Dolomite Holidays

Champagne air, awe-inspiring mountains, and green forests are what the Dolomites are all about. It is a place of great peace and exceptional natural beauty.

Holidays in the Dolomites are the ideal summer retreat; if you have children, they will love it, and if you enjoy hiking, cycling, and outdoor sports, so will you.

In the winter, people still visit, mostly for the skiing, but I am not a great one for the cold, so my preference is summer.

Others say that the Dolomites are more spectacular when covered by snow in winter, but I would rather see the park when it is lush, green, and carpeted with flowers.

However, if winter sports are more your thing, then our Veneto winter holiday guide is a must-read.

Funes

Funes

Nestled in the picturesque Val di Funes, surrounded by rolling green meadows and the awe-inspiring Dolomite peaks, lies Funes.

As you wander through Funes, you'll stumble upon a sight that seems like it belongs in a storybook. Amidst the pastoral beauty, a small church emerges from the lush fields. This quaint chapel is dedicated to St. John the Baptist and dates back centuries.

The Church in a Field is not only a religious sanctuary but also a symbol of Funes' deep connection with its surroundings. Surrounded by a stunning natural landscape, this humble church is a place where you can pause, reflect, and find solace.

To experience the true charm of Funes, plan your visit during the warmer months, when the meadows come alive with vibrant wildflowers. From June to September, the valley transforms into a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi

The Bellunesi Dolomites National Park is one of the world’s most beautiful mountain reserves, extending over 32,000 hectares, and is of huge botanical importance in preserving indigenous Alpine vegetation and fauna.

If you visit the park between March and November, I can recommend that you do the Val Falcina trail. It requires no great physical exertion and takes only two hours, but it will give you a good idea of the park.

The trail offers some memorable views of snow-capped peaks and follows the course of the Val Falcina stream through forests and flower-filled meadows.

Encounters with deer and mountain goats grazing in mountain meadows and forest glades are a wonderfully common occurrence. I can still remember the first time I saw a lone deer standing in a field of flowers with butterflies dancing from flower to flower—exactly like something out of Bambi.

Of course, there are many more trails of varying difficulty, and they are all well marked and not difficult to follow. It is really up to you as to how much you want to exert yourself.

Nearby Lakes

To the north of the Bellunesi National Park are some of the most awe-inspiring lakes in Italy. These are our two favorites...

Lake Braies

Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee.

Lago di Braies, also known as Lake Braies, is a lake of crystal-clear turquoise waters that reflect the surrounding peaks and emerald forests that seem to embrace the tranquil waters in a protective embrace. The allure of Lago di Braies lies not only in its natural beauty but also in the sense of tranquility it imparts upon you. Lago di Braies is like stepping into a dream. The peace and harmony of the place are truly remarkable. Of course, in the summer months it is a madhouse of tourists, so rather try to visit in spring, early summer, or early autumn and get there early.

Beyond its enchanting beauty, Lago di Braies offers an array of activities. Take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, breathing in the crisp mountain air. Or embark on a boating adventure, gliding across the mirror-like surface of the lake as you soak in the surrounding majesty.

For a truly captivating experience, Marco, a local guide, recommends exploring the hiking trails that wind their way through the surrounding forests: "The trails around Lago di Braies offer a chance to connect with nature on a deeper level. From leisurely walks to challenging hikes, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the Prato Piazza hike—it offers panoramic vistas that will leave you in awe."

To reach Lake Braies, you really need to rent a car and drive through the picturesque valleys of South Tyrol, savoring the awe-inspiring landscapes along the way. The route from Verona to Lago di Braies (Lake Braies) takes you on a picturesque journey through the stunning landscapes of northern Italy. Here's a suggested route from Verona:

Verona to Dobbiaco

Take the A22/E45 autostrada north (toll road). Exit at Bressanone/Val Pusteria. Follow SS49 east through Brunico, then continue to Dobbiaco (Toblach).
Tip: This route is faster and more direct than the more scenic SS241. If you have the time, then the scenic route is lovely.

Dobbiaco to Lago di Braies

From Dobbiaco, take SS51 (Alemagna) north to Villabassa/Niederdorf. Turn left onto SP24, following signs for Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee. 

Summer Access Restrictions (July–Sept, 9:30 AM–4 PM):

No private cars are allowed past the checkpoint after 9:30 am. You must park in Niederrasen (Rasun Anterselva) and take a shuttle bus to the lake (€12 round-trip, 15 minutes). Shuttle reservations may be required during peak season.

If arriving before 9:30 AM: Drive directly to Parking P1 or P2 near the lake (€40/day). Arrive early—it fills up fast!

Remember to check for any road closures or specific driving restrictions in the area before embarking on your journey. 

Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomite Mountains, Lake Sorapis offers a serene alpine escape; this pristine lake should be on your itinerary. Here's how to reach Lake Sorapis from Verona:

Verona to Cortina d'Ampezzo
Take the A22/E45 north. Exit at Bressanone/Val Pusteria, then take SS49 east through Dobbiaco and Carbonin. From there, follow SS51 south to Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Cortina d'Ampezzo to Passo Tre Croci
From Cortina, follow SR48 east toward Passo Tre Croci (~20 min drive).
Tip: Fuel up and stock up in Cortina—no services at the pass.

Trailhead Parking
At Passo Tre Croci, park near the roadside. The trailhead for Trail 215 to Rifugio Vandelli begins there.
Arrive early (by 8 AM in summer); parking fills quickly!

Hike Details

• Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 mi) one-way (~2–3 hours up)
• Difficulty: Moderate-to-challenging (some exposed sections with cables; wear sturdy shoes)
• Highlights: waterfalls, Forcella Marcuoira, and that stunning turquoise lake!

Important Advice

• Best time: June–September (trail is snow-free)
• When embarking on this journey, it's important to be well-prepared. Ensure you have appropriate hiking gear, including sturdy footwear and sufficient water and snacks. Check weather conditions and trail information before setting out, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine environment.