breathtaking.

If you have a little extra time before sunset, before reaching the viewpoint turn right and hike down to the ‘ Malga Sanon ‘ restaurant.

You will find a tiny playground in front of the restaurant with a swing, it’s so much fun to take photos there, not to mention the insanely gorgeous background!

Day 3 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Since this is already the third day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary, you will need to check out from your hotel in Ortisei and move to another one either in La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo (more about this later).

But before that, it’s time to go up to the Seceda ridgeline and do a little hiking there!

Since the cable cars run from Ortisei, it’s best to check out from your hotel in the morning, leave your luggage in the car and go up to Seceda. After you’re done with the hike, you will still have time to drive to your other hotel and check out Passo Gardena on the way.

Hiking at Seceda

As I mentioned, the cable cars going up to Seceda run from Ortisei. In case you can’t leave your car at the parking of the hotel after you’ve checked out, there is a big parking lot at the cable car station as well.

A round-trip ticket for the cable car costs €39,50 per person and it operates between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm.

Located in the Puez Odle Nature Park, Seceda has one of the most dramatic ridgelines in the Dolomites with jagged peaks and huge drop-offs.

Once you’re up there, there are countless hiking trails and it only depends on your preference which one you take. If you have time, you can even hike all the way down to Ortisei as well!

Whichever you choose, walking along the ridgeline is a must when visiting Seceda. After you’ve arrived with the cable car, turn left and start walking uphill! There is even a sign on the road pointing to the viewpoint, you simply can’t miss it.

If you’re not much of a hiker, you can go back to the cable car station after you soaked in all the views, but if you’re up for a little exercise, you can hike down to the meadow to Baita Troier Hütte (they have amazing apple pies!).

From there you can either continue your hike to Pieralongia (twin spires – they kinda look like the rocks from Lion King) and then Rifugio Firenze, or you can just go back to the cable car station. Totally up to you!

Passo Gardena

Passo Gardena (Gardena Pass) is a super scenic mountain pass connecting Val Gardena with Val Badia.

Since you’re going to drive in the direction of La Villa/Cortina d’Ampezzo from Ortisei, you will drive through it anyway and since you’re already there, it’s worth stopping for a few minutes to soak in the views.

There is a small hütte called Rifugio Frara where you can park your car and from there you can walk up to the viewpoint (it only takes a few minutes to reach it).

Actually, this is a start of an 11.5 km long like but since it’s a very difficult hike, I wouldn’t recommend it to first-timers (we didn’t do it either).

It’s worth scheduling your arrival to Passo Gardena half an hour before sunset, this way you will be able to see the scenery during golden hour, which is super beautiful!

Arriving to La Villa or Cortina d’Ampezzo

For the second half of your Dolomites road trip itinerary, I recommend staying at another hotel either in La Villa, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or one of the nearby towns.

The simple reason is that the places you’re going to visit on the rest of your Dolomites trip are too far away from Ortisei and it doesn’t make sense to stay there and drive countless hours to reach these sights.

Although Cortina d’Ampezzo is the most popular choice among travelers, we decided to stay at Hotel La Majun in La Villa/Stern and absolutely loved the hotel!

It’s a 4-star family-operated hotel and what makes it even more special is that the owners actually live in the hotel and their mission is to make you feel at home too.

The hospitality was exceptional and the panoramic view from the hotel is simply breathtaking (pictured below). You can check the prices and availability here .

If you’re looking for something else or there is no availability at the hotel on your preferred dates, you can find some more recommendations below, both for La Villa and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN LA VILLA

Luxury:  Hotel Cristallo – Wellness Mountain Living  | Dolomites Wellness Hotel Savoy

Mid-range:  Boutique Hotel Dolomit  | Hotel Des Alpes

Budget:  Casa Nives | Garni La Ciasota

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORTINA D’AMPEZZO

Luxury:  Rosapetra SPA Resort  | Dolomiti Lodge Alverà

Mid-range:  Boutique Hotel Villa Blu Cortina  | Hotel Villa Alpina ***S

Budget:  Hotel Meuble Oasi  | Ciasa Nonna Bon Bon

Day 4 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Lago di braies.

Start the fourth day of your Dolomites road trip itinerary by visiting the most famous lake in the Dolomites: Lago di Braies/Pragser Wildsee. It’s a very picturesque alpine-like with turquoise-green colored waters and a beautiful mountain panorama.

It’s the perfect place for nature lovers and hikers but unfortunately due to its fame it usually gets insanely crowded during the day so try to plan an early morning visit to be able to enjoy the lake by yourself.

It takes around 1 hour 10 minutes (60 km) to get to Lago di Braies from La Villa, while it’s only 50 minutes (46 km) from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

There are 3 different parking lots close to the lake and although they are big, they can fill up really quickly (especially the closest one) so I can’t stress enough how important it is to get to the lake early.

Chances are that around 9-10 am you will not be able to find a free parking spot at all!

The best things to do at Lago di Braies include renting a rowboat from the boathouse and slowly paddling across the turquoise water and then walking around the lake which takes around 1-2 hours (the distance is 4 km).

The boathouse is open between 8 am – 7 pm pm in July and August, while it’s only open from 9 am to 5 pm between the end of May and the end of June. It opens at 10 am from the beginning of September until the beginning of November. A boat rental costs €25 for 30 minutes and €35 for 60 minutes, reservation in advance is not possible.

What you need to know about photography at the lake

I’m sure you’ve already seen many photos on Instagram, mostly where people are standing on a little pier, surrounded by wooden boats and a stunning reflection on the lake.

What most people don’t disclose is that the pier belongs to a private boathouse and you can’t access it unless you rent the pier for a photoshoot or rent a boat from the boathouse when they are open.

The boat rental only starts later in the day so even if you rent a boat, you will not be able to shoot a picture with reflections and a calm lake. Not to mention that people will be already lining up behind you and you will not have the time to take many photos.

So if you desperately want to have a similar picture (you can see an example here ), your only option is to rent the pier for a morning photo shoot. It costs €150 for one hour, you can find  more information about the rental here .

That being said, I’ve heard stories that many people choose to trespass early in the morning when the boathouse is still closed. But in order to do that, you need to wade through the ice-cold water and then climb onto one of the boats, and then jump from boat to boat until you reach the pier.

Yes, I know, this sounds super crazy and it’s clearly not an example to be followed (please don’t do stupid and illegal stuff like this for a photo).

If you don’t want to rent the pier, you can still get a photo of it if you rent a boat. It won’t be so perfect like the photos you see on Instagram but it’s still beautiful! And this way you can shoot some pictures in the boat as well (see my pictures below).

Lago di Limides

In the afternoon head over to Lago di Limides, which is one of the best hidden gems in the Dolomites. It’s a super picturesque little lake with insane panoramic views and reflections of the surrounding mountains (Mount Lagazuoi and Tofana di Rozes).

I still don’t understand why is it so overlooked by visitors but it just adds to its charm and you can basically have the lake all to yourself in the middle of the day!

In order to reach Lago di Limides, you need to drive to Rifugio Col Gallina and leave your car in the parking lot across the street.

It takes around 1 hour 15 minutes (62 km) to get there from Lago di Braies and the road goes through Cortina d’Ampezzo so if you’re not staying there and want to check out the town, you can include a short stop there.

After you park your car, you need to hike for around 25-30 minutes to reach the lake. Don’t worry, it’s a fairly easy hike (the distance is around 2 km) but the trails are not the best and you basically need to hike uphill almost all the way so wear proper shoes!

It can get slippery and muddy after rain so it’s best to visit when the weather is dry and it hasn’t rained in the last couple of days.

Lago di Valparola

The last stop of the day will be Lago di Valparola, which is a tiny alpine lake located on the top of Passo Valparola (Valparola Pass), not so far away from Rifugio Col Gallina (where you parked the car before going to Lago di Limides).

It’s like a 5-minute drive (3 km) in the direction of La Villa so if you’re staying there, you’re going to drive by it anyway.

There are parking lots on both ends of the lake where you can leave your car to check out the lake and the surrounding panorama.

The lake is visible from the main road but it’s also easily accessible from the road, it takes around 5 minutes to reach it by taking path nr. 24 that goes down to the lake.

Day 5 of Your Dolomites Road Trip

Hiking around tre cime di lavaredo.

The Tre Cime de Lavaredo loop hike is one of the best hikes in the Dolomites and no Dolomites itinerary is really complete without seeing the iconic three peaks.

The entire loop is around 10 km (6.5 miles) and since it’s a fairly easy hike, it’s accessible to almost everyone.

Usually, it takes around 3-4 hours to complete the loop, we personally did it in 3.5 hours with a few photo stops (half an hour break at Dreizinnenhütte is not included).

The hike starts and finishes at Rifugio Auronzo, where you can find multiple parking lots (you can even spend the night there in a camper). Unfortunately, there is only one road leading up to Rifugio Auronzo and since it’s a private road, you need to pay €30 to use it with a normal car.

Try to go early in the morning because later on when the parking lot is full they can close the road and you will have no other option to get up there (apart from a quite strenuous hike).

It takes around 1.5 hours (55 km/35 miles) to get to Rifugio Auronzo from La Villa and 40 minutes (22 km/14 miles) from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

It’s a very straightforward hike, you can’t really go in the wrong direction. The best is to do the hike counterclockwise and start by walking in the direction of Rifugio Lavaredo.

This part is the easiest one as it’s mostly flat, after that you will need to walk uphill so it gets a little more difficult.

The next checkpoint is the Dreizinnenhütte (Rifugio A. Locatelli) where you can find two lakes and a couple of caves as well.

The hardest part comes after this, as you need to descend to the valley, just to walk up on a hill again. It’s still not a hard trail but due to the elevation gain, it’s a bit more difficult.

The last checkpoint is Malga Langalm, after that the route heads uphill again, and not long after you will already see Rifugio Auronzo, from where you started the hike.

All in all, completing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike is a must on every Dolomites road trip itinerary! It’s a fairly popular hike due to the insane views so it usually gets busy during the day so try to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

If you want to know more about the trails, check out my step-by-step guide about the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike !

Hiking to Cadini di Misurina

If you have some energy left after completing the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop hike, I would recommend adding an extra hike to your day.

There is an insanely beautiful viewpoint along the Cadini di Misurina hiking trail and it would be such a shame for leaving it out of this Dolomites road trip itinerary!

Hiking to Cadini di Misurina is one of the lesser-known hikes in the Dolomites and not many people know about it, therefore it’s less crowded than the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail.

They have the same starting point from Rifugio Auronzo so it makes sense to do both in one day (you’ve already paid the €30 toll fee after all) but if you want to do the Cadini di Misurina hike, you will have to hike in the opposite direction of Tre Cime.

It takes around 35-45 minutes to get to the viewpoint, depending on your fitness level. It’s only a 2 km (1.2 miles) hike from Rifugio Auronzo but it’s a bit steep (112 m/370 ft elevation gain) and it’s important to know that this hike is not suitable for people with a fear of heights.

If you want to know how to get to the viewpoint pictured above, read my step-by-step guide about the Cadini di Misurina hike !

Please only climb to the viewpoint at your own risk and don’t even think about doing it if the trail is muddy or wet. If you slip and fall from there you can hurt yourself pretty badly so please be super careful!

Planning a trip to the Dolomites?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about the Dolomites. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Best Areas & Hotels
• 11 Most Beautiful Lakes in the Dolomites You Can’t Miss
• 13 Best Hikes in the Dolomites You Don’t Want to Miss
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hike: All You Need to Know Before Visiting
• Cadini di Misurina Hike: How to Find the Famous Viewpoint in the Dolomites
• Hotel Review: Chalet Al Foss Alp Resort, Italy
• Hotel Review: La Maiena Meran Resort, Italy

Other Great Destinations in Italy: Cinque Terre | Florence | Lake Como | Lake Garda | Rome | Venice

Pin It for Later!

70 thoughts on “The Perfect Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary for 5 Days”

Seriously beautiful! We love a good road trip. I’ve only visited the Dolomites in the winter for skiing. Looks like a trip to hike and view the lakes in early autumn is a good call.

Yes I can only recommend going to the Dolomites in late summer/early autumn, it was absolutely amazing! I would love to go back in winter to see the beautiful snowy landscape too.

great work, i love the pins, photography and the useful information here! I lived in Italy for a year and never made it to the Dolomites – now im kicking myself! I think its time to go back!

Oh wow a year in Italy sounds wonderful, I’m sure you’ve seen so many beautiful places there! But yeah next time when you go to Italy I would really recommend going on a road trip in the Dolomites ?

Absolutely love your photos! You know, the entire area of Dolomites is just so magical in any time of the year. We have visited last year in first days of November and the color palette was just incredible. Though chances of getting a day with good visibility are less. I am saving your post for the next time I am there, because I am sure it is one of those places I would want to come back to.

Thank you so much Lena! You are so right, the Dolomites are really beautiful in every season. I would love to see the autumn colors there or the snowy landscape next time I’m visiting!

It was such a great guide to read Kriszti! Loved all the detailed explanations and. your photos are stunning! I would love to visit this part of Italy, maybe next year!

Thank you so much Ophélie! I’m sure you would love a road trip in the Dolomites, the landscape is just so incredibly gorgeous!

Such a detailed ultimate guide Kriszti! And the photos are all absolutely wonderful, it only confimed how high the Dolomites are on my bucketlist! Thanks a lot for all the tips!

You are so welcome Léa! Hope you will be able to visit soon!

I can’t wait to visit the Dolomites. Hiking at Seceda is on top of my list. Apparently I’ve been to South Tyrol and the Dolomites area with my parents and grandparents a couple of times as a child but I can’t remember. I save this for later when I can travel there again ?

Haha I can totally relate, I can’t remember many things from my childhood either. I really hope you will be able to go there next year, it’s such a stunning area!

Wow what a comprehensive post! I’ve pinned this so I can return to it because there’s so much useful information

Thanks so much Kelsey!

Wow what a stunning and unique range! I had no idea you could do so much around the Dolomites!

I was quite surprised too because I didn’t think it either, but it turned out that even spending 5 days in the Dolomites was not enough! Can’t wait to go back and discover more of this amazing area.

I saw a youtube video in quarantine of the Dolomites and have moved it to the top of my bucketlist. This post confirms that! THE LAKES. Your photos are incredible, too. Thanks for sharing 🙂

Thank you so much Carley, I’m so happy you liked this guide! And I can only agree with you, the Dolomites are just simply stunning!

We’ve usually gone to the French Alps for hiking but this has convinced me that the Dolomites are next on the list. They look even more serene and your pictures are stunning!

If you love the French Alps I’m sure you will love the Dolomites as well, especially if you like hiking! There are so many amazing hiking trails in the Dolomites with stunning scenery.

Dolomites has been added to the bucket list. Alpine lake reminds me of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park – Canada. Many of my trips are decided by something bright, rainbow, or sparkly. PS – your skirts are absolutely adorable.

Thank you so much Chelsea! I would love to visit Canada and all the beautiful national parks in the country!

This is such a great guide Kriszti and I will definitely saving this for my next trip to the Dolomites! Last time I was in the Dolomites it rained the entire 4 days and there were major floods so I couldn’t actually see anything. I hope to go back soon though!

I’m so sorry you had such a bad weather in the Dolomites! Hopefully next time you’re visiting it will be sunny and clear!

WOW!!!! this doesn’t even look real….it looks like something just out of a fairy book tail. I have seen the Dolomites before, but your pictures are absolutely incredible!!! Pinned this to the top of my bucket list. Your article is super complete for anyone looking to visit this amazing place. Thank you!

Aww thank you so much Paula, you just totally made my day! I’m so so happy you liked this article!

This area looks absolutely stunning, I had never heard of this place before! Being in nature is one of the best things to do and I love being in the mountains, so I am adding this to my list of places to visit. Thanks for sharing!

You are welcome! Hope you will be able to do a road trip in the Dolomites soon, I’m sure you would love it!

Amazing! I would love to see St. John’s church. Great guide for a beautiful location!!

Thank you Erinn, I’m so glad you liked it!

The Dolomites are absolutely gorgeous and you’re photos are amazing! I’ve been to Italy 4x and have never been to this area. On my next trip to Italy I’d love to get out of the cities and take this road trip to get in some great hikes!

Thanks so much Vanessa! I can only recommend visiting the Dolomites on your next trip to Italy!

Gosh the Dolomites never get old. The photos are stunning. I need to visit ASAP!

Thank you so much Alanna! Hope you will be able to visit soon!

I loved reading your post! I visited the Dolomites once when I was a kid, but I think I was too young to fully appreciate them. Now that I’ve been seeing beautiful photos all summer long, I can’t wait to go back and explore the Dolomites all over again 🙂

I’m so glad you liked it Sara! The Dolomites are so stunning, I’m sure you will enjoy your trip there!

So. Beautiful! A friend of mine lives in Belgium currently and did a big trip out there just a month or so ago…the envy was real! Saving this one for later. Great post!

Oh I can totally imagine! I would love to go back for a longer time and explore more of the Dolomites!

