Dolomites

The Dolomites by campervan: a trip into Italy's most spectacular mountain range, with alpine villages, turquoise lakes and unforgettable hikes.

The most beautiful mountains you can imagine, sheer rock walls rising defiantly from the green valleys. That's the Dolomites — an ideal playground packed with routes to enjoy. From simple walks and easy ascents to dizzying via ferratas loaded with history that transport us to a wartime past. If you enjoy mountains in their purest state, this is undoubtedly your place. Follow in the footsteps of legendary adventurers and embark on a journey into the heart of the mountains.

The Dolomites are a mountain range in Italy stretching across the provinces of Belluno, Bolzano, Trento, Udine and Pordenone. They are very different from the rest of the Alps in appearance and are characterised by the verticality of their rock walls in a distinctive white colour that turns pinkish at dawn and in the last hours of the afternoon. Since 2009 they are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

They are made up of different mountain groups separated by majestic valleys and mountain passes such as Passo Pordoi, Passo di Sella or Passo Falzarego. The groups range from the Brenta Dolomites to the group formed by Catinaccio and Latemar, straddling Alto Adige and Trentino; from the Sesto Dolomites to the Pale di San Martino; from the Marmolada to the group made up of Pelmo and Croda da Lago, all the way to the Friulian Dolomites, the easternmost of all.

Some of these mountains stand out from the rest: the Marmolada at 3,342 m is the queen of the Dolomites. The iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo at 2,999 m, scene of dizzying climbs, plus Le Tofane (3,244 m), Monte Pelmo (3,169 m), Monte Civetta (3,220 m), Sassolungo (3,181 m) and Sass Pordoi (2,950 m).

The possibilities for outdoor activities are endless. Worth highlighting for their spectacular nature are the Via Ferratas crossing the mountains and allowing access to some of the most coveted summits — they do, however, require specific equipment and some mountain experience. It is equally a perfect destination for cycling, hiking, climbing and during winter it is a true paradise for snow sports with some of the best ski resorts in all of Europe.

The towns and cities such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, Canazei, Arabba, Cadore, Alleghe or Madonna di Campiglio are true capitals of mountain tourism. They have a broad tourist offer and a curious blend of cultures between Italy and the Austrian Tyrol.

All in all, a destination of unsurpassed beauty, ideal for an active holiday in a campervan. You'll find plenty of places to spend the night for free as well as all kinds of services.

We have put together a short diary recounting our trip with information we hope you'll find useful.