The most beautiful locations in the Dolomites

Many travelers who have traveled across several continents agree that some of the most picturesque mountain landscapes are found in the Italian Dolomites. We want you to see for yourself, so we have created a route through these stunning mountain ranges.

How to get there?

The Dolomites are located in northeastern Italy. The closest airports to this mountain range are in the cities of Bolzano, Verona and Venice, from where you can travel by bus, train or private car in about 2 hours to the famous ski resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo. You can also get to the Dolomites by bus from Ljubljana (Slovenia), Innsbruck and Salzburg (Austria), as well as from Memmingen (Germany), but in this case the trip will take about 4-5 hours.

The most optimal and favorite way to explore the Dolomites is to rent a car and drive around the most picturesque places, regardless of the public transport schedule. If renting a car is not possible, then you can travel around the main attractions by bus, the most convenient route network is with the carrier Cortina Express.

There are also hiking trails between the main natural beauties, which can be followed using special apps or signs. There is no need to take a tent with you, especially considering that wild camping is prohibited in the Dolomites: along the way you will find "refuges" (rifugio) where you can stop and have a bite to eat for a small fee. If you prefer to stay in hotels, they are also located along the route and in its surroundings.

Where to stay?

If you plan to explore the beauty of the Dolomites using public transport, we recommend staying in Cortina d'Ampezzo or Belluno. Although the latter is a little more difficult to get to, it is still worth a visit: you will definitely be surprised by the magnificent historical architecture, including the cathedral and fortress. The town of Dobbiaco is closest to the famous group of three jagged peaks Tre Cime, one of the most famous and popular attractions of the Dolomites. For those who prefer a quiet and peaceful holiday, it is worth staying in Chiesa di Santa Magdalena, a small village famous for its church, which looks stunningly authentic against the majestic mountains.

The most remarkable place in the Dolomites is undoubtedly Alpe di Siusi - the largest high-mountain plateau in Europe, surrounded by green meadows where cows and sheep graze peacefully. Cars are prohibited here: you leave your car in the parking lot near the plateau and enjoy the untouched nature as much as you want. The plateau is guarded by rangers and dogs, and you can only move around it along specially laid paths so as not to disturb the ecosystem of the alpine meadows. The nearest settlement is Compaccio.

Another great place is the Gardena Pass, which connects the picturesque valleys of Val Gardena and Val Badia. This pass offers a magnificent view of the Gran Cir peak, popular with climbers. The famous ski resort of Val Gardena is located nearby.

Many climbers strive to conquer the peaks of Dolal and Faverghera. We recommend staying at the resort of Alpe del Nevegal: in the warm season, group ascents are organized here, and in winter you can go skiing and snowboarding.

Visit the cozy medieval town of Mezzano, located at the foot of the Pale di San Martino cliffs. In this ancient settlement you can still see traditional wooden buildings in which local residents live and welcome guests. They actively support the culture of their ancestors, periodically organizing festivals and concerts.

Extreme sports enthusiasts should definitely try rafting or canyoning along the cascades of the Brentone River, where you can enjoy grottoes and waterfalls. This is one of the most picturesque and inaccessible places in the Dolomites. The Brente del Arte Canyon is located near the village of Sant'Antonio Tortal.

Ski lovers will be attracted to the Tre Valle region, located at the junction of three valleys (Alpa di Lusia, Passo San Pelegrino and Falcade). In winter, this area becomes a center of attraction for athletes. The largest and liveliest resort is Moena, where not only training but also parties take place. Smaller and more budget resorts are located in the villages of Falcade and Passo San Pelegrino.

Be sure to visit the lakes!

If you don’t like long hiking routes and don’t plan to go rock climbing, we recommend taking a route around the magnificent lakes, of which there are many in the Dolomites. The most famous of them is Lago di Braies, also known as the Emerald Lake. It is located in South Tyrol at the foot of the Croda del Becco mountain, at an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level. This “emerald in the Alps” impresses with its bright turquoise crystal clear water, as well as the surrounding rocks and forests. It is a great place to take a boat ride or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

Lake Sorapis (Lago di Sorapis) is located at an altitude of 1,923 meters, just 12 kilometers from Cortina d'Ampezzo in the province of Belluno. Its unique color of water varies from light blue to green depending on the time of year and day, creating a spectacular contrast with the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The lake can be reached via a picturesque forest route through a natural park with waterfalls, which makes this place especially attractive. It can be reached by car or bus. Above Lake Sorapis rises a peak known as the Finger of God, which is 2,603 ​​meters high. In addition, from Lake Alleghe (Lago di Alleghe) you can take a cable car to the top of the Queen of the Dolomites - the highest peak called Marmolada (3,343 meters).

Lovers of outdoor activities have chosen Lake Santa Croce (Lago di Santa Croce), the largest in the province of Belluno, located at an altitude of 800 meters. This place attracts kitesurfers, windsurfers and sailing enthusiasts thanks to the favorable conditions created by the air currents passing through the narrow area of ​​Fadalto. On the shores of the lake there are beaches, camping parks, restaurants and a water sports school. Another, although less popular, location for windsurfing in the Dolomites is Lago di Caldonazzo.

In the province of Belluno, you will find Lake Misurina (Lago di Misurina), located in the heart of the Dolomites at an altitude of 1,756 meters. It is one of the largest lakes in the region, known for its picturesque views of the surrounding mountains. The lake is popular among families and tourists, with swimming beaches, boat rentals and forest trails along the shore. It is also a popular destination for medical tourism, as the climate around Misurina is good for people with respiratory diseases, and it is also home to Europe’s largest pediatric asthma treatment center.

Another lake worth visiting is Lago di Landro, also known as Dürrensee, located at an altitude of 1,406 meters in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, on the road from Dobbiaco to Tre Cima. This lake is surrounded by majestic mountain scenery. Its water is so calm that it reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror, which makes it a popular destination for travelers due to its stunning, postcard-like views.

And stop at Lake Garda!


When planning your trip to the Dolomites, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the magnificent Lake Garda (Lago di Garda), located between the Dolomites and the Southern Alps. It is the largest lake in Italy and is shared by three provinces: Lombardy, Venice and Trentino-Alto Adige. There are several resort towns on the shores of the lake, each of which is famous for its historic center and many excellent restaurants. For example, Arco, located in the north of Garda and surrounded by olive groves, is a popular place for rock climbing, with via ferrata routes that are recommended to be completed with special equipment.

Riva del Garda is a lively resort with beaches, gardens and sailing schools. From here you can take a ferry to Limone sul Garda, a charming little town surrounded by lemon groves. Here you can find everything lemon-related: gelato, drinks, sweets and even soap, as well as the giant-sized local citrus fruits.

Malcesine is a picturesque town on the eastern shore of Lake Garda, at the foot of Monte Baldo. It is famous for its Scaliger Castle, whose towers offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Malcesine is also a great place for hikers and cyclists, with the most interesting routes starting here.

Sirmione is one of the most famous resorts on Lake Garda, set on a long peninsula jutting out into the water. Famous for its thermal springs and the Roman ruins of the Grotto of Catullus, it’s a great place for a long break to relax and recuperate (or just to tone up your muscles after a long day of climbing up and down the Dolomites). Other interesting places include Desenzano del Garda, with its many museums and historic villas, and Bardolino, a popular resort with locals surrounded by vineyards and wineries.

Traveling through the Dolomites is one of the last chances to see all the beauty of Italy without the boring crowds of tourists, as only the most enthusiastic travelers get here. And to make sure your trip goes smoothly and nothing bothers you, purchase the eSIM from fedafone for Italy - and always stay in touch!