Adventurous TRAVEL GUIDE TO the Dolomites

Spring (April–May) is generally not recommended for visiting: this is because when most trails are still snowed in or very muddy. In addition, many lifts and huts are closed, and hotels often shut down between winter and summer seasons.

Similarly, November is an off-month to avoid – after the autumn hiking season but before ski season – during which many hotels, restaurants, and lifts are closed for maintenance or holidays

How long you should spend in the Dolomites is a bit like asking, “How long is a piece of string?”

It really depends on your interests, pace, and travel style.

If you're just aiming to tick off a few postcard-worthy highlights with scenic drives and quick stops, 3 days can give you a glimpse. But it will feel rushed, and you’ll spend a lot of time behind the wheel rather than out exploring.

For a more meaningful and enjoyable trip, I recommend spending at least 6 days in the Dolomites. This allows time for travel to and from the airport, gives you the flexibility to visit multiple areas, and lets you soak in the diverse landscapes without constantly driving or feeling rushed.

Ideally, you should split your stay across two regions, for example, basing yourself in both the eastern and western Dolomites, to cut down on transit time and maximise what you can see and do. (More on that below)

From personal experience, a trip of 7 to 14 days is perfect, with 10 days being the sweet spot, especially if you’re into hiking, photography, or outdoor adventure. The Dolomites are vast, and even after multiple visits, there is still so much I haven’t seen and want to explore.  

Keep in mind that travel in the mountains is slower than it looks on a map.  Winding roads, weather conditions, and elevation changes all impact your schedule. So, build in some buffer time or a rest day, stay flexible, and don’t overpack your itinerary. While even a short trip is worthwhile, an extended stay will let you truly appreciate the full beauty and diversity of the Dolomites.

How you reach the Dolomites will depend on your starting point and itinerary.

If travelling from outside of Italy or central Europe, the best way to get to the Dolomites is to fly into a major nearby city and then travel by road. Here are some of the closest airports and travel times to reach the Dolomites:

• Venice Marco Polo (VCE) - The closest major airport; direct shuttle buses run to Cortina and other towns. Good option for travellers who won’t rent a car. 2 hours to Cortina

• Venice Treviso (TSF) Smaller airport near Venice served by budget airlines. 2 hours to Cortina

• Milan Bergamo (BGY), Linate (LIN) or Malpensa (MXP) - Further away but sometimes cheaper flight, 3–4 hours to the dolomites

• Innsbruck, Austria (INN) - Convenient for the northern Dolomites; good train connections to South Tyrol. 2 hours to Cortina

• Munich (MUC), Germany - 3.5–4 hours to Cortina

Once you arrive in one of these gateway cities, you can either rent a car (the most flexible option; see below) or use public transport.

There are train lines that get you close to the Dolomites, where you can then connect to regional buses. Direct bus services also exist from some cities: besides the Venice–Cortina bus, there are summer bus shuttles from Milan or Verona to certain Dolomite towns, and even a Flixbus from Venice or Munich to Dobbiaco.

If coming from elsewhere in Italy or central Europe, then its worth driving your own car.

The Dolomites are spread over a large area. Picking the right base(s) reduces driving time and helps you focus on nearby hikes. For short trips (3 days), stay in one town to avoid  the hassle of checking in and out. For longer trips, I would recommend split your stay across two or three areas. Recommended regions include:

• Western Dolomites – Val Gardena. Towns like Selva and Ortisei and offer access to the Sella massif, Seceda ridge, Alpe di Siusi and the Gardena & Sella passes. Val Gardena has one of the best bus networks, making it a good option if you are not driving.

• Central dolomites - Towns like Corvara and San cassiano around the Alta Badia ski resort offer easy routes west and east via the Pordoi, Gardena and Falzergo passes.

• Eastern Dolomites – Cortina d’Ampezzo, Misurina, Dobbianco. Closer to Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago Sorapis, Passo Giau, Cinque Torri, and Lago Di Braies. Cortina is busy and a lot  pricier but has good facilities

• Southern Dolomites – Val di Fassa & Madonna di Campiglio. Great for exploring the Brenta Dolomites and Passo Rolle.

