Dolomites
A Journey Through Italy's Alpine Paradise
The Dolomites felt like something straight out of AI - too perfect to be real! We spent one week there in mid-September, and it was a week full of unreal views, alpine charm, and a surprise chill in the air. But hey, that's what happens when you don’t anticipate for 40-degree Fahrenheit weather.
A Road Trip to Remember
After our whirlwind elopement in Lake Como, we hopped in a rental car for the next leg of our adventure: a five-hour drive to the Dolomites. If you’ve never heard of them, imagine jagged peaks, lush green valleys, clear lakes, and a sky so blue it almost feels like it’s been digitally enhanced. For a place so stunning, it’s hard to believe it’s real.
Cold Surprises and New Wardrobe
We arrived in mid-September, ready for brisk weather, but Mother Nature had other plans. It was colder than expected - 40°F cold, which left me completely underdressed in my cute-but-useless outfits. There I am, standing there like a popsicle, trying to look stylish while shaking from the cold (Zak, take the damn picture already!!) Naturally, I had to buy some warmer clothes.
A Cozy Home Base
We stayed in the cutest Airbnb in Santa Christina, which we planned so we could be right in the middle of all the action. This charming little spot was the perfect base for exploring the Dolomites. It was also super convenient because there were amazing restaurants just a short walk away - our favorite was a steak house called La Tambra!
Mountain Adventures with a Side of Work
Since I was working from home that week, we balanced our days between mountain exploration and office hours (thank you, WFH life). We spent our mornings hiking and taking in the incredible scenery, then dove into our laptops in the afternoons. It was a real struggle, but the hot tub and sauna made it a little easier to bear.
Our Dolomites Spots
Alpe di Siusi: A vast, stunning plateau of green valleys and mountains
Seceda: The iconic views of the ridges.
Gardena Pass: Winding roads with epic mountain vistas.
Lago de Braies: A lake with mountains surrounded
Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Three peaks
Val di Funes: Alpine meadows with towering peaks.
Church of San Giovanni: A quaint church with an amazing view.
Discovering Alpine Charm
Every spot we visited was totally different from the next, which made all the driving worth it. A fun discovery? The Dolomites have Austrian and German influences, which means the food and place names have a little alpine twist. The region has its own unique vibe, blending Italian warmth with Germanic precision. We enjoyed a perfect balance of cozy mountain towns, colorful buildings, and fields dotted with wooden chalets that looked straight out of a postcard.
A Trip to Remember
This trip will always hold a special place in our hearts. It wasn’t just about the stunning landscapes; it was about celebrating our new life together, fresh off our elopement in Lake Como. The days were filled with adventures and the constant high of being newlyweds. And while the Dolomites were perfect in September, we’re already dreaming of returning - maybe for some skiing in the winter or to soak up the sunny mountain air in the summer.
Now that you've heard my Dolomites story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to September): Ideal for hiking, climbing, and exploring the lush landscapes.
Winter (December to March): Perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and enjoying cozy mountain lodges.
Shoulder seasons (late spring and early autumn) for fewer crowds and lower prices. We went in September and it was the perfect in between.
Getting There: Fly into Venice (VCE), Verona (VRN), or Milan (MXP) and rent a car. You can also take a train to Bolzano or Cortina d’Ampezzo and continue by bus or taxi.
Location: The Dolomites is very big and wide spread! We stayed in Santa Cristina, but other popular towns are Cortina d'Ampezzo, Ortisei, Bolzano, and Selva di Val Gardena.
Transportation: Car rental is the most convenient way to explore the region, giving you flexibility to visit remote spots.
Packing Essentials: The weather in the Dolomites can change quickly! Bring layers, including a waterproof jacket, even in summer.
Hiking: Research trails in advance. Popular routes include Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Seceda, and Lago di Braies.
Many trails have mountain huts (rifugi) where you can stop for a meal or even stay overnight. Make reservations ahead of time!
Accommodations
Chalet Insignis - A luxurious alpine retreat! Tucked away in the mountains, this stylish chalet offers breathtaking views, modern alpine design, and ultimate coziness.
