Places to visit in the Dolomites: 10 Perfect Mountain Hideaways

I absolutely love the Dolomites.

Every time I visit these mountains, it feels like stepping into a magical story.

Imagine limestone peaks that touch the sky and sunsets that take your breath away. These aren’t just any mountains – they’re something special.

It breaks my heart a little when I hear people planning to “squeeze in” the Dolomites as a day trip from Venice or Milan (or heaven help us, Florence!)

That’s like trying to eat an entire Italian meal in just one bite!

When I dig deeper into why they’re planning it this way, it’s usually because most people think the Dolomites are one simple place.

But that’s totally wrong.

The Dolomites are actually a beautiful mix of mountains, valleys, and small towns. Each area has its own unique personality and feeling.

I want to help you fall in love with these mountains like I have.

So I’m going to share my top 10 places to visit in the Dolomites.

Choosing just 10 was super hard – kind of like trying to pick your favorite ice cream flavor!

These mountains are special. In fact, they’re considered the most beautiful mountains in the world. Once you see them, you’ll understand why.

Picture crystal-clear lakes that perfectly reflect sharp mountain peaks. Imagine tiny villages that look like they came straight from a fairy tale. The nature here is so perfect that it makes you feel peaceful and happy just by being there.

But here’s the secret: pick one area and really get to know it.

Trust me on this, especially during the summer months when the mountains are alive with wildflowers and possibility!

Think of this as your invitation to slow down and fall in love with one perfect corner of the Dolomites.

I’m going to show you places to visit in the Dolomites that will make your heart skip a beat, spots where you can truly unwind and connect with these magnificent mountains.

Are you ready? Let’s explore together!

Where the Dolomites are located

In my opinion, the Dolomites are one of the most spectacular mountain ranges on Earth.

Sometimes called the “pale mountains”, they are a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site that will make your heart soar with their majestic beauty.

The Dolomites aren’t just one place, they’re an incredible tapestry stretching across three of Italy’s most beautiful regions:

• Trentino Alto Adige (also known as South Tyrol,)
• Veneto,
• and Friuli Venezia Giulia.

When people tell me they’re going to “the Dolomites,” I always smile because there’s so much more to discover than just one spot.

We’re talking about more than 140,000 hectares of pure mountain magic, spreading across five different provinces:

• Trento,
• Bolzano,
• Belluno,
• Pordenone,
• and Udine

And there’s even a little bit reaching into Austria with the Lienz Dolomites!

Because I love these mountains, it’s really important to me that you understand just how special they are.

This isn’t just another mountain range, it’s a unique habitat where every turn brings another view that will literally take your breath away.

Picture jagged peaks piercing the clouds, valleys that stretch as far as the eye can see, and that distinctive pale rock that gives these mountains their nickname.

How to Get to the Dolomites

I’m often asked about the best way to reach the Dolomites, and I’ll tell you – it’s a bit of an adventure getting there, but isn’t that part of the fun?

Let me share my insider knowledge about getting to these incredible peaks.

Here’s some wonderful news, the Bolzano Airport in Alto Adige (South Tyrol) is back in operation! 

This is absolutely the closest airport to the Dolomites, and I love it because within 45 minutes of landing, you can be standing in beautiful Ortisei in Val Gardena.

SkyAlps (their local airline) will zip you in from various European cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Billund, and Antwerp.

But don’t worry if you can’t fly into Bolzano!

You can arrive in the Dolomites from all sorts of different airports, and each route has its own charm.

You’ve got plenty of options, there’s:

• Treviso Airport (a personal favorite of mine),
• the grand Marco Polo International Airport in Venice,
• Verona’s Valerio Catullo Airport,
• or Milan’s Malpensa.

And if you’re coming from the north, you can fly into Munich or Innsbruck, both absolutely gorgeous approaches through the Alps.