When choosing accommodation, consider minimum‑stay requirements (often 2–3 nights in peak season) and book well in advance as July and August fill up quickly.

Personally I would look to stay 2 nights in one place before moving on, that way you can have a mini-base and not be constantly moving your stuff to and from your vehicle.

If I was going to stay for a week, I would look to split my route up as follows

• 2-3 nights in the West

• 2 nights in the central Dolomites

• 2 nights in the East

• Rifugio (mountain huts). One of the most unique experiences is spending a night in a rifugio. These high‑altitude huts (often accessible only by foot or via cable car) provide dorm beds or small rooms, dinner and breakfast at reasonable prices. You’ll wake up among the peaks, avoiding long descents to the valley and witnessing sunrise in the mountains. Advance reservations are essential in summer; many huts book out months ahead.

• Hotels & guesthouses. Ranging from simple B&Bs to luxury spa hotels. Many offer half‑board and ski‑in/ski‑out access in winter.

• Self‑catering apartments. Ideal for families or longer stays; often cheaper per night than hotels.

• Camping & campervan sites. The Dolomites have numerous campgrounds with facilities. Wild camping is generally not permitted; use designated sites or area sosta camper (overnight campervan areas).

• Bivaccos – these are unmanned shelters (often metal or stone cabins) high in the mountains. They’re always open and free to use but have no custodians, food or amenities. They are usually used for emergency situations and are operated on a first come, first served basis. As they have no amenities, visitors need to bring their own sleeping and cooking equipment, alongside food and water, leaving the shelter as they found it.

Hiring a car is generally the easiest way to explore the region. Roads in the Dolomites are paved and well‑maintained, so a 4×4 isn’t necessary. However, expect winding mountain passes with numerous hairpin bends; the “Tornante” signs count down the bends to the top.

Distances that look short can take a while due to the twisting roads. Public buses exist, but they serve mainly major towns or connect to specific trailheads; outside of Val Gardena’s good bus network, public transport isn’t very practical for getting around.

When booking your rental, I would recommend using Discover Cars.

I’ve used them multiple times because they search both local and international rental companies, helping you find the best deals. Their platform makes it easy to compare prices and customer ratings, so you can choose not just the cheapest option, but one from a company with a solid reputation.

I booked through them for my most recent Dolomites trip, and the experience was faultless from start to finish.

My recommendation for getting around the Dolomites is to rent a car.

Driving through the Dolomites means you can set your own pace, stop at hidden viewpoints, take spontaneous detours, and explore lesser-known mountain villages that are hard to reach by public transport.

You can also reach places around sunrise and sunset, when public transport won’t be available.

Compared to a campervan or motorhome, a car is far easier to drive and more fuel-efficient, especially when tackling the Dolomites’ many winding mountain passes.

• I would avoiding renting a car with a low powered engine, otherwise you will be spending most of your uphill journey changing between 1st and 2nd gear. 

• If you struggle with clutch control then I would definitely opt for an automatic car

When booking your rental, I would recommend using Discover Cars.

I’ve used them multiple times because they search both local and international rental companies, helping you find the best deals. Their platform makes it easy to compare prices and customer ratings, so you can choose not just the cheapest option, but one from a company with a solid reputation.

I booked through them for my most recent Dolomites trip, and the experience was faultless from start to finish.

Driving is scenic but requires attention. The roads are in good condition; even high passes don’t present technical challenges. You’ll encounter series of hairpin turns on mountain passes. Driving times are longer than distances suggest because of the winding routes, and you’ll share the road with other cars and motorcycles, so progress can be slow. Major routes on the Autostrade operate a toll system, and you receive a paper ticket at the first toll gate and pay at the next.

Another great option to explore the Dolomites is by campervan.

There are plenty of official campsites and camper‑specific parking areas which make make campervan travel very easy. Compared to booking hotels or mountain huts, a campervan is often more cost-effective and offers far more spontaneity.

