What to Do in the Dolomites: 7 Unmissable Experiences in Italy’s Mountain Paradise

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for their jagged limestone peaks, fairytale villages, and year-round outdoor adventures. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Dolomites in summer or winter with whatever activities you have planned!

Discover the Dolomites: What to Know and Where to Go

If you’re wondering what to do in the Dolomites, here are seven unforgettable experiences that showcase the best of this alpine wonderland:

Drive a Mountain Pass 

Driving the high-altitude passes in the Dolomites is a must for any visitor. Roads like Passo Gardena, Passo Sella, and Passo Pordoi wind through dramatic alpine scenery with panoramic views at every turn. These scenic drives connect many of the region’s top destinations and they are favorites of cyclists and photographers. Pack a picnic or stop at a mountain hut for lunch with a view!

Tour a South Tyrolean Town

The Dolomites are nestled in South Tyrol (Alto Adige), a fascinating region in northern Italy where Austrian and Italian cultures intertwine. Here, both German and Italian are official languages, and Ladin—a local Alpine language—is spoken in some valleys, adding even more richness to the region’s identity.

Charming towns like Ortisei, Bolzano, Brunico, and Bressanone offer more than just picturesque scenery—they provide a deep dive into a unique Alpine lifestyle. In Ortisei, you can admire colorful Alpine chalets and shop for the area’s renowned hand-carved wooden Nativity figures. Bolzano is home to the famous Ötzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, a neolithic man found entombed in ice in the region. Brunico, surrounded by lush forests and mountains, features a medieval castle and access to the Messner Mountain Museum. Bressanone offers its Baroque cathedral, cloisters, and serene riverside promenades.

These towns are ideal for slow travel, where you can soak in the scenery, appreciate the hospitality, and understand how centuries of history and geography have shaped a culture unique in Italy.

Go Hiking

The Dolomites are home to some of the most iconic hiking trails in Europe. Besides the sheer beauty, the Dolomites are unique because you can find breathtaking hikes at every fitness level, from easy family walks to challenging via ferrata routes. Thanks to the Dolomites’ excellent lift system, you can take a cable car or gondola up to higher elevations, meaning you skip the steepest climbs and start your hike already surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. The Seceda, Sass Pordoi, and Lagazuoi cable cars all bring you to jaw-dropping viewpoints in minutes. Also thanks to the excellent infrastructure, you can expect regular rifugi, or mountain huts, along the way. Ranging from rustic to five-star, these mountain huts offer a place to rest your feet and get a bite to eat along the way.  

Go Skiing in the Dolomiti Superski Area 

With nearly 750 miles of interconnected slopes, Dolomiti Superski is one of the largest ski networks in the world. Covering 12 ski areas and over 450 lifts on a single ski pass, it offers incredible variety and accessibility. Whether you stay in Val Gardena, Alta Badia, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or another resort town, you’ll find well-groomed pistes for every level—from gentle beginner runs to steep black diamonds and off-piste adventures. 

A must-do for intermediate skiers and above is the legendary Sella Ronda, a panoramic ski circuit that loops around the Sella Massif, allowing visitors to ski through four valleys in one day. And of course, don’t forget the joy of a wonderful après ski! 

Try Another Outdoor Sport 

While hiking and skiing are top draws, the Dolomites are a haven for other sports too. Cyclists can tour the valleys or challenge themselves on steep uphill climbs. Mountain bikers can enjoy routes throughout the mountain range, while families and casual riders can rent pedal-assisted or traditional bikes for scenic rides surrounded by dramatic peaks.

The region is also a world-class destination for rock climbing, with opportunities ranging from outdoor climbing walls to legendary via ferrata routes pioneered during World War I. In winter, beyond downhill skiing, you can enjoy snowshoeing, sledding, or cross-country skiing along well-maintained trails.

Adrenaline seekers can try paragliding over the jagged Dolomite peaks for a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of this alpine wonderland.

The Dolomites also hold a special place in Olympic history. Cortina d’Ampezzo, one of the area’s most famous resort towns, hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and is set to co-host the 2026 Winter Olympics alongside Milan. This Olympic heritage means that visitors can enjoy world-class sports infrastructure and even glide down some of the same slopes used by champions past and present.

Read more about why winter in Italy is perfect off-season trip!

Whatever your sport, the Dolomites offer endless outdoor adventure year-round.

Relax at the Spa

After a day of skiing, hiking, or exploring alpine towns, there’s nothing quite like unwinding in a Dolomites spa. The region is home to some of Italy’s best wellness hotels, many of which feature panoramic saunas, heated outdoor pools, and soothing treatments using local herbs. Soak in a hot outdoor bath, warmed from the crisp mountain air with views of the valleys and jagged peaks beyond. 

Towns like Merano, known for its historic thermal baths, and luxury resorts in Alta Badia or Val Gardena offer everything from traditional Tyrolean saunas to cutting-edge spa treatments.

Visit a Lake 

Whether you hike or drive, an alpine lake in the Dolomites is worth a special visit. Jaw-droppingly beautiful, these lakes are the perfect backdrop to your Dolomites tour. Known for their vivid colors, beautiful reflections, and serene surroundings, the region’s lakes are perfect for a relaxing picnic, paddleboat ride, or even a refreshing foot bath! 

With the variety of activities and stunning landscapes, the Dolomites are an ideal destination for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and curious travelers. Whether you’re hiking beneath the peaks, tasting Tyrolean cuisine, or skiing through snow-covered valleys, every moment here is surrounded by beauty.

Want to explore the Dolomites without the stress of planning? Join Ciao Andiamo on our Alpine Adventure small group tour to discover the region’s best-kept secrets with expert local guides, or let us help you create your own private adventure through the Dolomites and Northern Wonders!