Remember, the journey to the Dolomites might take a little planning, but trust me, when you’re standing among those magnificent pale peaks, you’ll know every minute of travel was worth it!

Getting to the Dolomites with a Car

From my many trips to the Dolomites, I’ve learned that having your own car is absolutely the way to go.

It gives you so much freedom!

Most international travelers typically fly into Venice, pick up a rental car, and set off on what I promise will be one of the most scenic drives of your life.

Now, depending on where you land and where you’re heading, your drive time can vary quite a bit – anywhere from a quick 45-minute jaunt to a more leisurely 5-hour journey.

I’m going to share with you the drive times to two of my favorite spots in the Dolomites: charming Ortisei and stunning Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Let me break this down for you in a way that’s actually useful.

If you fly into tiny Bolzano Airport, you’re looking at just an hour to Ortisei (perfect!), or about 2:15 hours to Cortina.

Venice’s Marco Polo Airport puts you about 3:20 hours from Ortisei, but only 2 hours from Cortina.

From lovely Treviso Airport, plan on 3 hours to Ortisei or 1:50 to Cortina. 

Romantic Verona’s airport will have you driving 2:15 hours to Ortisei or 3 hours to Cortina. 

Coming from Milan’s Malpensa? 4:30 hours to Ortisei or 5 hours to Cortina, but trust me, the views along the way make it worthwhile!

If you’re coming from the north, Innsbruck Airport in Austria is beautifully positioned – just 1:30 hours to Ortisei or 2:40 to Cortina. 

And from Munich? Set aside about 4 hours to Ortisei or 5 to Cortina.

Remember, these drive times might sound long, but they’re through some of the most beautiful countryside you’ll ever see. 

Take it from someone who’s done these drives many times, the journey is part of the adventure!

A Quick Word About Renting Your Car

I absolutely love sharing this tip with my readers, grab your rental car right at the airport!

It’s one of those things that just makes your whole journey so much smoother.

When I’m planning trips to the Dolomites (which I do several times a year), I always tell my friends to sort out their car rental before they even pack their bags.

Can I share my favorite rental trick with you?

I use booking.com, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with it.

Think of it as your personal car rental matchmaker, it searches through more than 500 trusted rental companies to find you the perfect car at the best price.

I know there are lots of car rental websites out there, but I’ve found this one to be incredibly user-friendly.

It’s like having a knowledgeable friend do all the legwork for you.

Just pop in your dates, compare your options, and boom, you’re ready to hit those gorgeous mountain roads!

Because I want you to love your Dolomites experience as much as I do, take a moment right now to check those car rental rates.

It’s one of those details that’s better sorted early – then you can focus on dreaming about those magnificent mountain views!

Can You Visit the Dolomites Without a Car? Absolutely!

I’ve done the Dolomites both ways, with and without a car, and I absolutely love that I can share both experiences with you!

While having a car gives you more freedom (I won’t deny that), don’t let not having one stop you from experiencing these magnificent mountains.

Let me share some of my favorite car-free tricks with you.

Are you flying into Venice? Perfect!

Hop on the Cortina Express or FlixBus – they’ll whisk you straight to gorgeous Cortina d’Ampezzo.

During high season (which is when you really want to be here anyway), the Dolomitibuses are fantastic for getting around.

I’ve used them countless times, and they’re a wonderful way to sit back and actually enjoy those spectacular views!

Coming from nearby Italian cities like Verona, Florence, Bologna, or Milan?

Or perhaps from another country?

Here’s what I do – I take the train to either Bolzano (the locals call it Bozen) or the charming town of San Candido (known as Innichen in German).

From Bolzano, you’ve got direct buses to some of my favorite valleys, Val d’Ega and Val Gardena.

Trust me, these routes are scenic enough to make you forget all about not having a car!

Let me share two websites that I absolutely couldn’t live without when planning my car-free adventures: Dolomiti Bus for anything in the Belluno province (that’s in the Veneto region), and Südtirolmobil.info for Alto Adige (South Tyrol.)

