A Guide to the Dolomites in Italy

The Dolomites are located in northern Italy, close to the border with Austria. The closest major cities are Venice and Verona, and the largest city in the mountains is Bolzano: the capital of the South Tyrol region (also called Alto Adige). This area also boasts some of the most charming mountain villages in Italy, including beautiful towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo and San Candido.

The Dolomites are part of the Alps, the massive mountain range that extends across eight European countries, all the way from France to Austria. More specifically, they’re a subrange of both the Italian Alps and the Southern Limestone Alps. Within this subrange there are eight different natural parks as well as Dolomiti Bellunesi, one of the best national parks in Europe.

In the Dolomites, hiking trails range from relatively short and accessible treks like the Giro dei Cinque Laghi (Five Lakes Tour) to challenging multi-day expeditions like the Alta Via 1 and 2. We can arrange full-day hikes to the Cinque Torri (Five Towers), the Vallesinella waterfalls and the historic Lagazuoi tunnels, among other top Dolomites attractions. 

Some of our favourite routes include views of Marmolada, the tallest mountain in the Dolomites. Known for its enormous glacier, this peak is popular among both skiers and mountaineers. It also played an important role in World War I. Visit the Museum of the Great War to learn about this history and the Ice City: an extensive network of tunnels that once housed soldiers.

The village of Ortisei is known for its traditional woodcarving. You can immerse yourself in this intricate art form with a guided tour of the Dolfi carving lab, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet and interact with a master carver. Afterward you can explore the showroom, which displays exquisite handcrafted pieces that reflect this rich regional tradition.

Enjoy a private cooking class in an authentic Alto Adige farmhouse, or maso, where you’ll learn culinary secrets from an experienced local chef. She’ll teach you how to prepare two delicious main courses – schlutzkrapfen (moon-shaped ravioli with spinach) and kaese knoedel (cheese dumplings) – along with two traditional desserts. Afterwards you’ll get to sit down and savour the meal you prepared, complemented by homemade juice or wine.

If you’re arriving from abroad, the easiest way to get to the Dolomites is to fly into Venice or Verona and then drive north for around two to three hours. You can also fly into Milan, although it’s a bit farther (about a four- to five-hour drive). Another option is to arrive via Innsbruck, which is just a couple of hours north of the Dolomites across the Austrian border.

We also highly recommend adding a few days in the Dolomites into a larger itinerary. It’s easy to combine with northern Italian destinations like Lake Como, Emilia Romagna or Tuscany, as well as the Austrian region of Tyrol. Switzerland and France are within relatively easy reach to the west, while Slovenia and Croatia are less than five hours away by car to the east.

Our travel designers can help you craft the perfect journey through whichever of these countries capture your interest, whether you want to hike your way through the Alps or hop between historic cities with a few scenic detours along the way.

If you’re interested in hiking and other outdoor activities, the best time to visit the Dolomites is from June to September. This is when the region experiences the best weather and warmest temperatures, with daytime highs around 24–30ºC (75–86ºF) and lows around 12–16ºC (54–61ºF). In September you might also catch the beginning of autumn leaf season. 

Generally speaking, the best time to visit Italy is outside of the peak summer season, but the Dolomites are an exception. While many southern cities and seaside resorts fill up with visitors and often exceed 30ºC (86ºF), this region stays pleasantly warm and less crowded. If you’re visiting Italy between June and August, a Dolomites vacation could be the perfect choice.

There are plenty of luxurious places to stay in the Dolomites, from intimate chalets to expansive Alpine resorts. Forestis Dolomites, one of our favourite hotels in the world, is a serene haven tucked into the treetops, with several suites and a private villa that boasts its own spa. Rosa Alpina is another top choice with a more classic style and its own Michelin-starred restaurant.

If you’re in the mood for historic grandeur and opulence, head to the Cristallo. Open for over a century, this iconic hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo has hosted many renowned guests and served as a set for several films. We also love Ciasa Salares, which places special emphasis on food and wine – there are even two dining spaces specifically dedicated to cheese and chocolate.