Travel Tips for the Dolomites to Avoid Mistakes

Are you looking for tips for traveling to the Dolomites and how to plan a trip independently? This guide will provide you with everything you need to know to explore this breathtaking region in northern Italy.

A trip to the Dolomites is enticing any time of year. Imagine spending days surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, discovering dreamy lakes, wandering through charming villages, and enjoying sunsets that paint the sky red—all while indulging in delicious pizza! It’s hard to argue that this is one of the best areas in the Alps, and sorry not sorry, Switzerland and Austria!

Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, as a couple, or with friends, a journey to the Dolomites promises a remarkable escape filled with nature and stunning landscapes that have taken over Instagram feeds. Few places are as breathtaking, and the best part is that it’s just a hop away.

Ready to dive into all the recommendations? Let’s go!

What are the Dolomites?

Let’s start with the basics: many of us have heard of these mountains and might even pinpoint them on a map, but do you know they are named after the dolomite rock that primarily composes them? They span across various Italian regions, including Trentino Alto Adige, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia, and even extend into parts of Austria.

The highest peak in the area is the Marmolada, standing tall at 3,342 meters. However, it's not alone; there are over 15 mountains that exceed or are around 3,000 meters, so be cautious of altitude sickness.

But there’s much more than just mountains in the Dolomites: they boast numerous valleys of unreal green, sprinkled with fairytale villages, breathtaking panoramic roads, impossibly colored lakes, waterfalls, and rivers. In 2009, the Dolomites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How to Get to the Dolomites

There are several cities to reach when embarking on your journey to the Dolomites. We arrived via Treviso Airport, which offers affordable direct flights from Spain (it took us about 2 hours by car to reach our first stop in the Val di Fassa). Other airports to consider are in Venice (around 2 hours away) and Verona (approximately 3 hours).

While many suggest flying into Milán and Bergamo, unless you're planning to explore the city or nearby attractions (Bergamo, Lake Como, etc.), we don't find this the best option, as it takes about 5 hours to drive from Milan to the Dolomites.

→ Compare and find the best flights to Italy on Skyscanner

If you're already in Italy, you can always reach the Dolomites by train and bus. You can take the train to Cortina d'Ampezzo, Dobbiaco, Bolzano, Bressanone, Belluno, or Trento (check out Trenitalia for schedules).

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Getting Around the Dolomites

While the main towns and cities are connected via a bus network, during peak seasons, there are bus services that take you to popular tourist points. However, we recommend renting a car to explore the area leisurely, especially if you want to maximize your time.

Car Rental

This is the option we chose, and we highly recommend it. We reserved a car from Treviso Airport through Auto Europe for around €120 for four days, including full insurance. A small or mid-sized car is sufficient; we got a nice Fiat Panda!

⭐ Check out our 4-day road trip itinerary in the Dolomites.

Keep these three points in mind:

• In Italy, a credit card (not a debit card) is required when picking up the car.
• Before you arrive, confirm where the office is located (inside or outside the airport) and if you need to notify them for pickup. Note down the contact numbers for the rental company and consider reaching out a few days in advance if you have questions.
• You can choose a different drop-off location to avoid a circular trip, but there may be a one-way fee, which can be quite high.

⭐ For more tips and recommendations about renting a car in Italy, check out our car rental guide.

Buses in the Dolomites

If you opt for public transportation, it’s best to base yourself in a well-connected town or city (like Cortina d’Ampezzo) and use the local bus lines to explore the area. We saw many people doing this, which is especially practical if you plan to do some hiking, such as walking to a village and taking the bus back.

These websites will help you plan your trip:

• Suedtirolmobil (Trentino area)
• Dolomitibus (Veneto area)

Dolomites by Campervan

A fun alternative is to explore the Dolomites in your campervan, or if you don’t have one, consider renting one or even an RV to experience a unique adventure while saving on accommodation. You can stay in paid campsites or opt for free parking spots, which you can find using apps like Park4night.

Best Time to Visit the Dolomites

There are two peak seasons: summer, which is the best time for hiking activities, and winter, when the Dolomites transform into a paradise for skiers and snow lovers.

However, as you can guess, peak seasons come with drawbacks: high prices and large crowds (especially in August and December).

Spring is a good time, but it can be risky as some areas may still have snow, leading to road closures and limited access to certain trails. It’s also one of the rainiest seasons, along with autumn, so if you go, you’d better check the weather forecasts. That said, the colors during this time are stunning!

Autumn is another great time to visit the Dolomites, although the landscapes start to take on those characteristic yellow and brown hues and it gets a bit chilly. Rainfall is also common and could disrupt your plans.

If we had to choose, we would recommend visiting in May, June, September, and October.

Here’s a chart displaying average temperature and precipitation in the Dolomites throughout the year. Keep this in mind for packing and planning purposes.