I keep both bookmarked on my phone, they’re absolute lifesavers!

Want to know more about crafting the perfect car-free Dolomites experience?

I’ve got so much more to tell you about when to visit, where to stay, and how to plan your days, but that’s another story altogether! 

Make sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive the updates straight in your mailbox.

10 Places to visit in the Dolomites

Alta Badia – Where Mountain Dreams Come True

Every time I round that final curve into this enchanting Ladin valley, my heart does a little dance.

You know those places that feel like they’ve been painted by an artist who got a bit carried away with the beauty?

That’s Alta Badia in South Tyrol (Alto Adige.)

Picture this: traditional wooden chalets with flower boxes bursting with color, set against dramatic limestone peaks that change from soft pink to blazing orange as the sun moves across the sky.

The villages here – Corvara, La Villa, San Cassiano, Colfosco, Badia, and La Val – aren’t just dots on a map; they’re tiny jewels strung together by winding roads and ancient traditions that still pulse through daily life.

And don’t even get me started on the food! (Actually, do get me started, I could talk about it all day!)

Whether you’re dining in a Michelin-starred restaurant in town or hiking up to a rustic mountain refuge, the cuisine here will make your taste buds sing.

I’ve had meals in mountain huts that rival the finest restaurants in Rome!

What I absolutely love about Alta Badia is how it caters to everyone’s mountain dreams. Want to challenge yourself on a via ferrata? Done.

Prefer to meander along gentle trails on an e-bike, stopping to photograph wildflowers? Perfect.

Curious about Ladin culture? The local museums and cultural events will transport you back centuries. 

Every time I return (and trust me, I return as often as I can), I discover something new to fall in love with.

That’s the magic of Alta Badia, it never runs out of ways to capture your heart.

Val Gardena – Where Mountain Magic Meets the Sky

Let me tell you about Val Gardena, and I promise you’ll be plotting your visit before I finish! Nestled right next to Alta Badia, connected by what I consider one of the most spectacular drives in all of Europe, the Gardena Pass. (Trust me on this one, pull over at the viewpoints. Your camera will thank you, and your soul will too!)

You know those postcard-perfect mountain scenes you see in travel magazines?

The ones that make you think “surely they’ve photoshopped that”?

Well, that’s just a regular Tuesday in Val Gardena.

But here’s the beautiful thing, you don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to experience the jaw-dropping views.

The valley is blessed with an incredible network of lifts that will whisk you up to heights that will literally take your breath away. (And I mean that in the best possible way!)

Want to experience something truly extraordinary?

Seceda and Alpe di Siusi

Let me introduce you to two of my absolute favorite spots in the entire Dolomites: Seceda, where jagged peaks slice through the clouds like nature’s crown, and the Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest high plateau.

Picture this: rolling green meadows stretching as far as the eye can see, with the mighty Sassolungo, Sassopiatto, and Sciliar mountains standing guard like ancient stone giants. It’s the kind of view that makes your heart skip a beat, every single time.

And don’t even think about missing the villages!

Ortisei (make sure you climb up to the church of San Giacomo, your legs might complain a bit, but the view is worth every step!), Santa Cristina, and Selva each have their own special charm.

They’re like characters in a mountain fairy tale, each with their own story to tell.

Every time I visit, I feel like I’m discovering the Dolomites all over again.

It’s that kind of place where the magic never gets old.

Val di Fassa – Where Mountain Dreams Take Flight

If the Dolomites were a family, this Trentino valley would be the sibling everyone wants to hang out with.

You know what I love most about Val di Fassa?

It doesn’t ask you to choose between relaxation and adventure, it gives you both!

Want to soak in thermal waters while gazing at snow-capped peaks?

Head to Pozza di Fassa, where the healing waters will make you forget what stress even feels like. (Trust me on this, there’s something magical about floating in warm water while mountain peaks tower above you!)

