The Dolomites Mountains in Northern Italy are stunning all year around. Enchanting villages, green meadows, pristine lakes and world-class ski slopes make the area one of tourist attractions in Italy all-year round.
The Dolomite range with its magnificent 18 peaks covers 350,000 acres, so it might be overwhelming to decide what to see. Here we offer a few ideas for the first time visitors. However, whichever part of the Dolomites you go to, you will find breathtaking landscapes and warm hospitality.
Cortina d’Ampezzo
This upscale Alpine town is a magnet for the international jet-set crowd. It is surrounded by the mountains and offers some of the best vistas in the Dolomites. There are many lakes, excellent slopes for skiing, hiking trails and peaks for mountain climbing. When you get tired of outdoor activities, you can shop till you drop in the high-end fashion boutiques in town.
Ortisei
The largest village in Val Gardena, is steeped in Tyrolean culture and traditions. The local economy thrives all year around as tourists flock here for skiing and hiking. The town is famous for its traditional woodcarving craft. The cable car will take you from the village to a summit to see spectacular views of the Alpe di Siusi.
Varna
This picturesque town in South Tyrol is surrounded by vineyards and fruit orchards. The striking 12th century Novacella Abbey is run by Augustinian monks. There is an excellent tavern where you can sample hearty South Tyrolean cuisine and enjoy the wine produced by the monks. Walk off the calories on the hiking trails in the area or relax with a fishing rod by a pond.
Cibiana di Cadore
Located in the region of Veneto, this picture-perfect village is like a big open air art gallery: the houses are covered in murals that have been painted by various international artists since 1980s. There are more than 50 frescoes today in Cibiana depicting history of the village and its daily life. There are many walks in the area that will reward you with majestic views of the Dolomites.
Photos by: Mariani Malinowski, Fabiana Vernero, Jeff Krause
