For a magical summer holiday in the mountains, the Dolomites in summer are simply incomparable. The vivid colours and dramatic contours of the landscape are an awe-inspiring backdrop just waiting to be explored, while the best Dolomites summer resorts offer luxurious experiences for visitors to enjoy. For outdoor enthusiasts there are endless adventures on a luxury mountain holiday to Italy, from hiking the peaks to white-water rafting in the valleys. The cultural riches of the Dolomites in summer showcase the local way of life, while a tempting gastronomic scene makes Dolomites summer holidays a magnet for foodies! Discover our top summer destinations in the Dolomites for a dose of inspiration for your next luxury holiday in the mountains.
Madonna di Campiglio
Often called ‘The Pearl of the Dolomites’, Madonna di Campiglio is at the top of the list of Dolomites summer resorts to consider for your luxury mountain holiday in Italy. Located within the World Heritage UNESCO site of Brenta Dolomites and the Adamello and Presanella glaciers, Madonna di Campiglio will leave you speechless, with breathtaking mountain scenery and a charming car free village. The town oozes a traditional and historic vibe, with cosy boutique shops & bars, and cultural attractions to discover. With both traditional and contemporary options, discover our collection of summer chalets in Madonna di Campiglio.
With more than 450 km of hiking and biking trails, Via Ferrata routes, climbing and paragliding, no matter what you are looking for, you can rest assured that you will find it in Madonna di Campiglio. Also for a Dolomites family holiday, this resort will be an ideal choice. Featuring several adventure parks and swimming pools, it will ensure maximum family fun! In fact, the resort offers a variety of summer activities to make sure everyone will be satisfied during their luxury mountain holiday in Italy. If you are a food lover you will also find plenty of options, from Michelin starred restaurants, such as Il Gallo Cedrone, to a more typical & relaxed atmosphere at La Cantina del Suisse.
Selva Val Gardena
Selva Val Gardena is the Dolomites summer resort for outdoor and sports enthusiasts looking for an active luxury mountain holiday in Italy. Being the highest in the Val Gardena region, the resort is a hiking holiday paradise. From here, visitors will be able to directly access the popular Sella Ronda Massif, a true landscaped gem offering a variety of climbing and mountain biking trails with stunning views over the Dolomites peaks.
Nicknamed ‘The Lofty Beauty’, Selva Val Gardena in summer is a picturesque, lively village, offering a fun yet authentic atmosphere with music events, art exhibitions and artisan markets. In fact, for those looking for a more relaxed holiday you will have the chance of discovering the local Ladin culture, visiting magical churches and medieval castles such as the Ciastel de Gardëina or enjoying a blonde ale at the Gardëina Craft Beer Festival. Foodies will appreciate traditional and Mediterranean delicacies, as well as haute cuisine at the Michelin Star restaurant Suinsom. Our portfolio of chalet rentals in Selva Val Gardena offers several lovely properties from which to make the most of your time exploring the Dolomites in summer.
Cortina
Of all the Dolomites summer resorts, Cortina is perhaps the best for a lakes and mountains holiday. With several lovely lakes around the resort, as well as dramatic cliff-faces and alpine forests, Cortina offers the full summer lakes and mountains experience. One of our favourite ways to spend a morning in Cortina is hiking to a mountain lake for the stunning views and a paddle in the chilly waters, before a hearty lunch at a traditional hut. Reaching the beautiful Lake di Sorapis requires a challenging trek, but the rewards are worth it in the form of beautiful views and turquoise water. Nearby, the Refuge Vandelli is a humble but popular spot for an authentic mountain lunch.
Cortina itself is a cosmopolitan destination with a vibrant atmosphere. Discover designer shopping, exclusive jewellers and chic cafes in this UNESCO protected summer resort in the Dolomites. Dating back to the 6th Century, simply wandering through the town makes for a perfect summer evening; stopping off for an alfresco aperitif and deciding which of the lovely restaurants to drop into for local signature dishes. With some gorgeous summer chalets in Cortina, it’s a great choice for a holiday which combines authenticity and touches of luxury. Discover more about Cortina in our Guide to Cortina in Summer.
Arabba
Adventure and relaxation meet in the heart of the Dolomites at the resort of Arabba. Mountain trails and rugged peaks are just waiting to be explored, while the historic trade route Viel dal Pan is a family friendly trek with incredible views of the mighty Marmolada. For explorers on two wheels, the Pordoi Pass is one of the iconic climbs of the Giro d’Italia. Just a few kilometres from Arabba, it’s a tempting challenge during a road-cycling holiday in the Dolomites.
All of the Dolomites summer resorts we feature boast a rich culture and heritage, but Arabba’s is amongst the finest. Discover folk traditions and festivals, historic castles, and immersive WW1 sites in the mountains, while the low-key village is a haven for relaxing and enjoying a slower pace of life. The local Ladin culture also showcases gastronomic riches, from unmissable regional cheese, to unique pasta dishes which reach back into the region’s Austro-Hungarian heritage. Make the most of it by staying in the best self catered summer chalet in Arabba.
Cervinia
Situated in the Italian Alps, rather than the Dolomites themselves, we couldn’t help but to include Cervinia in our list of the top summer mountain destinations in Italy; the Matterhorn is just too magnificent to ignore! Mountaineers have flocked to Cervinia for generations, and today is no different. Visitors can embrace this heritage during a summer holiday to Cervinia. Follow the trail of legendary adventurers and hire a guide to discover the best climbing routes for all abilities. Italy’s iron walkways, or via ferrata, also offer an epic mountain adventure, while mountain biking, horse riding treks and summer skiing are memorable family activities in Cervinia that won’t soon be forgotten!
Cervinia boasts a small but excellent collection of gorgeous luxury summer chalets for a fantastic Italian mountain vacation. With relaxing wellness facilities, awesome views, and luxurious service levels, Cervinia is an up-and-coming destination in one of the best alpine regions.
A Dolomites summer holiday will offer a 360° experience, for everyone to enjoy! Our top Dolomites summer resorts provide activities of any kind ideal for both beginners and experts, as well as being well-equipped for families with fun and entertaining attractions.
If you are still wondering where to stay in the Dolomites in summer, or would like to consider other summer resorts for your luxury mountain holiday in Italy, reach out to our Summer Alps Specialists who will be more than happy to guide you based on your criteria. You can give them a call on +44 1202 203659 or send an email.