May I share with you one of my favourite experiences?

The walk to Rifugio Fuciade from Passo San Pellegrino.

It is one of those paths that make you feel like you are walking in a painting, and it is perfectly feasible even if you are not a hardcore hiker.

And don’t even get me started on the San Nicolò Valley, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to break into Julie Andrews-style twirling! (Go ahead, I won’t judge, I may have done it myself!)

For those of you who hear the mountains calling for something more challenging, the Catinaccio group and its crown jewel, the Torri del Vajolet, will steal your breath away. The views are so spectacular, they almost don’t seem real.

Looking for the perfect base?

Let me tell you about Moena, it’s like stepping into a mountain fairy tale, complete with wooden chalets and flower-filled balconies.

Or there’s Canazei, sitting pretty at the foot of the mighty Marmolada (the “Queen of the Dolomites” and believe me, it earns that title!).

Really, you can’t go wrong with any of the towns in this beautiful Ladin valley.

Here’s my little secret: take your time.

Let the rhythm of mountain life seep into your bones.

Whether you soak in the thermal waters or hike to meet the clouds, this valley will make you feel like you have finally found your mountain home.

The Belluno Dolomites – Where Hidden Treasures Await

Can I tell you something? Every time someone mentions they’re heading to the Dolomites just to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo, I get a little twinge in my heart.

Not because Cortina isn’t fabulous (it absolutely is!), but because there’s this whole other world in the Belluno Dolomites that’s just begging to be discovered.

It’s like knowing about a secret garden that most people walk right past!

Let me share with you some of my favourite hidden corners. Picture Alleghe, where a crystal-clear alpine lake mirrors Monte Civetta like nature’s own masterpiece.

The first time I saw it, I actually gasped out loud, and I still do, every single time I return!

Then there’s Falcade and the Agordino area, where the pace of life slows down to match the gentle sway of wildflowers in the mountain breeze.

This is where you come when your soul needs a reset, when you want to remember what real peace feels like.

Oh, and Val di Zoldo! If you’re looking for the wild heart of the Dolomites, this is it. Nestled between the mighty Civetta and Pelmo peaks, it’s remained wonderfully authentic, the kind of place where you might find yourself sharing a morning cappuccino with local shepherds.

The Cadore region?

It’s like someone took all the best parts of the Dolomites and sprinkled them across one spectacular territory.

Every trail here tells a story, every village holds a surprise.

And don’t even get me started on Sottoguda. (Actually, do get me started!)

This tiny village at the foot of the Marmolada is so beautiful it made Italy’s official list of most beautiful villages, and trust me, that’s saying something in a country that practically invented beauty!

Is this enough to tempt you away from the usual tourist trail?

I hope so, because these lesser-known corners of the Belluno Dolomites aren’t just destinations, they’re the kind of places that make your heart ache a little when you leave.

Cortina d’Ampezzo – The Queen of the Dolomites

Let me introduce you to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

And oh my goodness, does it deserve the crown as Queen of the Dolomites!

I absolutely love how this glamorous mountain town manages to be both sophisticated and wild at the same time, like an elegant lady who knows how to climb mountains in style.

You know what makes my heart absolutely sing about Cortina?

Even if you only have a weekend to spare (though trust me, you’ll wish you had more!), it gives you a perfect taste of everything that makes the Dolomites magical.

It’s like having all the best parts of mountain life wrapped up in one gorgeous package.

Things you can do in Cortina D’Ampezzo

Let me paint you a picture: Imagine standing at the foot of the Cinque Torri – five dramatic rock towers that pierce the sky like nature’s own skyscrapers.

Then picture yourself beside Lake Sorapiss, where the water is such an impossible shade of turquoise that you’ll think someone sneaked in overnight and painted it. (They didn’t, it’s just one of Cortina’s many natural miracles!)

Want to experience something that will literally take your breath away?

