Travel to the Dolomites – 23 photos that will inspire you to visit
There’s one location in Italy that features heavily on my Instagram feed: the Dolomites. We spend many post-Christmas holidays traveling to the Dolomites, simply because it’s an ideal winter vacation destination.
It’s a vast area that encompasses several regions of Italy, with striking landscapes to photograph, especially come sunset.
Travel to the Dolomites – where is it located?
The Dolomites is a mountain range in north-eastern Italy. It’s shared by the provinces of Belluno, South Tyrol and Trentino-Alto Adige, from the regions of Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol.
Given its close proximity to the border with Austria, you’ll see many signposting in German. In fact, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol is an autonomous province, with around 62% of the population speaking German.
There are similar mountain structures in the surrounding regions to the Dolomites. This includes Dolomiti di Brenta and the charmingly named Piccole Dolomiti (Little Dolomites) between Verona, Vicenza and Trentino. UNESCO named the Dolomites as a World Heritage Site in 2009.
Dolomites travel — the prettiest towns to visit
Given its scale, there are a vast number of towns to choose from when traveling to the Dolomites. Where you decide to visit also depends on what you plan to do during your trip. Towns like Cortina d’Ampezzo or Corvara are ideal for travelers looking to do some winter sports, as well as shopping!
Cortina d’Ampezzo is also a former Winter Olympics host city. You can see signs of its hosting past with the famous Olympic rings still on display. These 2 towns are also typically known for being on the more expensive side.
Saying that, it’s normal to see women here dressed in fur coats and a bit of bling. Other noteworthy places also include Ortisei and Selva di val gardena. This pretty village at the end of the Gardena Valley offers a perfect combination of sporting and leisure activities.
From the Dolomites, it’s also possible to take a day trip to other photogenic places in northern Italy. We took a day tour to Lake Garda and had an awesome time.
“Put on your snow boots and heavy coat, discover your surroundings, and let the snow gently kiss your face”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
Dolomites travel – inspiring wanderlust through photos
Selva di Cadore – travel to the Dolomites
This municipality is in Belluno, and takes around 3 hours’ drive if coming from Venice. The main villages include Santa Fosca and Pescul. Neighboring municipalities also worth visiting are Colle Santa Lucia, Borca di Cadore and Zoldo Alto.
A great base for skiing and snowboarding, the village of Santa Fosca is also nearby the major slopes and ski schools. However, for me, the most magical part of traveling to the Dolomites is the scenery. The Dolomites is known for its ever-changing light and colors depending on the time of day.
As a lover of sunsets, the best time in the Dolomites (for photography) is around 4pm. It’s the time when the sky turns ‘salmon pink’, and shades of orange, yellows and blues enter the picture. However, these colors only last for a few minutes, so you best be quick if you plan to capture them.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a skier or snowboarder in the Dolomites. Even for amateurs like me, I much prefer spending my time getting out into nature and observing the landscape.
Put on your snow boots and heavy coat, discover your surroundings, and let the snow gently kiss your face. If you love the outdoors, you’re going to fall in love instantly during your time in Santa Fosca.
“…I much prefer spending my time getting out into nature and observing the landscape”
FOLLOWING THE RIVERA
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Lisa Rivera
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Welcome to my site! I'm Lisa, founder of Following the Rivera. I write primarily for a ‘flashpacker’ audience; a demographic (late 20s onwards) that enjoys glamping over camping, staying at boutique/luxury boutique hotels, sampling the local food and wine, cultural activities, and indulging in a spot of wellness on their travels. Read more here…
Wow, Lisa! You really outdid yourself with this pictures! They are marvellous! I have been checking some on Facebook, but all together they almost create a fairy tale book. Although short, I loved my time in Italy, but I didn’t get the chance to travel around the country as much as I would have liked and this place prooves it. I would definitely keep it in mind for future travels!
Thank you! I feel so happy to read this 🙂 Italy’s beautiful, and there are so many great places to photograph, you must come back and spend longer!
These photos are undeniably inviting – great job capturing them. The natural landscape is so beautiful! Yes, you have convinced me to want to go! I will be adding this to my bucket list for travel plans in the future!
I’m delighted to read this! Trust me, the Dolomiti is beautiful, so taking those photos was very easy and enjoyable!
The salmon pink sky at 4:00 is outstanding, but all of your photos are beautiful. I am certainly inspired to visit the Dolomites now. I might have to plan a summer trip, the terrain looks epic for hiking.
I’m so happy to read that! It’s a stunning place, and really worth seeing even if only once 🙂
Ahhhhh we wanna go! It’s so high on our bucket list. The mountains are just incredible and better with the snow! Your photos are incredible. We can’t wait to grab our snowboards and get there!