Top Attractions in the Dolomites

In this post, we detail the 15 best things to see and do in the Dolomites, but here’s a sneak peek at five must-see spots for a first-time visit:

• Lago di Braies
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo
• Passo Giau
• Val di Funes
• Lago di Carezza

Important Information about Alpe di Siusi

To reach this beautiful plateau, you must get to the village of Compatsch. Here’s the catch: you can only access the village before 9:00 AM or after 5:00 PM (private vehicles are not allowed during peak hours). We had read that this applied only during peak season, but when we visited at the end of September, it was still the case (and a local information center confirmed it’s year-round).

There’s also a fee: parking costs €19 daily, regardless of how long you stay. Quite pricey, right?

You can also reach it by cable car from Siusi allo Sciliar for €20 round trip.

Important Information about Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Do you think the only concern about trekking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo is muscle soreness? Not quite; the real headache starts with your wallet. The toll for access and parking from where the trails start (Refugio Auronzo) costs €30 -_- . The road is open approximately from late May to early November. For more information, check here.

There are two alternatives: take a bus (only active in peak season) or walk.

Bus

• If you’re coming from the Veneto region, the route leaves from Albergo Misurina to Refugio Auronzo. It takes 20 minutes and costs €4 (Dolomiti Bus).
• If you’re coming from the Trentino region, you’ll need to take shuttle 444 from Dobbiaco to Refugio Auronzo. The ticket costs €15 round trip, so if you’re two, it will cost the same as parking.

Walking to Refugio Auronzo

This isn’t a stroll in the park: expect to hike for about 3 hours along trail 119 from Lago di Antorno to Refugio Auronzo. You might want to just pay for parking instead!

Best Trekking Routes in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are not for the faint-hearted, and most visitors arrive with a clear goal: to make the most of their time discovering some of the great classics of mountaineering. They load their backpacks with hiking boots and a desire to conquer peaks, trek through trails, and enjoy movie-like landscapes.

However, some may have limited time or stamina for extensive hiking, prompting the question: what are the best trekking routes in the Dolomites? Preferences vary, but a few classics never disappoint:

• Loop around Tre Cime di Lavaredo, 15 km (450m elevation gain), expect to take about 3-4 hours to complete.
• Lago di Sorapis, 13 km (600m elevation gain) which takes about 4-5 hours.
• Lago di Braies, while calling it a trek is a stretch, it’s more of a 4 km circular walk (80m elevation gain) that won’t take more than an hour.
• Circular Cinque Torri from Passo Giau: 9 km (450m accumulated elevation), estimated time: around 3 hours.

If you're traveling to the Dolomites with children or are less physically active, check out these easier routes.

How Many Days to Spend in the Dolomites?

The ideal answer is the more the better, but we know time is often limited. We suggest that a week is perfect for a first visit to the Dolomites, especially if you want to see the most famous spots and tackle a few treks.

We spent 4 days exploring numerous sites without rushing too much, but there’s a catch: due to some unfavorable weather, we skipped several planned treks and used that extra time to explore a few off-the-beaten-path towns and lakes.

⭐ Here’s our 4-day itinerary in the Dolomites.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

Your accommodation choice will depend on the type of trip you’re planning:

If you want to focus on a specific area, it’s best to base yourself in one place and use each day for nearby excursions. In this case, we recommend looking for accommodations in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Canazei, Ortisei, or Vigo di Fassa.

→ Book your accommodation in the Dolomites at the best prices here

If, on the other hand, you want to utilize your car for a proper road trip, it’s ideal to change accommodations on the go to avoid backtracking. This is the option we chose. Here are our accommodations:

• Hotel El Laresh (Moana, near Lago di Carezza)
• Hotel Medil (Campitello di Fassa, near Canazei)
• Hotel Boite (Borca di Cadore, in Valle d’Ampezzo)

Many of the hotels scattered throughout the Dolomites offer heated pools and free saunas. Trust us; there’s nothing like ending a long day in the mountains with a spa session. So don't forget your swimsuit and swimming cap (that way you won’t have to buy one there).

Mountain Refuges

An interesting experience is staying in mountain refuges, accommodations found in high mountain areas that can only be reached after a few hours of hiking (though some can also be accessed by car). The feeling of being in an isolated place surrounded by mountains and starry skies is unique.

Remember to contact them weeks (even months) in advance to reserve a spot (ask if sheets are included or if you need to rent them, and whether bringing a sleeping bag is recommended). They may not be cheap, but typically include dinner and breakfast in the price.

Travel Insurance for the Dolomites

We have the IATI Annual Multi-Trip insurance that covers all trips of up to 90 days, perfect for those who travel often. For a short trip, we recommend the IATI Escapadas insurance designed for such plans.

It’s affordable and includes coverage for adventure sports: treks below 3,000 meters (which is sufficient), activities in lakes and rivers, cycling tourism, and even covers bike theft if you plan to cycle in the Dolomites. More info.

⭐ Get 5% off on your travel insurance with IATI here.

Cable Cars (Funivia) and Chairlifts

With so many mountains, it’s no surprise that the network of cable cars and chairlifts is extensive… although we didn’t realize just how vast it was! You might need a master's degree to understand all of them, the passes that save you money, and which are the best options. However, once you get a grasp, the experience is amazing.