The Dolomites are stunning, and your photos are amazing! Driving is definitely the best option, but there are full day tours that leave from Venice, if you don’t want to drive yourself.

Thanks for the info Shannon! Luckily we had our own car with us so we didn’t need to look for another options but it’s good to know that taking day tours is a possibility as well!

Thanks for sharing this itinary. Your photos are stunning. I cannot wait to visit the Dolomites!

Thank you so much Kelli, I’m glad you liked the article!

Great post. We are hoping to visit the Dolomites next year. This will be a helpful travel planner

Thank you, I’m so happy that you liked this post about the Dolomites! Hope you will be able to visit next year!

Thank you for your post. I am planning a trip to the Dolomites in mid-October, and noticed that most cable cars will not longer be operating. For the Tre Cime di Lavaredo hike, do we need to get a cable car up? Thanks!

Hi Kate! No, you don’t need any cable cars for Tre Cime di Lavaredo, you can drive all the way up to Rifugio Auronzo where the hike starts. Alternatively you can use the public buses if you don’t have a car. Hope you’re gonna have an amazing trip!!

Looks amazing! Nothing better than a mountain vacation. Thank you for sharing this.

We are looking to go the first week in October 2022. Some of the hotels you recommended close October 1,2, or 3. Others are open. We are kind of stuck with these dates, due to another commitment afterwards. SO, would you recommend we continue pursuing this trip. Or postpone until another year.

Hi! I think this Dolomites road trip works best from late spring to early autumn because in the winter period, lots of roads and hiking trails are closed, and also some hotels close for the season as well. That being said, if you can only go in the first week of October, I think you can still make the best of it! Just be prepared that you’ll most likely need to modify this itinerary. Oh and also, it might already snow during that period!

Hi- I stumbled on your blog …amazing ….my family of four ( two adults and two teens ) are planning a winter ski trip to the Dolomites. The possibilities seem endless…your site mostly touches on spring/summer activities there – any places you can recommend there for the winter ski season ?

Hi Shira! Unfortunately I’ve only been to the Dolomites during summer and fall so I don’t have any personal experience in the winter season. However, I’m sure you’ll find lots of opportunities in winter as well, especially if you love skiing or snowboarding!

Hi, is it possible to go in last week of May? Nice post! Thank you so much!

Yes, I think the end of May is one of the best times to visit the Dolomites.

We a family of 5, two 55-year-olds and three in their mid-20s will be visiting the Dolomites for 5 nights in July/August and would love to follow your itinerary. A few questions we would like to ask would be: – Are all the hikes mentioned in your itinerary doable for normal physical level fitness people? We are not hikers but can walk a long distance (without climbing steep hills). We will also be renting an SUV. Is driving in the Dolomites difficult? What should we be aware of and which part of driving in your itinerary is the most difficult? Last question, How much would the hotels you mentioned and car rental cost (average)?

Hey! Yes, all the hikes are totally doable. We’re not huge hikers either but I found most of the hikes pretty easy so I think you’ll be able to do them as well. There are some winding roads you need to be careful with but other than that, driving in the Dolomites is an amazing experience. I can’t remember any parts that were difficult to drive in. Unfortunately, I can’t really tell you much about the costs – we came with our own car so we didn’t do any rentals and hotels usually use dynamic pricing so it’s hard to stay how much it will cost without checking them individually. I linked the two hotels we stayed at so I would recommend checking their availability/price during your travel dates.

Thank you very much for an informative post about the Dolomites. This unique area in Italy has been on our bucket list for very long time and your post fuels our wanderlust to explore the Dolomites this autumn. Thank you dear and safe travels. Martina x x x

Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so happy I was able to help 🙂

thanks for the detailed post and beautiful photos you had! may i check if is possible for us to drive directly in alpe di suisi area, from your map compatsch to malga sanon swing? Instead of walking for 1 hour. Thank you.

Sorry to miss out this, if I am not renting car, can I reach St. Magdalena/St. John church by bus? I checked google maps there is this option, just not sure how reliable is the public transport in Dolomites area. If not, any car rental company you are aware of that offers affordable rate? Thank you.

I’ve never tried public buses in the Dolomites so I’m afraid I don’t have any reliable information other than the one you gathered on Google. We took our own car to the Dolomites but in other cases, we always check car rental sites like RentalCars, DiscoverCars, etc. and choose the one that has the best ratings and rates in the area.

Hey! No, unfortunately, it’s not possible unless you have a hotel booked in the area. In this case, you are allowed to drive up but only to your hotel, not any further, and you also need to obtain a special permit from your hotel. This is valid on the first day of your arrival, on other days you still can’t drive up between 9 am and 5 pm.

Just wanted to thank you for all this information! Super easy to comprehend, detailed, and informative. My family and I just got back from the Dolomites where we primarily used your blog for our itinerary and it was a fantastic trip. Much appreciated.

Aww I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing it with me 🙂

Thank you, Kriszti. All helpful info as we plan our trip for March.

So happy to hear that! Hope you’ll have a great trip!

Thank you so much for this post! Do you know anyone that has been to the Dolomites in May? I would really like to spend time there in May but certain information I keep reading makes it sound like a lot is closed in the area then or hikes may not be doable.

Unfortunately not, we’ve been twice so far but both of it was in September. I think hikes should be absolutely doable in May already, the only ones I would really double-check are the ones that require a cable car ride to the trailhead but most don’t. I would love to go back in May too so let me know how it goes! 🙂

Hi Kriszti ,

Did you see Lake Misurina on your itinerary ?

On this trip we only drove by but on our second visit we spent a bit of time at the lake too, it was really beautiful!

i love your frank tips which really help put things in perspective when planning for a trip!

would you by chance have any more info re driving a german rental to the dolomites? e.g. would it be easy to find a rental firm that allows it (i’ve heard some allow with extra fees), as the major rental firms aren’t really clear on this on their websites nor their online rental contracts/selections.

i’m keen on combining a trip to bavaria with the dolomites, but have not been very confident in the planning process due to the lack of info for a multi country trip with a german rental. if logistics are too much of a hassale, i may have to split the places into separate trips or look at renting separate cars in the different countries!

Thanks so much for your nice comment, I really appreciate it! Unfortunately I don’t have any experience with rentals in the area as we always drove our own car from Hungary. Generally speaking, crossing the border with a rental is always a bit complicated but I’m pretty sure that there are some companies who allow this, maybe for an extra fee, so I think it’s best to contact them directly. Sorry that I couldn’t help more!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Where to Go Hiking

Where to Go Skiing

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Best Destinations

Top Cities to Visit

Must-Try Foods

Two-Week Itinerary

Things to Do

Best Beaches

Best Museums

Dolomites Guide

Italy's Dolomites Region: The Complete Guide

How to Get There

Weather in the dolomites, things to do in the dolomites.

• Dolomites Towns & Cities to Visit

Where to Ski

• Where to Hike, Bike & Climb

Where to Stay

• Frequently Asked Questions

A favorite destination of nature lovers, the Dolomites, or Dolomiti in Italian, is a mountainous region that is part of the Northern Italian Alps. Dominated by 18 majestic peaks, its diverse landscape consists of more than 350,000 acres of jagged pinnacles, sheer rock faces, icy glaciers, deep gorges, lush forests, and verdant valleys. There are 2,131 named mountains in the Dolomites region; Marmolada, which boasts Punta Penía, the highest peak of the mountain range, is nicknamed the "Queen of the Dolomites." Because of its stunning beauty and well-preserved Mesozoic carbonate platform system that was formed 250 million years ago, the Dolomites were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

Throughout the Dolomites, towns and villages dot the countryside, each part of a fascinating smorgasbord of unique customs and languages. In fact, prior to the end of World War I, South Tyrol and Trentino were part of Austria, which explains why 75 percent of the region's population speaks German as their first language.

The Dolomites straddle the northeastern border between Italy and Austria, running through the Italian provinces of Belluno, Alto Adige (also called South Tyrol), and Trentino. The highest point of the mountain rises nearly 11,000 feet above sea level.

The journey from Milan to Bolzano takes a little over 3 hours by car or train. While it's possible to see a lot of the Dolomites by train or regional bus, many travelers prefer to rent a car for exploring small towns and natural areas not on public transportation routes.

Weather can change abruptly in the Dolomites, so be prepared for anything. Autumn generally comes early with frost present as early as late August. People flock to the region to see the explosion of color that the fall foliage, before winter blankets the landscape with snow that may not melt until late spring. Summers are short but beautifully lush and green.

Replete with dramatic crests and unspoiled lakes, rivers, woodlands, and meadows, the region draws visitors year-round, with most coming for summer or winter sports.

Here's a list of some things of the great things to do in the Dolomites.

• Ski and Snowboard Spectacular Slopes: Its clean air, pristine surroundings, and lofty summits make the Dolomites an ideal place for all manner of outdoor winter sports. Depending on annual snowfall, slopes at the highest elevations may open by early fall and remain open until late spring.
• Tackle a Via Ferrata Climbing Route: A via ferrata (sometimes referred to in the plural as vie ferrate ) is a protected climbing route outfitted with steel cables affixed to the rock face, that climbers can use to secure themselves. Each via ferrata is ranked by difficulty — determined by the steepness and the length between the holds. The most sought-after vie ferrate are found near Cortina, Alta Badia, and Val di Fassa.
• Take a Breathtaking Drive on the Great Dolomites Road: One way to see the Dolomites up close is to plan a car trip along the breathtaking Great Dolomites Road ( Grande Strada delle Dolomiti ). An engineering feat, the highway cuts through the mountains beginning outside Bolzano and ending in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
• Barrel Downhill on a Mountain Bike: Mountain biking is a popular pastime in the mild climate during the summer months. Whether you join a private biking tour or strike out on your own, you'll enjoy stunning views along winding trails and bumpy cycling paths.
• Soar Over Snow Capped Peaks in a Hot Air Balloon: In early-to-mid January, the skies over Dobbiaco are filled with hundreds of hot air balloons participating in the annual Balloon Week festival. Book a private balloon tour that takes you up, up and away for a bird's eye view of the Dolomites' Alta Pusteria valley.

Dolomites Towns & Cities to Visit

• Belluno: The alpine town of Belluno is considered the gateway to the Dolomites. Nestled between the Piave and Ardo rivers, this charming city is surrounded by meadows and rolling hills, making it the perfect home base for mountain biking, and trekking.
• Bolzano-Bozen: The capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano, has lovely parks, flower-lined promenades, and a cog railway and cable-car that ferry passengers up to ski areas and plateaus with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Must-sees include the Duomo di Bolzano and the Archaeological Museum where you can meet Ötzi the Iceman, an incredibly well-preserved glacial mummy dating back to the Copper Age.
• Brunico-Bruneck: Brunico was founded in the 13th-century and is the largest town in the South Tyrol holiday area of Kronplatz. Adjacent to the ritzy Plan de Corones ski resort, other popular attractions in town includes Brunico Castle and the Messner Mountain Museum.
• Cortina d'Ampezzo: Cortina d'Ampezzo is a fashionable village in the province of Belluno. Not only does Cortina have an abundance of scenery, but it also boasts museums, art galleries, fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, plus one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. In the summertime, mountain climbers flock to the area to try their hand at the challenging via ferrata hiking trails nearby.
• Merano: Merano is a pretty spa town best known for attracting literary figures as Franz Kafka and Ezra Pound. Its main thoroughfare of smart shops and fancy hotels ranks second only to its beautiful gardens that line the River Passirio.
• Val Gardena Ski Resort: High in the Dolomites, Val Gardena in South Tyrol is an international holiday spot frequented by winter sports enthusiasts. Part of the Sella Ronda circuit, Val Gardena sports 80 lifts and more than 300 miles of connected slopes. The village of Selva Gardena offers visitors plenty of opportunities for cultural events and leisure activities.
• Cortina d'Ampezzo Ski Resort: One of the world's most lavish ski resorts, the slopes at Cortina d'Ampezzo are ideal for beginning-to-intermediate skiers. It has 47 lifts and offers an array of fun activities for families such as tobogganing, bobsledding, ice skating, and even hockey.
• Ortisei Ski Resort: Best known for its outstanding cross-country skiing, Ortisei Ski Resort is located in the Val Gardena valley. After exploring the quaint little town, you can take the narrow-gauge railway up to the 8,000-foot summit to see one of the most beautiful alpine pastures in all of Italy.

Where to Hike, Bike & Climb

• Hiking: A must for enthusiastic hikers and climbers, the Belluno Dolomites National Park is a nature reserve with glaciers, waterfalls, forests, and archaeology museums. Renon-Ritten is another hiker's paradise, perched on a plateau that overlooks the city of Bolzano.
• Mountain Biking: For the more daring cyclist, the Herrensteigh in the Kronplatz area offers a variety of challenging downhill and freeride trails.
• Mountaineering: Monte Cristallo is located in the center of the Dolomites and has four peaks, making up the Cristallo group. The highest reaches an elevation of over 10,000 feet and can be explored by cable car or by scaling one of its three via ferrata routes. The 1993 movie "Cliffhanger," with Sylvester Stallone was filmed there.
• Luxury Hotels: The Hotel Miramonti is a popular luxury choice, especially for couples. It features jaw-dropping views of the Dolomites from a 4,000 foot high vista point. Other great luxury options include 1477 Reichhalter , Villa Arnica , Rosa Alpina , and Hotel La Perla .
• Wellness Hotels: Why not spend your time in the Dolomites indulging in pampering treatments and unwinding in thermal spas? Adler Spa Dolomiti boasts a ski lodge vibe with excellent spa services. The stunning boutique wellness sanctuary Forestis was once a retreat for Popes. And the LeFay Resort & Spa Dolomiti offers four floors of spa services, one of the largest spas in the Alps.
• Mountain & Alpine Huts: Also referred to as refuges, mountain or alpine huts are sprinkled all over the Dolomites. They serve as a rest stop where hikers and mountain climbers can grab a hearty meal before heading back out on the trail again. Rifugio Locatelli is one of the most popular options; booking ahead is highly recommended.

The official website of the South Tyrol has loads of information on things to do and places to stay in the Dolomites.

The Dolomites straddle the northeastern border between Italy and Austria.

The Dolomites are a mountainous region that is part of the Northern Italian Alps.

The journey from Milan to Bolzano, the "Gateway to the Dolomites," takes a little over 3 hours by car or train.

The 15 Best Destinations in Italy

Best Places to Go in Northern Italy's Veneto Region

The Top Spots for Skiing and Winter Sports in Italy

The 9 Best Ski Resorts in Italy

The Top Cities to Visit in Trentino Alto Adige, Italy

Your Trip to Switzerland: The Complete Guide

The Top 14 Rock Climbing Destinations in Europe

The Top 23 Things to Do in Italy

A Guide to Italy's Wine Regions

13 Top Things to Do at Lake Tahoe

The Lakes of Northern Italy

10 Best Honeymoon Destinations in the Mountains

Veneto Region of Northern Italy: Tourist Map With Cities

Yosemite National Park: The Complete Guide

Lombardy Cities Map and Travel Guide

Hiking in Switzerland

16 BEST Places to Visit in the Dolomites, Italy (+ Map, Photos & Info)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 8, 2023

Are you planning a trip to the Italian Dolomites and wondering where exactly to go and what to see? In this guide, we cover some of the nicest places and the very best things to do in the Dolomites that are worth a trip even if you are traveling from the other side of the world. We also share our experience-based tips and suggestions that will help you plan a bucket list trip and enjoy the best that the Dolomites have to offer. Find out!

The Italian Dolomites have some of the most beautiful mountain scenery you can imagine. Stunning scenic roads and dazzling mountain passes, thousands of kilometers of hiking trails, picturesque mountain lakes, and countless charming towns and villages dotting the region…

However, with so many beautiful places in the Dolomites, it can get really overwhelming just trying to figure out where to go and what to see. Especially if this is your first visit and you want to see the very best in a limited time…

We had the same question before our first trip to the region – what are the most beautiful places in the Italian Dolomites that you really shouldn’t miss? And, since we travel with kids, we also had to make sure that these places would be relatively EASY TO VISIT .

We have been to the Dolomites several times and spent about three weeks exploring the region. In all that time, we haven’t come across one place that we didn’t love… But in this guide, I only share our absolute favorite places, top things to do in the Italian Dolomites that deserve a visit the most – the ultimate Dolomites bucket list .

TIP: To help you plan your trip, we also created a map indicating all the best places of the Dolomites mentioned in this article. You can also save this map to your phone and use it during the trip.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Good to know: Most of the places on this list are very easy to visit and only a few of them require hiking . Furthermore, all the hikes mentioned here are easy to moderate and we have done them all with our three kids.

Please keep in mind that this is a summer guide , from May-June to September-October! If you visit Dolomites in winter, you’ll still be able to see some of these beautiful places, but it will be a very different experience and you’ll have to do more research to see what’s open and how to get there.

Note on place names: There are three different languages spoken in the Dolomites: Italian, German, and Ladin (an ancient Rhaeto-Roman language). Therefore, many place names in the region have several different names. In this article, we use the names that are most commonly known among international tourists. In addition, we include the other names as well, so that you know that e.g. Lago di Braies is the same place as Pragser Wildsee and Tre Cime is the same as Drei Zinnen, etc.