Aw I’m so happy to read that! The Dolomiti are beautiful, and I hope you get to visit soon with your boards 😀
What a beautiful set of pictures! I always love pictures about landscapes with snow, maybe because I am from the Mediterranean and we never see it, but I love them! Thank you for sharing =)
You’re welcome! It’s a magical place and somewhere I can’t wait to return to 🙂
What a majestic range! I think a trip to Cortina d’Ampezzo would be lovely to check out the Olympic’s relics. I also live at the base of a mighty mountain range that once hosted the Olympics as well. It’s stunning to just look at them. I’m glad to know that I can visit the Dolomities and not have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy them…since I don’t do either! 🙂 Love your pictures, girl!
Thank you! Trust me, I’m neither too, but you can enjoy this landscape without doing any sports 😀
Wow, love those shots where everything turns pink. Sunsets are so magical! We must get up to the Dolomites and see all this amazing beauty. Your photos make it seem like a fairytale land 🙂
Thank you! It’s a magical place, and I’m happy to share my work with you all 🙂
What a picturesque location! I’m with you, I would be out exploring and taking pictures the whole time. I’m not one to wear a fur coat around while out taking photos in the winter, so hopefully I wouldn’t stand out too much 🙂
I’m definitely not a fur coat person either! The Dolomiti is beautiful and you will love shooting the different lights and landscape here.
Looks like you spent your winter holiday in a wonderful winter wonderland in the Dolomite in northern of Italy! I am surely going there this year but in summer! Thanks for your beautiful pictures!
Aww you’ll really enjoy your time here! It will be nice to see the Dolomiti in summer 🙂
Your photos of Dolomiti are absolutely breathtaking, I am in love with that sunset! It’s looking pretty chilly up there but I would definitely love to visit sometime! Those little churches look really cute and I love the mountains with the fog coming through the valley!
Thank you so much! It was cold, but a dry cold, so very bearable! It’s a stunning place, and you’ll love capturing it 😀
The pink hues during sunset are way too pretty! My other favorite, among many others, is the photo with the thick fog on the mountains. You did an awesome job on capturing the beauty of Dolomiti! Your gorgeous photos really inspire me to visit there. 🙂
Thanks Jen! It was a real pleasure to photograph the Dolomiti, and I’m an amateur! So happy I’ve inspired you to visit 🙂
I love the color of the sunset, Lisa! It’s amazing that the sky turned to salmon pink color! I was in Bergamo only, so I didn’t go to the North East of Italy. I would love to spend sometime around the Dolomiti area after seeing your pictures.
Trust me, it’s like walking into a dream 🙂 I really hope you get to visit and see all the colours for yourself x
Your photos are so beautiful! I wanted to visit the Dolomiti region and the South Tyrol when I spend a month in Tuscany but the time to get there and the price discouraged me to leave it for another time. I am not a winter person though and even if it looks beautiful all covered in snow, I would prefer visiting the mountain range in summer. I also love hiking and that’s another reason why I’d like a warm season. 🙂
Thank you! I’m not usually a winter/snow person, but spending the holidays here was something I’ll never forget. The Dolomiti are stunning, and so worth seeing during the colder months.
This place looks incredibly beautiful! The breathtaking landscapes, the sparkling snow, sun-kissed mountain peaks, the sunset hues – everything is simply stunning! Top it up with some food and wine – what else heaven looks like? 🙂
I couldn’t have said it better myself! It’s a beautiful place, and a pleasure to photograph.
I am definitely more beach/sun/dresses person but every time I am looking at beautiful mountains I wish I could be there! You took incredible photos! It looks so stunning over there especially during the sunset! Its also my favourite part of the day! I have to visit Dolomiti soon, and even tho I dont know how to ski I am sure ill have an amazing time there!
You’re not alone Ada! I’m no skier or boarder, but just being here was such a treat. Hope you get to visit soon x
Wow these are stunning captures. The colors so mesmerizing. Isn’t Dolomite a UNESCO WH site? I wish I had toured this place when I did road trip across Italy some years back.
It is a UNESCO site 🙂 Maybe when you return you can see the changing colours for yourself!
Beautiful photoshoot of stunning Dolomiti. Various Pink shaded sky and their reflections on snow during sunset is truly a splendid view. I missed Dolomiti while going to Lake Como from Venice due to lack of time. But after looking your photographs, I am regretting. Hopefully, I would make it next time.
I hope so too! It’s beautiful, and if you like photography, you’ll really enjoy taking photos here.
Gorgeous colours in that sunset sky! And as usual, I found myself loving the photos of food and wine. 😉
Thank you, hope you get to visit one day and try it!