If I was to recommend a company it would be Roadsurfer, although I haven’t used them in the Dolomites, I have used them in UK, North America and Other places in Europe

They have a depot in Venice and Milan, which are close to the airport and easily accessible by public transport.  Their rentals come with unlimited mileage, and they offer a wide range of campervans to suit different needs.

I would recommend choosing the Couple Cottage model. It’s incredibly spacious and ideal for mountain driving and camping. Not only did it include everything I needed, but it was also a manageable size, easy to drive through mountain roads and park in normal-sized spaces.

If you're planning a road trip through the Dolomites, I highly recommend Roadsurfer. You can get 10% off your booking using the code: KNIGHT10. (I don’t earn any commission off this)

Relative to other Alpine destinations, the Dolomites are considered relatively well prices. A mid‑range hotel typically costs €90–€110 per night, an inexpensive restaurant meal is around €15, and a beer costs about €5. Car hire runs roughly €60 per day.

Cable cars are a notable additional expense (often €25–€40 per ride). Prices at remote rifugio can be slightly higher due to their location but usually range between €40-€80 depending on the hut and if you want half board included

Italian and German are used throughout the Dolomites, and most towns have names in both languages. In South Tyrol (Alto Adige), a third official language—Ladin, is also spoken. Signs in Ladin valleys often display all three languages, and towns may have three names (e.g., San Cassiano/San Ciascian/Sankt Kassian).

Most places also speak English, so you shouldn’t have issues communicating.

The weather in the Dolomites between June and October is generally ideal for hiking, with long daylight hours, manageable temperatures, and spectacular scenery. However, as with any mountain region, the weather can change quickly — and the temperature varies dramatically depending on your altitude.

At lower elevations (around 1,000–1,200 metres, where towns like Ortisei, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and San Candido are located), summer temperatures are usually pleasant. In June, daytime temperatures range from 10 °C to 22 °C, climbing to between 12 °C and 26 °C in July and August, the warmest months. By September, things begin to cool slightly (8 °C – 21 °C), and by October, temperatures can drop to around 2 °C – 16 °C.

At higher altitudes , such as mountain passes, rifugio, and alpine trails above 2,000 metres, expect it to be much cooler. Even in peak summer, daytime temperatures often sit between 5 °C and 15 °C, and can fall close to freezing overnight. By October, high mountain temperatures can dip below 0 °C, with early snowfall becoming increasingly likely.

It’s common to experience sunshine, cloud, wind, and rain all in one day, especially during the summer months. Afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in July and August, so it’s best to start hikes early and aim to finish by mid-afternoon. Always check the local forecast, pack layers (including a waterproof), and be ready to adapt your plans based on conditions.

Credit and debit cards are accepted in most towns, hotels, shops and restaurants. However, some smaller businesses may not take cards, and card usage in rifugio is limited. When trekking hut‑to‑hut, plan to carry cash (euros) for beverages, snacks and other additional costs not covered by your accommodation.

Camping is generally prohibited outside authorised campsites; Veneto even has a total ban.

However single night wild camping (< 24 hours) in the mountains is widely tolerated, especially if you are doing a multi-day, through hike. However you should always pitch up late, away from rifugios, public footpaths and busy tourist areas. You should also pack down early, dont have fires and always leave no trace.

A rifugio is a mountain hut and I would liken them to a hostel located in a very scenic area.

These huts range from very basic shelters to ones with more comfortable amenities. Simple rifugio might have only cold running water and shared dormitories, while more equipped huts offer private or semi‑private rooms with communal showers.

All rifugio provide food, typically hearty local dishes, allowing hikers and climbers to travel light and enjoy the mountains without having to descend into the valleys for meals.

There is a network of hundreds of Rifugios all across the mountains of Dolomites. Staying at a rifugio is a quintessential Dolomites experience and one you should try to experience., as they offer a blend of rustic comfort, communal atmosphere and stunning views.

Most huts open around 10 June and close by late September, depending on snow and weather. Since COVID, guests must bring a sleeping bag or liner.

Reservations aren’t mandatory but booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for the more popular huts, as they often get booked up weeks or months in advance.