And now that you know all the practicalities, scroll down for our ultimate Dolomites bucket list!

These are some of the very best places to see and things to do in the Dolomites:

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (aka Drei Zinnen) are the three iconic mountain peaks, the unmistakable symbol of the Dolomites. If there’s one place that everybody considers a must-see in the Dolomites, it’s definitely Tre Cime!

Hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trail is by far the best way to enjoy the jaw-dropping scenery of the area. However, if the entire 10km loop around the base of these three peaks is too challenging for you, you can also just opt to walk the first part of the trail, to Forcella Lavaredo.

This hike to Forcella Lavaredo is easy at first, with a short climb to the viewpoint and it takes just 20-30 minutes one way. It offers some fantastic views from the start and a short climb is rewarded with a nice side view of the Tre Cime peaks.

LEARN MORE: Tre Cime di Lavaredo

2. Lago di Braies

Another must-see place in the Dolomites is Lago di Braies (aka Pragser Wildsee). It’s one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Italy, maybe even in Europe.

Located at the end of the Prags Valley, Lake Braies is surrounded by tall mountain peaks that make the scenery here picture-perfect. In summer, you can rent a boat and enjoy the beautiful views from the water. If you feel like, you can also take a short and easy loop hike, or even go swimming in the ice-cold waters of this glacier-fed lake.

The good thing is that Lago di Braies is easy to reach and you don’t have to walk far from the car in order to enjoy the best views. However, this is also the reason why it’s one of the most popular Dolomites landmarks, attracting big crowds of locals and tourists alike.

LEARN MORE: Lago di Braies

TIP: Also the nearby Lago Di Dobbiaco is very picturesque, but it’s not as well known to tourists and is mostly visited by locals. Check it out if you’re looking for some lesser-known hidden gems of the Dolomites – it’s easy to visit and only takes a few minutes.

3. Val Gardena

Val Gardena is one of the best-known regions of the Italian Dolomites, and the place to be in summer and in winter. Val Gardena is home to three main towns – Selva, Santa Cristina, and Ortisei, that serve as a base for exploring the surrounding mountains. This area is extremely popular for skiing in winter. But also in summer, there’s so much to see and do in Val Gardena!

It’s not easy to mention just one or two highlights at Val Gardena since the entire area is absolutely stunning. The best thing to do when visiting in summer is to take one of the cable cars to the mountains and do some hiking. But also if you don’t hike, you can just find a seat with a view at one of the mountain restaurants and enjoy some phenomenal landscapes the easy way.

Some of the most beautiful scenery of Val Gardena can be found at Seceda (see also the featured image on top of this article – the one with the cute donkeys). The best way to visit is by taking the Ortisei – Furnes- Seceda cable car from Ortisei town and then (easy) hiking in the direction of Santa Christina. Or you can simply enjoy the area by exploring some shorter trails on top of the mountain and then taking the cable car back to the village.

We also loved the views in the area around Dantercepies – Jimmy’s Hutte that can be reached by cable car from Selva village or from Alta Badia. If you are looking for a longer hike in this area, check out the Rifugio Puez hike. It’s quite long, but the views are well worth it.

Another very popular place is Alpe di Siusi (aka Seiser Alm), Europe’s largest high-altitude Alpine meadow. There are some easy hikes here and this area is also popular with families.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOME OF THESE PLACES: Best Hikes in the Dolomites

4. Val di Funes

Val di Funes (aka Villnöß) is a mountain valley known for the most iconic postcard view of the Dolomites – the little church of St. Magdalena against the impressive backdrop of the Puez-Odle massif.

If you want to take the same picture as in all those famous photographs, it’s quite easy to get to this viewpoint (also indicated it on our map above). You can get there by driving or on foot from St. Magdalena village. The road here is really narrow, however, and you can’t park at the viewpoint, so it’s easier to leave your car in the village and walk up there.

Another highlight of the Villnöss Valley are the stunning mountains of the Puez-Odle natural park and the picture-perfect mountain huts. The nicest mountain hut with the most beautiful view is Geisler Alm and there are a few others.

You can reach Geisler Alm by taking a short hike from one of the car parks in the area. However, we recommend that you take a slightly longer route by hiking the Adolf Munkel Trail . It’s an easy circular hike of about 3 hours in total, and the views are absolutely amazing! You can read all about this hike in our Dolomites hiking guide .

5. Lago di Sorapis

Lake Sorapis is another stunning mountain lake and definitely deserves a mention on any list of the best places in the Dolomites. This lake and the surrounding scenery is totally different than the landscapes at Lago di Braies, but many people would argue that it’s even more beautiful.

The glacial waters of Lago di Sorapis have a very distinctive milky-blue color that looks too beautiful to be real. If you visit on a sunny day, the color of the lake is absolutely incredible. Add to that the colorful wildflowers, deep blue sky, surrounding mountains with a distinctive pinnacle called God’s Finger, and you feel like you stepped into a real-life painting!

However, there’s just one tiny issue and that is that Lago di Sorapis is not as easy to visit as most other beautiful places in the Dolomites. So you’ll only be able to see this lake if you hike. Furthermore, it’s not an easy walk in the park, but a moderate 2-hour uphill hike with some challenging sections that involve stairs, ladders, and narrow passages with metal chains for support.

Having said all this, don’t get discouraged – it’s a hike most people should be able to do (and we did it with our three kids). You simply should know what to expect and take your time so that you can truly enjoy it (count 4-5 hours for the entire hike).

LEARN MORE: Lago di Sorapis Hike

6. Marmolada

No list of the Dolomites best places would be complete without mentioning the highest mountain in the region, Marmolada . Also known as the Queen of the Dolomites , Marmolada is a very unique place where you will not only find some of the best far views over the Dolomite mountains but also fascinating Great War history.

With 3,265 m (10,712 ft) height, Marmolada offers incredible 360° views of the entire Dolomites region and you can even see as far as the mountains of Austrian Tyrol . In addition, you can visit the Museum Marmolada Great War 3000m, a WWI fortress (at 3km height!), and Grotto of the Madonna. For the more adventurous, there are also a couple of via ferratas and other activities here.

Despite its altitude, Marmolada is very easy to visit by taking a series of cable cars, and it doesn’t take longer than a few hours. So if you find yourself in the heart of the Dolomites region and are looking for something nice to do, definitely check it out!

Good to know: Because of the altitude, there’s always snow at Marmolada. Be sure to take a sweater and a rain jacket with you – even if it’s very warm in the valley.

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Marmolada

7. Passo Gardena

Passo Gardena (aka Grödner Joch) is an absolutely beautiful mountain pass and one of the must-drive roads in the Dolomites. The first time we visited the region, we reached Val Gardena via this mountain pass at around sunset. What a scenery, what a landscape! It was love at first sight!

Since then, we have driven this pass multiple times, in different weather, and it remains one of my personal favorite scenic drives in the Dolomites.

Gardena Pass isn’t nearly as difficult to negotiate as most other mountain passes in the region, it’s usually not as busy, and the landscapes are breathtaking. Furthermore, it’s the quickest route between Val Gardena and Lago di Braies – two of the most popular places in the Dolomites. So even if you only have limited time in the region and have to be very selective about where to go, I highly recommend driving the Gardena Pass.

8. Passo Pordoi & Piz Boè

With 2,239 m (7,346 ft) altitude, Passo Pordoi is the highest road in the Dolomites. With its 28 hairpin bends, this is one of the roads that will definitely make your head turn! The roads in this part of the Dolomites are absolutely insane and driving here is an experience in itself. It’s not the best road to take if you are just passing by and are in a hurry….

Probably the most touristy of all the mountain passes in the Dolomites, Passo Pordoi is more than just a road with nice scenery. It’s one of the most popular Dolomites destinations, with many people coming here to enjoy the views from Forcella Pordoi and hike to the nearby Piz Boè .

With 3,152 m (10,341 ft), Piz Boè is one of the highest mountain peaks that you can hike to in the Dolomites. It’s quite a serious climb if you start at Passo Pordoi, but you can also take Sass Pordoi cable car for the biggest part of the journey. It will still be a serious uphill walk and there are some exposed sections and ladders, but it’s doable for most people, and that’s what makes it quite popular.

Good to know: Wear good hiking shoes and layers of clothing. A rain jacket and a sweater are a must when hiking at this altitude. If you can, visit on a sunny day, and definitely avoid stormy afternoons!

9. Passo Giau

Giau Pass is just one of the many stunning mountain passes in the Dolomites. Be prepared for some sharp hairpin turns when driving here, but it’s well worth it. The scenery around Passo Giau is extraordinary!

But what makes a visit here really worthwhile is the beautiful landscapes at the pass itself and the fact that you don’t even have to walk far from the car to see some jaw-dropping scenery. One of the best views – see the picture below – can be found right at the main car park/ bus stop at Passo di Giau.

If you do hike, there are some fantastic hikes that start here. Some of the best options are hiking north in the direction of Falzarego Pass / Cinque Torri or to the east in the direction of Lago Federa/ Cortina d’Ampezzo (more about these places further below).

We did this hike from Passo di Giau to Lago Federa , but even if you just opt to walk a small part of any trail and back, the scenery is amazing and it will be well worth it.

10. Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo is probably the most popular mountain resort of the Italian Dolomites (the other place is the earlier-mentioned Val Gardena). Cortina is a small town surrounded by some of the best mountain scenery and offering easy access to some of the most beautiful places in the region.

Cortina is one of the most popular places to stay in the Dolomites, with countless hotels, holiday homes, shops, and restaurants. It’s also one of the most expensive places and you won’t find many locals staying here. That being said, the location is great for sightseeing and various day trips, without spending hours and hours in the car, and we found it worth the price.

The majority of Cortina d’Ampezzo attractions are actually not in town but in the surrounding mountains. However, the town itself is worth checking out as well – even if just for a leisurely stroll through the main pedestrian street, some (window) shopping, or a nice dinner in the evening. We recently spent more than a week in Cortina and we loved the atmosphere in town in the evenings. We heard that Cortina really comes to life in winter – it’s one of the most popular places for skiing in the Dolomites.

Good to know: There are several cable cars in town that bring you to different sides of the mountains from Cortina. If you don’t have much time and/or don’t hike, this might be a great way to see some of the nicest mountain scenery in the area. The best views can be found at the top of Tondi di Faloria and also Tofana di Mezzo .

TIP: Families with kids or teens will love Parco Avventura , the adventure park with some fun and challenging routes in the trees. We spent quite some time here and – as far as our kids are concerned – this is one of the absolute best things to do in the Dolomites! 🙂

11. Cinque Torri

Cinque Torri (aka the Five Towers) is another popular mountain destination that you’ll often see mentioned among the best places to see in the Dolomites. But nobody tells you what it’s really about…

When researching information for our trips, we saw many pictures of the 5 towers and some recommendations to visit. But while it looked very beautiful, it just didn’t seem to have that ‘extra’ something that would make it worth visiting more than the other popular Dolomites destinations. And who has the time for all these places anyway… So we never made it here during our first trip.

However, on our second visit, we were staying in the nearby Cortina for a longer time, and so one day we decided to check it out. And we were so glad we did – Cinque Torri is so much more than its famous towers that you see in all the pictures! The scenery is absolutely AMAZING here with jaw-dropping views that will leave you speechless. In addition, there is a sort of an open-air museum, where you can walk through a series of restored WWI trenches and bunkers , which makes this place even more interesting and well worth visiting.

I’m not really a history fan, but this unique combination of war history and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery you can imagine, makes Cinque Torri one of my personal favorite places in the Dolomites! It’s also very easy and simple to visit, with minimal hiking if you don’t want to, but also plenty of hiking possibilities if you do have some extra time and energy. Highly recommended!

LEARN MORE: How to Visit Cinque Torri + Best Short Hike

12. Passo di Falzarego / Mt Lagazuoi / Forte Tre Sassi

Falzarego Pass is another special place that is well worth visiting in the Dolomites. Also here, you’ll find some of the most beautiful mountain scenery, but also WWI history. So whether you are into nature and hiking, war sites and history, or both – it’s well worth coming here.

There are several places you can visit at Falzarego Pass and many ways to do it. The easiest to visit is the Forte Tre Sassi Museum which is located just next to the road, between Falzarego Pass and Armentarola. It’s open from mid – June to the end of September and is a great place to learn more about the gruels of the Great War and the history of the Italian Dolomites. For more information, please see the museum website .

Another popular place to visit are the Lagazuoi tunnels . You can reach them by taking a cable car from Passo di Falzarego and then hiking on top. Be sure to bring a flashlight! There are various hiking routes here.

Also if you don’t care about war sites, you can just come here for the scenery. The views from and around Rifugio Lagazuoi (at the top of the cable car) are unbelievable! You can also hike to Lago di Lagazuoi , and there are many more hikes here.

TIP: If you are looking for a short easy hike in this area, consider Lago di Limides .

13. Lago di Misurina

Lake Misurina is one of the most beautiful lakes of the Dolomites and it’s also a place that you can easily visit when touring the region. The scenery here is wonderful and the views are great in any direction. When there is little wind, you also have beautiful reflections on the lake – picture-perfect!

In summer, you can walk all around the lake (count about 45 minutes if you do the entire loop), but there is also a nice boardwalk where you can just explore one side of the lake. You can also rent paddle boats at Lake Misurina. There are several hotels, restaurants, and a very good supermarket here as well.

Located just next to the road and very close to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo, there is really no excuse not to stop at Lake Misurina. And while you won’t be alone here, every time we visited, it was unbelievably quiet here comparing to Tre Cime… Furthermore, Lake Misurina is also one of the nicest places in the Dolomites that you can visit at any time of the year.

TIP: This would be a great place to stay for a night or two. Not only can you easily get to Tre Cime di Lavaredo from here (and beat the crowds by going very early in the morning), but it’s also a beautiful place to be in the evening when all the day tourists have left. Check out the iconic Grand Hotel Misurina (it’s like sleeping inside a postcard!). Hotel Sorapiss and Hotel Miralago are also located here (overlooking the postcard-view) and offer good value for the price/location.

14. Passo Sella

Passo Sella is a mountain pass that connects Val Gardena with Val di Fassa (Canazei town) and is another of the must-do scenic drives in the Dolomites. Here, you have great views over the Sella group, Sasso Lungo, and Marmolada.

This road is very popular with cyclists and motorbikes, furthermore, there are lots of local and tour buses, camper vans, and cars… Let’s just say, you won’t be able to drive fast here most of the time. But this gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery (if not for the driver, then at least for the passengers).

There are lots of gondolas here and countless hiking trails. Sella Pass is also the perfect starting point if you want to explore the area around the famous Sassolungo (aka Langkofel) peaks.

15. Lago di Carezza

If you are looking for fantastic views with little effort, check out the tiny mountain lake Lago di Carezza (aka Karersee or Lake of Caress). It’s one of the most picturesque lakes in the Italian Dolomites, and also one of the easiest to visit, so well worth a quick stop if you find yourself in this part of the Dolomites.

Because this lake is located right next to the road, has easy parking, and it only takes about 30 minutes to walk all around it (if you choose to), it’s a very popular spot attracting lots of people. For the best experience, visit here early in the morning – that’s also when the reflections are usually at their best.

Good to know: Swimming is not allowed in Lago di Carezza.

16. Lago di Federa

If you just can’t get enough of the beautiful mountain lakes in the Dolomites, you may also want to check out Lago di Federa . Located between Cortina and Falzarego Pass, this tiny lake is also a very popular place to visit in this part of the Dolomites.

I have to say, however, that this is one of those places that look better in the pictures than in reality. Furthermore, it’s not an easy visit as you can only get here by hiking… So I was a bit hesitant whether to include it in this list of the best places to see in the Dolomites or not…

The reason I decided to mention it is because of the amazing scenery of the area. So if you can visit Lago di Federa in combination with Forcella Ambrizola and also the area around Forcella Giau – Passo Giau, then it’s absolutely worth it!

However, if you are short on time and have to be more selective with how many places you can squeeze into your itinerary, then I wouldn’t come here just for this lake. The earlier-mentioned Lake Misurina, Lake Carezza, Lake Limides , and also Lake Dobbiaco are so much easier and simpler to visit and – in my opinion – are worth your time more.

If you decide to visit here, check out our guide to the amazingly beautiful hike we did in the Lago di Federa area! It’s a wonderful hike, not too busy, and well worth it if you are looking to do something a bit less touristy than most other places mentioned on this list.

LEARN MORE: Lago di Federa Hike from Passo Giau

So, this is our selection of some of the best things to do in the Dolomites, Italy. And no, this is in no way a complete guide to ALL the best places in the Italian Dolomites – you would need several months for that… For starters, you may want to also read our guide to the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites .

But if you are visiting the Dolomites for the first time and want to experience the very best that this stunning region has to offer, then this list should give you a good idea of where to go and what’s worth your time the most.

TIP: If you are wondering how to best plan a trip covering as many of these places as possible, please see our Dolomites itinerary suggestions . It contains sample itineraries for any trip from 1 day up to a week and more. Check it out!

