4 Essential Steps to Plan the Ultimate Dolomites Road Trip in 2025

Looking for the ultimate guide to a Dolomites road trip this summer? We've got you covered. This blog will cover some important things to consider for your road trip and absolute must-visit sights ⛰️

 

1. Planning Your Dolomites Road Trip

When is the best time to visit the Dolomites?

If you’re looking to get out on the hiking trails, summer is the best time to visit, so we chose to visit then. June to September is a great time to go hiking due to more reliable weather and melting snow. However, expect other tourists as it is the peak season. 

The Dolomites are also a popular location for winter skiing. Usually, the Dolomites see snow start to settle and accumulate from December to March, when it begins to melt. You can still go hiking in the snow with the right equipment and experience. If you visit during the snow season, you should consider what equipment you need for your vehicle. 

 

How to get to the Dolomites

If you plan to fly and rent a vehicle, flying to Milan or Venice is perfect. If you’re driving from your home country, be reassured that the Italian Dolomites are easy to reach because they are centrally located in Europe. However, there are many mountains along the Northern border of Italy which means you have to drive through tunnels or mountain passes to reach the Dolomites. 

If you're driving from the UK, read our blog about getting from the UK to Europe.

👉 Helpful tips for driving from the UK to Europe

 

2. Four Must-See Highlights in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are home to some of the most unique and incredible mountains in Europe, and in our opinion, these are some of the unmissable spots to visit while you're there. 

Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Three Peaks of Lavaredo)

No Dolomites trip is complete without visiting Tre Cime. The Three Peaks are probably the most renowned hike and mountains in the Dolomites, and for good reason; they are so unique, and the circular hike around them offers incredible views the entire time. 

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

This has to be one of the most picturesque lakes in the Alps, emerald-green water surrounded by towering mountains, it’s simply stunning. But you know what this means: it’s popular! It’s especially popular with influencers and photographers due to its accessibility, so expect to see lots of nice dresses and photo shoots. 

Seceda

One of the most dramatic and impressive ridgelines and insane panoramic views over the surrounding mountains. Seceda is an absolute must-see when you visit the Dolomites, and it’s easy to reach from Ortisei. You can simply admire the view of Seceda at the top or extend your hike further as there are many hiking trails. 

Val Gardena

This valley is well-known for its ski resorts but is equally as stunning in the summer when you can drive the Sella Pass between Val di Fassa and Val Gardena and go hiking in the lush green mountains. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the mountain residents, Marmots!

3. Activities and experiences to give a go on a Dolomites road trip

Activities 

The Dolomites is a hub of adventure, from hiking or skiing, depending on the season, to paragliding or trying out via-ferrata. If you’re looking for an adventurous road trip, you won’t be short of things to try. One thing to consider is that the lakes in the Dolomites don’t allow swimming, which is a big shame but also means they are very picturesque for photos. 

Cuisine 

When you think of Italian food, the obvious pizza, pasta, cheese and risotto come to mind, and while these are still present in traditional food in the Dolomites, it has its cuisine too. Traditional cuisine in the Dolomites used a lot of local farm products, including corn, potatoes, barley, and the highlights were dairy products such as cheese, milk and butter.

Typical dishes include dumplings, cajinci (stuffed pasta similar to ravioli), barley soup, smoked meats, and turtres (pasties stuffed with cheese and spinach). Many restaurants still serve these traditional dishes for you to try, so make sure to find time for this in between all the hiking on your Dolomites trip. 

4. Practical tips for road tripping the Dolomites

Accommodation 

Where you stay on your Dolomites trip depends on the luxury you would like; there are lots of choices for accommodation. Hotels and B&Bs are always an option, and you will be spoilt for choice for rooms with incredible views. If you like to wake up completely in nature, like us, the Dolomites is a great place for a campervan adventure, and it is pretty well tolerated to stay overnight in your vehicle. 

If you’re looking to head off even into the wilderness, there are hundreds of Rifugio (mountain huts) that you can stay in. Some of the Rifugio’s are like staying in a hotel, while some are simply furnished and can be very cosy in high season. It is important to note that they all differ;  many allow you to bring your dog while others do not, so it’s best to check each hut before you turn up. 

  

Driving tips

You do not need a toll sticker or vignette to drive in Italy, however, there are some toll roads. These usually have a toll booth at the start of the road where you can pay the price per vehicle. The most well known toll road in the Dolomites is up to Tre Cime. 

When travelling in winter its important to familiarise yourselves with snow chain and winter tyre rules. In Italy, the rules vary by province on whether winter tyres are required. It is best to drive with winter tyres from 15 October to 15 April, in order to be prepared. In South Tyrol winter tyres are compulsory.