Most Rifugios have online booking systems, however some only accept bookings via email or phone.

Even if they say they are full online, I would always try send the Rifugio an email to check availability. I did this for Rifugio Locatelli and managed to get a bed at 6pm the night before I stayed.

Rifugios do accept walk ins (check in is from 3pm) and will offer up beds for no-shows (after 6pm). These are rare and are a risky way to go about staying in the mountains.

If you are doing this make sure you are either carrying camping supplies, or have enough time to get back to your vehicle

Yes. harnesses, helmets and via‑ferrata sets can be rented from sporting goods stores in the main towns, and mountain guides include equipment in the price of their tours.

Non‑hikers can still enjoy the Dolomites: especially if you like seeing beautiful scenery and spending time in the mountains. Several major tourist attractions, lakes, and numerous panoramic viewpoints can be visited by public transport, vehicle ot cable cars. There are a whole host charming towns such as Bolzano or Bressanone with museums, markets, spas and wine tastings.

Bivacco’s are these are unmanned shelters (often metal or stone cabins) high in the mountains. They’re always open and free to use but have no custodians, food or amenities. They are usually used for emergency situations and are operated on a first come, first served basis. As they have no amenities, visitors need to bring their own sleeping and cooking equipment, alongside food and water, leaving the shelter as they found it.

Yes, the Dolomites are a great destination to visit with your dog! Many hiking trails, cable cars, and accommodations welcome dogs, making it an ideal spot for outdoor adventures with your four-legged friend. Just be sure to keep your dog on a lead, especially around livestock or in nature reserves.

Dogs are allowed on most cable cars and public transport, although Italian law requires them to wear a muzzle in these situations, so it’s best to carry one with you just in case. On the trails, bring water, snacks, and be mindful of rough or steep terrain if your dog isn’t used to mountain hiking.

Plenty of hotels, Airbnbs, and campsites are dog-friendly across the region. Some rifugio (mountain huts) may also allow dogs, but it’s best to check in advance. As always, clean up after your pup, be respectful of the environment, and enjoy the epic landscapes together.

The purpose of a base layer is to wick sweat away from your skin to keep you dry , alongside offering protection from the elements. The type of base layer I wear will depend on the season and temperature. I will usually wear merino wool or a synthetic material (polyester), always avoiding cotton.

• Columbia Zero Rules Technical T-Shirt - A great cheap option for day hikes

• Icebreaker Merino Long Sleeved hoodie - My go to base layer for spring, summer, and autumn hiking. It’s lightweight, quick drying, breathable, and because it is made of merino, has odour control. I have worn this hiking multiple days in a row in summer in Canada, Madeira, The Dolomites, and UK and it is yet to let me down. I like that it has a hood and thumb cuffs to help protect my pale Welsh skin from the sun.

The purpose of a mid layer is to provide warmth and insulation. Even if I dont wear them while I am hiking, I will always carry a mid layer in my bag as an extra layer. They often come out when I reach a summit or if the conditions get colder.

• Simond Merino Wool Zip Hoodie - A great value merino mid layer which is comfortable, lightweight, stretchy, and wont smell. It also has elasticated thumb loops, a close-fitting hood, and three zip pockets.

• Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Down Jacket - Essential for the colder months, wildcamping, and when you are soaking in the views up on the summit. It is £85, lightweight, non-bulky, easily packable, and thanks to its 700 FP down fill, is rated to -10 degrees Celsius.

If temperatures look like they are hovering or dropping below zero i will carry both a lightweight zip hoodie and a down jacket.

The purpose of an outer shell is to protect you from the wind and the rain. No matter the season and weather I will always carry one just in case. I recommend getting a outer shell which has a hydrostatic head rating of at least 10,000mm.

• Columbia Ampli-Dry II Shell Jacket - Waterproof, lightweight, functional, and packs down well, so I can easily stuff it into my bag if I get too hot. It also has breathable stretch shell fabric with underarm zipped ventilation.

