Flora and Fauna in the Dolomites

Nestled along Italy’s rugged Ligurian coastline, Cinque Terre is a dream destination for hikers and nature lovers. With its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and sparkling sea views, it’s no wonder this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most sought-after hiking regions in the world. At Bookatrekking.com, we make exploring this magical destination easy and enjoyable. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about hiking in Cinque Terre and how we can help you plan an unforgettable adventure.

The Via degli Dei is one of Italy’s most fascinating trekking routes, offering a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture. Translating to "The Way of the Gods," this trail takes hikers from Bologna to Florence, retracing ancient paths that once connected these two iconic cities. At Bookatrekking.com, we make this journey seamless, offering you the chance to explore Italy’s scenic and historic beauty at your own pace. Here’s everything you need to know about hiking the Via degli Dei:

Tuscany is a dream for walkers. Think vineyard-covered hills, historic villages, and trails that take you off the beaten path. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a new adventure, a hiking holiday in Tuscany is the perfect way to combine nature, culture, and great food. At Bookatrekking.com, we offer several hiking packages to help you experience the best of this iconic region. Here’s a closer look at our top options, each offering something unique:

Val di Fassa, another trekker's dream destination in the famous Italian Dolomites, offers several unforgettable hut-to-hut adventures. Framed by the majestic Sassolungo and Catinaccio massifs, this valley has the best of both worlds: alpine scenery, Ladin culture and well-marked trails. From jagged limestone formations to tranquil alpine passes and shimmering turquoise lakes, every step reveals the beauty that has earned the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage status. But trekking in the Fassa Valley is not just about the views - it is also about immersing yourself in the local culture and flavours. After a rewarding day on the trails, family-run huts welcome you with warm hospitality and hearty Ladin cuisine, the perfect way to refuel for the next leg of your adventure. Whether you're tackling iconic landmarks such as Lake Antermoia or marvelling at the enrosadira - the pink glow that colours the Dolomite peaks at sunrise and sunset - this trek is a great combination of outdoor adventure and Italian mountain charm. Are you fit for the original Val di Fassa trek?

The Alta Via del Camoscio, a section of the lesser-travelled Alta Via 3, is a mountain lover's delight tucked away in the eastern Dolomites of northern Italy. Offering a quieter experience than its more famous counterparts, this high-altitude trek covers around 30 kilometres, starting and finishing in the iconic Alpine hub of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Along the way you'll hike through valleys and shimmering alpine lakes, surrounded by peaks such as Punta Nera, Cime del Laudo and La Cesta, which tower above 2,500 metres. Challenging yet rewarding, the medium to high level of difficulty makes it ideal for experienced hikers with an adventurous spirit. Expect steep climbs and descents that will test your stamina... But oh, the rewards: Endless panoramic views, tranquillity and a connection with the beauty of the Dolomites. If you are looking for an escape from the well-known paths of the Dolomites, the Alta Via del Camoscio is for you. This is your ticket to soak up the views and enjoy the tranquillity of a less crowded - but just as breathtaking - route.

Tucked away in the heart of the Italian Alps, the Dolomiti di Brenta are an alpine treasure waiting to be discovered. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Trentino offers a landscape of contrasts: limestone peaks piercing the sky, alpine meadows stretching for miles, and unspoiled valleys that feel like a step back in time. For the adventurous, the Brenta Dolomites are a dream come true. Well-marked trails lead you into one of the most striking mountain ranges in the Alps. Whether you're an experienced trekker or someone who loves a good outdoor challenge, the Brenta Dolomites will leave you in awe. But these mountains aren't just about the trails—they’re a window into Italian mountain culture, alpine huts, and Trentino cuisine. It’s the perfect balance: the challenge of climbing followed by the comfort of a rifugi. From steep climbs with sweeping views to peaceful paths through wildflower meadows, the Brenta Dolomites offer a unique experience. Are you ready to discover this gem of the Italian Alps? Let’s go!

Meet the Alta Via della Marmotta, a hiking trail that offers the quiet alternative for adventurers in the Italian Dolomites. Why an alternative, you ask? Simple: the Alta Via 1 and 2 are the most famous routes in the Dolomites, and that fame comes with a price. Each season the mountain huts get booked up faster and the trails get busier. And let's face it: surely those who hike want to enjoy peace, space and the sounds of nature rather than a crowd of people?" Our own Alta Via della Marmotta is the solution. This lesser-known route starts in San Vito di Cadore and ends in Auronzo, both easily accessible by bus from Cortina d'Ampezzo. Along the way, the route treats you to breathtaking views of mountains such as the Antelao and the Marmarole. And if that's not enough, you also get the warm Tyrolean hospitality and delectable local dishes to go with it. This tour lets you discover a quiet, unspoiled side of the Dolomites where you can truly escape the crowds for a while. Sounds like your kind of adventure? Watch our video below and get inspired. Let's discover that Marmotta together, shall we?

