First Trip to the Dolomites: What to Know Before You Go

The Dolomites Are Bigger Than Most Visitors Expect

The Dolomites are a large mountain region with many different valleys and towns.

Trying to see too much in one trip is one of the most common mistakes visitors make.

Choosing the Right Base Matters

Where you stay determines how easy it is to explore the mountains.

Popular base towns include:

• Ortisei (Val Gardena)
• Corvara (Alta Badia)
• Cortina d’Ampezzo
• Sesto / San Candido

You can read more in Best Dolomites Bases for Non-Hikers.

Cable Cars Make the Mountains Accessible

The Dolomites have an extensive network of lifts that make it easy to reach incredible viewpoints.

Scenic Drives Are Part of the Experience

Many of the best viewpoints in the Dolomites are located along mountain passes.

You Don’t Need to Be a Hardcore Hiker

While the Dolomites are famous for hiking, many incredible places are accessible with cable cars, short walks, or scenic drives.

Planning Your Dolomites Trip

One of the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make is trying to see too much of the Dolomites in one trip. Choosing the right base town and focusing on a few nearby highlights will make your trip far more enjoyable. If you're trying to decide where to stay, this free guide explains the different regions of the Dolomites and how they fit together. Download the free Dolomites base guide.

More Resources:

• Best Viewpoints in the Dolomites without Hiking
• Scenic Drives in the Dolomites
• The Most Scenic Viewpoints in the Dolomites for Photography

Choose Your Base:

If you'd like help deciding where to stay, you can use my Choose Your Base planning service, where I review your trip and recommend the best Dolomites base for your itinerary.