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Dolomites must-see spots for first time visitors
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items Are you looking for must-see places in the Dolomites? I have listed my favorite places to go to in the Dolomites that we've gone to on our multiple trips. As many as possible of these should definitely be on anyone's itinerary at least once!
Map
Sections
4
Eastern Dolomites
Western Dolomites
Central Dolomites
Map and article!
Eastern Dolomites
Eastern Dolomites include the areas around Lake Braies, Cortina d'Ampezzo, and Tre Cime di Lavaredo. It's one of the most popular areas for visiting, and there are definitely some of our top spots here - such as Cadini di Misurina and Lake Landro
Who doesn't know the Tre Cime? It's the symbol of the UNESCO site! We loved doing the loop hike, but if you're not up for it, going until the half-way point will give you the main views.
Tre Cime Di Lavaredo
Our favorite hike in the Eastern Dolomites in regards to effort-views ratio. Go for the upper viewpoint, as it's less crowded - more info in the article!
Cadini Di Misurina Viewpoint
My favourite lake in the Dolomites. You get the “perfect” mountain lake view - with emerald waters and the valley behind. I love how much less touristy it is in comparison with the more popular spots, such as lake Braies.
Lake Dobbiaco / Toblacher See
The Jewell of the Dolomites, lake Braies. It's a very popular place to visit so many people suggest skipping this lake, but I think not going is a mistake - lake Braies is popular for a reason!
Lago Di Braies
Pretty little lake, easy to visit. It's on the way to Tre Cime, and you can see both Cadini di Misurina and the Three Peaks in the refleciont.
Lago d'Antorno
The biggest natural lake in the Dolomites. I love that it's easy to visit, and the views of the mountains behind the lake are quite awe-inspiring.
Lago di Misurina: the Pearl of the Dolomites
Winter or Summer - easy to visit for a beautiful view. Ra Gusela - the huge peak behind the mountain pass - is really impressive, I love how it looks in different weather.
Passo Giau
An underrated hike/easy walk near lake Braies. The further you go, the better the views - with the Tre Cime visible at one point. I loved the easy hike, and the fact that there were very few people on our trip was just a cherry on top!
Prato Piazza near lake Braies
A perfect little town, that is generally also great for staying if you'd like to explore the Eastern side of the Dolomites. We've stayed there for a couple of trips, as well as explored it just like that.
Cortina d'Ampezzo
One of the hotels with the best view in the Dolomites is right here - hotel Dolomitenhof. Otherwise, it's a great walk, and a starting point for many interesting hikes.
Val Fiscalina - one of the best views.
One of the best views, and it's easy to reach by a cable car from Passo Falzarego! We loved it, and our kid also liked hiking it.
Rifugio Lagazuoi - cable car and hike
I was so glad we managed to go to Cinque Torri. The views are epic! And you can explore it in just a few hours if you don't want to hike too much.
Cinque Torri and the open-air WWI museum trail
Lake Sorapis requires quite some effort to get there, but when you do, boy, is it worth it! Expect a lot of crowds, but also, it's definitely worth the effort.
Lago Di Sorapis
Western Dolomites
Western Dolomites - Val Gardena, Alpe di Siusi, and so on. It's one of our favorite areas to stay in the Dolomites. There are, of course, many crowded and popular places, but also so many hidden gems where you meet barely any people!
Seceda ridgeline is very easy to visit - just a cable car from Ortisei, and the main viewpoint is just by the cable car station. Make sure to explore also the trails around - we loved the views towards Puez-Odle Nature Park and Val di Funes
Seceda ridgeline
Hands down one of the most incredible views in the area. Many people say it's overrated, but we really loved how charming the meadows look.
Alpe di Siusi
I was very impressed by Lake Carezza, although I didn't think I would be. Visiting both in summer and in winter gave so many different, but cool, impressions!
Lago di Carezza
A hidden gem in the Dolomites. And easy hike among the base of the Latemar range with educational information about the Dolomites, the fauna and the flora there. Both me and my kid liked it!
Latemar Panorama
Easy to reach little church with a big view. You don't have to spend a lot of time here, but the view is really spectacular. I was so happy when we could enjoy it again on our way to Panorama delle Odle.
The church of St. John of Nepomuk in Ranui
This view requires a little hike, but it's definitely worth it. The view of the Puez-Odle, with Santa Magdalena at the bottom, is mesmerizing!
Santa Maddalena viewpoint - Val di Funes
Explore around the pass, too - there is “Citta dei Sassi” - City of Rocks right there. It's a great spot for first climbs, as well as just enjoying the scenery.
Passo Sella
Central Dolomites
Alta Badia and places around it. The best places to visit here have so few people, we were very surprised!
One of the most beautiful mountain passes in the Dolomites
Passo Delle Erbe
Really cute waterfall - requires an easy walk. Suitable for kids.
Cascate del Pisciadu and Cascate Val di Mezdi
My favourite mountain pass - between Val Badia and Val Gardena
Passo Gardena
We spent HOURS here exploring the local legends, enjoying the views, and even finding a tiny little lake.
La Crusc/Santa Croce in Alta Badia | Dolomites
Map and article!
Get the map of the most beautiful places to visit right here. And the articles where these places are described in more detail.
Here are the places on a map - easily zoomable
Best places to visit in the Dolomites - Google My Maps
The article with all the information on how to visit these places.
23 Most Beautiful Places In The Dolomites
Where to stay - 9 best areas, plus the one place where I don't recommend staying.
Where To Stay In The Dolomites: 9 Best Areas (+ The Worst!)
If you'd like to stay off the main tourist hotspots, this article is for you
Cheaper alternatives to the best places to stay in the Dolomites
If you'd like us to plan your trip, reach out! We provide itinerary planning, review, or just a call to ask us any questions you have.
Dolomites Travel Planning Services - Love Your Italy