The Dolomites are a mountain range that is located in the northeastern part of Italy. It’s filled with an interesting history and a beautiful landscape. It’s no wonder that they are a UNESCO World heritage site.
History
Some individuals think that the Dolomites started as a coral reef in the Tethys Ocean around 2.5 million years ago. The first settlers date back anywhere from 1700 to 15 BC. The Romans occupied these mountains in 15 BC and helped to bring about transportation routes and families to the area. It wasn’t until the 18th century, when a railway was built, that the mountains really started being easily accessible. The Dolomites became an important part of the First World War. The line between the Austro-Hungarian and Italian forces rant right down the mountain range.
How To Get There
The nearest airports to the Dolomites are Venice Marco Polo and Venice Treviso. For those that want to take the train, there are several with one being in San Candido. Afterwards the Cortina Express bus service will take visitors the rest of the way to the mountains.
What To Do
During the winter months the Dolomites are known for skiing and snow related activities. Throughout the rest of the year many people go cycling, hiking or mountain climbing. Hang-gliding, paragliding and base jumping tend to be popular from late spring through early fall. A popular event that brings in a lot of tourists is called The Maratona dles Dolomites. This event generally occurs during the first week in July and consists of a one day bike race that takes competitors through seven mountain passes.
When To Go
If you plan on walking around Dolomites and doing a little bit of exploring then the best time to go is usually in the summer when there isn’t snow and the weather is usually good. The temperatures during this time of year are generally pretty mild and range from 68 to 77 degree Fahrenheit. However, the summer can be rainy at times, especially during the months of July and August. If you want to visit the area in the winter months, it’s a great place to learn how to ski or snowboard as it’s known for its good snow conditions.
For Kids
Even if you have kids, Dolomites is still a great place to visit. There’s a variety of things to do such as walk through the flower filled meadows, swim in the lakes or go on a stroll down one of the numerous paths. During the winter there are a variety of lessons available to teach the little ones how to ski as well.
Interested in visiting this region? There are a handful of trips that are 7 to 10 days long that focus on just the Northern region of Italy. If you have 14+ days, then you can start in Rome and head north visiting the Dolomites. Begin browsing our Northern Italy tours.