Below, you can also find some frequently asked questions for planning your visit to the Dolomites . Check it out!

Dolomites FAQ

The Dolomites is a very big mountain region in Northern Italy stretching through three Italian regions: Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige (South Tyrol), and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The Dolomites region is about 2 hours drive north of Venice or from Lake Garda , and about 1.5 hours south of Innsbruck (Austria).

The easiest way to get to the Dolomites is by car or by arranging a private shuttle. Some areas also have good connections by public transport, but it really depends on where exactly you are traveling to/from. You can also visit the Dolomites with an organized tour from various locations including Venice, Lake Garda, or Bolzano.

To make the most of a trip to the Dolomites, you’ll definitely need a car. While in high season there are buses between some of the major tourist areas in the Dolomites, they usually only run a few times a day and aren’t always very reliable. So if you want to explore the Dolomites to the fullest, it’s best to visit by car. You can easily rent a car at any bigger city or airport and car hire prices are very reasonable in Italy.

While you can visit some of the nicest places in the Dolomites in one or two days, you should really plan at least 5-6 days if you want to explore the region somewhat deeper. This will allow you to quickly see most of the Dolomites best places mentioned in this list and do a few of the best hikes. If you want to drive all the scenic roads, do all the hikes, and visit all the places mentioned in this article, you’ll need at least 2 weeks and they will be packed. My advice is not to try to see ‘everything’, but to choose a few places and take your time to enjoy the scenery!

The best time to visit the Dolomites depends on your interests. Summer months are best for hiking, amazing scenery, and to be able to access all the best places in the mountains. Whereas winter is a wonderful time for skiing and other winter activities. The shoulder season (Oct-Nov and April-beginning of May) is probably the least good time to visit Italian Dolomites.

There are many airports where you can fly to for the Dolomites. The closest airports are Venice Treviso, Venice Marco Polo, or Bolzano regional airport. Also Innsbruck airport (Austria) is a good option and even Milan or Munich (Germany) can be good options with good intercontinental connections as well.

The best place to stay in the Dolomites depends a lot on what you want to see. If you want to visit all the best places in Dolomites, I highly recommend that you stay at a few different locations for a few days each as that will save you a lot of driving. Staying in Val Gardena or Cortina d’Ampezzo are the best options for exploring the Dolomites. Don’t get fooled by seemingly close distances! The roads here are crazy (and busy), so it’s really not ideal to stay in one place if you want to see all the best places in the Dolomites.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in the Dolomites

More inspiration for visiting Italy:

• Best Cities to See in Italy
• Best Places to Visit in Italy
• Italy Itinerary for 2 Weeks
• Best of Lake Como
• Best of Lake Garda
• Best Things to Do in Venice
• 1 Day in Venice
• 3 Days in Venice
• How to Visit Venice by Car
• Tips for Venice Gondola Ride
• Doge’s Palace
• Venice with Young Kids
• Best Things to Do in Rome
• Hidden Gems of Rome
• Colosseum Levels & Tickets Explained
• 1 Day in Rome
• 2 Days in Rome
• 4 Days in Rome
• Tips for Visiting Rome
• Best Area to Stay in Rome
• Rome Airport Transfers
• Rome Street Food Tour

… for more travel inspiration and info on a big variety of popular destinations in Italy, please see our Italy travel guide .

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Saturday 20th of April 2024

This is the best and most useful Dolomites resource I've found online. It has really helped with planning my trip. Your list is very inspiring, we can't wait to visit the Dolomites! Thank you!

Monday 22nd of April 2024

Thank you for your kind feedback, Sarah. Have a great trip to the Dolomites!

Tuesday 28th of February 2023

What if I only can be in the Dolomites for three day...where do I stay? Do I hit your 1-3 suggestions?

As I am rereading this, I think I'm all set. I see your suggestions for Cortena and then Val Gardena. Wonderful blog!

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

Hello! I've been studying your blog for a family trip I am planning this summer (my kids are college aged).

We are either going to go to Switzerland and see the areas around Interlaken for a few days and then a few days hikes in the Apenzell area.

However, the Dolomites look beautiful too and I'm struggling at deciding which to visit. We want to hike (nothing very intense) but we are good for average hikes. We don't want to camp and would prefer an airbnb or hotel.

I'd love your opinion on which you would choose if you only went to one.

Wednesday 1st of February 2023

Hi Katherine, both are really beautiful destinations and you really can't go wrong with either. The scenery is amazing in both areas, but in Switzerland, you have more snowy peaks and green Alpine pastures, whereas in the Dolomites, the mountains are 'rockier'. Summer will be very busy at both destinations. There are a few major differences though: First, in Switzerland, you can usually get a ticket for a train/gondola to the mountains and hike around at the top or hike downhill. Whereas in the Dolomites, for most places, you just arrive and start to hike. Some areas have gondolas, but not that many. So depending on which hikes you choose, it can be easier or tougher. Also, even if you have to take gondolas in the Dolomites, it's incomparably cheaper than in Switzerland. That being said, in Switzerland, if you stay in one area for a few days, you can usually get regional cards which make it much more affordable compared to buying day tickets. Still, it will be much more expensive than anything you do in the Dolomites. And finally, accommodation costs can be quite expensive in both places, but food and transportation is also much cheaper in Italy. Hope this helps a bit. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll love it! PS If you are looking for some inspiration for hiking around Interlaken, check out Schynige Platte. It's stunning! Also Oeschinensee is a wonderful place to hike. For the Dolomites, check out this guide to our favorite hikes.

Thursday 26th of January 2023

This is such an incredible, thoughtful resource as I plan my first trip to the Dolomites. I especially appreciate how you've tagged all the photos with the spot they were each taken. Thank you so much!

Friday 27th of January 2023

Glad to help, Eki. Have a great trip!

Preyta Hang

Wednesday 30th of November 2022

hello! we're planning a trip this summer, will probably stay in val gardena area for a few days using one of your itinerary. i'm not sure if i will be comfortable to drive. do you think we can still see some amazing places w/out a car?

Friday 2nd of December 2022

Hi Preyta, Val Gardena has a bus service (free with a card that you get when staying in most of the local hotels) that can bring you to some nice places nearby. You won't be able to see a lot of the Dolomites that way, but you can see most of the Val Gardena region, and the scenery there is stunning. You could spend a few weeks there and have a great time even without a car. But if you want to visit most of the places mentioned in this article, then you'll definitely need to rent a car (and ideally not stay in Val Gardena all the time, but spend a few days in the area around Cortina d'Ampezzo). Hope this helps!

Delightfully Italy

The insider's Italy travel guide for independent travelers

How to visit the Dolomites, Italy and its Top 20 unmissable destinations

A complete itinerary about how to visit the dolomites, italy, in summer time: top 20 destinations, how to drive there, interactive map and travel tips., why should you visit the dolomites.

Well, imagine long, deep mountain valleys, dense forests, bubbling rivers. Add still, cold lakes spread across the landscape, guarded everywhere by the dramatic pink-grey walls of stunning mountains.

Dolomites views are simply magic, and seem nicked straight off the pages of a fairy tale.

The Dolomites are simply one of the most beautiful and amazing destinations in Italy. That’s why you should have them in your bucket list.

Even though they are mostly known for their amazing sky slopes, visiting the Dolomites in summer time is an experience you shouldn’t miss.

In this post I will share the answers to the most common questions about how to visit the Dolomites:

•  When is the best time to visit Dolomites?

How to get to the Dolomites? Which airport is closest to the Dolomites?

• What is the great Dolomites road? What is the great Dolomites road driving time?
• What are the top Dolomite destinations, and how to get there by car?

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

Excluding the sky season (December to April), the best moment to visit the Dolomites goes from May to October. Summer is obviously a good moment to visit the Dolomites. July and August are the warmest months, but unfortunately also the most crowded since most. It’s not uncommon to have storms at the end of August.

In my view, June and September are probably the best combination of mild and sunny weather and scarce touristic presence. In October you may assist to gorgeous Indian summer landscapes.

Getting to the Dolomites is actually very easy. The two main gateways, Bolzano and Cortina, are a couple of hours driving from Venice and Verona, which are the closest airports.

Public transportation is good, but renting a car would be a much better solution, to give you more flexibility in your visit and to give you the opportunity to drive the gorgeous Great Dolomites Road.

If you are on the classical Italy tour, you can rent a car in Venice and drive the Great Dolomites Road to Verona and Garda lake, or vice versa.

What is the great Dolomites road?

The Great Dolomite Road,  or Strada delle Dolomiti,  runs from the eastern edge of the town of Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

It’s a breathtaking scenic drive that crosses three alpine passes (Falzarego, Pordoi and Karerpass, at the renowned Rosengarten) and one of the most gorgeous scenic roads in all of Europe!

The Great Dolomites Road project started at the end of the 19th century and completed in 1909. The 110-kilometres long road run from Bolzano over the Eggental Valley to the Fassa Valley in Trentino and further on to Veneto and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

The Great Dolomites Road is an amazingly beautiful scenic route and has strongly contributed to the touristic development of the region.

Even though it has many turns and steep slopes, as you would expect from a mountain road, I don’t find it a difficult, hair raising road. It’s well maintained, sufficiently large and has many view points were to safely stop to enjoy the landscape and taking tons of pictures.

In my Dolomites driving map I’m suggesting some additional visiting opportunities to complete the sites that you can access just by following the Great Dolomites Road.

Dolomites driving map

In my Dolomite driving map I show the classical Cortina – Bolzano 110 Km itinerary, plus the additional roads (and trails) you may wish to add to see all the sites quoted in this post.

Plan no less than 5-7 days to see them all.

What is the great Dolomites road driving time?

You can drive the 110 Km of the Great Dolomites road in a few hours (count three or four at the most), but this is sincerely not advisable.

You need time to enjoy, stop to make pictures, relax at nice restaurants and cafés strategically places in front of the most stunning landscapes.

Best option would be to dedicate at least two days to your stay in the Dolomites. This is enough to visit the main sights (but not all) by car. If you wish to take some trails, then you should add at least 2 or 3 days.

Dolomites top 20 destinations and how to get there

Cortina d’ampezzo.

Posh Cortina Cortina d’Ampezzo is the perfect hub to wander and discover the Dolomites uniquely beautiful world of immense vertical walls, spires and pinnacles, green valleys, high mountain pastures and alpine lakes.

You should spend there at least one night if you wish to visit more than just the town and the mount Cristallo.

Among the many sites you could explore from there I would mention the Sorapis lake, very well know for his amazing turquoise color waters.

Also worth mentioning are the Cime del Violet, that

Misurina lake and Tre Cime di Lavaredo

This is one of the most classical day visit from Cortina and, unfortunately, could be rather crowded in high season. On the other hand, the sights you will discover are just breathtaking.

It does not belong to the Great Dolomites road.

Followin the road to the Tre Cime national park, after roughly 45 minutes driving you will get to the beautiful Misurina lake.

Even though it’s probably not the best Dolomites lake, the surroundings are gorgeous and you can take the easy trail that goes around the lake.

Once you are finished, you can continue to the tre Cime.

After a short ride, you will get to the park entrance, where you will be charged the entrance + parking fee, 24 €, is  outrageously  high in my opinion. 

From the parking lot and the Auronzo refuge an easy trail will lead you to the Lavaredo refuge, where you can admire the first view of the Tre Cime. For the very best view you’ll need o continue to the Locatelli Refuge, which is just in front of the Tre Cime.

Note that you can get to the Locatelli refuge with a trail starting from Val Fiscalina. It’s a rather steep 3 hours walking, but the views are fantastic and you don’t pay the 24 € entrance fee!

San Candido and Lago di Braies

San Candido is a delightful hamlet very close to the Austrian border. Dobbiaco is also known for being the starting point of the amazing Dobbiaco – Lindz 49 Km bicycle trail (count one day to go to Lindz in Austria by bike and get back by train)

Going east you will find the beautiful Dobbiaco lake, worth a visit if you are around.

Dobbiaco lake – photo credits Luigi AlesiTwenty minutes driving down the road, you will get to the Lago di Braies, one of the most beautiful and famous in the Dolomites.

Braies lake is gorgeous, you can take the trail that goes all around it or hire a boat and explore the lake from the water.

Unfortunately it gets really crowded in high season, so better to come very early or at the end of the day in August and during Summer Week Ends.

 Passo Falzarego and rifugio Lagazuoi

Taking the Great Dolomites road from Cortina, you will start climbing up to Passo Falzarego. Just before you get to the pass, on your left you will find a sign to the Cinque Torri (five towers). These are five impressive pinnacles (hence the name), and one of the most famous mountain views of the Dolomites.

The easiest way to get there is to take the Cinque Torri chairlift which will lead you to the Scoiattoli refuge. The view all around is great, and so is the food! You can go back by taking the chairs or just walking down hill.

Your next stop is the Falzarego pass where you can take the cable car to the Lagazuoi refuge.

At 2750 meters above seal level, the Lagazuoi refuge is among the highest in this area. The view from the balcony is astonishing. This is also a perfect place to visit the WW I remains, many guided tours in summer time.

From there, continue driving and after passing San Cassiano and La Villa you will get to Corvara.

Corvara in Badia

Sheltered by overhanging Sassongher mount, Corvara is the Alta Badia main destination, and a perfect hub to explore the area.

It could be a convenient place to spend the night in case you have only 2 days  to spend in the Dolomites.

Passo delle Erbe, Sass de Putia and Val di Funes

A great day trip from Corvara (not included in the Great Dolomites road) will lead you to explore the Sass de Putia and beautiful Val di Funes.

The Sass de Putia is the most impressive peak in the Ortles natural park. You can admire it from the Passo delle Erbe, roughly one hour driving from Corvara.

From Passo delle Erbe you can take the trail which goes all around the Sass de Putia (4-5 hours walking). Otherwise, just take a short walk to one of the beautiful Malghe just in front of the Sass de Putia and have  adring before proceeding to Val di Funes.

I’m sure you’ve already seen Val di Funes in some picture, this is one of teh most iconic views of the Dolomites.

Val di Funes is a magical valley, frozen in time and year lights away from modern civilization. You can drive until the San Maddalena hamlet, where you can admire the views and taste some delicious local dish before driving back to Corvara.

Colfosco, Passo Gardena and Vallunga

Back to the Great Dolomites road, your first stop is in Colfosco. Here you can have amazing views over the Sella mount. When you are finished, drive up to Passo Gardena.

I just couldn’t find a picture to show how beautiful this place can be, especially at sunset. Just park your car at the Chalet Gerard and have something to eat or to drink while admiring the view.

Your next stop is Selva di val Gardena, to take the easy Vallunga trail.

Vallunga is a narrow valley squeezed among vertical grey-pink rock walls, going up in the sky. It’s really a fairy tail place, dotted with ridiculously small churches and peaceful cows.

The entire trail may take up to four hours back and forth, but you can go back whenever you feel satisfied.

If your schedule is tight, from Selva di Val Gardena you can get to Bolzano in one hour and to Verona in roughly two, and from there continue your Italian trip.

If you still have some time, you can sleep in Val Gardena and then explore the Sass Pordoi and beautiful Val di Fassa the following day.

Sass Pordoi and Moena

Sass Pordoi (2.952 meters) is easily one of the most visited mountains of the Dolomites. A convenient cable-car leads up from the road Pordoi pass to the summit.

On top of the Sass Pordoi you will find a hutte to drink or to eat someting while admiring the views towards the Marmolada and Langkofel Groups.

Often called “the Dolomites pearl”, Moena is a good hub to explore this area of the Dolomites.

you can visit with a rather tiring trail starting from the Re Alberto Primo Refuge. You will need  afull day, and you will enjoy any single moment of it!

From Moena, you can get to the Brennero – Modena highway, which will get you to Verona.

Enjoy your tour in the Dolomites!

Share this:

• Share on Tumblr

19 Replies to “How to visit the Dolomites, Italy and its Top 20 unmissable destinations”

I can not thank you enough, such a great itinerary, I will keep on thanking you all along the way:)

Many thanks for your appreciation!Don’t hesitate to contact me should you need any additional info

Hi Jean, Thank you for your lovely photos and itinerary . Can I ask you is it difficult to drive to these sites from Bolzano? And do you know of any car hire please. Thank you so much for sharing. regards Angela

Hi, it’s actually pretty easy, roads are reasonably large and in good conditions. Just keep in mind that you will drive on mountain roads, not an highway! You should also pay attention to summer closing (they close the roads to private traffic during peak season to avoid traffic jams). I personally use http://www.rentalcars.com , tehy compare the different car rental options and provide good prices (they belong to Booking.com) Enjoy Italy!

Thank you for this great itinerary!

We plan to visit this region in July for a period of 7-8 days by car. If we would like to visit the places you mention in this article, what would you recommend in terms of places to stay? Do you recommend staying in one central place (for example Corvara or would you stay in multiple places and if so which?