Very nice pictures!! I was trying to look for my favourite one, but I can’t choose 🙂
Thank you, it’s hard to choose!
I’m also a lover or sunsets and that salmon sunset pink is spectacular! Also, love the contrast the snow gives in all of your photos — stunning. These photos are gorgeous and have definitely convinced me to add Dolomiti to my bucket list. Happy travels!
Great Martha, I’m happy to read that! It’s beautiful here and a must see x
That’s some amazing photography! Such incredible colours – how the pink just washes over all the snow like that!
Thank you! And there are no filters too 😀
Swoon! Those photos are just incredible–I love the one of the snow-covered church especially. I’ve visited the South Tyrol region of the Dolomiti and adored it, but that was during the spring–this has a whole different feel! It’s magical looking. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! The little chiesetta is very sweet especially with all the snow! Glad you enjoyed it.
Wow – the pink sky at 4 PM is just breathtaking! I have yet to make it to the Dolomites but I’m hoping to head north on our next trip to Italy. Santa Fosca sounds perfect for my partner and I, he can snowboard and I can check out the scenery!
It’s the perfect couples break! Especially if he like to snowboard, and you to observe the landscape 🙂
Hi Lisa – Beautiful pictures! I love the mountains views. I have been all over Europe but Italy I havent explored much- only Rome and Milan (for only a day.), this post inspires me to go to Italy now 🙂
Aww well I hope to see you there maybe one day!
Wow these images really are stunning. I like the way that some of them have almost a filtered appearance with shades of blue, green or orange. Great work 🙂
Thank you! No filter here, just beautiful nature at its best x
These pictures look fantastic, especially the one with the mountain tops that look like gold – mesmerizing! Still, I’ll look at the pics again in October when I’m ready for wintertime. Right now I need sun – sand – ocean….or at least spring!
Thank you! I loved my time here, but yes, I’m missing the sun and warmer vistas too 😀
Lisa such beautiful pictures you have! You know when I went to Italy 5 years back, I wanted to take a road trip around the Dolomites but time just did not allow and I ended up doing the usual Rome, Venice and Florence which also was amazing no doubt but I would’ve loved to visit the Italian mountains. Well, maybe next time 🙂
Thank you Medha! You must come back and see other parts of Italy, and those that are less known with tourists 🙂
Being from a tropical country, snow has always fascinated me. Your pictures capture the beauty of snow in all its glory!
Thank you! I appreciate the feedback.
Jaw dropping photos! I love the way you have captured different moods and colours by snapping pics at different times of the day. I’ve not been to the Dolomiti, but people I know who have been rave about it. Reading this post, I can see why 🙂
Thank you so much! It’s a stunning place and really worth a visit 🙂
This is absolutely stunning!!!! I have never heard of this region but when I make it to Italy I have to add it to my must see.
You must! Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
These pictures are stunning! The little village with the sunset looks very picturesque.
It is, thanks!
Oh my……. how stunning are these images! You make everything look like a fairytale almost. the pink salmon sky at sunset is just beautiful. Just goes to show how powerful images are. Sometimes we just don’t need words.
I couldn’t have put it better myself! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Such gorgeous collection of pictures. I think it would make a great place to make some star trails. Your blog made me imagine myself being here and playing in the snow.
That’s great, thank you. Hope you get to visit one day.
I did not need to finish checking out the 23 photos. The first few already had me wishing I was there already… how is it like in summer???
Beautiful photos.
Summer’s a completely different landscape 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the photos!
I was about to write the same! Must be sooo different between the seasons!
Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome!
I’m definitely inspired. Your posts on this region are wonderful. I feel almost like I’ve already been!
We still can’t believe we didn’t go see the Dolomites while in Italy a few years ago. We were very disappointed in ourselves that we missed something as great at this. You took some incredible photos and I like how they pop out at you. We have friends that go to the Dolomites yearly to ski and snow board as well. I guess we will have to make our way back to Italy soon.
So you definitely have a reason to return! I hope you get to visit soon, it’s magical here 😀
I have only passed through this area by train and is still to do on my mountain bucket list (as I am a hiker and love doing photography of mountains). Your photos are truly amazing and wetting my lips even more 😉
Thank you Danik! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and hope you get to return there soon!
Wow, wow, wow!! These photos are incredible-those views are jaw-dropping! You’ve definitely inspired me to go to the Dolomites sometime!
That makes me happy to read Caroline, thank you!
Such amazing photos! It definitely makes me want to visit there! I’m not much of a snow person (although I live in Canada) but the snow photos are pretty to look at!
