Planning your next vacation and not sure where to go? Drop everything and head to the Dolomites, Italy! I visited about 3 years ago, and I still can’t stop thinking about those views.
Seriously, I don’t understand why more people aren’t flocking to these mountains, especially since they’re just a short flight from the US East Coast to Northern Italy!
Instead of another all-inclusive resort in Cancun that’ll leave you with nothing but a tan and a few blurry drink memories, give the Dolomites a chance.
I promise your Instagram will explode with joy, and you’ll bring back memories that last a lifetime. And those mountain backdrop photos? Instant +10 to your dating profile appeal! (kidding… or am I?)
I’m writing this because I know it can be tough to commit to a destination you’re unfamiliar with. So here’s my no-BS list of reasons why the Dolomites, Italy should be your next vacation spot!
1. Lakes of Dolomites, Italy That Will Become Your New Phone Background
These lakes are absolutely out of this world! The most popular one, Lago di Braies, is worth visiting early in the morning before the tourist crowds arrive.
I remember waking up at 5:30 AM (a real struggle for me, I’m not a morning person at all!), just to get there before everyone else.
When I stepped out of the car, I literally froze in my tracks. No Instagram filter can capture the real color of that water!
I rented a wooden rowboat (yes, those Instagram-famous ones) for about $40, which seemed a bit steep, but sometimes you have to splurge for unique experiences. Those photos were worth every penny.
Bring proper hiking shoes, unlike my friend who walked around the lake in some flimsy sandals and nearly sprained her ankle. Thankfully, I had my trusty hiking boots that have seen me through many adventures.
2. Villages Straight Out of a Disney Movie
Seriously, I thought places like this only existed in movies or were heavily Photoshopped in travel photos. Plot twist – they’re actually real!
I stayed in Santa Maddalena, in a small guesthouse run by an older lady named Gertruda. Every morning she’d serve me homemade strudel and ask if I had a husband yet. Classic.
In Ortisei, I bought a wooden cat figurine for some ridiculous amount of money that I absolutely didn’t need, but it was so cute I couldn’t resist. It now sits on my shelf, reminding me that I need to go back someday.
I also visited Cortina d’Ampezzo, which is more upscale. Picture rich folks with sweaters draped over their shoulders, sipping $8 coffees. Kind of like Aspen, just more expensive and without the celebrity spotting.
3. Food That Will Make You Forget Your Diet
The food! It’s this amazing crossover between Italian and Austrian cuisine with something else I can’t quite put my finger on.
The first thing you should order is casunziei – ravioli filled with pumpkin and sprinkled with poppy seeds. Sounds weird? Maybe. But it tastes like heaven.
Don’t think you’ll just be eating pizza and pasta there. There’s this local specialty – canederli – bread dumplings with bacon that are perfect after a full day of hiking.
I swear, I ate so many that the restaurant staff started recognizing me and greeting me with “oh, it’s the dumpling-loving Pole!”
And the desserts? Apfelstrudel similar to apple pie, but enriched with raisins and other additions. Plus coffee that’s simply divine. Seriously, after coming back, my home espresso tasted like gas station coffee.
I won’t lie – it’s not cheap. But you’re going there to experience local flavors, not to save money! Besides, with all the hiking you’ll be doing, you can indulge in these delicacies without guilt. How long can you live on salads, right?
4. Trails For Every Level of Adventurer
The hiking in the Dolomites is incredible, with options for every fitness level. There are trails for everyone – from almost flat ones like Alpe di Siusi (where you can leisurely stroll among meadows and flowers) to more challenging ascents.
My favorite was definitely Seceda – the views are so spectacular that you forget about being tired.
Tre Cime di Lavaredo – you must see it. I went there with a friend who rarely hikes, and poor thing was barely alive by the end. I was tired too, but the views were absolutely worth it.
Key tips:
- Get proper hiking boots, don’t cheap out on these
- Sunscreen with SPF 50+ is essential, the mountain sun is merciless
- Bring plenty of water and snacks
- Take trekking poles – your knees will thank you on the descents
My greatest discovery was the rifugio – mountain huts where you can get a hot meal in the middle of your hike. This was a lifesaver for me, as hiking always makes me ravenously hungry!
5. Accommodations – From Budget to Luxury
In the Dolomites, you can stay in various places, depending on your budget and preferences.
I mainly stayed in B&B-type guesthouses to avoid breaking the bank. I paid about $90-110 per night for a double room, which isn’t terrible for Italy.
But I have a friend who went there with her boyfriend and stayed at the Miramonti Boutique Hotel, which has an infinity pool overlooking the mountains. They felt like they were in paradise, though their wallet was crying – over $350 per night!
If you’re like me and enjoy comfort without going overboard, look for places labeled “zimmer frei” or “garni” – these are local terms for private rooms and small guesthouses.
