A First-Timer’s Guide To the Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Dolomites

Imagine a world where jagged limestone peaks tear through the clouds, reflecting in alpine lakes so blue that they look painted! The Dolomites aren't just a mountain range, but Italy’s masterpiece. So, whether you are chasing the sunrise at Tre Cime di Lavaredo, wandering through the wildflower drenched meadows, or sipping prosecco at a high altitude rifugio, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a soul stirring blend of adventure and La Dolce Vita. 

Get ready to lace up your boots as you discover the best places in Dolomites along with hidden corners that make it the ultimate bucket list destination. 

Your ultimate Dolomites travel guide to the best places to visit in the mountain range 

Nestled in the northern reaches of Italy, the Dolomites are a masterclass in dramatic landscape, where pale limestone spires pierce the sky above the emerald meadows. A truly stunning destination, it is the place where the rugged Alpine adventure meets the effortless elegance of the Italian lifestyle, offering everything from world class hiking trails to sun drenched terraces that are perfect for an afternoon aperitivo. Here are some of the top things to do in Dolomites.

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo 

The undisputed king of the Sexten Dolomites, these are three massive limestone monoliths that stand like silent sentinels against the sky. One of the top Dolomites things to do is to walk the loop trail around them, which will make you feel like you are trekking through a lunar landscape, where the sheer scale of the vertical rock walls makes everything else seem miniature. It is the quintessential Dolomites experience that offers a raw and high altitude beauty that stays with you long after you have descended. 

2. Lago di Braies

Known as the Pearl of the Dolomites, this is an emerald-green lake that is perhaps the most photographed spot in Italy's alpine north. Tucked at the foot of the imposing Croda del Becco, its waters perfectly mirror the surrounding forest and stone. Whether you are drifting across the lake in a vintage wooden rowing boat or strolling the easy shoreline path, the atmosphere is one of pure, cinematic fairy tale magic!

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3. Seceda Ridgeline 

For a view that defines dramatic, one of the best places to visit in Dolomites is the Seceda Ridgeline. From the summit, the Odle Mountains appear as a jagged, titled wave of rock that has been frozen in time, dropping off into a vertiginous abyss on one side and rolling into lush green pastures on the other. A must visit Dolomites travel destination, this place is accessible by a cable car from Ortisei, offering world class scenery with surprisingly little effort, making it a favourite for hikers and photographers alike. 

4. Alpe di Siusi 

As the largest high altitude alpine meadow in Europe, Alpe di Siusi is a sprawling carpet of wildflowers and rolling hills. Framed as the iconic Schlern and Sassolungo massifs, the plateau feels like a pastoral dreamscape where the only sounds are the distant clinking of cowbells and the wind through the grass. Visiting this destination is among the top things to do in Dolomites, where you have the opportunity to slow down, whether you are enjoying a gentle walk or a sunset bike ride. 

5. Val di Funes

This Dolomites travel destination is the epitome of alpine serenity, home to the world famous St Johann in Ranui church. This tiny, baroque chapel sits solo in a vast emerald meadow, which is backed by the pale mountains of the Geisler peaks that glow pink at sunset. It is a place where time seems to have slowed down, offering a quiet and authentic glimpse into the traditional South Tyrolean way of life. 

6. Passo Giau 

Connecting the Ampezzo Valley with the Val Fiorentina, this is among the best places to visit in Dolomites and is arguably the most stunning mountain pass in the world. As you reach the summit, you are greeted by a 360 degree panorama of the Dolomites’ most famous peaks, including the Nuvolau and the Tofane. Visiting this place is among the top Dolomites things to do for trippers and cyclists who crave hairpin turns paired with legendary views. 

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7. Cortina d’Ampezzo 

The Queen of the Dolomites, it is here where the rugged adventure meets the high end Italian style. Surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of peaks, this glamorous town has also hosted the Winter Olympics this year along with a number of countless film sets. Between excursions, you can wander the Corso Italia, browse designer boutiques, or enjoy an aperitivo at a chic cafe, soaking in an atmosphere that is uniquely sophisticated yet deeply rooted in the mountain tradition. 

8. Messner Mountain Museum 

A visit to the Messner Mountain Museum feels like a journey into the soul of the peaks. Created by climbing legend Reinhold Messner, these are six sites, which also includes the stunning Zaha Hadidi designed MMM Corones, is where you can explore the relationship between man and the mountains. This place to visit in Dolomites is not just about galleries, but they are architectural marvels perched on summits and tucked into old forts, offering profound insights into the Art of Mountaineering.