I can imagine! You have plenty of snow in Canada 😀
Fantastic Lisa, I loved your pics. Dolomiti has been on my travel plans for a while, it reminds me a bit of Torres del Paine in Chile, but way closer from home. It looks like a great place to start learning how to ski while admiring the beautiful view. Well done for the beautiful images again! 🙂
Thank you Flavio! Chile’s high on my list, and I hope to make it there one day 😀
This is my first time to read about Dolomiti and honestly have wondered why I haven’t heard of it before! Those snowcapped mountain and gorgeous landscapes looks beautiful! You have truly captured so many incredible photos and have convinced to visit! 🙂
Thank you! I really hope you get to visit soon; it’s pretty incredible 🙂
I am a mountain person and would love to explore Dolomiti mountain range. UNESCO must have given it the World Heritage Site tag for a valid reason. The pictures you have shared are breathtakingly gorgeous!
You will absolutely love Dolomiti! And thank you for the compliments 😀
Your photos are all amazing and truly inspiring! I’ve seen Dolomiti actually passed it as we travel Italy. I really love the place and hoping to get another chance to explore it for a couple of days during summer. However seeing your photos made me want to do it in winter. 🙂
That’s brillian Liz! I hope you get to visit in winter, it’s quite magical.
Such stunning photography, as always Lisa! Some of these pictures are definitely canvas worthy though, I love them. I didn’t know anything about the region before reading your post either, so nice to have a bit of travel inspiration for a future trip x
Thanks Becca! I loved my time here and just happy to share and inspire 🙂
Lisa, these pictures are amazing, I have to say I love being around snow when it’s draping off mountains like this. I’ve not been to Dolomiti before but you have definitely enticed me to do so 😀
Thank you Amit! It’s gorgeous here, and you’ll love the landscape.
Hey Lisa! Just mesmerized by your pictures! Everything looks 3d to me! Sign me up for your photography class!LOL, I haven’t heard about Dolomiti before but definitely would fly there someday for the pink rays by 4pm!
Haha, thank you! There’s no photography class, I’m definitely an amateur 🙂 I really appreciate you dropping by!
The pictures are stunning! Makes me want to visit it now! ?
Thank you!
Your pictures are gorgeous – I’d love to visit both in Winter and Summer, as I’m sure the mountains have different moods in different seasons
You’re right! The Dolomiti looks different in the seasons, but just as stunning 🙂
Pics are so stunning and beautiful feels like visiting right away. Thanks so much for sharing adding Dolomiti to my bucket list
You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
Your pictures are definitely inspiring! I’ve never been that far up Italy but you make me want to book up!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it, the Dolomiti doesn’t disappoint 🙂
I absolutely adore picturesque natural landscapes and scenery, and the Dolomites seem to be a magical realm which even feels slightly dream-like. I would most definitely love to visit and enjoy the wintry weather; since I live in Singapore which is summer all year round, I’ve never had the opportunity to experience snow… yet 🙂
I’ve never met someone who hasn’t seen snow yet, till now! It’s beautiful here, and I promise you won’t regret visiting 😀
I would have never guessed that this place looks so astonishing if not seeing your posts, Lisa. I am definitely adding the Dolomiti to my bucket list thanks to your exceptional talent for photos! 🙂
I’m so happy to read that Agness, thanks so much for your comment 😀
Awesome post. I love Dolomiti. I went a few years back and plan to go again soon.
Thank you! Glad yo hear you share the same feelings on the Dolomiti 🙂
I dint know about Dolomiti. You just made me so curious. The pictures are lovely. I did write about Tirol recently. This looks close to it. Whenever I will visit Italy, I will plan for it.
Wonderful! Hope you enjoy it just as much 🙂
My favourite types of blogs are those with lots of beautiful photos. I have been in Veneto region many times, but never explored Dolomiti. Now I’m tempted, just because of that awesome sunset over mountains.
Thank you! It’s a stunning region, and I feel lucky that I was able to see it during the winter months.
I have always wanted to go to italy. These mountain shots are absolutely beautiful.
Shame you haven’t been, it’s incredible!
Lovely! Looks like winter paradise and reminds me of Scandinavia. Never knew there is such thing in Italy.
It’s a beautiful place and I’m lucky to have been there.
These photo’s are phenomenal! I’ve been hearing so many great things about the Dolomites recently. They’ve definitely made it onto my bucket list now!
It’s an awesome area, and I feel lucky to have been there at the time 🙂
Amazing photography there of the Dolomites! I haven’t actually experienced winter and snow, so visiting the area in winter will definitely be an amazing trip 🙂 The natural landscapes are so picturesque – I’d love to visit and just admire it for myself!
You must! It’s an incredible place and it’s quite hard to take a bad photo 😀
Nice Photos I love the Mountains; Wold love to visit there the Dolomites are incredible ?
Thank you! It’s a beautiful place to visit 😀