• Quechua Lightweight Waterproof Jacket MH500 - Unbelievable value at £80 and has a hydrostatic head rating of 25,000mm

• Columbia Loop Trail II Windbreaker - My go to choice in the summer when no rain is forecast

I tend to wear shorts hiking for as long as the weather permits, however when the weather gets colder I will opt for water resistant softshell hiking trousers. I will also always carry some waterproof Overtrousers in my bag just incase.

• Columbia Colour Block Hiking Shorts- They are lightweight, quick drying, stretchy, and have zipped pockets.

• Patagonia Terrebonne Joggers - I take these on through hikes & wild camps, they are super light, comfortable, quick drying, & great for the evenings.

• Montane Tenacity Hiking Pants- Lightweight, comfortable, water resistant softshell hiking trousers with 4-way stretch

• Rab Men's Downpour Eco Pants - Lightweight (225g) over trousers which pack down super small.

Appropriate hiking footwear is essential when heading to the Dolomites: Your footwear should be comfortable, offer grip, stability, protection, and be durable.

If you have the space, I would try and bring two pairs of hiking footwear. One which is waterproof and a pair of trail runners. If you have to choose between the two I would go for a waterproof pair

• Darn Tough Vermont Merino Micro Crew Socks - Moisture wicking, odour control, breathable, well cushioned and have a lifetime warranty.

• Columbia Montrail Trinity Ag II- The comfiest summer hiking and trail running shoes I have ever worn. The break in period is non-existent. I wore them for my 6 day through hike through the Dolomites, Snowdon 6 challenge, all around Madeira, and for 190km of hiking around the Canadian Rockies.

• Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2 GTX- My go to for wetter conditions. They are very comfortable, durable, offer great grip and stability, are waterproof, and also light enough that I could even trail run in them if needed. I also wore them for my eight day trek up to Kilimanjaro.

Having a proper hiking backpack is essential for staying comfortable on the trails. A poor fitting bag will cause discomfort and make hiking far less enjoyable. Look for a capacity of 25-30 litres for day hikes, and 35-60 litres for multiday hiking.

Also make sure it has chest, waist, and load lifter straps to disperse weight, a vented back, and wide shoulder straps for comfort. Also consider the weight and features of a pack.

• Deuter Speed light Pro 25 - My go to for summer hiking. It’s comfortable, extremely lightweight (630g), and big enough to fit all my gear. It’s also got a whole host of functional features including a pocket big enough for a soft flask on the shoulder strap. They do a 19 and 30 litre version too

• Deuter Speed Lite Pro 30 - My go to for winter hiking or if I need more space. I wore this for my 6 day through hike across the Dolomites.

• Deuter Air contact Ultra 50+ 5 - My go to for wildcamping, backpacking. It is very lightweight (1.3kg), comfortable, functional, and supportive.

• Garmin Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar Edition - This is not essential to hiking in the outdoors but has some awesome features which make hiking safer and easier. My favourite features include, GPS mapping, the ability to upload and follow custom routes, heart rate monitor, compass, and altimeter, alongside a pretty powerful flashlight. Its also solar powered and the battery lasts weeks.

• PETZL Swift RL Headlamp - Essential for hiking, especially around sunrise or sunset, alongside wildcamping .This provides 900 lumens of brightness at only 100g and is rechargeable. The Everbeam H6 Pro is a great cheap option at £15,

• Trekology Trek Z Poles - Lightweight, collapsible, quick locking, and comfortable on the hands.

• Portable Power bank– Essential for any hiker, especially if you rely on your phone for navigation. I recommend one with at least 10,000 mAh of power.

• Forclaz MT500 stretch gloves - Lightweight, practical, functional, and warm. They are also stretchy, clip together when not being used, and you can use your phone with them. At £13 they are bargain.

• Forclaz Foam Seat Pad– Weighs 60g, can fit in the side of your bag and doubles up as mat to stand on when getting changed after wild swimming

• Mini Crampons/ Micro spikes– These are a set of chains with 18 small spikes connected to a thick elastic rubber which can be pulled over any footwear. They are perfect for hiking in snowy and icy conditions when crampons would be overkill. They are much easier to walk in, and are far lighter and easier to carry.