Mountain Range of Italy -The Dolomites

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dolomites are a mountain range located in northeastern Italy. The Dolomites are for anyone who loves nature, adventure, culture, or just some good relaxation. Imagine being surrounded by stunning mountains, with endless opportunities for outdoor fun, chances to immerse yourself in local traditions. Whether you’re someone who craves excitement and thrills, or you prefer quiet walks in nature, then you are at the right place. Picture yourself hiking along scenic trails, climbing up rugged cliffs, or skiing down snowy slopes.

Arriving in the Dolomites

Arriving the Dolomites is a bit different then other cities. Depending on which airport you reach (Venice, Verona, Innsbruck etc.) you have to drive to the mountains, alternatively, efficient public transportation networks connect major towns and villages, offering scenic bus and train routes. From there, we rented a car (from SixT for 3 days) to explore the area.

Best time to visit the Dolomites is during the summer months from June to September and during the winter from December to February. I prefer winters, as you can enjoy other activities such as hiking to the frozen waterfall, skiing etc.

Accomodation in the Dolomites

On an average, expect to spend around €100-€200 per night for a comfortable stay, with additional costs for activities, meals and transportation. We stayed in the chalet with a panoramic view of the mountain ranges which also offered us breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. In fact the hospitality was good and the breakfast was even more delicious as the owner used to prepare some home made breads, cakes and delicacies every morning. Here is the link to book it.

Cuisines

For non vegetarian travelers, be ready to taste the local cuisines such as polenta, speck (cured ham), hearty soups and sampling local cheeses like Asiago and Puzzone di Moena, paired perfectly with a glass of local wine.

For vegetarian travelers, options in the Dolomites might be limited, of course, you will find pastas and pizzas easily because it’s Italian cuisine. However, I recommend trying Bruschetta paired with mulled wine for a delightful experience. Moreover, it’s worth mentioning – finding restaurants can be a challenge, and they often close after lunchtime, leaving you with limited options for dine in.

Activities to do in the Dolomites

Hiking in adventurous mountain ranges

Hiking tops the list of what I love to do the most on massive mountain ranges. Hiking to Casatte di Cavalese waterfall was really worth and a big adventure for us because walking on slippery ice was tricky, and I fell four times! It’s definitely challenging but not impossible and I still cherish those moments. There are many other waterfalls that you can explore and hike to such as Cascata di Tret and the awe-inspiring Cascate di Riva.

Visit the Lago di Garda

Lago di Garda, Italy’s largest lake, captivates visitors with its calm waters, picturesque villages, and beautiful mountains. We drove to the lake and beauty left us mesmerized throughout the way. I recommend you drive while enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery. Later, indulge in the region’s delicious cuisine, from fresh seafood to homemade pasta, and savor locally-produced wines amidst vineyard-covered hillsides.

Hitting the slopes in the Dolomites – Skiing

We don’t know how to ski so we didn’t include the activity in our itinerary. However, I know that skiing in the Dolomites is an thrilling experience like no other. With its massive slopes and breathtaking mountain scenery, it offers a winter playground for skiing. Be sure to book your tickets in advance through the website.

Last but not the least, depending on how much time you are going to spend there you can plan many other activities such as exploring Lago di Braise, Val Gardena, Lago di Dobiacco, Funivia Ortisei – Alpe di Siusi, private day tours with tour guide, cycling on the mountains etc.