If you want to discover a place of incalculable beauty, there is no doubt, you have to travel to the Dolomites. Therefore, in in today's post, we tell you what are the 10 essential places that you cannot miss if you travel in your motorhome or camper van to this area of northern Italy.
Ready to get to know its fascinating lakes up close, the charm of its villages and the most beautiful corners that are hidden among its mountains? Do not lose detail, because we will discover what to see in the Dolomites, what is the best time to visit it, where you can spend the night, and much more!
What is Dolomites?
Dolomite is a mineral (magnesium limestone) that owes its name to the geologist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu. For this reason, due to its geological composition from this material, the famous cmountain range of Italy is called Dolomites.
The Dolomites are also called The Pink Alps. And it is that, during sunset and sunrise, when there are cchanges in the sunlight that is projected on The Dolomites, their peaks are dyed with a
In addition, they have been declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2009, due to the spectacular and uniqueness of their mountain landscapes. And they cover a surface that is around 231. 000 hectares, between the provinces of Bolzano, Trento, Belluno, Porderone and Udine. You have a lot to discover!
What is the best time to travel to the Dolomites?
You can really travel to the Dolomites at any time of the year, but the best time is between June and July
autumn is also a good time to visit The Dolomites, but you will find its lakes practically empty. And in spring it is very likely that you will find certain routes still closed due to the snow remaining from winter.
How many days does it take to see the Dolomites?
If you want to visit the Dolomites it is advisable that you have at least 7 days to see its main points of interest. Although obviously, being so wide, if you have more time, you will be able to enjoy the tour more calmly and get to know many more of its corners.
What to see in the Dolomites in a motorhome?
Dolomites is much more than lakes. And although there is no doubt that these are precisely the main attraction for tourists, we recommend that you do not miss the following points during your route through the Dolomites in a motorhome or camper van, they will surprise you!
1. Sirmione
Sirmione is a pretty town whose old town is located on a peninsula jutting out into Lago di Garda, and which is precisely one of its main points of interest that you cannot miss on your trip to the Dolomites.
But you should not miss its Scaligero Castle, located in its old part. Cross its drawbridge, stroll through its walled enclosure and enjoy one of the best-preserved castles in Italy.
To end the tour, continue into the charming streets of Sirmione to see all its beauty up close.
2. Molveno
If there is a famous route in the Dolomites, it is the one that runs along Lake Molveno surrounding it along its shore. So another of the essentials of your trip through the Dolomites is to walk the almost 11 km of this route that goes in and out of the forest bordering the lake, allowing you to enjoy some incredible views reflected in its crystal clear waters.
And if you still want more amazing views, you can always get on the cable car and marvel at the landscape from above, resting in one of their mountain cabins, and even doing one of the excursions that depart from the top. What more could you ask for?
3. Cortina d'Ampezzo
Cortina d'Ampezzo is a small city but with its own charm that is worth including on any route through the Dolomites by motorhome or campervan. It is located in the province of Belluno, in northern Italy, and is especially famous during the winter for its ski slopes
But if snow and winter sports are not your thing, you can enjoy Cortina doing trekking, hiking or via ferrata routes, among many other activities in their mountains.
4. Trent
Trent is historically known for the Council of Trent, and visiting it is without a doubt, being immersed in a journey through time. Its old town is perfectly preserved, and it has several palaces and churches to visit to learn more about its past.
The best thing to do is to start your visit by visiting its Piazza Duomo, the main square of the city, to contemplate the Cathedral of San Vigilio and its imposing façade. A few meters away, in the center of the square, you will find the Fountain of Neptune with the iconic clock tower.
In this same square you can see The Palazzo Pretorio and the Civic Tower of Trento, two other outstanding monuments of Trent.
But you cannot leave without also visiting its Buonconsiglio Castle, which, together with Castel Benzeno and Castel Stenico, houses a museum center full of paintings, sculptures and various pieces that reflect the art and culture of the city.
5. Lake Carezza
Another essential thing to see in the Dolomites is Lake Carezza. One of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites, not only for its incalculable beauty, but for its ease of access.
Contemplating the reflection of the Latemar massif in its crystalline waters is priceless. But if you want to get to know this lake up close, the best thing to do is to follow a circular route of 1 kilometer, with very little unevenness, which also crosses several viewpoints that will leave you speechless.
6. Lake Braies
In the heart of the Natural Park Fannes-Sennes and Braies, you will find the Lago di Braies,
You can go around the perimeter of this lake with a route of about 3.5 km that will take you about two hours. Of course, in summer, because in winter you will find several sections of this route closed due to the danger of heavy snowfall or avalanches.
7. Fanes Waterfall
You cannot visit the Dolomites and miss a visit to the Fanes Waterfall. A beautiful waterfall that it is possible to visit through a route that goes up to a viewpoint and descends along the same path to the parking lot, or with a circular route of about 8km that entails an interior ferrata and that has a higher level of difficulty.
8. Lake Sorapis
The Lago di Sorapis is another of the lakes that you cannot miss when touring the Dolomites. It is one of the most beautiful, and also one of the most popular in northern Italy, so it is advisable to avoid rush hours if you want to visit it calmly.
It is surrounded by forests and peaks that make it even more special, but also, it has an access road full of walkways, precipices and heart-stopping views that make walking through it an adventure.
9. Lake Caldonazzo
Situated at about 450 m above sea level, the Lago di Caldonazzo is one of the warmest lakes in southern Europe. In addition, on its shore it has several beaches, bars, restaurants, areas for children... With what in this lake, fun and food are guaranteed!
If you visit this lake in the month of August, you can enjoy its traditional fireworks show, which usually takes place on the 15th.
10. Tre Cime di Lavaredo
The most famous trekking so in the Dolomites is the one that is usually done in Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three peaks of the Dolomites of Auronzo, located between Bolzano and Belluno: Cima Grande, Cima Piccola and Cima Ovest
Although there are several options to explore it, the most famous is its circular route. A simple route that you can complete in about 3 or 4 hours walking. But if you prefer, you can do the linear route along trail 101, or a longer circular route that skirts
Where to spend the night in the Dolomites
You won't find it inconvenient to stay overnight almost anywhere in the Dolomites during your motorhome trip, you can rest easy. There are quite a few motorhome areas, campsites and car parks throughout the entire territory, so as always, you can resort to overnight apps like Park4night to choose where to spend the night in each zone during your route.
Now that you know what to see in the Dolomites, the time has come for you to start your unforgettable trip through Italy with your motorhome or fcamper van. Enjoy!