Hi, Corvara is a good hub, fairly centrally located. That said, I would split my stay, so you don’t need to drive too much. I would keep Corvara and add Dobbiaco, to visit the 3 cime di Lavaredo, the Braies Lake and the mountains around Cortina. Send me a mail if you would like some support to effectively plan your stay in the Dolomites

Hi Jean! Thank you for this! My husband and I are visiting (February 17) for 3 days. Any suggestions or advice on how it is during this time? Is there snow, can we go on the road? What are the things you recommend we go to? Thank you in advance!!

Hi Said, I’m actually in the Dolomites right now (Canazei). We had a snow storm on Tuesday, but now all the roads are cleaned and the main passes open. No problem to use a car. The weather is great but windy, we expect some bad weather with snow on Saturday. If you come by car, make sure your car has winter tyres. If you don’t sky, I suggest you take a snow shoes trail, with a guide, to discover the most beautiful mountains in the world! Of course you can drive the Dolomites road, this will take one day with all the stops. Hope this is useful. Enjoy!

Hi Jean, lovely article! We are travelling to dolomites in June for 4 days. Based on this itinerary, would you suggest 2 nights in cortina and a night each in Corvara and Moena? We are travelling to and from Venice. Thanks a ton!

Hi Jean, lovely article! We are travelling to the dolomites in June for 4 days. Based on the above itinerary, would you suggets 2 nights in Cortina and a night each in Corvara and Moena? WellW be travelling from and to Venice. Brgds.

If you don’t mind changing places, I would opt for a night in Moena and a nignt in Corvara. 2 nights in Cortina are fine.

The best description and itinerary I have read on the area. Thank you for sharing.

Tnakks Nancy, I’m glad you found my post useful

Isnt the Sorapis lake close to Cortina ? In blog you give impression that you can explore lake Sorapis from Moena?

Hi, you are totally right, the lake close to Moena is Carezza, Sorapis is close to Cortina. I amended the post, thanks!

Hi Jean, thank you for sharing your trip in Dolomites! Actually my husband and I are quite disappointed to find out that the Dolomites region is quite dead in November..happens to be the period we would be in the area (10-13 Nov). So all my plans to visit Tre Cime Falzarego and Seceda were out of the window 🙁 it seems like Vallungahike is stil possible.. Do you have any other easy treks that would be possible during this season? Thank you very much!!

Hi Amanda, in November most of the cable car are closed, so the only way to get to the top of the mountains you mentioned is to walk. That should be possible if it hasn’t started raining yet. Hikes could be tiring, it really depends on your physical shape. Alternatives are: – go to Alpe di Siusi: it’s the highest plateau in Europe, with astonishing views on the Sassolung. Sassopiatto and surrounding Dolomites – drive along the Dolomites Road, and to short treks around the 4 passes

Anyways, local tourist offices (if opened) and hotels will be able to direct you.

Hi! What great descriptions. We are heading to this area the very end of August and plan on driving from Munich. We will only have 3 nights and 4 days in the area. Where would you advise us to stay/ We are not big hikers as i just had a knee replacement so mainly just cable cars and easy hikes. Thanks so much!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Dolomites

The jagged peaks of the Dolomites span the provinces of Trentino and Alto Adige, jutting into neighbouring Veneto. Europeans flock here in winter for highly hospitable resorts, sublime natural settings and extensive, well-coordinated ski networks. Come for downhill or cross-country skiing and snowboarding or get ready for sci alpinismo (an adrenaline-spiking mix of skiing and mountaineering), freeride, and a range of other winter adventure sports including those on legendary circuit Sella Ronda. This is also a beautiful summer destination, offering excellent hiking, sublime views and lots of fresh, fragrant air.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real The Dolomites. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo Ladin

Atmospherically set in a castle 15km south of Brunico and full of folk treasures, this is the best of three museums in this region devoted to Ladin…

LUMEN Museum of Mountain Photography

Anyone passionate about the mountains should make a beeline for this captivating museum, opened in 2018 at the summit of Kronplatz ski resort. The…

Chiesetta di San Giovanni in Ranui

Sitting alone in a meadow below the gargantuan spiky peaks of the Odle mountain group, this tiny and almost impossibly picturesque onion-steepled church …

Messner Mountain Museum Kronplatz

Mountaineer Reinhold Messner's sixth and final mountain museum also sadly happened to be one of the final projects of star architect Zaha Hadid before her…

Messner Mountain Museum Ripa

Brunico's 13th-century hilltop castle is the evocative setting for mountaineer Reinhold Messner's fifth 'Mountain Museum'. Opened in 2011, it documents…

Kriegerfriedhof

This pristinely maintained cemetery set in a forest on Kühbergl just behind the town has graves of soldiers from the nearby WWI front as well as a section…

The lofty two-spired baroque cathedral you see today was built on top of the AD 980 Gothic-Romanesque original in 1745. While the bishop decamped to…

Diözesanmuseum

This museum is far more interesting than most of its ilk, and its magnificent palazzo (mansion) home testament to Bressanone's once-important religious…

Plan with a local

Experience the real Italy

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from The Dolomites

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Wildlife & Nature

Sep 2, 2020 • 2 min read

Italy's famous Marmolada glacier, known as the Queen of the Dolomites, could disappear in 15 years, scientists have warned.

Jun 27, 2020 • 11 min read

Jul 19, 2019 • 5 min read

Jun 8, 2018 • 4 min read

Aug 3, 2016 • 6 min read

Nov 20, 2015 • 5 min read

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of The Dolomites with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

• NORTH AMERICA
• Thoughtful Travel

Visiting the Dolomites for the First Time | Ultimate Guide & Top Tips

Visiting the Dolomites and wondering how to plan the best trip? From must-do hikes to the most photogenic spots and great places to visit, here are all the tips you need to plan your perfect visit to this beautiful region of Italy.

My first visit to the Italian Dolomites was heavily influenced by my newfound love for hiking and my long-term love for photography. Since that first Dolomites road trip , I’ve been back several times, and I fall a little more for this beautiful region every time.

Visiting the Dolomites is an absolute must if you’re planning a holiday in Italy, and I’d do my best to add it to any first trip to Europe .

If you’re searching for soaring mountain peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and the dreamiest views, the Dolomites are for you. Not to mention the divine food, drink and accommodation scattered throughout the lush green valleys.

After four months exploring the Dolomites, I’ve written this guide to help anybody planning a visit to the Dolomites for the first time. I want to help you find the best hikes in the region, hidden gems and photography spots, as well as incredible experiences, food, drink and accommodation in the Italian mountains.

Here are my top tips for a great trip in the Dolomites, including my favourite experiences in this northeastern corner of Italy and a whole lot of practical advice to plan your visit.

VISITING THE DOLOMITES

How to travel | Renting a car is the easiest way to get around

When to go | I adore autumn in the Dolomites, but don’t sleep on ski season or summer hikes!

Where to stay | Base yourself in two or three towns and explore from there

Top Tip | It’s essential to book ahead in the summer months, or you’ll be left without a place to stay

Best for | outdoors lovers, photographers and foodies!

Getting to the Dolomites by Train

Visiting the dolomites in spring, public transport in the dolomites, wellness in the dolomites, area | tre cime di lavaredo, self-catering.

• What's the best way to see the Dolomites?

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING THE DOLOMITES FOR THE FIRST TIME

The features in this post were hand-selected by a picky diva (that’s me) and some of them are affiliate links. If you buy via these, I may earn a commission on some of these awesome recommendations at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your wonderful support – Cat.

A visit to the Dolomites is often overlooked in favour of Italy’s more famous attractions. Rome’s incredible historical sites, Florence’s stunning museums, Tuscany’s rolling hills and the magical canals of Venice have lodged themselves in the collective subconscious so well that they tend to be where most visitors end up.

I’d been to Italy half a dozen times myself before I ever made it to this stunning Italian mountain range tucked up in the north of the country. I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did! Visiting the Dolomites should be right up there on your list of things to do in Italy, even if you can only spare a few days in the region.

Where are the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are right up the top of Italy, in the northern Italian Alps, tucked up against the border with Austria. In fact, one of my favourite hikes in the Dolomites, Olperehütte, is reached from Austria rather than Italy!

A Brief History of the Dolomites

Formed from dolomitic limestone, the jagged peaks and plunging ravines create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. I throw the word “breathtaking” around a lot when it comes to visiting the Dolomites, but when you go, you’ll see why.

Designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2009, one of the other things that make the Dolomites so fascinating is that the planet’s history is literally carved into these mountains. The beautiful pale rock spires used to sit at the bottom of a tropical sea when dinosaurs ruled the Earth; now you’re looking up at mountains where once you’d have looked down at a coral reef!

Apart from the fossil record, this region of Northern Italy also tells a very human story. In 1914, as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire , the Dolomites became the frontlines of the First World War, waged here between Italy and Austria. The tunnels and fortifications that once sheltered soldiers fighting desperate battles can still be visited today.

The region of South Tyrol , which includes some of the Dolomites’ most famous sites, was annexed from Austria by Italy in 1918, ushering in an identity crisis that’s still very much in evidence today.

Visiting the Dolomites feels like taking a trip to Austria. Most people here speak German rather than Italian, and there’s even a third local language with its own distinct cultur e called Ladin.

From the orderly organisation to the language, legends and local people, the Dolomites are very much a unique part of Italy.

How to Get to the Dolomites

Getting to the dolomites by plane.

There’s no “Dolomites” airport or station, so you do need to do a bit of research to work out the best way to get to the Dolomites from where you live. The region isn’t that big – you could drive north to south or east to west in about four hours – and most people pick up a rental car for a road trip through the Dolomites .

Fortunately, visiting the Dolomites is easy from most international destinations because it’s close to many major airport hubs. Most people visit the Dolomites in a loop, so pick the airport with a direct flight from where you live and enter the Dolomites at the closest point.

DISTANCE TO THE DOLOMITES FROM MAJOR EUROPEAN AIRPORTS

AUSTRIA | Innsbruck 90km | 1h 15min driving time

ITALY | Verona 150km | 1h 45min

ITALY | Venice Marco Polo 150km | 2h

ITALY | Milan Malpensa 320km | 3h 40min

GERMANY | Munich 350km | 4h

Getting to the Dolomites by Car

Innsbruck is actually the closest airport to the Dolomites, but if you’re hiring a car, it tends to be cheaper in Italy. It may not be enough to offset any inconvenience of more extended layovers though!

I always recommend using the Discover Cars aggregator site to check prices and book your rental car and Insurance4carhire to cover excess insurance. Picking up a rental car in Bolzano is a good option if you’re taking public transport to the region.

If you live in Europe or are visiting with a car and planning to drive to the Dolomites, it’s worth noting that there are some outrageously expensive toll roads. For example, if you were to drive from France via Turin and Milan, you’d be looking at €250 in fees unless you take the slow roads!

Getting to the Dolomites by Bus

Bolzano is the central transport hub in the Dolomites. You can also rent vehicles here, making it an excellent destination to start your trip if you’d rather pick up a car on arrival or take public transport throughout the region.

The AltoAdigeBus route goes to thousands of destinations throughout South Tyrol from all the major airports and transport hubs. Flixbus is a good option for the bigger towns if you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe. You can then transfer to a local bus service.

Honestly, with the number of train changes and cost, this is unlikely to be a convenient way to get to your destination, especially since you’ll have to take another means of transport from Bolzano. If this is something you want to investigate, I recommend using Omio to check your options.

READ THIS | How to Get to the Dolomites (coming soon)

The Best Time to Visit the Dolomites

I love visiting the Dolomites in autumn. The mountains glow pink in the setting sun, the hills are painted shades of gold from the larch trees, and the skies are powder-puff blue. It’s hands down my favourite time of the year here.

TIP | Mid-October is the best time of year to visit the Dolomites for peak autumn colour.

Having said that, these are the mountains, and the weather is unpredictable. Some years autumn comes early, and some years it doesn’t come at all.

Visiting the Dolomites in Autumn

When I visited Croda da Lago in autumn , I was fortunate to have the most fantastic experience. However, some of the other photographers I spoke to there said that three years prior, the trees were all still green, and the area was covered in snow during the exact same week!

Peak colour tends to be in mid-October, and the weather is usually pretty settled at that time of year. You should, however, be prepared for anything!

In the valleys, daytime temperatures from September to November average 11-25°C (50-77°F) and night temperatures are 0-11°C (30-50°F).

Snow can arrive at any time, and temperatures are obviously much colder as you go up the mountains. Every 100m gain in altitude leads to at least 1°C decrease in temperature.

Later in autumn, visiting becomes more challenging as chairlifts close, hiking trails shut down for the winter, and accommodation closes before the start of the winter season.

Visiting the Dolomites in Summer

Summer is high season for alpine hiking and the busiest time of year for Dolomites visitors. It’s the warmest, but also the wettest, time of year for a visit. European school holidays also coincide with the summer months of June, July and August.

The temperatures at lower altitudes are a lovely 27-29°C (80-84°F) during the day and 13-15°C (55-59°F) at night.

Everything’s open – chairlifts, accommodation, activities and restaurants – and public transport options are available to all the popular destinations. Summer is definitely the easiest time of year to visit the Dolomites, but you’ll need to book everything in advance and prepare for crowds.

Visiting the Dolomites in Winter

The Dolomites are massively overlooked as a winter destination – the skiing here is wonderful, and the apres-ski fantastic. I’d insist everyone go here for ski season, but I also selfishly want to keep it on the down-low!

Val Gardena and Alta Badia are right up there as a couple of the best ski resorts in the whole of the European Alps for me.

READ THIS | Best Ski Resorts in the Dolomites (coming soon)

If you’re visiting the Dolomites for snowy mountains and winter sports, January is usually the best month for snow. December to March is peak winter, but snow and ice often persist at higher altitudes all the way into late April.

This is probably the only time of year that I wouldn’t recommend visiting the Dolomites unless you’re there to experience the epic wellness culture .

Only the bigger resorts are available for accommodation, the winter sports have stopped, and the hiking trails are yet to open.

If you want to visit Italy in the spring, my advice is to head further south!

READ THIS | The Best Time to Visit the Dolomites (coming soon)

How Long Should you spend Visiting the Dolomites?

I’ve spent months meandering through the region, but I know that, for most people visiting the Dolomites, that’s just not an option.

If you’re planning to visit the region as part of a more extended trip visiting Italy , then I would allocate at least three days in the Dolomites . That’s enough to enable you to get a feel for the region, do one or two of the best day hikes and some of the best things to do .

For those of you who want to dedicate more time to the area, perhaps doing a longer multi-day hike or just take it a bit slower, then ten days to two weeks is my recommendation.

Obviously, the longer, the better and if you’re lucky enough to have several weeks to spare, you should take a look at my three week road trip itinerary (coming soon)!

How to Get Around in the Dolomites

Hiring a car in the dolomites.

Although I’m a big fan of public transport, it’s often not practical for most travellers in the Dolomites, particularly if you’re wanting to get to trailheads early and depart late. Renting a car and driving will save you a vast amount of planning stress, and since I’ve always driven in the Dolomites, it’s definitely my recommendation.

Hiring a car in Italy is easy – it’s just a question of where to collect it from. If you’re travelling from overseas, then picking up your car at the airport will be the most simple option. I always use and recommend Discover Cars to check prices and book, mainly since they include comprehensive insurance.

TIP | You need either a European Driving License or an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Italy.

For those coming from elsewhere in Europe, especially if you’re arriving by train, renting a car in Bolzano is a good option.

Although the roads here are steep and winding, they’re very well maintained, and driving in the Dolomites is a breeze.

Although the roads in the Dolomites are good, they’re also not built for large volumes of traffic. There’s a big push in the region to ease congestion on the roads by helping visitors get around on public transport.

Your best option for working out how to get around via public transport is by using SuedTirolMobil . You can check routes and times and buy tickets on their website or mobile app .

Visiting the Dolomites by public transport in the summer is considerably easier than at other times of year since many routes stop once the snow sets in.

A lot of the hotels in the Dolomites offer a Guest Pass, which provides free public transport and other benefits. You can read about South Tyrol Guest Cards here , and be sure to check with your hotel if they offer it included in the cost of your room.

If you’re planning to be in the area, want to use public transport, but aren’t staying in a local hotel, it’s worth looking at the Mobilcard , which is valid for 1, 3, or 7 days of consecutive travel. There are also regional public transport cards which are another great money-saving option.

Best Things to Do in the Dolomites

If you’re anything like me, then you probably think that hiking is the only thing to do in the Dolomites. We were wrong!

When I visited the Dolomites for the first time, I was blown away by the sheer variety of things to do. The activity I did most of was, indeed, hiking, but I also indulged my love of photography, scared myself shitless on a via ferrata, cycled, camped and indulged in some of the best spa experiences the Dolomites has to offer!

Here’s a quick summary, but for all the details, you should read my post covering all the Best Things to Do in the Dolomites .

Hiking in the Dolomites

Whether you’re someone who hates the idea of lacing up a pair of hiking boots or that friend who suggests a week-long trek as the best holiday ever, the Dolomites have something for you!

Most of you won’t have the time to explore anything more than the best day hikes in the region, and even narrowing those down can be tricky!

