The Dolomites are part of the Alpine mountains that fall on the territory of Italy. Many people know these places for winter trips to ski resorts. These are my childhood memories too: cheese fondue, apple strudel, ski slopes, restaurants on the slopes of the mountains, overnight stays in a cozy chalet and an evening sauna.
Why travel to the Dolomites in summer?
In summer, the Dolomites are owned by hikers and cyclists. Alpine landscapes in summer are even more beautiful than winter ones. You seem to be transported into the Milka chocolate commercial and the Lord of the Rings films at the same time.
All day you walk among green meadows and mountain peaks, swim or ride a boat in the lakes, dine in restaurants on the mountain with stunning views, eat strudels and drink aperol. And in the evening, a cozy mountain chalet and spa with panoramic windows to nature awaits you. Golf clubs and mountain bike trails are open even in summer.
What to see in the Dolomites in summer?
1.Lago di Como
From Como you can start your journey to the Dolomites. Arriving in Milan, take off your car and drive to the lake. Here you can stay for a few days, walking around the villas and exploring the hiking trails in the mountains, or just drive along the picturesque coastline, stopping in beautiful cities, walk, eat ice cream, pizza and move on.
Best places to visit around Como Lake:
- Villa del Balbianello
- Menaggio
- Varenna
- Villa Monastero
- Bellagio
2. Passo dello Stelvio
This is a very beautiful mountain road on the way from Lake Como to Bolzano. Everything in the best traditions of the Alpine roads: serpentine, cows, waterfalls, cliffs and restaurants on these very cliffs. I highly recommend driving here.
Follow this link to read about this route.
3. Alpe Di Siusi Valley
Awesome place. Alpe di Siusi is a high-altitude valley with many hiking trails, a ski resort, spa hotels. Here you can rent a room in a cozy chalet with spa and stay for a few days.
Follow this link to read my article about the best places to visit around the valley.
4. Seceda mountain
Seceda mountain is truly one of the most picturesque places in the Dolomites. You hike on the very top of the mountain with an attitude of 2500 meters featuring dramatic views with alpine meadows, snow peaks and cozy chalets the entire way.
Read this article to learn more about this place: Hiking Seceda mountain. Half-day track with stunning views.
5. Geisler Alm
One of the most Instagrammed places in the Dolomites. Rifugio Delle Odle is a mountain hut with an excellent restaurant, located in the Puez-Geisler National Park in an alpine meadow surrounded by mountain peaks.
To get there, tap “Rifugio Delle Odle” in the navigator, you will reach the parking lot. There will be a sign in the direction of the hut. 1.5 hours of hiking and you are there.
6. Mountain lakes in the Dolomites
The most famous mountain lakes in the Dolomites are Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis and Lago di Carezza.
Lago di Sorapis is the most interesting one, as it can only be reached on foot. Hiking will take approximately 1.5 hours from the nearest parking lot. Therefore, there will be much fewer people here than on Lago di Braies and Lago di Carezza, where parking and restaurants are close to the lake.
In this article I’m writing how to get to Lago di Sorapis: Top-3 places to visit around Cortina d’Ampezzo in Dolomites.
7. Tre cime di Lavaredo
The hike Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop is one of the most iconic hiking trails in the Dolomites. People come here from all over the world to enjoy these wonderful views.
Read more about this attraction by following this link: Tre Cime di Lavaredo – the most beautiful hike in Dolomites.
8. Lago di Garda
Garda is one of the points of attraction for tourists from all over the world. I never understood them until I came to Garda myself. It is very beautiful in here. Mountains on the one side and vineyards and typical Italian palazzos on another. You can also stay on Garda for several days, ride a boat from one lake town to another, ride a bike along the numerous mountain paths and have dinner overlooking the lake.
And of course you may finish your trip to the Dolomites in Milan. Although, after being in the mountains, returning to the metropolis will be painful, my guides will help you:
- 14 restaurants in Milan city center to eat cheap, tasty and with a view
- Top-11 places to visit in Milan in one or two days or during the long layover.
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