The places, most named first
From the 10 guides that rank for "best places to visit in dolomites"
Named by 6 of 101. Cortina d'AmpezzoThe liveliest and most popular town in the Dolomites, well placed for hikes, cable cars and ski lifts.Nicknamed the Pearl of the Dolomites, with a pedestrian area and international World Cup ski races.
Named by 5 of 102. Val GardenaGood for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, and a base for Seceda and Alpe di Siusi.Linked to Alta Badia, Val di Fassa and Arabba by the Sella Ronda ski circuit.
Named by 5 of 103. SecedaOne of the most photographed viewpoints in the Dolomites, reachable by cable car or on foot.The main viewpoint near the chairlift gets crowded in high season, while the hike up from Col Raiser is quieter.
Named by 5 of 104. Alta BadiaThe centre of Ladin culture, at the foot of the Sella massif; towns include Corvara, La Villa and San Cassiano.Ladin, a Romance language, is spoken here alongside Italian and German.
Named by 4 of 105. Lago di BraiesAn emerald-green lake ringed by mountains, also known as Pragser Wildsee.A flat five-minute walk from the car park, so no hiking is needed to see it.
Named by 4 of 106. Alpe di SiusiEasy to reach by a quick cable car ride, with walks and mountain huts once you are up.Close to Val Gardena, so it is a day out from there in summer or winter.
Named by 3 of 107. Tre Cime di LavaredoA loop trail around three limestone peaks, among the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites.Parking restrictions apply in peak summer.
Named by 2 of 108. Val di FunesKnown for the church seen in many photos of the Dolomites.Listed among one guide's top five places to visit.
Named by 2 of 109. CorvaraA central town good for hiking and skiing, with direct access to the Sella Ronda circuit.Listed as one of the most charming towns in the Alta Badia region.
Named by 2 of 1010. Cadini di MisurinaA short hike with views of the back of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.Called a must-visit for hikers.
Named by 2 of 1011. Bolzano (Bozen)The capital of South Tyrol, where Italian and Alpine influences meet.A rail gateway to the Dolomites, with some direct flights.
Named by 2 of 1012. Selva (Val Gardena)A well-placed town for skiing, with lifts right in town.Part of the eastern Val Gardena group of Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva.
Named by 2 of 1013. Val di FassaNamed as a strong first-time base, and linked to Val Gardena by the Sella Ronda ski circuit.
14. Lago di CarezzaOne of the lakes that appears often on social media.
15. CanazeiA central base close to the Sella, Sassolungo and Marmolada massifs.
16. Lago di SorapisA very popular hike just outside Cortina d'Ampezzo to an aquamarine lake.
17. Cinque TorriFive jagged rock towers, one of the most recognizable formations in the Dolomites, with huts nearby.
18. Bressanone (Brixen)A small cathedral town described as the oldest town in Tyrol, with a Mediterranean feel.
19. Brunico (Bruneck) and Plan de CoronesNext to the Plan de Corones ski resort and near Brunico Castle and the Messner Mountain Museums.
20. AllegheA base in the east with a lake and easy access to Civetta.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name June and September as the best time to visit Dolomites.
Questions people ask
- How many days do I need to see the Dolomites?
- Guides suggest about 3 nights for one area and around 5 nights to see more than one.
- When not to go to Dolomites?
- July and August and January to March are the busiest. June, September and October are quieter for hiking.
- Are the Dolomites worth a visit?
- They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many hiking trails and ski slopes.
