Day Walks in the Dolomites

Discover Italy’s dramatic alpine playground — the iconic Dolomites, part of the spectacular Italian Alps. From soaring limestone peaks and serene glacial lakes to hidden valleys and historic mountain trails, this UNESCO World Heritage Site delivers unforgettable scenery and an outstanding walking holiday from June to September.

Day Walks in the Dolomites, by renowned guidebook author Gillian Price, known for her extensive expertise in the Italian mountains, transforms walking in the Dolomites into a straightforward and rewarding experience. The guide presents 50 graded day walks, ranging from easier valley and meadow walks to more demanding high-mountain excursions, allowing you to select outings that match your fitness, experience, and available time.

Every walk (3 - 21km) includes clear, step-by-step route descriptions accompanied by 1:50,000 mapping for confident navigation through dramatic limestone landscapes and alpine terrain
The 50 routes are carefully graded, making it simple to choose a walk that suits your ability, whether you prefer a gentle scenic outing or a more strenuous mountain day, so you can explore the Dolomites at your own pace
Walks are based around key centres including Cortina d’Ampezzo, San Vito di Cadore, Sesto and Misurina, allowing you to plan rewarding day hikes directly from well-located accommodation
Practical information is woven throughout, with helpful guidance on access, local transport and facilities so you can organise each walk efficiently and make the most of your time in Italy
GPX files are available to download for use on GPS devices and smartphones, providing an additional layer of navigational support for independent hiking in the Italian Alps


Each route has been carefully selected to showcase the very best of walking in the Dolomites: iconic views, hidden corners, and unforgettable viewpoints. With trusted guidance and detailed mapping, you can focus less on logistics and more on the pure enjoyment of day walks in the Italian mountains.

Seasons

July-September best for walking with good conditions and all lifts, public transport and huts open. Low altitude routes from May if winter snowfall has been light; paths are quiet in October

Centres

Cortina d'Ampezzo, San Vito di Cadore, Sesto, Misurina, La Villa, Ortisei, Alpe di Siusi, Vigo di Fassa, Passo di Costalunga, San Martino di Castrozza, Alleghe, Forno di Zoldo, Madonna di Campiglio

Difficulty

Selection of walking routes from Grade 1 simple strolls, Grade 2 routes over rocky mountain terrain requiring some experience and fitness, to challenging Grade 3, sometimes with a little exposure and extra distance. Some routes contain aided sections.

Must See

Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Brenta Dolomites, Civetta; old smuggler's route Viel del Pan, high altitude Piz Boè circuit; Ammonite fossils on Puez-Odle and dinosaur tracks on the Pelmo; sparkling lakes Carezza, Misurina and Sorapiss; alpine wildflowers; marmots, chamois, ibex, birds of prey