Boating on Lago Di Braies

This Mesmerising Part Of Italy Is Often Missed Out from Most Traveler’s Itinerary

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Around 60 million tourists visit Italy every year.

It’s the 4th most visited country in international arrivals, after France, Spain and the US.

These images below will most likely sum up what is covered in most itineraries.

Canals of Venice, Italy
Venice: Image by G.C. from Pixabay
Colosseum, Rome, Italy
Rome: Image by Iatya Prunkova from Pixabay
Florence, Italy
Florence: Image by darrenquigley32 from Pixabay

When people think of Italy, these locations are mostly picked: the uber-romantic canals of Venice, the ruins of Rome, the renaissance art of Florence, and the sprawling vineyards of Tuscany. These destinations are without a doubt beautiful and steeped in history, making them part of almost every Italian itinerary. While these cities and regions capture the hearts of millions, they overshadow a part of Italy that is equally, if not more, mesmerizing—the Dolomites.

Discovering the Dolomites

The Dolomites are a mountain range in northern Italy, and they are absolutely breathtaking. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect destination for anyone who loves adventure, nature, adventure or simply wants to escape the demanding city life. Feeling too lazy? There’s something for you too. Just find one of the beautiful al fresco restaurants and get a fish mains and glass aperol spritz. Evening sorted.

The Dolomites offer a unique landscape and is very different from the rest of Italy. Towering, jagged peaks rise dramatically into the sky, their rocky surfaces glowing in the warm light of the sunset. Below, you’ll find green valleys dotted with Alpine villages that look like they belong in a storybook. The views are incredible, the air is crisp, and there’s a deep sense of peace and tranquility.

Lago di Braies: A Gem of the Dolomites

Among the many natural wonders of the Dolomites, Lago di Braies (also known as Pragser Wildsee, Lake Braies, and Lake Prags) stands out as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The lake’s crystal-clear, emerald waters reflect the surrounding mountains, creating a picture-perfect scene that feels almost unreal. You can choose to paddle on its surface or walk along its shores. It’s a photographer’s goldmine – depending on the time of the day, some particular angles will be better than others – the reflection, the shine, the shadows.

Lake Lago Di Braies
Lago di Braies Landscape in the Sun - summers

Activities for Every Traveler

The Dolomites are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. In the summer, the region is perfect for hiking, with trails that suit all levels, from easy walks through wildflower meadows to challenging climbs up steep peaks. The views are always worth the effort, with every turn revealing another stunning vista.

Cyclists also flock to the Dolomites for its scenic roads and challenging routes. The region is a regular stop on the Giro d’Italia, Italy’s top cycling race, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of steep hills, sharp turns, and incredible views make it a cyclist’s dream.

In the winter, the Dolomites transform into a snowy wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. With over 1,200 kilometers of slopes, it’s one of the largest ski areas in the world, offering something for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or an expert.

A Unique Cultural Blend

The Dolomites are not just about natural beauty; they’re also rich in culture. The region is home to a unique mix of Italian, German, and Ladin influences, which you can see in the architecture, taste in the food, and feel in the atmosphere. This blend of cultures makes the Dolomites different from any other part of Italy.

You can explore charming villages like Cortina d’Ampezzo, famous for its chic shops and après-ski culture, or Ortisei, known for its beautiful wooden chalets and strong artistic traditions. Each village has its own unique character, offering a glimpse into the traditional way of life in this stunning region.

How to Reach the Dolomites

Getting to the Dolomites is easier than you might think, whether you prefer to travel by road, train, or flight. Here’s a quick guide on how to reach this beautiful region.

By Road

Driving to the Dolomites offers the most flexibility, allowing you to explore the region at your own pace. If you’re coming from major cities like Venice or Milan, you can rent a car and enjoy a scenic drive through the Italian countryside. The main access points to the Dolomites are through Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, or Trento.

From Venice: The drive from Venice to the Dolomites takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. You can take the A27 highway towards Belluno, and then follow the SS51 road towards Cortina d’Ampezzo.

From Milan: The journey from Milan takes around 4 hours. You would take the A4 highway towards Verona, then switch to the A22 towards Bolzano, depending on your final destination in the Dolomites.

Driving gives you the freedom to stop along the way, take in the views, and visit some of the charming towns scattered throughout the region.

By Train

Traveling by train is another great option, especially if you prefer not to drive. While the Dolomites don’t have a direct train line through the mountains, you can take a train to a nearby city and then complete the journey by bus or taxi.

From Venice: You can take a train from Venice to Belluno (around 2 hours), and from there, a bus to Cortina d’Ampezzo.

From Milan: Take a train to Bolzano (around 3.5 hours), which is the gateway to the western Dolomites. From Bolzano, you can take a bus or taxi to reach your destination.

Trains in Italy are generally comfortable and reliable, making this a stress-free way to travel.

By Flight

If you’re coming from further away, flying might be the quickest option. The closest airports to the Dolomites are in Venice, Verona, and Milan.

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): About 2.5 to 3 hours by car to the Dolomites. You can rent a car at the airport or take a train to Belluno.

Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN): Around 2.5 to 3 hours by car. From Verona, you can also take a train to Bolzano or Trento.

Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Approximately 4 hours by car. Alternatively, take a train to Bolzano or another nearby city.

After arriving at one of these airports, you can either rent a car or take a combination of train and bus to reach your final destination in the Dolomites.

Conclusion

The Dolomites might not be as famous as Venice or Rome, but they offer a different kind of Italian experience—one filled with natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a unique cultural atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, consider venturing north to discover this hidden gem. The Dolomites, with their breathtaking landscapes and serene lakes like Lago di Braies, provide a mesmerizing escape that many travelers often miss.

If you liked this and are interested in more destinations in Europe, check this out on planning a vacay in Cotswolds – A Breathtaking English Countryside.

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