Dolomite Holidays
Champagne air, awe-inspiring mountains and green forests is what the
Parco Nazionale delle Dolomiti Bellunesi is all about. It is a place of
great peace and of 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 winter people still visit but I am not a great one for the cold so my
preference is summer.
Others say that the park and the Dolomites in
general 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.
About the Dolomiti Bellunesi Park
One of the world’s most beautiful mountain reserves, extending over
32,000 hectares and 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, is a wonderfully common occurrence. I can still remember the first time I saw a lone deer standing in a field of flowers - 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 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.
The colors of this lake, the setting; you will not forget them for a long time. Every minute of the day it changes, every season is another world. Watch the video below to see what I mean.
Our Lago di Braies Tip: In summer the lake gets crowded and parking is limited. Go very early. By 9 a.m. the crowds have already arrived.
Make sure it is a clear day - the lake doesn't look nearly as good when it is overcast.
Lago di Sorapis
Lago di Sorapis
The great news is that this lake is far less crowded than Lago di Braies and maybe even lovelier.
The bad news? It is far harder to get to which is probably why there are fewer tourists. Once you have parked your car at the Passo Tre Croci starting point you need to hike 14 kilometers.
Our Tip: Go early and make sure the weather is clear for the day ahead. If it isn't don't attempt it. You will need proper hiking gear and you will need to be fit.
Where to Stay
Agriturismo Sant'Anna (see photo to the right) is a great place to stay. I felt a little like Heidi when we visited, dancing through the meadows and singing away.
Probably just the mountain air that makes you feel a little lightheaded and a little crazier than normal. Still you never know...visit and let me know what it did for you!
Another good option is to stay in Belluno and use it as a base to explore. Belluno is a lovely town in its own right and certainly one of the prettiest mountain towns in Italy.
Do pay a visit to a little town nearby that I love dearly called Alleghe - don't miss it, it is enchanting!
You'll Enjoy These...
A city to enchant you, to capture your heart. These pictures of Vicenza will give you a taste of what you can expect from a city that should be...
Island, waterfalls, botanical gardens and the soaring Mount Baldo. You'll be stunned by the natural beauty of a landscape called by some earth's Eden.
Piovene Rocchette is a pleasant little Veneto village with an interesting old town that meanders its way up the slopes of the legendary local mountain, Monte Summano.
This famous Verona castle was built in the 14th century, by Cangrande “Rabid Dog” della Scala. The castle includes an escape route across...
Some lovely pictures of Veneto and Venice Italy. Our site is an insiders guide to this magical region of Italy. A ghost can be seen in the third photo
Veneto Italy is full of secrets, a place of great natural beauty, ancient medieval villages and two of the greatest cities on earth. Discover the Veneto...
Want to visit the balcony of Romeo and Juliet in Verona Italy? Read more about the balcony, romance and Verona in our Secrets of Verona Guide.
If you've been to Venice and Verona you'll know it's true, these cities are irresistible. Click through and spend 5 minutes with us and you'll see why.
Looking to buy gold jewellery in Italy? No place beats Vicenza, The world capital of gold jewellery making. Visit the home of Italian gold!
On the doorstep of Venice summer beach fun is in full swing on the long sandy shores of Caorle.
Verona is a magnificent city. Enjoy these gorgeous photos and a funny video or two while joining me, Maria, in discovering its secrets.
Need a good restaurant in Padova? Well, we've discovered just the place: a little family run restaurant serving traditional dishes in the heart of the old town.
Discover Belluno Italy, one of the loveliest setting of any town in Italy - just look at the photos! Known as the mountain Venice.
From Verona to Venice and beyond I have selected the best Veneto hotels and bed and breakfasts. My family has lived here for generations and these hotels are those I can recommend with confidence....
Young children may get bored on a continual diet of history and museums in Italy. Santorso is the answer...
Padova is not only worth visiting; it is a must-see destination. City of bicycles, city of canals, city of medieval wonders Padova is all of this and much more.
The best of all the luxury hotels in Venice Italy? Read my insider’s guide and discover the answer. ...
Borghetto sul Mincio is one of Italy's loveliest villages. You won't believe how gorgeous it is! WARNING: These photos risk causing you to fall hopelessly in love with this magical spot.
Venice is number on our Italian bucket list and it should be on yours too. In this city of enchantment no time spent here is ever enough...
Marostica is famous for its chess festival, with real live knights and ladies battling it out on a huge board. Discover this medieval gem.
Borgetto sul Mincio is a tiny little village, almost a hamlet really; only a short distance away from Lake Garda and Verona this is one village you do not want to miss.
A guide to Valpolicella wine and insider tips on how best to tour the magical Valpolicella region of the Veneto.
The town of Asolo is always considered to be one of the loveliest towns in all of Italy. For centuries it has drawn artists, writers and poets. Here's why...
Give the gift of love straight from Italy - the land of amore. Have you experienced a summer in Italy? We've a way for you to bring that joy home with you...
What a sheer joy Bassano Del Grappa is. Even during summer you'll find none of the crush of tourists so common in Italy and yet there is so much to see
Please Book with Us... Maria here, if you enjoy my site I'd love your support.
Simply book your next trip anywhere (not only to Italy) via the link below or with any of the hotel links on the website.
You'll get the best deal available and the income I receive helps me to remain independent and to keep bringing you more of beautiful Italy.
Click to Begin
More Travel Tips:
- Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
- Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda both help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability on the days of your travels
- Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
- Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
- Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
- Get Insured with TravelInsurance.com
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.