Forget the city heat and the chaos of crowded beaches. This year, summer smells of stone pine and meadows in bloom. The Dolomites await us for a season of backpacking, emerald-colored alpine lakes, and plenty of relaxation.
The Dolomites offer endless possibilities, from panoramic hikes to gourmet lunches at high altitudes. Let’s explore the best locations for the summer and see why renting an apartment is often the smartest solution: more space, no fixed schedules, and the chance to experience the village like a true local. Here is everything you need to know to plan your high-altitude summer holiday escape.
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Apartments and rooms for rent in the Dolomites
The most beautiful places in the Dolomites in summer
If the Dolomites have been declared a World Heritage Site, much of the credit goes to the province of Belluno. Here, the mountains show their purest side: vertical, majestic, and silent. Choosing the Belluno Dolomites for the summer means immersing yourself in powerful nature, made of historic villages nestled between stone walls and a tradition of hospitality that makes you feel right at home. It is the perfect destination for those looking for an apartment that smells of wood, far from the mass crowds, to experience a summer of continuous discovery among historic trails and crystalline lakes.
Here are 5 must-see destinations for your summer itinerary:
- Mount Civetta and Alleghe: A rock colossus nicknamed “the Realm of the Sixth Grade.” At its feet, Lake Alleghe reflects its vertical walls. It is the ideal base for those looking for a lake-view apartment who want to explore the trails leading to the suggestive Coldai Refuge.
- Cortina d’Ampezzo and the Cinque Torri: The Queen of the Dolomites needs no introduction. In summer, the Cinque Torri area is an open-air museum of the Great War, easily accessible and surrounded by iconic peaks. The choice of apartments here ranges from the luxury of the center to the peace of the high-altitude hamlets.
- Passo Giau and the Val Fiorentina: Perhaps the most photographed mountain pass in the world. Staying in an apartment in Selva di Cadore allows you to reach the pass in a few minutes to enjoy a legendary sunrise or to walk towards the City of Stone and Mondeval, where the Mesolithic man was found.
- The Sorapis Group (Lake Sorapis): Famous for its milky turquoise waters (due to glacier dust), this lake is a pearl set among the Ampezzo glacial cirques. It is a bucket-list destination for every hiker staying in the Belluno area.
- Val di Zoldo: Known as the “Zoldo Valley,” it is the realm of Pelmo (the “Throne of God”). It is one of the most authentic areas, perfect for those who want to rent a “tabià” (a renovated old barn) and experience a holiday dedicated to absolute tranquility and the best artisanal gelato in the world.
Where to go in the Dolomites in summer: Chalets, Apartments, and Rooms for a unique experience
Summer holidays in the Belluno Dolomites have a different flavor depending on where you decide to set down your backpack at the end of the day. It’s not just a matter of sleeping, but of choosing the ideal “setting” for your memories: the scent of ancient wood in a private chalet, the convenience of an apartment in the heart of a historic village, or the family welcome of a room overlooking the rock faces.
Choosing the right accommodation is the first step to experiencing the mountains in summer with freedom.
Apartments with a view of the Dolomites
Experiencing summer holidays in a D4U apartment means turning the Belluno peaks into your own backyard. Thanks to panoramic terraces and large windows, the summer light and the spectacle of the Dolomites become the true protagonists of your stay, offering an independent refuge where the slow rhythms of the mountain meet the comfort of modern, refined environments.
Designed for those seeking space and freedom, our apartments are the ideal base for families and groups of friends who wish to explore high-altitude trails without sacrificing privacy. After a day in the open air, there is nothing better than relaxing in a cozy living area, enjoying the sunset over the peaks directly from your private balcony.
Luxury rooms with private spa
Dedicated to absolute well-being and maximum privacy. After a day spent under the Dolomites sun, among trails and majestic peaks, you can regenerate in an intimate and refined oasis, where modern design meets the warmth of natural materials to offer you unprecedented relaxation.
A private sauna, whirlpool, or Turkish bath are at your complete disposal, transforming the room into a personal spa where time seems to stand still. It is the ideal experience for couples who wish to combine the energy of high-altitude summer holidays with the comfort of premium services, enjoying the silence and beauty of the alpine landscape in total exclusivity.
