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Italy · South Tyrol and Veneto

The Dolomites travel guide

Jagged peaks for hiking in summer and skiing in winter

Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1h 45mflight from London
VCEnearest main airport
14° in Julwarmest month
-7° in Jancoolest month

The Dolomites are a range of pale limestone peaks in the north-east, with rock towers that glow pink at sunset. They're a UNESCO site and one of the best places in Europe for hiking.

In summer, cable cars lift you onto high trails and mountain huts. In winter, the Dolomiti Superski area links hundreds of kilometres of slopes.

Good forHikingSkiingSceneryPhotography

What The Dolomites is known for

  • Dramatic peaks

    Rock towers that glow pink at sunset.

  • Skiing

    The Sella Ronda circuit and Dolomiti Superski area.

  • Hiking and via ferrata

    Trails and fixed-cable climbs between mountain huts.

  • Alpine food

    A mix of Italian and Austrian dishes, like dumplings and strudel.

Top things to do in The Dolomites

  1. 1

    Tre Cime di Lavaredo

    A loop walk around the three famous peaks, about four hours.

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  2. 2

    Seceda

    A cable car up to a dramatic ridge above Val Gardena.

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  3. 3

    Lago di Braies

    An emerald lake with rowing boats below sheer cliffs.

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  4. 4

    Alpe di Siusi

    Europe's largest high alpine meadow, great for easy walks.

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  5. 5

    Cortina d'Ampezzo

    The glamorous ski town and host of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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See all tours and tickets in The Dolomites

Where to stay in The Dolomites

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Best time to visit The Dolomites

Best value: Dec–Mar, May, Sep. June to September for hiking, and December to March for skiing. May and November are quiet, with many lifts and huts closed.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-6.9 C-7°J-6.1 C-6°F-1.4 C-1°M3.5 C4°A7.8 C8°M12.3 C12°J14.1 C14°J13.6 C14°A9.3 C9°S5.1 C5°O0.1 C0°N-5.2 C-5°D
Bar height is the average temperature in The Dolomites, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 1h 45m from London to VCE, and flights from most UK airports.

A hire car makes it easiest. Local buses link the valleys in summer, and lift passes cover the cable cars.

Find flights to The Dolomites (VCE)

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Good to know

  • Book mountain huts early for July and August.
  • Lago di Braies and Tre Cime have road access limits and booking in summer.
  • Weather changes fast: carry layers and waterproofs even on sunny days.
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The Dolomites FAQ

Which airport is best for the Dolomites?

Venice, Verona or Innsbruck, all about two to three hours' drive.

Do I need a car?

It helps a lot, though buses work in summer for the main valleys.

More places in Italy

Back to the Italy travel guide + Add The Dolomites to your bucket list