Vertical walls, sheer cliffs and sharp plateaux combine to make an unmistakable silhouette, widely considered one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, the Dolomites were named for the rock they’re made of. At dusk and dawn, the sunlight paints the mountains pink and purple, a phenomenon called enrosadira by the locals. Spend your days wandering through sweeping valleys and past clear lakes. Or head for the heights, either on foot or on one of the summer lifts, to find mountain paths and incredible views. This area is relatively unheard of in Britain, so you can experience natural Italian beauty without the hoards of tourists.
Walkers, hikers, climbers and cyclists flock to the Dolomites throughout the year, to get lost in its natural wonders. Whatever your fitness level, you’ll find something to excite you – whether that’s taking a gentle stroll through flower-filled meadows, or traversing one of the renowned alte vie, the high altitude paths that can take up to two weeks to complete fully. All the walking routes are well marked and well maintained, so you can forget your worries and just enjoy the scenery. There’s nowhere around here that doesn’t have an amazing view, and you never have to go far to feel like you’ve completely escaped from the modern world.
The area sure has an interesting history – and this makes for an even more interesting blend of cultures today. Originally Austrian, it became part of Italy after WWI. The Dolomites were also historically home to the Ladin people, and they still have a big presence, so it’s not uncommon to hear all three languages being spoken and all three cuisines on offer in local restaurants. Even the towns and villages often have three names. Confusing? Maybe. But it sure is fascinating. Get stuck in by visiting local museums to learn about the history and folklore; sampling regional specialities in the many cafés and pastry shops; and just wandering the picture-book villages, chatting to the friendly locals.
;img.resize(height:370);img.crop(width:658%2Cheight:370))