Family-friendly and pet-friendly accommodation
Experiencing summer holidays with the whole family, four-legged friends included, has never been so simple. D4U accommodations are designed for those seeking maximum freedom: large spaces, kitchens equipped for every need, and safe outdoor areas where children and animals can enjoy the pure air of the Dolomites, turning the stay into an experience of pure sharing and relaxation.
The strategic location of our accommodations allows you to step out of the house and find yourself immediately immersed in the green meadows and the most beautiful trails of the Belluno area. Every summer day becomes an adventure to be lived together, between long walks in the shade of the woods and moments of play in the heart of nature, with the certainty of returning to a welcoming environment where you feel truly at home.
What to do in the Dolomites in summer
From the crystalline waters of Lake Braies, where time seems to have stopped, to the peaks reachable without effort thanks to modern cable cars, the mountains in summer are a mosaic of different experiences. In this practical guide, we will explore how to best experience the territory with children, discovering the most fun and safe routes, and we will give you fundamental tips on how to dress to face every weather change with the right comfort. Pack your backpack: your most beautiful summer is about to begin.
Dolomites: Lake Braies in summer
Lake Braies is the “Pearl of the Dolomite lakes.” In summer, to truly experience it without stress, here are the details that make the difference:
- The Lake Loop: A circular route of about 3.5 km. The western shore is wide and flat (also suitable for trekking strollers), while the eastern one is narrower with some steps. Allow about 1.5 hours for a relaxed walk.
- Rowing Boats: Available from mid-June to September (9:30 AM – 5:00 PM). The cost is approximately €19 for 30 minutes or €29 for an hour. It is the only way to admire the Croda del Becco from the center of the water.
- Limited Access: Between July and September, the road to the lake is closed from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Vital detail: It is mandatory to book parking or the shuttle (line 442 or 439) online well in advance on the official portal of the area, otherwise you will not be able to access.
Dolomites with children in summer
For the little ones, the mountain must be a game. Here is where to take them during your summer holidays:
- Ally Farm (Alleghe): At Piani di Pezzè, there is an incredible 4,000 sqm area. There is a sensory path to do barefoot, a small lake for balance, and educational areas to learn all about forest animals.
- The Gnome Village (San Candido): On Mount Baranci, you will find small suspended wooden houses and the Fun Bob, a rail-mounted sled that guarantees pure adrenaline for children and parents.
- Educational Trails: Look for the “Path of the Planets” or walks towards refuges that offer small farms with animals, such as the Scarpa Refuge in the heart of the Belluno Dolomites.
Cable cars in the Dolomites in summer
Cable cars are essential for enjoying the most beautiful views without hours of walking, ideal for those with small children or who simply want to have lunch with a view:
- Lagazuoi Cable Car: Takes you to 2,752 meters in a few minutes. Here you can visit the Great War tunnels (bring a flashlight!), an experience that children love.
- Tofana – Freccia nel Cielo Cable Car: From Cortina, it allows you to comfortably reach Col Druscié, where you will find an astronomical observatory and an easy, panoramic trail.
- Extra Tip: Purchase the Dolomiti SuperSummer Card if you plan to use multiple lifts: you will save time at the ticket offices and get discounted rates.
How to dress in the Dolomites in summer
In the mountains, the temperature range is high and the weather changes in 15 minutes. Here is the kit for your summer holidays:
- In layers (“Onion style”): A technical t-shirt (no cotton, which stays wet with sweat), a microfleece for shade or high altitude, and a waterproof/windproof shell always in your backpack.
- Safe feet: Hiking boots with a lugged sole (Vibram). Smooth sneakers are dangerous on gravel paths or if the grass is damp.
- Sun: At 2,000 meters, UV rays are very powerful. SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential, even if the air feels cool.
Summer in the Dolomites: book your holiday now
Summer holidays in the Dolomites are not just a trip, but an emotion that is renewed with every trail and every sunset. Whether you are dreaming of the silence of Lake Braies or the adrenaline of a peak reached by cable car, the secret to a perfect experience is having a cozy refuge to return to every evening.
With D4U apartments and rooms, you are guaranteed an authentic stay, surrounded by the beauty of the Belluno peaks and every modern comfort. Don’t wait for summer to end: the most beautiful peaks in the world are ready to welcome you.
Summer in the Dolomites: book your holiday now. Choose freedom, choose the view, choose D4U. See you at the top!