The Meraner Höhenweg, or Merano High Mountain Trail, is a 100-kilometer circular trek through the stunning Texelgruppe Nature Park in South Tyrol. It’s a must-do for hikers of all levels, offering everything from lush forests to rugged, rocky landscapes. Whether you're a trekking newbie or a seasoned hiker, this trail is as rewarding as it is accessible, and you can complete the full loop in 5 to 8 days, depending on your pace. Plus, the cozy alpine huts and charming hotels along the way offer the warm South Tyrolean hospitality you won’t forget. What sets the Meraner Höhenweg apart is how it lets you truly experience South Tyrol’s natural beauty and culture without needing technical skills. Unlike tougher routes like the Alta Via 2, this trail strikes the perfect balance between breathtaking scenery and rich cultural stops. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trek!

Many islands in the Mediterranean Sea, such as Crete and Mallorca, are great for walking adventures in spring and autumn and Sardinia is definitely one of them. The island is huge and is a perfect combination of rugged mountains and a picture perfect coastline. All across the island you can find exciting trails, both inland and close to the sea. Some follow the cultural heritage and others take you deep into the impressive mountain ranges. As Sardinia is not well-known as a place for hiking, it is sometimes hard to find the right kind of hike. At Bookatrekking.com we did the research for you and made a list with the 5 best hikes you can do on this breathtaking island.

Seceda. The Dolomites' absolute best view, right? We must be careful of what we say because we probably state the same in our blog posts about Cadini di Misurina, Lago di Braies and Lagazuoi. It is extremely hard to select a winner when it comes to the perfect Dolomites vibes. You can spend an entire Summer exploring all the goodness this UNESCO World Heritage Area has to offer. We know, that even if you only have a week, you’ll probably go to Seceda. Let us help you get there. To hike or not to hike to the Seceda ridgeline. That is the ultimate question. There is an easy way up to one of the most beautiful ridgelines in the world and, then, there is a harder way to get there. You can even turn it into an overnight trek. Let’s get to it!

Cadini di Misurina, it’s as if Instagram was made for it. Every second Reel or TikTok video about the Dolomites will take you straight to this viewpoint. For those who are not into social media, this may be annoying but everyone can see why this dot on the Italian map is popular. Why? Cadini di Misurina is one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. And you will see Cadini di Misurina. In this blog post, we will tell you more about this epic specimen of nature. We will tell you how to get there when to get there, what to combine with and how to make more of your visit. We will even give you the option to do a mini hut-to-hut trek. The Mountains of Mordor are calling. Andiamo! Let’s go!

Lago di Braies, Pragser Wildsee, Lake Braies, and Lake Prags are four names for the same thing: The Pearl of the Alps, the most beautiful lake of the Dolomites. It is not just the starting point of our favourite Alta Via 1, it is also one of the most popular stop-and-go tourist destinations in Italy. It is super busy but one can get away from the crowds and make a visit to Lago di Braies a lot more special. Include a stay in Rifugio Biela at the foot of Croda del Becco (Seekofel), the majestic mountain featured in any Instagram post and Tiktok reel about Lago di Braies. Andiamo!! Lago di Braies gets 1000s of visitors daily. In Summer 2023, vehicle access was restricted because of overtourism. Do you know those Instagram vs Reality posts? A beautiful spot, slightly overrun by the crowds. But your visit doesn’t need to be like that. Join us on a hike, on a tiny Lago di Braies trekking, get a spectacular appetizer of the Alta Via 1, and leave Pragser Wildsee recharged.

Alta Via di Capra! Yes, this is the hut-to-hut trek you didn't know yet. You should know that Capra is a Goat and, well yes, Alta Via, we know that from Alta Via 1, Alta Via 2, Alta Via del Granito and all those other fantastic names that always look a little less sexy in German (Höhenweg). So, the Alta Via di Capra. A 4-day hut-to-hut trek that not only puts the focus on the mountain goat and the chamois but also highlights the Cinque Torri and the Croda da Lago in the Dolomites. Avanti, andiamo! The Cinque Torri and (in part) the Croda da Lago are some of the absolute highlights on the Alta Via 1, a route that is rising above (pun) itself in terms of popularity. At Bookatrekking.com, we know better than anyone else that the Alta Via 1 sells out well before the start of the season, sometimes even already around the turn of the year. The Alta Via di Capra is a nice alternative for when you've fished next to the boat. That said, it is also a trip well worth the name we gave it!