MY TOP 3 DOLOMITES DAY HIKES Best for Autumn | Croda da Lago Best for Beginners | Tre Cime di Lavaredo Best for Experienced Hikers | Lago di Sorapis

Several day hikes can be turned into overnight hikes by booking a bed at one of the many rifugi dotted through the mountains. Staying at a rifugio is an absolute must-do as far as I’m concerned, and you can make it happen even if you’re only in the area for a couple of days!

For more of a challenge for experienced hikers, there are the incredible multi-day Alta Via routes . Alta Via 1 and 2 are the most popular, and you need to get organised and book in advance to be sure of a bed for the night!

As always, make sure you have all the right hiking gear and Dolomites maps before you head off on your adventure.

Via Ferrata in the Dolomites

As a person who isn’t very good with heights, the via ferrati pushed me waaaay out of my comfort zone. If you’re an experienced climber, they probably won’t make you break a sweat!

If you’ve never heard of them before, I can best describe them as a helping hand from those who’ve tackled a scary route before!

You’ll find anything from steel cables to steps, ladders, rungs and anchor points fixed into the rock. The idea is that you’ll clip on with a cable and remove the risk of plunging to your death down a mountain. See? Helpful.

They were initially constructed during World War I as a means of helping soldiers navigate the mountains safely. Now, they’re a way to help hikers get through exposed sections of the trails without having to have formal climbing knowledge.

Via ferrata aren’t unique to the Dolomites, but they were pioneered here, so they’re a great place to try some of the best via ferrata for beginners .

I’m going to put my ‘responsible human’ hat on here to tell you the three things that you always need before you tackle a via ferrata:

• The appropriate level of travel insurance to cover you for extreme activities
• The correct via ferrata gear
• A guide or experienced buddy

Unless you’re very experienced, I’d recommend taking a tour with somebody who is! Why not try this highly-rated guided via ferrata tour?

Don’t let being afraid of heights put you off – I’m terrible with heights, and I still love this activity!

Road trips in the Dolomites

Have I mentioned yet today how much I love a road trip?

Well, a road trip in the Dolomites is amazing. The scenery is mind-blowing, the roads are great, and there’s literally a jaw-dropping view around almost every corner.

If you want to cover the most ground, then this is definitely the best way to do it. You’ll be able to get to hiking trails that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach, see sights that you couldn’t otherwise get to, and generally have the most amazing experience.

My only caveat is that if you’re travelling in the height of summer, you might find yourself sitting in traffic more often than not, so save the road trips for early summer or autumn.

Photography in the Dolomites

It’s difficult to take a bad photo in the Dolomites. Those soaring peaks and lush valleys do the work for you. Having said that, there are some phenomenal photo spots in the Dolomites that you shouldn’t miss if you love photography.

I think that the landscape itself ignites the creative spark, so don’t blame me if you find yourself running around looking for the best angles or deciding to hike back an hour in the wrong direction because you think you missed that perfect viewpoint!

Some spots you’ll visit will make it difficult for you to get the exact shot you want (or have seen on the ‘gram), but please don’t be tempted to ignore signs and fences to copy somebody else. Trespassing and putting yourself in danger really aren’t worth it. And nobody likes an asshole.

Camping in the Dolomites

Camping in the Dolomites requires some planning. Most of the region is a protected park, and wild camping is illegal as a result.

There are, however, some amazing campsites in the Dolomites , and it’s an incredibly affordable way to travel in the region. Whether you’ve got a campervan, motorhome or just a tent, you’re spoiled for choice.

A lot of the cable car parking areas will also allow you to stay overnight for a fee, and it’s one of the best ways to be the first one at Lago di Braies for sunrise! I spent weeks camping in my van in the Dolomites and found it one of the best ways to experience the area.

Paragliding in the Dolomites

So listen, I wasn’t going to go paragliding in the Dolomites. I thought that I’d be terrified and that it wouldn’t be for me. Boy, was I wrong.

When three of my friends launched themselves off the hills on tandem paragliding flights, it looked like such fun that I immediately decided that I had to try it.

Wheeling through the air with stunning mountains on either side and little villages dotted through the valleys below was simply incredible. I loved every second of it, and no sooner had we landed than I wanted to do it all over again!

For me, it’s absolutely one of the best activities to do when you’re visiting the Dolomites. I went with Gardenafly and they were fabulous, but there are plenty of other locations for tandem paragliding in the Dolomites if their location doesn’t suit you.

Helicopter Tours in the Dolomites

If the thought of tandem paragliding is just too terrifying, or you’re not able to participate in that sort of activity, then why not take to the skies anyway?

It’s no secret that I love a scenic flight, and the Dolomites is an incredible place to experience one. You’ll get phenomenal views that you’d otherwise only experience if you have a drone.

Read the reviews, check availability and book your helicopter flight here !

Cycling in the Dolomites

If you’re a cycling fan and don’t mind hills, the Dolomites is a fantastic place to take a bike tour . You can bring your own bike or hire one from the dozens of shops throughout the area.

From road bikes to mountain biking, you can explore the region in whichever way you prefer – there are dedicated cycle paths in many places to keep you safe.

For those who like a challenge, you can take a tour that incorporates some of the most beautiful passes in the Dolomites. Check availability and book here .

Those of us who like an easier life (secretly think we’re not fit enough to cycle up a mountain) can take an e-bike tour through the region. You can check that out and book here .

Skiing in the Dolomites

Visiting the Dolomites in the winter is an opportunity to experience the magic of winter sports in the Italian Alps. Skiing in the Dolomites is hands down one of my favourite things to do in the area, and you get to see a whole different side of this part of Italy.

Home to the Winter Olympics, Cortina d’Ampezzo is also where you’ll find some of the best ski resorts in the Dolomites . All those cable cars that take you hiking in the summer are now your entry to groomed slopes and thrilling off-piste experiences.

Of course, downhill skiing isn’t all that’s on offer. You can also go snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, paragliding or simply enjoy the apres-ski vibe in the mountains!

In the Dolomites, they take wellness seriously. There’s an entire industry dedicated to bettering your health, both physical and mental.

The spa hotels in the Dolomites are some of the most beautiful venues for relaxation – I think there’s nothing better than gazing out at the mountains while sitting in a sauna.

You can expect spa treatments, swimming pools, yoga, gyms, saunas and more. Honestly, I think that any itinerary in the Dolomites should include a couple of days where you pamper yourself. You deserve a massage after all the action!

Where to Go in the Dolomites

The easiest way to decide where to go when visiting the Dolomites is to break it down into the hikes or sights you don’t want to miss.

There are several main towns that you can base yourself in and use for day trips in the Dolomites. I’d recommend a minimum of 3 nights in one location unless you’re really stretched for time.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular regions, the main towns to base yourself in, the best hikes in the area, and sights you shouldn’t miss.

Area | Val Gardena

Towns – Ortisei (St. Ulrich in German, Urtijëi in Ladin), Selva di Val Gardena (Wolkenstein in German, Sëlva in Ladin) and Santa Cristina.

Hikes – Sassolungo loop, Puez Circuit, Monte Pic, Gran Cir, the Sella crossing and Seceda .

Winter – Val Gardena is one of the main winter sports centres in the Dolomites.

Area | Alpe di Siusi

Towns – Kastelruth (Castelrotto in Italian, Ciastel in Ladin).

Hikes – you’re spoiled for choice in Alpe di Siusi , and there’s a lot more to explore .

Sights – a medicinal herb farm , the beautiful St Valentin’s church, and more .

Area | Val di Funes

Towns – Santa Maddalena, Tiso and San Pietro

Hikes – Some of my favourite hikes are in Val di Funes, including the Panoramaweg and the Adolf Munkel Trail (home to my favourite Geisler Alm restaurant!).

Sights – Don’t miss Insta-famous San Giovanni in Ranui and the Santa Maddalena Church.

Area | Alta Badia

Towns – Corvara, La Val (Wengen) and Badia (Abtei)

Hikes – Alta Badia is home to the fascinating Mt Lagazuoi , where you’ll find extensive WWI tunnels, and amazing summit hikes to Mt Piz Boe and Mt Sassongher .

Sights – don’t miss Via Ferrata Pisciadu , the busiest via ferrata in the Dolomites, or the stunning mountain passes of Passo Sella, Passo Pordoi, Passo di Falzarego and Passo delle Erbe.

Towns – Sesto (Sexten), Misurina, Dobbiaco (Toblach), San Candido (Innichen).

Hikes – Some favourites are the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint and Tre Cime di Lavaredo .

Sights – Lago di Braies , Lago Dobbiaco (Toblacher See).

Don’t Make These Beginner Mistakes Visiting the Dolomites

1. Not getting Travel Insurance

This is a huge no-no when you’re visiting the Dolomites. If you’re here in summer, then you’re almost certainly going to be hiking and maybe even tackling some via ferrata. Mountains can be dangerous, even to the most experienced hikers, so please don’t skip the travel insurance.

In winter, you’re probably here for skiing and other winter sports. Again, nobody plans to break an arm or a leg, but if you do, travel insurance is a must. Make sure you’ve got the correct level of cover for any activities you’re planning and any gear you’re taking with you.

2. Not booking in advance

Please don’t make the mistake of thinking you’ll be able to find something last minute, especially in summer. Accommodation sells out months in advance at the popular areas.

If you’re planning a multi-day hike and want to stay at one of the beautiful rifugi in the Dolomites, then you really need to book ahead.

3. Not doing your research

Visiting the Alpe de Siusi actually takes much more planning than you might think.

The toll road to Tre Cime di Lavaredo can significantly eat into your daily budget.

Lago di Braies can either be magical or a nightmare if you don’t know the seemingly thousands of rules that apply to your visit, especially in summer!

Some hikes are best done at certain times of year. Croda da Lago , for example, is best in Autumn, and some hikes become completely miserable at the first sign of colder weather.

4. Bringing the wrong clothes

You need hiking boots that you’ve broken in. Don’t even attempt the Dolomites in sneakers unless you don’t value your life.

It’s also the mountains, and it gets cold at altitude even in the summer, so make sure you bring your hiking layers !

5. Visiting at the wrong time of year

Spring in the Dolomites actually sucks. Most hiking trails don’t open until June, so visiting the Dolomites in May is a terrible idea.

Late autumn is also a gamble. Lifts aren’t open, winter sports aren’t happening, trails are dangerous, and there’s nowhere to stay or eat as everyone takes a well-earned break before the winter season starts.

6. Trying to do too much

Those winding mountain roads mean that everywhere takes longer to get to than you think.

It’s possible to rush around to see the highlights of the Dolomites in a long weekend, but I think you’ll be sorry that you didn’t give it more time. I think it’s better to pick one area as a base to explore if you’ve got limited time.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

Have a look at the best things to do in the Dolomites, decide on your must-dos and then look at a map and the best places to stay in the Dolomites .

A lot of the things you like the look of are likely located in clusters since that’s how visiting the Dolomites works. Find a couple of towns that are located no more than an hour’s drive from these clusters, and then make those your base locations for a few nights.

Book early, especially if you’re going in the summer. I almost always use Booking.com to find my accommodation in the Dolomites.

Rifugi | Mountain Huts with a Difference

A rifugio is a mountain hut that’s family-owned and run, and they’re one of my favourite places to stay in the Dolomites.

They’re open during the summer hiking season, opening and closing at different times depending on their altitude and when the hikes they’re on are safe to travel. A lot of them also open during the winter, providing food and accommodation on the slopes.

The accommodation is basic, often bunk rooms and dormitories, but some have twin or double rooms available too.

The food is universally fantastic, and they offer amazing value for a wonderful experience that’s unique to this part of the world.

Some of them are also perched in the most incredibly photogenic places , so they’re worth a visit for that alone!

Wellness is a big deal in the Dolomites, and you should really schedule a night or two in one of the many beautiful spa hotels in the region.

Many of them have infinity pools with mountain views, saunas overlooking picturesque valleys, and spa services, including massages for tired legs.

If you’re looking for luxury, you also won’t be disappointed. There are some incredible luxury and boutique hotels scattered throughout the Dolomites.

Some are designed with romance in mind, while others are just a perfect place to treat yourself or hang out with friends.

B&B and Farm Stays

If you’re anything like me, you love immersing yourself in the local culture. There’s no better way than staying with locals.

In the Dolomites you’ve got traditional B&B options and farm stays (Roter Hahn), where you can get involved in helping out with the action or just sampling all the produce!

There are lots of wonderful chalets in the Dolomites, and Airbnb/VRBO have a huge presence here too. Again, it’s best to book well in advance if you’re planning on visiting during peak summer or winter seasons.

What to Eat & Drink in the Dolomites

It’s not an exaggeration to say that part of my love of visiting the Dolomites is because of the amazing foodie scene here.

Although it’s in Italy, the food here is heavily influenced by the Austro-Hungarian past, and you’ll find a definite Austrian flavour. That’s not to say you won’t get pasta and pizza because you can definitely find some of the best in Italy here!

South Tyrol boasts 21 Michelin-starred restaurants , and I really think that I need to put in more effort to eat at all of them! It’s actually the highest density of Michelin-starred chefs in Italy, which is no mean feat.

Some of my favourite dishes here are Knödel (Canederli in Italian) which are dumplings made of bread and cheese. For the meat eaters, they often contain Speck, a local cured ham. You’ll frequently see a dish called Knödel Tris, usually a trio of spinach, cheese and speck dumplings.

Once I got over my childish hysteria at a dish called Schlutzkrapfen , it became one of my favourite dishes. It’s essentially a cheese and spinach ravioli, although there are other flavours, and it’s wonderful after a day of hiking. Spinatspatspazlen is another great spinach pasta dish.

I’m also a huge fan of Keiserschmarren , a pancake-style dessert chopped into large slices and covered in sweet berry sauce and cream.

You’re not going to go hungry visiting the Dolomites!

Given that this is Italy and there are sloping hills, it should also come as no surprise that there are some phenomenal wineries in the area too.

The Dolomites is also home to my favourite spritz, the Hugo. Sweeter than the more famous Aperol, the Hugo is made with elderflower cordial, which is a big thing in the region.

What to pack for a visit to the Dolomites

There are 300 sunshine days a year in South Tyrol, so you need to bring your sunscreen , no matter when you visit!

In summer, don’t forget your hiking essentials and in winter, your best winter sports gear. If you’re wondering what to wear on your feet then you’ll want to read best shoes for the Dolomites (coming soon).

If you’re planning to tackle some via ferrati, either purchase your own gear or hire it while you’re visiting the Dolomites if you don’t think you’ll need it again.

For rifugi stays, it’s nice to have some slippers to put on so you don’t have to find a pair of common shoes that fit you.

The Dolomites, as a whole, are a place where people come to be active, so you’ll be fine with casual clothes most of the time. If you’re having a meal at one of the fine dining restaurants or staying at a boutique hotel, pack at least one fancy outfit.

Responsible Travel in the Dolomites

It’s good to know a few words of both German and Italian here since you’ll find a huge variability in the primary language spoken in the places you’ll visit.

I think it’s nice to be able to say at least hello, please and thank you in the native language of any country that you visit. I’m yet to learn Ladin, though, so if you’ve got some knowledge of that, I’m all ears!

Despite some of the images you might see online, prominent “no drone” signs exist in many popular areas. A lot of people visiting the Dolomites are doing so because of photos and videos that they’ve seen (myself included), but if it becomes clear that the banger shot you want is going to mean ignoring those local requests, please don’t do it.

Some of the Alpine lakes welcome swimmers, but others definitely don’t. No matter how tempting the turquoise water of Lake Sorapis may look, swimming in it will eventually destroy it. Even stepping in it causes damage, so be careful where you put your feet.

You may also turn up somewhere to find that Google has taken you on a “shortcut” to somewhere, but there’s private property between you and it. Rather than embark upon some fun trespassing, have a quick look at a map, where you’re bound to find the actual route to your destination!

In a truly mind-boggling discovery, it became clear to me on some of my hikes in the region that some people find that it’s ok to simply take a shit on the trail. And then throw some dirty loo roll around. Please take a hiking toilet kit and use it.

Also, feel free to educate others.

Is Visiting the Dolomites expensive?

There’s no getting around the fact that a trip to the Dolomites can get expensive. A lot of accommodation is at the luxury end of the spectrum, eating out adds up, and lift passes don’t come cheap.

Here are some tips to keep your budget in line:

Booking self-catered accommodation means that you can save a lot on meals out. I also find that eating a lot of rich food every day doesn’t really agree with me, and it’s nice to be able to have some more simple meals available.

Heading to some local stores and getting ingredients for a picnic will also save you money, while removing the temptation for yet another round of carb-loading at a mountain hut. Although, honestly, don’t miss out on those hut lunches either!

Pasta courses are often listed as a starter, but they’re usually large enough for a main and if you’re still hungry, there’s always gelato!

Make sure you explore the options for transport – there’s the Mobil Card in Val Gardena as well as multi-day lift passes throughout the region. If you’re driving, you can often save on parking by stopping further away and walking or hiking to your destination.

FAQs about Visiting the Dolomites

What is the best dolomites airport.

The closest airport for access to the Dolomites is Innsbruck in Austria. If you prefer to fly into Italy, then Venice or Verona are the best choices.