Highlights:
Stunning mountain views from every angle
Modern, cozy design with warm wood interiors
Private sauna for post-hike relaxation
Prime location for exploring the Dolomites
4-Day Dolomites Itinerary with Santa Cristina as Home Base
Day 1: Alpe di Siusi & Seceda
Morning:
Drive to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) parking lot (15–20 minutes from Santa Cristina).
Take the cable car from Ortisei to the Alpe di Siusi plateau.
Explore hiking trails, enjoy the meadows, and take in the iconic peaks. Spend 3–4 hours exploring.
Afternoon:
Return to Ortisei by cable car and drive to the Seceda Cable Car Station (10–15 minutes).
Ride the cable car to Seceda
Enjoy a short hike along the ridgeline or relax at the mountain hut. Spend about 2 hours.
Evening:
Return to Santa Cristina (15 minutes).
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Lago di Braies & Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Morning:
Drive to Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) (1.5–2 hours).
Walk around the lake (1-hour loop trail) or rent a rowboat.
Afternoon:
Drive to Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen) parking lot (1.5 hours).
Hike the Tre Cime loop trail (moderate, 3–4 hours).
Evening:
Drive back to Santa Cristina (2.5 hours).
Relax and unwind after a long day.
Day 3: Val di Funes & Gardena Pass
Morning:
Drive to Val di Funes (Villnöss Valley) (40–50 minutes).
Visit the famous St. Magdalena Church and St. Johann in Ranui Chapel.
Afternoon:
Drive to Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena) (30–40 minutes).
Stop at scenic viewpoints along the pass and enjoy short walks or hikes.
Visit Passo Sella if time permits (additional 20 minutes from Gardena Pass).
Evening:
Drive back to Santa Cristina (30 minutes).
Day 4: Free Exploration or Local Highlights
Relaxing day exploring Santa Cristina and nearby Ortisei.
Optional activities:
Shop for local crafts or souvenirs.
Visit Church of St. Cristina or take a scenic walk around the town.
Try spa treatments or enjoy an afternoon at a café.
Restaurants and Food Picks
We were pleasantly surprised to learn about the food history in the Dolomites! The cuisine here is a blend of Italian, Austrian, and Ladin influences, shaped by the region’s rich cultural crossroads. It’s a unique mix of alpine ingredients with an Italian twist. Here are our favorite restaurants and must-try dishes!
Cianel - A family-run restaurant offering delicious Ladin cuisine in a warm atmosphere.
La Tambra - Cozy spot in Selva serving traditional Tyrolean dishes with a great wine selection.
L Fudle - Mountain restaurant focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional flavors.
Rifugio Fermeda - A scenic alpine hut with stunning Dolomite views.
Agriturismo Paratoni - Farm-to-table experience with homemade dishes made from fresh local ingredients.
Baita Pramulin - A rustic refuge offering classic South Tyrolean dishes in an authentic setting.
Chalet Gerard - A stylish alpine restaurant. The venison stew is a favorite.
Rifugio Fuciade - A mountain refuge offering traditional dishes in a beautiful alpine setting.
Spa Recommendations
The Dolomites are home to some incredible spa resorts that perfectly blend luxurious wellness with stunning alpine views. Here are a few top rated ones that stand out:
FORESTIS Dolomites
Location: Brixen, South Tyrol
Why it's great: Tucked in a mountain forest, FORESTIS features a massive 20,000-square-foot spa with pools, saunas, and nature-inspired treatments.Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti
Location: Pinzolo, Trentino
Why it's great: With one of the largest spas in the region, Lefay offers everything from saunas to wellness treatments, all designed to help you unwind.ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI
Location: Ortisei, Val Gardena
Why it's great: Set in the heart of the Dolomites, ADLER combines luxury with nature, offering a full range of spa treatments in a beautiful setting.Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort
Location: San Vigilio di Marebbe, South Tyrol
Why it's great: A perfect mix of luxury and wellness, this resort’s spa offers massages, saunas, and beauty treatments, all with breathtaking views.Palace Merano
Location: Merano, South Tyrol
Why it's great: Known for its "Detox for Longevity" program, this spa blends traditional Chinese medicine with Western techniques for a truly unique experience.
These spots offer the ultimate relaxation, making it easy to unwind in one of the most beautiful places on earth!