Take the lift up to Rifugio Lagazuoi.

That terrace view?

It’s the kind that makes you forget to take photos because you’re too busy picking your jaw up off the floor.

And just when you think your heart can’t handle any more beauty, you can stroll down Corso Italia, window shopping at boutiques that would make Milan jealous.

I absolutely mean it when I say these experiences will carve themselves into your memory forever.

There’s something about Cortina that gets under your skin and stays there, like a beautiful melody you can’t forget.

Maybe it’s the way the evening light turns those mighty peaks pink, or how the morning mist curls around the church spire.

Whatever it is, this town has a way of making you fall hopelessly in love with mountain life.

Alta Pusteria – Where Dolomite Dreams Come True

Alta Pusteria has completely stolen my heart, and I’m pretty sure it’s going to steal yours too.

Every time I return to this magical valley, whether I’m staying in charming Dobbiaco, picturesque Sesto, or enchanting San Candido, I feel like I’m coming home to a fairy tale.

Let me tell you why I get so excited about this area.

Picture this: you’re standing in front of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three colossal peaks that look like nature’s own cathedral spires reaching up to touch the clouds.

Or imagine yourself at Lake Braies, where the water is so perfectly still it creates mirror images of the surrounding peaks, the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’re looking at reality or a painting. (Trust me, it’s real, though sometimes I still have to pinch myself!)

Oh, and Val Fiscalina!

This valley is the kind of place that makes my heart skip a beat every single time.

Walking here feels like stepping into a postcard, with meadows full of wildflowers and mountains that seem to touch the sky.

And Lake Dobbiaco?

It’s like nature’s own infinity pool, surrounded by forests that change colors with the seasons.

Here’s something that makes my practical side just as happy as my romantic side, and this is important.

Alta Pusteria has a secret weapon that sets it apart from other Dolomite destinations: you can actually get here easily by train or bus!

No white-knuckle mountain driving required!

Every time I visit Alta Pusteria, I find something new to fall in love with.

Val di Funes – Where Dreams Become Landscape

Val di Funes isn’t just a place, it’s a moment suspended between reality and pure magic.

Picture this: the Odle Mountains standing like ancient guardians, their jagged peaks cutting into a sky so blue it almost hurts to look at.

And right in the middle of this perfection?

The tiny village of St Magdalena, looking like someone carefully placed each building by hand, surrounded by meadows so green they seem to glow from within.

I absolutely love the walk between St Magdalena and San Pietro, it’s the kind of trail that makes you want to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember what it feels like to truly be alive.

Each step is like turning the page in a beautiful, living storybook.

And the church of San Giovanni in Ranui?

It’s so perfectly situated, so impossibly picturesque, that it’s become one of the most photographed spots in all the Dolomites.

But photographs can’t capture the soul of this place, the way the light hits the stone, how the mountains seem to cradle the little church like a precious secret.

Val di Funes isn’t just a destination.

It’s an escape, a breath of pure mountain air for your soul.

If you’re looking to completely disconnect from the chaos of everyday life and reconnect with something more profound, with beauty, with silence, with the heartbeat of nature itself, this is your place.

Sappada – A Hidden Dolomite Treasure

Sappada is a place that’s like a secret whispered between mountain peaks.

Tucked away in the Friulian Dolomites, this village is the kind of destination that makes you feel like you’ve discovered something truly special, a place that most tourists drive right past, completely unaware of the magic they’re missing.

Can we talk about how Sappada is basically a living museum?

It’s not just a village, it’s a collection of historic hamlets with names that sound like they’ve been plucked from an old fairy tale.

Each cluster of buildings tells a story, each wooden facade holds centuries of mountain memories. 

And yes, it’s so breathtakingly beautiful that it’s officially recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. (Though between you and me, that feels like an understatement!)

Foodies, listen up!

Sappada isn’t just a feast for your eyes, it’s a feast for your taste buds too.

