6 Best Towns in the Dolomites for Hiking, Spectacular Views & More

There’s no denying that Italy’s Dolomites, the mountain range in the country’s northeast, are stunning. But which are the best towns in the Dolomites to visit? Given the size of the Dolomite range – the 18 peaks cover 350,000 acres – it can be tough to figure out exactly where to go! Here is our round-up of the six best places to visit in this stunning area. Whether you just want to enjoy the fresh air and mountain views or you want to be more active and enjoy some hiking and snowsports. Here is a peek at some of the best towns in the Dolomites.

The Dolomites is a truly majestic mountain range. But where are the six best towns?

Best towns in the Dolomites

Sass Pordoi

Want to see some spectacular views… by car? Then don’t miss the Sass Pordoi, a pass between the Sella and Marmolada groups of Dolomite mountains. At 7,346 feet, this pass is the highest (surfaced) road through a pass in the Dolomites. For even more gorgeous views, you can take a cable car up from the pass to the summit. And, of course, there are plenty of hiking trails!

Sass Pordoi mountain pass in Italy

Parco Naturale Adamello-Brenta

Some of the prettiest hiking and scenery is in the Brenta grouping of the Dolomites, located just northwest of Trento. The most famous trail here, Via Bocchetta di Tuckett, is for serious mountaineers only – harnesses and ropes required! However, easier walking paths and mountain biking are abundant here, too.

Adamello-Brenta Park, the Dolomites

Insider tip: If you have a bucket list then put the Dolomites on it! It is definitely worth the trip and is one of the places you should see at least once in your life. Read more for further inspiration on the 8 Italian Places to Visit Before You Die.

Lake Garda

Drive to the northern half of Lake Garda, and you will not only leave the tourist crowds behind, but you’ll also enter the Dolomite mountain range. Enjoy the spectacular views, explore the tiny towns dotting the lake, and relax at a vista like this one. No mountaineering required!

The Dolomites seen from Lake Garda – the Lago di Garda

Belluno & the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites

The ancient town of Belluno, with 37,000 inhabitants, is the most important town in the eastern Dolomites. It’s also a lovely town to make your base. It’s especially easy to drive from there to the National Park of the Belluno Dolomites, a fantastic reserve that includes glaciers, waterfalls, forests, even a number of art, history and archaeology museums!

The ancient town of Belluno, in the Dolomites

Monte Cristallo

Located in the center of the Dolomites, the four peaks of the Cristallo group reach up to almost 11,000 feet. The group can be explored by cable car or mountaineering, and there’s skiing here, too!

Monte Cristallo, in the Dolomites

Cortina d’Ampezzo

Whether you’re a skier, snowbunny or fashionista, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the place to be in the Dolomites in the winter. This fashionable resort, located in the heart of the Dolomites, doesn’t just have fantastic skiing—it has some serious history. This is where the 1956 Olympics were held, where the famed James Bond film sequence of gunners chasing Roger Moore on skis in “For Your Eyes Only” was filmed, and where both Audrey Hepburn and Ernest Hemingway vacationed!

Cortina d’Ampezzo (photo: Antonio De Lorenzo)

Read More: The Italian Alps… or Dolomites? Choosing Your Mountains in Italy

FAQ´s – Best towns in the Dolomites

What’s the best time of year to visit the Dolomites?

The Dolomites are a true year-round destination. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, cycling and enjoying long daylight hours, while winter (December to March) is perfect for skiing and snow sports. Shoulder seasons—late spring and early autumn—offer quieter trails and lower prices, but some lifts and mountain huts may be closed.

How do I get to the Dolomites and which airports are closest?

The Dolomites don’t have a major airport within the mountain range itself, but several international airports are within easy reach. The closest are Innsbruck (Austria), Venice Marco Polo, and Verona. From there, you can reach most Dolomite towns by train plus local bus, or by renting a car—often the most convenient option for exploring multiple areas.

Is it expensive to visit the Dolomites?

Costs vary depending on the season and the type of activities you want to do. Winter ski resorts and peak summer hiking areas tend to have higher accommodation prices. However, staying in smaller alpine villages, booking ahead, or visiting in shoulder seasons can make the trip more budget-friendly. Mountain huts (rifugi) also offer good value for both lodging and meals.

What transportation options are available within the Dolomites?

While public transport exists—mainly regional buses connecting towns and lift stations—the Dolomites are easiest to explore by car, especially if you plan to hop between valleys or remote viewpoints. In peak seasons, some popular routes operate shuttle buses to reduce traffic, and many towns run cable cars or gondolas to help visitors reach high-altitude trails.

A view of the gondolas and architecture that symbolise the Venetian canals.

Before you head up into the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, why not start your adventure with a few unforgettable days in Venice?

Fly into the Floating City, soak up its magic, and join one of the expertly guided tours from Walks of Italy. Their Venice experiences — from hidden alleyways to iconic landmarks — offer the perfect introduction to Italy before you journey north into the mountains. Explore your options and make your trip even more extraordinary.