Should I hire a car in the Dolomites?

Will i have cellphone signal in the dolomites.

There are regions in the mountains of the Dolomites where you’ll lose cell service. If you’re hiking then I highly recommend taking a personal locator beacon or similar device. It could save your life. In the towns you’ll likely have full reception.

What’s the best time to visit the Dolomites?

I love the Dolomites in the autumn, but early July is also gorgeous as the snow melts and spring flowers start to dust the alpine meadows. The lakes will be at their fullest at this time, but it can be wet. August is peak season and requires you to book everything well in advance.

How many days do you need in the Dolomites?

I recommend at least a week in the Dolomites and 10 days to two weeks is best.

What’s the best way to see the Dolomites?

I think a combination of road trips and hiking is far and away the best way to get the perfect experience of visiting the Dolomites. Try to fit in at least one overnight hike during your visit and stay the night in a rifugio.

Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?

With world-class summer hiking, incredible winter skiing, and a perfect blend of Italian and Austrian culture, the Dolomites is one of my favourite European destinations .

Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:

PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | Here’s what you need to read if you’re visiting the Dolomites for the first time , want to know the best things to do in the Dolomites (for foodies and adventurers!) or want to rent a car in Bolzano

DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | My favourite day hikes in the Dolomites and complete guides for hiking Lago di Sorapis , Croda da Lago , Seceda , Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina

DOLOMITES PLACES | My favourite places to visit in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies , Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes

ITALY | Plan a perfect first trip to Italy with my Top Tips for Travelers to Italy and Italy Travel Guide

TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing .

THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.

PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store .

ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here .

FOLLOW & SHARE

If you found this guide useful, follow me on Instagram  to stay up to date with my travels.

MY ITALY PAGE

I’d also love it if you would follow me on  Pinterest  and share this guide on your social media.

8 Comments on “Visiting the Dolomites for the First Time | Ultimate Guide & Top Tips”

As someone who wants to visit the Dolomites, and knows nothing of them, this is a brilliant resource. Thank you!

Thanks so much John! I hope it helps you get to this stunning part of the world 🙂

This was super helpful!

I just had one question, there is a photo with two glasses of wine with the peaks in the background. What restaurant is this?

Hi Evie! Sorry about the delay in reply – that photo was taken at Geisler Alm, a restuarant on the Munkelweg trail in Val di Funes. It’s one of my favourite hikes and (I think) the best mountain restaurant in the Dolomites!

Just finished reading this

It’s beautiful, Cat!

Thank you so much, I truly enjoyed and now planning a trip.

Super grateful for this article and resources

You’re so welcome Janu! It’s a really stunning place and you’ll have an amazing trip there

Love this guide! We can’t wait to make a plan to really dig in on our trip. How would early September be in the Dolomites?

Hi Jennifer – that’s a beautiful time to go! I’ve been at that time and we had lovely settled weather. It might be a bit busy in some spots but I think this is one of the best times of year. I hope you have an amazing time.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• More Networks

Dolomites FAQs

FAQs about the Dolomites

Where to go in the Dolomites? When? How to reach the Dolomites? Is camping allowed? I have collected on this page the questions that are most frequently asked of me, along with their respective answers.

The need for this information system arises from the fact that I am often overwhelmed by a large number of emails that always ask the same questions: when, where, transport, camping… a quantity of letters so great that it becomes impossible, or inefficient, to respond to each one individually. Unfortunately, however, this ingenious information-sharing system is not always fully utilized to its potential by users.

• MOUNTAIN HUTS
• MISCELLANEOUS

Cortina is easy to access from several airports. The main international airports closer to the Dolomites are the one in Venice (160km) and the one in Munich (Germany). There also are smaller airports in the region, in Treviso, Verona, and Innsbruck (Austria). We recommend flying to Venice (Marco Polo) as a first choice. Once in Venice, you can take a bus to Cortina.

The Cortina Express Bus  www.cortinaexpress.it  and AVTO Bus  www.atvo.it  operate direct buses from Venice to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Another company is  www.flixbus.it . Go to the websites for schedules and more information. The bus takes about 2-3 hours.

The closer stations are the one in Calalzo di Cadore in the south, and the one in Dobbiaco (Toblach) in the north.

During the season, there are direct bus connections between Cortina and some Italian cities: – bus service between Mestre (Venice) railway station and Cortina d’Ampezzo (Bus line Cortina Express) in connection with the Eurostar trains from/to Milan. – bus service between Bologna railway station and Cortina d’Ampezzo (Bus line Cortina Express/Zani) in connection with the Eurostar trains from/to Florence-Rome-Naples and with the “Adriatica” line (Rimini-Ancona-Pescara-Bari). The journey from/to Mestre takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and from/to Bologna 3 hours and 55 min. It is possible to pay for the ticket on board.

Every Dolomite valley has magnificent towns which offer guests a wide range of services. But there is no point in denying that  Cortina d’Ampezzo  is universally acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful mountain resorts in the world. Known as “the pearl of the Dolomites”, Cortina’s is a privileged position in an extremely open and sunny valley (Ampezzo from the Latin àmplus) and is surrounded by a ring of magnificent mountains. In a letter to Ernest Walsh, Ernest Hemingway wrote:  «Cortina d’Ampezzo is in the swellest country on earth. The people are good and square too. We spent the end of a winter there once at the hotel Bellevue. Liugie Menarde proprietor. It is the loveliest country I’ve ever known. We are coming down there this winter on a skiing trip if everything goes well.» (see: “ Ernest Hemingway – Selected letters 1917-1961 “) It is in these mountains that we find the largest number of Ferratas in the Dolomites all reachable quickly and easily. Naturally, there are plenty of mountain climbing routes too and many of them have justly gone down in mountaineering history. Of course, countless paths allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of the place. Moreover, there are a lot of cultural, sporting, and folklore events going on in Cortina and a great many shops and boutiques.

If you can help it, stay away from the high season. Most people want to be in the Dolomites in the summer… but that in itself does not ensure to try out these mountains at their utmost. Yes, crowds can become a problem, but these can even be dodged; apart from that, though, often the summer (and August in particular) can be stormy and wet, especially so in the highest part of the range.

Usually, during the end of May, it is possible to climb the southern exposed faces and climb some railroads. In some cases, after winter with heavy snow, the snow on the top of the mountains can restrict access to the vie ferrate.

You can go until the end of October. Usually autumn is an amazing season for all the activities in the mountains. The weather is stabler than summer, which brings many dangerous storms. The colors of the forests and the fall lights make the Dolomites look even more beautiful!

During the summer season, they open on the 10th of June and close on the 25th of September, approximately. It depends according to the weather conditions. In winter most of the huts are closed, except those located on the ski slopes.

Yes. It was not necessary, but the rules changed after the Covid19. I suggest asking the mountain huts staff for detailed information anyway.

Most of the time the room has a shared shower, just a few rooms have a shower. Usually, the shower is for a fee, because the water in the mountain huts is precious and frequently it runs out.

No, but is highly recommended. Otherwise, it is better to arrive early in the afternoon to have a better chance of getting the room.

Tabacco Maps are arguably the best topographic maps in the Dolomites. They are scaled 1:25000 and cover the whole north-eastern part of Italy. You can  buy the maps here .

The “Alte vie” (High Routes) of the Dolomites are alpine trekking routes that connect various refuges. In general, they are not particularly difficult, at least for those who are used to walking in the mountains. There are 8 routes provided with indications and marked with a characteristic symbol: a triangle with a number that labels each route. The possibility to stay at a refuge – reservation is recommended – is guaranteed from the end of June to the end of September, but as bad weather is not uncommon in the mountains it is always better to be well-equipped.

I would definitely recommend Cinque Torri which is easy to access, has two refuges very near the rock faces, climbs of all grades and exposures (north, south, etc.) and single and multi-pitch routes. Its routes are not very long but the Cinque Torri has the same characteristics as any of the other mountains in the Dolomites: the same type of rock, vertical rock faces, slabs and overhangs. For more information consult the Classic routes and Dolomite cliffs pages.

The amount of protection varies from route to route: rest places with bolts and cemented-in rings are quite frequent. On the most challenging sections, there is often more frequent protection (sometimes much more than is necessary) but as soon as you reach easier terrain the pegs disappear and the route to follow is much less evident. Be careful around old, rusty, time-corroded pegs! Though rarely indispensable, friends and nuts come in handy.

helmet is a must even where rocks are of excellent quality. Sometimes routes are broken up with ledges full of debris and if someone above you is not careful ropes can easily dislodge rocks and send them tumbling down. The decision of whether to use one or two ropes depends on the route you intend to try: in rappelling down the distance between anchors is often 50 metres so two ropes are indispensable. As far as length is concerned, for multi-pitch routes 55 or 60-metre ropes are advisable, for sport climbing 70 metres is better but be careful as some cliffs have pitches of up to 40 metres in length and for these, you need an 80-metre rope.

1. Set off early in the morning. 2. Check the weather forecast. 3. Check the route as you near the rock face. What might seem obvious from a photo and a distance is much less clear when you are underneath it. 4. If the descent involves a gondola check the times of the last descent. 5. Take a hand or head torch with you and an emergency blanket.

No, in the Dolomites tourist camping is forbidden outside of authorised campsites. You are only allowed to set up camp occasionally and in areas where it is not specifically banned, with your tent, and not for more than 24 hours. So you cannot put up your tent in the middle of a forest or on a riverbank, light a fire, and camp. In the Veneto, article 12 of Regional Law no. 40 dating to 1984 imposes a total ban on camping outside campsites.

Yes, in a lot of sporting goods stores, you can rent climbing harnesses, helmets, and Ferrata sets. When you go to the mountains with a mountain guide, the guide is going to provide the necessary equipment, usually included in the price.

The average annual temperature recorded in Cortina d’Ampezzo is 6° C, the average maximum temperature in July of 29° C and the average minimum temperature in January of -7° C.  Click here  to read further information and details on the climate of the Dolomites.

This website uses cookies!

Panoramica sulla privacy.

More From Forbes

Dolomites to tuscany: the best places to stay in italy this summer.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Whether it is the outstanding Renaissance monuments or authentic, regional cuisine, Italy’s appeal has long been far-reaching. As a country, it has never had to ‘hard sell’ itself to tourists, with the country being a perennial favourite destination for travellers. As well as having more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country (59 in total), its rich culture, architecture, art and beloved gastronomy is a source of inspiration for tourists across the world.

This year, Italy’s hotel world is upping the ante when it comes to its many standout luxury offerings, with a plethora of new openings and property updates giving even more choice to visitors. From Italy’s mountainous peaks to its azure waters in the dramatic south of the country, here is the latest hotel news.

The Dolomites

Known for its discreet hideaways in the Greek islands, the Casa Cook brand is opening its first Italian property at the end of this year. Located in Madonna di Campiglio in the Dolomites, in Italy’s Tentino-Alto Adige region, guests can expect a boutique offering that will channel the charm of the Italian Alps.

“Drawing inspiration from the art of slow-living and the elegance of modern-luxe minimalism, Casa Cook epitomises laid-back luxury for today's discerning travellers,” says Claire Camplisson, managing director of Casa Collective. “Each Casa Cook property offers an oasis to restore balance to the body and soul, rejuvenate the mind, and inspire new adventures.”

With a focus on architecture, local culture, community and health and wellbeing, the new Casa Cook will offer locally sourced cuisine, wellness facilities and excursions in nature.

The spa at Sensoria Dolomites.

Also found in the Dolomites, but this time in Italy’s South Tyrol region, is Sensoria Dolomites , an adults-only wellness retreat. New for this summer, the property is set to launch its new Sound Healing Retreats (9-16 June 2024), in partnership with Soundwave Gongs. The sessions will combine powerful vibrations of handcrafted German gongs, along with acoustics and percussions, to offer transformative experiences. Located at the foot of the Alpe di Siusi, with panoramic mountain views, modern interiors and South Tyrolean cuisine, the hotel also offers a collection of immersive experiences in local nature.

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Design Upgrade Shines In New Leak

Three ukrainian helicopters landed near the front line. a russian drone was watching—and a russian strike force was ready., fallout dethroned in amazon prime video s top 10 list by a new offering.

Found in the rose-bowered vineyards of Franciacorta and the alpine foothills between the Po Valley and the southern shore of Lake Iseo, is L’Albereta . Following extensive renovations, the charming hotel has recently reopened its revamped Chenot Espace spa, the only medical and wellness spa signed by Chenot in Italy.

Found in Franciacorta, L'Albereta has revamped its spa.

As well as a highly qualified team of over 30 professionals, including doctors, therapists, dietitians, osteopaths and beauticians, Chenot Espace has introduced several new diagnostic treatment options to further enrich the wellness programmes. The new look of the 2,000sqm space includes the restoration of the first two floors of the spa and the Chenot restaurant using sustainable and natural materials.

THE ITALIAN LAKES

Found in the hills surrounding Lake Garda, and situated on the edge of a nature reserve, the recently opened Borgo Tre is carved out of a newly renovated 18 th -century farmhouse. The rural sanctuary offers just six luxury apartment-style suites, complete with their own private garden or terrace.

Borgo Tre is a new opening by Lake Garda.

The farmhouse retreat has a heated outdoor pool made from local granite, a spa inspired by the surrounding nature, with a relaxation area, yoga terrace, outdoor cabanas, cold tub and a Finnish sauna. Upcoming for this year are yoga retreats with classes to be held in the grounds.

The contemporary spa at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni.

Meanwhile, one of Lake Como’s grand dames, the family-owned Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni , has renovated its spa. The hotel has been welcoming in A-listers for 150 years and is found in the pretty village of Bellagio. The modern, streamlined wellness facility is a thoughtful contrast to the ornate interiors of the palazzo—think: grand marble staircases and giant chandeliers.

Passalacqua unveils its new spa.

Voted the best hotel in the world at last year’s The World’s 50 Best Hotels , Passalacqua has unveiled a brand new, atmospheric spa. Carved out of the hotel’s 18 th -century tunnels as well as an ancient greenhouse, the spa is a collaboration with Seed to Skin Tuscany—a natural skincare line that is inspired by curative traditions dating back to 1129.

Passalacqua's Sala Ovale.

Starting from the basement of the palazzo and reaching the shore of the lake, the tunnels connect to each of the hotel’s terraced gardens. A brand-new 18-metre indoor pool and whirlpool is located inside the antique greenhouse. The pool is lined with a precious mosaic of Palladian marble, where each individual stone has been cut and laid by artisans, creating a constellation of green, grey and blue shades. The view overlooks the Italian garden—a masterpiece by internationally renowned botanist, Emilio Trabella.

One for the watch-list is the upcoming Venetian property by luxury brand Airelles . The hotel, Airelles Venise, is set to open in 2025 and will mark the brand’s first property outside of France.

The top floor suite at Londra Palace has views across Venice.)

Londra Palace Venezia , a historic 52-room palazzo that originally opened in 1853, has recently completed an extensive renovation. Famous for its iconic 100-window façade, that overlooks the San Marco Basin in Venice, the hotel now features a contemporary aesthetic that honors the building's architectural legacy. Also on offer are immersive dining experiences and access to off-site visits to local artisanal studios through the hotel brand’s Place of Wonders Foundation. The hotel will also introduce ‘Mano a Mano’ (or ‘Hand to Hand’)—a collection of five objects created by five storied Venetian craftsmen. Each of the five limited-edition pieces will be on display throughout the property.

The Tosca restaurant at Castello di Casole.

This year, Tuscany is buzzing with new luxury offerings. First up is Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel , which has reopened for the season with a newly revamped restaurant concept, Tosca. Remaining at the heart of Castello di Casole, the restaurant has reopened with a fine dining direction and three new tasting menus, celebrating the best of the region. Headed up by executive chef Daniele Sera and chef Michele Raggi, who have worked together for the past 17 years, the menus celebrate the produce from the ‘Orti del Castello’, the hotel’s two vegetable gardens extending over one hectare of the 100% organic certified land.

Castello di Casole, a Belmond Hotel, is a gateway to Tuscany.

A former 10 th -century castle, Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany, retains the ambience of a private country house, with just 39 suites. It is a gateway to Tuscany’s rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards—as well as to the Tuscan towns of Siena, Florence and San Gimignano. The property’s identity is deeply rooted in its agricultural past, stretching back to 7th century BC, with Etruscan artefacts found across the 3,200 acres of land.

Castelfalfi, a hilltop estate.

Meanwhile, Castelfalfi , a restored hamlet in the heart of Tuscany, has opened a new RAKxa Wellness Spa, stretching across 1,500sqm, with treatment rooms, saunas, a steam room, relaxation area, salon and granite-lined indoor/outdoor heated infinity pool. The sprawling estate ecncompasses one of Tuscany’s most scenic hill-top villages, and offers a contemporary-luxe hotel and stylish, renovated villas set in over 2,700 acres of ountryside, woodland, vineyards and olive groves. With a medieval-meets-modernity approach, Castelfalfi offers contemporary design, culinary creativity and transformational wellbeing.