Riding these “sky elevators” is an adventure within the adventure and will save you precious time (and unnecessary soreness) while flying over breathtaking landscapes. Just keep in mind that they aren’t cheap, although there are some daily passes that allow you to use several in one day.

It’s essential to differentiate between cable cars, which are closed cabins that usually operate year-round (but not all, so watch out) and are used to reach viewpoints and high mountain areas with ski slopes and hiking routes, making them more tourist-oriented. And the chairlifts, which mainly operate in winter and are dedicated to skiing.

Here are what we consider the best cable cars in the Dolomites:

• Sass Pordoi (Dolomites Terrace)
• Seceda
• Alpe di Siusi
• Marmolada

⭐ On this website, you can check prices, webcams, which ones are open, and purchase daily passes.

Always Check the Webcams

Planning to ride one of these cable cars? Our advice is to check the webcams first for live images of the top station. You might spoil the surprise, but at least you’ll know if the weather is decent (paying for a ticket to get up there only to see fog isn’t fun).

Cost of Traveling to the Dolomites

We regret to bring bad news: it’s not a particularly cheap destination, but you won’t have to mortgage your house either. If we compare with prices in Swiss or Austrian Alps, we can say that the Italian Dolomites are a real bargain!

Two main factors influence your final budget: activities and season. If you plan to ride all the cable cars, visit the main tourist attractions (and pay for parking), or take a ski trip, it’ll cost you (consider rethinking that mortgage).

Additionally, if you intend to travel during peak season, accommodation prices are higher, and many activities and services like cable cars cost more, which decreases during the low season.

Here’s a brief list of reference prices in the area:

• Accommodation in a decent hotel in a double room with a private bathroom (high season/low season): €90/€60
• Meals at a local restaurant: generally, prices are slightly higher than the “standard Italian.” First courses cost around €10-15 and second courses €15-20. Ask if they have a daily menu (menú del giorno), usually around €10-15, including two dishes (excluding drinks).
• Beer in a bar or restaurant: €4-5 for a half-liter.
• Capuccino in a café: €1.50.
• Parking for the Tre Cime di Lavaredo trek: €30.
• Parking at Lago di Braies: €10 (for 3 hours).
• Cable car prices: from €20-40 round trip.

What to Eat in the Dolomites

The cuisine of the Dolomites, like that of other mountain areas in northern Italy, is made up of simple yet hearty products. Stews, roasts, soups, and rich broths. And of course, pasta! Their culinary tradition is influenced by neighboring Austria, and it’s not uncommon to see recipes and dishes written in the original language.

Here’s a short list of typical dishes you must try:

• Canederli, gnocchi made from bread and other ingredients (herbs, cheese, spinach, speck) typical of the alpine region.
• Polenta with meat or mushrooms, another staple dish in the Dolomites.
• Speck, the most famous (and delicious) cured meat from Trentino Alto Adige. It’s a smoked ham that’s absolutely delightful. It’s included in charcuterie boards and is also found in other dishes like pizza or polenta.
• Spätzle, gnocchi made with spinach and wheat, elongated and irregular in shape. They are usually served with butter but can also be enjoyed in broth.
• Strudel, the king of desserts without competition 🙂. It’s a tart filled with apples, raisins, nuts, sugar, and spices.

Extra tip: if you want to save some money, head to a supermarket, buy bread, speck, and cheese, and enjoy a picnic with great views by the lakeside or at one of the many picnic areas you’ll encounter.

⭐ Here are the 10 dishes to try on a trip to the Dolomites.

We always strive to keep our articles as updated as possible, but sometimes things slip through the cracks. If you’ve visited the destination recently and noticed changes in prices or certain information is no longer valid, please let us know, and we’ll update the information. Thank you for your help!

More tips for traveling to the Dolomites

Before you go, check out these handy recommendations that will surely come in handy:

• The early bird catches the worm… especially if you’re traveling to the Dolomites in peak season, when we assure you, you won’t be the only one eager to enjoy the wonders of this land. 😉 We recommend waking up early, especially to visit crowded places like Lago di Braies, Lago di Carezza, or to tackle popular trails like Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
• The Dolomites are also a perfect destination for ski lovers, boasting some of the best infrastructure and landscapes in Europe. A great base for fully enjoying the snow is Cortina d’Ampezzo (the outskirts are better as the town itself is quite expensive). A useful site for checking piste info and learning about passes and prices is Dolomitisuperski.
• There are also excellent spa centers in the Dolomites. Some of the most popular include QC Terme Dolomiti, Terme Dolomia, or Terme di Merano. However, as mentioned, many accommodations also have their spa facilities.
• If you have a Spanish SIM card, you won’t need to worry about internet access, as roaming is not an issue, and you can use it just like at home.
• The weather forecasts from Google work quite well, but we were recommended to also check Meteoblue.
• Always research the difficulty level of the trails and, of course, come prepared: remember that you’re in the mountains, and precautions and common sense are essential. Bring a rain jacket, some thermal clothing, and a reusable water bottle.

Do you have more tips, recommendations, or advice for traveling to the Dolomites? We hope this post can assist you in planning a perfect trip to the Dolomites in Italy!

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