7 Towns You’ve Never Heard of but Need to Visit in the Dolomites!
Italy’s Dolomites, the mountainous region located just south of the Alps, can only be described as amazing, with its serenity, spectacular views and the incredible adventures it offers to visitors. This breathtaking feat of nature was formed some 200 million years ago and gets its name from the unique composition of carbonite rock that it is made of.
There are several valleys and towns that make up the Dolomites, where tourists flock year-round to participate in a variety of outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing. Among them are seven cities that should be at the top of any traveller’s “must-see” list.
Bolzano (Bozen) is a beautiful city often referred to as the “Gateway to the Dolomites”, which is comprised of a lovely mixture of cultural displays, open air markets, restaurants and high end shops. The Boutique Venier comes highly recommended, where the owner, Olga, will go out of her way to assist her customers. Visitors can also enjoy a leisurely lunch at the newly opened Restaurant Zur Kaiserkron or stop by the archaeological Ötzi museum.
The city of Brunico (Bruneck) is a quaint town that is rich with cultural history. The towering castles located here along with the popular antique centre lend to the “ancient” feel that this city has to offer. Visitors here will feel as if they’ve taken a step back in history to a much simpler time.
In stark contrast to Brunico, Cortina d’Ampezzo has a much more glamorous feel. It is a popular ski resort town that offers various social activities, shopping and dining and caters more to the high society crowd. This exciting city was once host to the Winter Olympics and has been the set for several feature films. If you enjoy action and adventure on your vacation, Cortina d’Ampezzo is the perfect destination.
Val Pusteria contains the towns of San Candido (Innichen) and Sesto (Sexten), which offer exciting ski adventures in the winter and the Acquafun water park in warmer months. You can also go to the famous abbey museum and the Dolomythos, a special museum that gives visitors a stunning tour of the Dolomites.
The towns of San Martino and San Vigilio di Marebbe embody a beautiful marriage of modern society and Ladin culture. The Ladin people who inhabit this area have a history steeped in tradition, including their own minority language which has roots dating back to the Roman Empire. Travelers to this area are given the unique opportunity to learn more about this ancient culture by visiting the Ladin Museum.
The Dolomites, with its unblemished natural beauty and magnificent mountain views, offers travellers the promise of a truly unforgettable experience. The seven cities listed here embody the heart of this incredible region and provide visitors the opportunity to learn the history, enjoy the magnetic atmosphere and get the most out of their memorable journey.