6. Mountains Unlike Any You’ve Seen Before
As an American, you’ve probably seen the Rockies. I love them too! But the Dolomites are completely different.
These mountains are sort of… weird? In a positive way! They have strange shapes, jutting up like sandcastles. And the color – they’re pale gray, almost white.
The best part is that at sunset they turn pink! For real! Locals call it “enrosadira” and it looks like the mountains are blushing. I have an entire gallery of photos of this phenomenon, but of course, none capture what it looks like in person.
See why you need to go there?
7. Instagram Will Thank You
If you want to level up your social media game, there’s no better place!
Every single frame in the Dolomites looks like a professional photoshoot. I had friends who thought I hired a photographer for those pictures.
I especially recommend:
- Sunrise at Alpe di Siusi (yes, you need to get up at 4 AM, but it’s worth it!)
- Lago di Braies with those famous boats
- Seceda – those sharp peaks in the background
- Santa Maddalena with a view of the farm and church
Some of my photos from the Dolomites remain the most-liked posts on my Instagram to this day!
8. Something for Skiers Too
I visited the Dolomites in summer, but apparently in winter, this place transforms into a paradise for skiers.
My friend, who’s been skiing since childhood, went there in February and swears these are the best slopes in Europe. Tons of trails, excellently maintained, and those views!
There’s apparently this ski route called Sella Ronda, where you can ski around an entire mountain group without repeating trails. And the best part? It’s supposedly not as expensive as the French or Swiss Alps!
We’re planning to fly there for skiing this year with a group of friends. Costs are similar to Colorado, but the views are supposedly much better.
9. For the Brave – Rock Climbing
I didn’t try mountain climbing myself because I’m afraid of heights.
But I met a Czech woman at my guesthouse who was there specifically for climbing. I was impressed by her strength and endurance – you could tell this wasn’t her first rodeo.
Every morning she’d leave with all her gear and return in the evening, thrilled. She said the Dolomites are a mecca for climbers because the rocks are unique there.
She showed me photos of herself hanging on a rope, hundreds of feet above the ground, and I swear I got dizzy just looking!
Maybe someday I’ll be brave enough to try, but for now, I’ll stick to activities where both feet stay firmly on the ground.
10. Cultural Mix You’ll Feel at Every Step
What surprised me about the Dolomites was that I didn’t feel like I was in Italy! It’s this weird Italian-Austrian-Ladin mix.
In one village they speak Italian, in another German, and in a third some strange language that nobody understands except the locals.
Signs are always in multiple languages, which confused me at first. The same town has 3 different names!
The cool thing is that you can eat pizza for lunch and then have dumplings and beer like in Austria for dinner. For food lovers, it’s a real paradise! And yes, I definitely abandoned any thought of watching what I ate while I was there.
Who Are the Dolomites For?
The Dolomites are for you if:
- You love mountains, but not necessarily as crowded as Yosemite in peak season
- You want great photos for Instagram
- You can appreciate good food
- You have a moderate (doesn’t have to be large) vacation budget
- You enjoy active vacations
- You want to see something truly spectacular
They’re not for you if:
- You expect all-inclusive and lying by the pool for 7 days
- You have a very limited budget (unfortunately, Italy isn’t the cheapest destination)
- You hate mountains and walking
Practical Info
Finally, some practical information I wish I’d known before my trip:
- Best time? July-September, unless you’re going skiing, then obviously winter
- How to get there? I flew to Venice and rented a car from there. An option for the adventurous: fly into Munich and rent a car (shorter drive to the Dolomites than from Venice)
- Budget? I spent about $110-170 daily for everything (accommodation, food, attractions)
- Language? You’ll be fine with English; in tourist areas, many people also speak German
- Internet? It’s everywhere, even in the mountains, so posting updates in real-time isn’t a problem!
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Summary: The Dolomites, Italy – A Place You Must See
The Dolomites are definitely one of those destinations that deserve a spot on your bucket list. It’s a place where you’ll find spectacular views that look Photoshopped but are 100% real.
Where you can taste cuisine combining different cultural influences and discover that some dishes are truly worth traveling hundreds of miles for.
It’s also a paradise for active people – whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or just active vacations in general. The reward in the form of views from mountain peaks will compensate for every blister and sore muscle.
What captivated me the most? The amazing diversity – one day you can hike through alpine meadows, the next admire rugged rock formations, and the third spend time in a charming village where time seems to have stopped.
And all this just a 9-hour flight from the East Coast.
I know that after returning from the Dolomites, you’ll look at other places thinking: “nice, but not as beautiful as there.” And probably, just like me, you’ll start planning your next visit before you’ve even unpacked your suitcase.
If you have any questions about the Dolomites, Italy, feel free to ask! I love talking about this place and could write another 10 pages, but I don’t want to bore you.
Let me know if you decide to go. And be sure to share your experiences afterward!
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