Discover an authentic Tuscan experience at Borgo San Vincenzo.

Borgo San Vincenzo , on the other hand, is Tuscany’s newest luxury boutique hotel. Located amid the Vino Nobile vineyards of Montepulciano, the property is a reimagined 18 th century borgo (or village), offering curated experiences such as vineyard picnics, tours of local farms and pasta mills, Vespa experiences and voyages in hot air balloons. New for this season, the hotel has launched a Linger Longer offer which sees a 20% discount on stays of 7+ nights.

The new opening, La Serena, Forte dei Marmi.

Having just opened its doors in April 2024, La Serena, Forte dei Marmi is found on Tuscany’s Riviera, the glamourous beach destination for Italians looking to escape the northern cities during the warmer months. The property brings a fresh approach to the local hospitality offering with contemporary design throughout, and 30 rooms and suites, a restaurant, wine cellar, swimming pool, terrace and gardens.

The iris garden at Villa La Massa.

Meanwhile, celebrating the floral emblem of Florence and Tuscany, this month Villa La Massa , in Chianti, has announced the return of its ‘Iris Month’. In honour of the delicate Tuscan Iris, which blooms throughout May and June, guests are able to take part in new iris-themed experiences ranging from private dining or picnics in the hotel’s iris garden, iris-infused spa treatments, al fresco painting classes and flower arranging. The hotel can also arrange visits to one of Florence’s best kept secrets Giardino dell'Iris . Open for a limited period each year, this ‘Iris Garden’ is a beautiful oasis with over 1,500 varieties of iris and panoramic views of the city.

The terrace at The Place Firenze overlooks the centre of Florence.

Found in Florence, The Place Firenze is a celebrated hotel overlooking the Piazza Santa Maria Novella. Initially launched in 2003, the hotel has just reopened following an extensive renovation by award-winning design firm, Luigi Fragola Architects. The reimagined property encompasses 20 rooms and suites and a variety of common areas that will immerse guests in the local Florentine community.

Castello di Vicarello has opened its 10th suite.

Finally, Castello di Vicarello , a family-owned, 12th century castle hotel, has unveiled its latest accommodation offering—Suite Mezzatorre—adding a brand-new level of contemporary luxury to the former family home. Spanning 1,184 square feet, the new tenth suite occupies the entire second floor of the castle’s tower and boasts 360-degree panoramic views across the 100-acre estate. Each suite at Castello di Vicarello has been sensitively and uniquely restored, and the new suite follows this ethos with Italian and Indonesian antiques, a custom-made, free-standing copper bathtub and yellow Sienese marble shower—one of the rarest marbles mined in Italy. While design lighting, medieval arched windows and French oak parquet add to the homely feel, guests of Suite Mezzatorre will find a large private living room decorated with oriental rugs and featuring a cosy fireplace.

Out tomorrow with Forbes is Part 2 of The Best Places To Stay In Italy This Summer, From Umbria to Sardinia.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

• Trentino Dolomites Tourism
• Trentino Dolomites Hotels
• Trentino Dolomites Bed and Breakfast
• Trentino Dolomites Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Trentino Dolomites
• Trentino Dolomites Restaurants
• Things to Do in Trentino Dolomites
• Trentino Dolomites Travel Forum
• Trentino Dolomites Photos
• Trentino Dolomites Map
• All Trentino Dolomites Hotels
• Trentino Dolomites Hotel Deals
• Trentino Dolomites
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Dolomites - Cortina ‘A to Ortisei - Trentino Dolomites Forum

• Europe    
• Italy    
• Trentino-Alto Adige    
• Trentino Dolomites    

Dolomites - Cortina ‘A to Ortisei

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Province of Trento forums
• Trentino Dolomites forum

I have 5 days and have considered 2D Cortina d ‘Amp and 3 D for Ortisei to explore around.

On reading several posts and some Google searches, I realise there is no easy way to reach Ortisei from Cortina. I am a solo traveller and need to depend on public transport.

In this scenario , do you suggest I stay all 5 days in Ortisei and cover whatever is doable from this base town. Or are there any cab sharing options from Cortina d Amp..

Many Thanks !

4 replies to this topic

" I realise there is no easy way to reach Ortisei from Cortina "

You are correct, there is no easy way, but that doesn't mean it is not possible. There are connections, and you just have to make sure you write it down and connect the transport timetables.

Read also my previous advice

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g5978780-i31514-k14746493-Travel_without_a_car-South_Tyrol_Dolomites_Province_of_South_Tyrol_Trentino_Alto_Adige.html

In summary,

Cortina to Dobbiaco (bus), Dobbiaco to Bolzano (train), Bolzano to Ortisei (bus)

Yes…that’ s exactly the concern…I don’t want to spend half a day trying to reach Ortisei..as I already have limited time in the region !

Yes Ian B….may be will do that if no other alternatives..

• Dolomites and Slovenia Road Trip itinerary ideas yesterday
• Day trip from Verona yesterday
• Dolomites - Cortina ‘A to Ortisei May 12, 2024
• Milan or Venice Apr 18, 2024
• 7 days in dolomites , base in ortisei and cortina. Apr 13, 2024
• 2 weeks in Dolomites solo travel via public transport Apr 08, 2024
• Via ferrata equipment needed for Gran Cir or Ra Gusela? Apr 03, 2024
• 14 nights in Dolomites Mar 08, 2024
• Dolomites - 1 day trail or hike Mar 06, 2024
• Stay in Ortisei again or split time with Cortina Feb 24, 2024
• Visiting Dolomites in May Feb 20, 2024
• Visiting the Dolomites Feb 09, 2024
• Dolomites with babies Feb 04, 2024
• Viewpoint of Tre Cime in mid April Jan 26, 2024

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Restaurants
• Best-of Guides
• MICHELIN Guide Ceremony
• My Favorites
• Subscribe to newsletter
• Booking partnership with OpenTable
• Booking partnership with Resy
• USA - English - USD
• The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in Italy

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Italian hotels in 2024.

Hotels MICHELIN Keys Rome Florence Italy

On May 7, 2024, the MICHELIN Guide revealed the brand new One, Two, and Three Key distinctions for the most outstanding hotels in Italy. This announcement comes four years into a comprehensive refresh of our hotel selection. The MICHELIN Guide now includes over 5,000 hotels across the world, and not a single one is simply a room for the night. These are places that significantly add to your experience as a traveler, each vetted and judged excellent in five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting. Which brings us back to the Keys. The culmination of countless hours of evaluation by our team of experts, the Key hotels below represent the highlights of our broader selection. Like the MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, the MICHELIN Keys are our most outstanding hotels. In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection in Italy includes 8 Three Key hotels, 31 Two Key hotels, and 107 One Key hotels. Want to know more about the MICHELIN Key? Here’s everything you need to know . Or, head below to see all the Keys.

How To Look Through the List

Jump straight to the list or take a deeper dive into select key hotels..

See the palazzo in Basilicata that just earned Francis Ford Coppola his latest accolade.

Or take a look at all of Italys 3-Key hotels, in photos.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more like this.

Highlights of the Italy 2024 Key Hotel List

Under 10 Rooms: The Tiny Keys Reign Across Italy

Expect: Bold, proprietor-driven design themes, special experiences, and hyper-personal service. The tiny hotels that pepper the cities and countryside might get lost on lists full of castles and palazzos, but these little boutiques with ten rooms or less are some the most creative and satisfying accommodations in all of Italy. It’s a given that you’ll find places like these in the Tuscan countryside ( Siena House and Follonico Suite B&B — both with just six bedrooms), but don’t miss the gems in the cities. Vico Milano is a seven room space filled with dazzling design furniture and contemporary art. Velona’s Jungle Luxury Suites is a pocket-sized jungle-themed luxury boutique full of animal-print upholstery and peacock-feather prints. Both are independently owned and marvelously compact.

A Closer Look: 10 Key Hotels with 10 Rooms or Less in Italy

Pick One: A Castle or a Farmhouse Hotel in Tuscany

Two iconic options in Tuscany earned a bevy of Keys: the castle hotel and the classic farmhouse. The former speaks for itself — ancient fortifications that were once private residences, built to house the handsomely titled, and fortified against attack. Towers, turrets, and crenellations give way to handsome wine cellars and vineyard views. Look to Castello di Casole for a masterclass in how to convert a thousand-year-old estate into a historically preserved, contemporarily luxurious hotel. Meanwhile, the motif of the Tuscan farmhouse has been emulated throughout the world — but there’s nothing like the real thing. Hotels like Lupaia and Conti di San Bonifacio make farmhouse charm into nothing less than a work of art.

Make Your Choice: The Key Decision in Italy

High Drama: Hotels on the Seaside of the Amalfi Coast

It’s profoundly satisfying to us that one of the most impressive places in the world has among the world’s most impressive hotels. On the Amalfi Coast, where natural cliffsides tumble down into an endless Italian sea, hotels like Palazzo Pascal and Le Sirenuse host guests in miraculous buildings that served for centuries as aristocratic homes over the water. Casa Angelina and Borgo Santandrea sport more modern builds. In either case, the views are perennially spectacular. Also read: High Drama in the Seaside Hotels of the Amalfi Coast

Click below to jump to each distinction: 

The three key hotels.

Capri: JK Place Capri Civita di Bagnoregio: Corte della Maestà Lisciano Niccone: Castello di Reschio Modena: Casa Maria Luigia Montalcino: Rosewood Castiglion Del Bosco Positano: Il San Pietro di Positano Venice: Aman Venice Venice: Cipriani, A Belmond Hotel, Venice

New York by The MICHELIN Guide – expert insights on where to dine, stay and explore

The two key hotels.

Amalfi: Borgo Santandrea Amalfi: Hotel Santa Caterina Capri: Jumeirah Capri Palace Castelnuovo Berardenga: Hotel Borgo San Felice Cogne: Bellevue Hotel & Spa Florence: Four Seasons Hotel Firenze Florence: Palazzo Portinari Salviati Residenza D'Epoca Florence: Villa Cora Florence: Villa La Massa Limone sul Garda: EALA My Lakeside Dream Lipari ME: Therasia Resort Menaggio: Grand Hotel Victoria Merano: Castel Fragsburg Merano: Villa Eden The Leading Park Retreat Milan: Bulgari Hotel Milano Milan: Grand Hotel et de Milan Milan: Portrait Milano Montaione FI: Castelfalfi Piegaro: I Borghi dell'Eremo Pinzolo: Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti Plose: Forestis Dolomites Rome: Hotel Vilòn Rome: JK Place Roma Siena: Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany Sorrento: Bellevue Syrene 1820 Sorrento: La Minervetta Taormina: Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina Taormina: San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel Torno: Il Sereno Tremezzo: Grand Hotel Tremezzo Venice: Hotel Gritti Palace

The One Key Hotels

Arco: Vivere Suites and Rooms Arenella: Donna Coraly Country Boutique Hotel Arezzo: Villa Fontelunga Arzachena: Cascioni Eco Retreat Bernalda: Palazzo Margherita Cagliari: Casa Clàt Caldaro: Lake Spa Hotel SEELEITEN Camaiore: Locanda al Colle Capalbio: Locanda Rossa Capri: Capri Tiberio Palace Castelrotto: COMO Alpina Dolomites Castiglione della Pescaia: L’Andana Cernobbio: Villa d'Este Chiusdino: Borgo Santo Pietro Cinigiano: Castello di Vicarello Como CO: Palazzo Albricci Peregrini - Como Cremolino: Nordelaia Cutrofiano: Critabianca Fiesole: Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence Florence: Ad Astra Florence: Brunelleschi Hotel Florence: Hotel Calimala Florence: Hotel Lungarno Florence: Riva Lofts Florence Florence: Torre di Bellosguardo Florence: Velona's Jungle Luxury Suites Forio di Ischia: Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa Forio NA: Botania Relais & Spa Forte dei Marmi: Principe Forte dei Marmi Gargnano: Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda Gavorrano GR: Conti di San Bonifacio Lake Orta Novara: Villa Crespi Lana: Vigilius Mountain Resort Lecce: La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso Lecce: Palazzo de Noha Locorotondo: Ottolire Resort Madonna di Campiglio: Biohotel Hermitage Maranza: Milla Montis Massa Lubrense: Art Hotel Villa Fiorella Massa Lubrense: Relais Blu Matera: Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita Menfi: La Foresteria Planeta Estate Milan: Hotel Principe di Savoia, Dorchester Collection Milan: Mandarin Oriental Milan Milan: Vico Milano Moltrasio: Passalacqua Montalcino: Castello Banfi - Il Borgo Relais & Chateaux Montalcino: Villa le Prata - Residenza del Vescovo Montepulciano: Precise Tale Poggio Alla Sala Noto: Country House Villadorata Noto: Seven Rooms Villadorata Ortisei: Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel & Spa Ostuni: Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA Otranto: Baglioni Masseria Muzza Perugia: Hotel Castello di Monterone Pettenasco: Laqua by the Lake Pognana Làrio: Villa Làrio Lake Como Polizzi Generosa: Susafa Porto Ercole: Il Pellicano Positano: Le Sirenuse Praiano: Casa Angelina Ravello: Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast Riva del Garda: Lido Palace Rome: Hassler Roma Roma: Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection Rome: Bulgari Hotel Roma Rome: Hotel Locarno Rome: Maalot Roma Rome: Portrait Roma Rome: Rocco Forte Hotel De La Ville Rome: Rocco Forte Hotel de Russie Rome: Singer Palace Hotel Rome: Six Senses Rome Rome: The Hoxton, Rome Rome: The Inn at the Roman Forum Rome: The St. Regis Rome Rome: Umiltà 36 San Cassiano: Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence San Pietro In Cariano: Byblos Art Hotel Villa Amista Sant'Agnello: Mediterraneo Sorrento Santa Margherita Ligure: Grand Hotel Miramare Santo Stefano di Sessanio: Sextantio Sarentino: Terra - The Magic Place Savelletri di Fasano: Borgo Egnazia Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Calderisi Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Torre Coccaro Savelletri di Fasano: Masseria Torre Maizza Scala: Palazzo Pascal Schnals: Goldene Rose Karthaus Sirmione BS: Villa Cortine Sorrento: Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria Tavarnelle Val di Pesa: COMO Castello del Nero Torre Canne di Fasano: Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel Torri del Benaco: Cape of Senses Torrita di Siena: Follonico Suite B&B Torrita di Siena: Lupaia Torrita di Siena: Siena House Umbertide: Vocabolo Moscatelli Boutique Hotel & Restaurant Venice: Ca’ di Dio Venice: Corte di Gabriela Venice: Hotel Londra Palace Venice: Il Palazzo Experimental Venice: Nolinski Venezia Venice: Palazzo Maria Formosa Venice: Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel Vicenza: La Barchessa di Villa Pisani Zafferana Etnea: Monaci delle Terre Nere

Hero Image: Castello di Reschio — Lisciano Niccone

Thomas Keller Talks 20 Years of Per Se and His New York

The chef behind the Three MICHELIN Star staple shares his love of Manhattan.

How to Spend a Weekend in Monterey, California

Discover why this slice of California is at the top of so many travelers' bucket lists.

Ronny Chieng's New York - The Perfect Slice and Haute Sushi

The actor and comedian breaks down his West Village staples.

The Farmhouse Hotels of Southern Italy

A bevy of historic country retreats make their presence felt among Italy's first-ever Key hotels.

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

Elevate Your Mother's Day Celebrations with Afternoon Tea at MICHELIN Hotels

How better to honor the woman who does it all for us?

The Key Decision in Tuscany

The sublime magnificence of a castle or the simple charm of farmhouse? In the end, it comes down to the traveler.

High Drama in the Seaside Hotels of the Amalfi Coast

After hotel Key announcements in Italy, the Amalfi Coast shows off its distinguished collection.

10 Key Hotels with 10 Rooms or Less in Italy

Our smallest Key hotels across Italy are overflowing with passion and personality.

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in Italy

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the country.

Palazzo Margherita Is Coppola Family Business

A palazzo in a small town in the south of Italy just earned Francis Ford Coppola his latest accolade.

Castello di Reschio Is a Medieval Masterwork

Castello di Reschio will never be mistaken for a Disneyfied fantasyland. This 1,000-year-old Umbrian castle hotel reflects the artistic vision of one man — and it just earned Three MICHELIN Keys.

Tommy Hilfiger's New York is Bold, Classic, and Luxe

The man who dresses America (and the world) indulges in the best Manhattan has to offer.

Time-Tested Country Escapes Just Outside Paris

Seven historic chateaus, remade abbeys, and the spots that have welcomed city escapees for centuries.

Rosewood Kona Village Breathes Luxurious New Life into Legacy

Ten years after a devastating tsunami destroyed it, Kona Village is back and better than ever.

MICHELIN Guide

Use the app to find the best restaurants and hotels everywhere

Be the first to get news and update about the michelin guide.

MICHELIN Guide selections

The michelin group.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice

Display settings

Customize your experience by easily adjusting display settings for territory, and currency to suit your preferences!

Member privileges

The Plus program provides upgrades and amenities at participating hotels. For this hotel, Plus members will receive:

Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime.