Discover the Dolomites: Hiking Italy’s Most Scenic Mountain Region

Each year, millions of travelers visit Italy — but only a small fraction ever make it to the Dolomites.

Tucked high in the Italian Alps, this UNESCO-protected region feels worlds away from the crowds of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Here, dramatic peaks rise above quiet alpine villages, hiking trails wind through untouched landscapes, and mountain hospitality blends rustic charm with genuine comfort.

The Dolomites aren’t Italy’s best-kept secret because they’re inaccessible — they’re overlooked. And that’s exactly what makes them so special.

Italy’s wild side (Without sacrificing comfort)

This isn’t glamping. And it’s not a leisurely countryside stroll.

The Dolomites offer real hiking, breathtaking mountain passes, and days that challenge and reward you — all wrapped in a region where warm meals, cozy mountain huts (rifugios), and panoramic views are never far away.

Our advisor Hannah L. (@travel_everywhereandanywhere) recently returned from an immersive journey through the Dolomites, exploring everything from quiet alpine villages to iconic routes like the Tre Cime Circuit. Her experience confirmed what we’ve long believed: this is the perfect destination for travelers who crave raw beauty and thoughtful comfort.

Life in the mountains: villages like Laste

One of the most memorable parts of the Dolomites isn’t just the hiking — it’s the sense of place.

Villages like Laste, home to just a few hundred locals, feel frozen in time. Days move slowly, landscapes stretch endlessly, and visitors are often greeted with genuine curiosity and warmth.

It’s the kind of place where you feel less like a tourist and more like a welcomed guest — a rare feeling in modern travel.

Two ways to experience the Dolomites

One of the most compelling things about the Dolomites is how customizable the experience can be. This region works beautifully for travelers who want a more adventurous, hands-on journey as well as those who prefer a scenic, comfort-forward approach.

The more adventurous approach

For travelers who want to truly engage with the landscape, the Dolomites offer far more than classic hiking.

Some itineraries lean into:

• Guided via ferrata routes, using fixed cables and ladders to safely navigate dramatic rock faces

• Canyoning experiences through alpine gorges and waterfalls

• Longer, more challenging hikes on less-trafficked trails

• Basing in towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo, which provide access to varied terrain and multiple trailheads

This style of travel is immersive and energizing — ideal for travelers who enjoy being active most days and want a deeper, more physical connection to the mountains.

The refined & scenic approach

For those who love the mountains but don’t want every day to feel strenuous, the Dolomites are equally rewarding.

This version of the experience focuses on:

• Scenic hikes and walks, often paired with lift access

• Staying in luxury alpine hotels or elegant mountain lodges

• Balancing outdoor time with spa experiences, panoramic drives, and exceptional food

• Exploring villages and viewpoints without committing to technical routes

Both approaches deliver the essence of the Dolomites — the difference lies in pace, physicality, and comfort preferences.

What we learned on the ground

Traveling through the Dolomites reinforced just how important local knowledge and smart planning are in this region.

A few key takeaways:

• Crowds fade quickly once you step off the shuttle-access trails. With the right routing, it’s possible to hike for hours in near solitude — even in peak season.

• Rifugio bookings are not straightforward. There’s no central system, rules vary widely, and details like meals, linens, and luggage transfers differ from hut to hut.

• A car makes a huge difference. While shuttles exist, having your own wheels unlocks flexibility, freedom, and access to lesser-known trailheads and villages.

• Choosing the right style matters. Adventure-forward itineraries and scenic, comfort-focused trips require very different planning — and the right fit dramatically shapes the experience.

This is a destination where expert planning doesn’t just enhance the trip — it defines it.

Who the Dolomites are perfect for

The Dolomites are an ideal fit for travelers who:

• Love active travel and scenic hiking

• Want nature-forward experiences without roughing it

• Enjoy staying in small villages and mountain lodges

• Prefer destinations that feel off-the-radar and authentic

• Are looking to experience a different side of Italy

It’s also an incredible pairing with Venice — after days in the mountains, ending with gondolas, spritzes, and slow evenings by the canals is the perfect contrast.

For travelers looking to extend the alpine experience even further, the Dolomites can also pair beautifully with the Swiss Alps, offering a seamless way to explore multiple mountain regions in one trip.

Best time to visit the Dolomites

The Dolomites are a destination where timing really matters, and the best experience depends on what you want to do.

Shoulder season (late June and September)  is the prime season for hiking and mountain exploration. Crowds thin out noticeably, temperatures are cooler, and the mountains feel quieter overall. Weather can be less predictable — occasional rain and early snow at higher elevations are possible — but with flexible routing and smart planning, it’s one of the most rewarding times to experience the Dolomites.

September is a favorite for many travelers — cooler days, fewer crowds, and beautiful light in the mountains.

October – May is best for winter sports and alpine stays, though hiking access becomes limited due to snow.

Advisor insight: For hikers who want the best balance of access, weather, and fewer crowds, late June, early July, and September tend to be the sweet spots. Peak summer dates — especially guides, rifugios, and sought-after mountain hotels — can book up quickly.

✈️ Thinking about the Dolomites?

This region rewards travelers who plan carefully — from choosing the right base towns to mapping trails, booking huts, and pacing days properly.

If the idea of sunrise over jagged peaks, post-hike polenta, and evenings in cozy mountain lodges sounds like your kind of travel, we’d love to help you bring it to life.

Start planning your 2026 trips!