The Laite restaurant?

It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience.

Imagine dining in two ancient wood-paneled rooms (called ‘stube’ locally) one from the 17th century, one from the 19th, with a Michelin star to boot.

And for those who love a perfect mountain aperitivo, the Mondschein is your new happy place.

But the real magic of Sappada?

It’s in the nature.

Hike to the Olbe Lakes, and you’ll feel like you’re walking through a painting.

Or follow the springs of the Piave River from Cima Sappada, it’s the kind of walk that makes your soul feel like it’s breathing for the first time.

San Martino di Castrozza – Where Mountain Legends Come to Life

Let me tell you about an amazing place that used to attract some really cool people.

Back in the 1800s, mountain climbers, rich European travelers, and creative artists all fell in love with this magical area in Trentino.

It was like they couldn’t resist its beauty!

The Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino Natural Park is more than just a protected area.

It’s like a huge, beautiful mountain church.

San Martino di Castrozza sits right in the middle of this incredible landscape.

The town has stories written into every old building and mountain trail.

Think of it like a special place that keeps its history alive, just like an old photo album that shows amazing adventures from long ago.

The Pale di San Martino mountain group dominates everything, these aren’t just mountains, they’re geological poetry.

I absolutely love how they change with the light, from soft morning pastels to blazing sunset oranges.

And the hiking trails? Oh, they’re an invitation to adventure that you simply cannot resist!

The path from Passo Rolle to Baita Segantini is my absolute favorite trek.

Start from Val Venegia, even though it’s the longer route.

Trust me on this.

The scenery will make every step feel like a gift.

At sunset, when the Pale are perfectly reflected in the lake, you’ll understand why people have been falling in love with this place for centuries.

This is the kind of place that doesn’t just show you mountains, it makes you feel the mountain’s heartbeat.

Every rock, every trail, every vista tells a story of adventure, of silence, of raw natural beauty.

Dolomiti di Brenta – A Mountain Paradise Between Lakes, Castles, and Art

The Brenta Dolomites, a corner of Trentino that’s so magical, it’s like someone took all the best parts of mountain life and sprinkled them into one spectacular landscape.

I absolutely love how this region combines so many incredible experiences in one breathtaking landscape!

Take the picturesque villages, they’re my absolute favorite!

San Lorenzo in Banale is a gem, and then there’s the famous Madonna di Campiglio, with its famous 5-Lakes Tour that will make your heart skip a beat with every step.

The Adamello Brenta Natural Park isn’t just a protected area, it’s a living, breathing masterpiece, home to eight peaks that soar above 3000 meters like nature’s own skyscrapers.

But wait, there’s more! (And trust me, you’re going to love this.)

Places to visit in Dolomiti di Brenta: Stenico Castle

Stenico Castle sits perched on a hill like something from a fairy tale, watching over the landscape. And just nearby, Bosco Arte Stenico, an art museum that isn’t confined by walls, but instead sprawls through nature itself.

Land art installations nestled among trees and rocks. It’s the kind of place that makes you question everything you thought you knew about art and landscape.

Rango is a medieval gem so picturesque it looks like it was painted by an artist who got carried away with charm.

Wellness retreat in the Dolomites

And for those seeking a little wellness?

Comano Terme is your perfect relaxation spot, get ready for a place that will help you forget all about your stress!

Imagine a magical destination where lakes reflect the sky like giant mirrors. Where waterfalls sound like they’re singing mountain music. A place where you might even see bears in their natural home. Where art and nature come together in perfect harmony.

The Brenta Dolomites aren’t just a place you visit.

They’re a place that touches your heart.

These mountains will make you feel something special deep inside.

This is more than just a trip.

It’s a chance to connect with nature and find your peace.

Places to visit in the Dolomites: Conclusion

I hope this gives you some awesome ideas for an amazing mountain adventure!

Are you ready to explore?

Pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

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Ciao and Happy travels!