Go online, find images of the Dolomites and there they are. The three colossal rock towers known as the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, also known as the Drei Zinnen. Unmistakable, impressive and therefore the symbol of the Dolomites. Is it just a hot spot with only day trippers and Instagram influencers? Not at all! The ideal place for one of the region's most family- and beginner-friendly hut to hut hiking Dolomites adventures? Yes! How so? Andiamo, we are hiking the Tre Cime di Lavaredo! With short day stages, no technical trails and the most legendary huts of the Dolomites. Not as a day hike but as a real hut hike. A hut-to-hut trek around the Tre Cime is not just your first trip through the Dolomites. With so much insane natural splendor, you can immediately call this trek the highlight of your year. Or life!

Lake Garda, or Lago di Garda, for many people a place that needs little explanation, is the largest lake in Italy and a popular summer destination for anyone looking for sun, beach and water sports. But did you know that this is also a great place for a nice hiking vacation? This is because Lake Garda is surrounded by beautiful mountains and in part of these mountains there is a network of 3 hiking trails: the Garda Trek with indeed 3 different options. In this blog we have listed them for you. With the peaks of Monte Baldo to the east and Monte Rocchetta to the west, the shores of Riva del Garda give you a taste of what you will experience up close at higher altitudes. One thing is certain: the various walks all offer you the chance to experience the unique Mediterranean-Alpine atmosphere.

The Tour des Combins is tucked away between the popular routes of the Tour du Mont Blanc, and the Walker's Haute Route. This trek, covering nearly 100 kilometers, takes you mostly through Switzerland but also briefly touches Italy. Wander around the impressive "Massif des Combins" and along vast lakes such as Lac de Mauvoisin and Lac des Toules. Think of it as the Tour du Mont Blanc without the crowds, a hut-to-hut trek for enthusiasts!Tranquil trails, authentic huts, the Alps at their grandest, and Switzerland and Italy at their best. The Tour des Combins is one of the better-kept secrets of hut to hut hiking Switzerland, and though we prefer to keep it that way, we're sharing it with you!

Never tried a hut tour before and not sure where to start? Then consider the Dolorama Weg, an exciting hut-to-hut trek in Italian South Tyrol suitable for any hiker. Far away from civilization, you will find large alpine meadows, well-marked forest and hiking trails and beautiful views. Put on your shoes, because we're taking you to the Dolorama Weg! Hiking while surrounded by impressive panoramas and mountain formations is exactly what is planned when you embark on the Dolorama Trail. In the shadow of Dolomite classics like the Alta Via 1 and the Alta Via 2 you will find a hut-to-hut trek that retains its captivating charm while offering an easier adventure. Andiamo!

So you want more Dolomites? The Palaronda Trek is as Dolomites as can be! The Pale di San Martino, also known as the Pale Group is the largest massif in the Dolomites and this rugged group of mountains hosts the spicy and legendary 4-day Palaronda Trek. The mountains here will make those on the Alta Via 1 look tiny. As a matter of fact, you're in the heart of our bestseller Alta Via 2, another Dolomites hiking classic. Alta Vias left and right but with Palaronda Trek you are doing something that literally stands out. Ready to rock 'n roll? Forza! By saying that the Palaronda Trek is in the heart of Alta Via 2, we mean that you are coming across some trails that are also part of this legendary route. The Alta Via 2 is for the mountain goats out there and allows for several via ferrata adventures. The Palaronda Trek is basically a highlights version of it, offers a less demanding challenge, and is suitable for you, me, and most hikers. In this blog post, we give you the full breakdown and help you on your way!

The Alta Via del Granito is just not any Alta Via. It's the Italian name for High Trail and in Northern Italy and the Dolomites you can find a lot of them. You may have heard of or you even may have hiked Bookatrekking.com bestsellers Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2. When it comes to hut to hut hiking Dolomites style, it doesn’t get better than those two phenomenal treks. Although geographically part of the Dolomites, the Alta Via del Granito isn't entirely dolomite. Yep, it's a bit more special than that. Why? Lace up your hiking boots, read our blog post, the tips from Ilse, and go discover the granite trails of the Lagorai!

Hiking in South Tyrol is something special. We love Tyrol, but South Tyrol just offers a bit more. It's like the same cake, but with the cherry on top. We admit, we're making big claims here, but anyone who has come face to face with the Three Peaks or the Marmolada will agree that a hut tour in South Tyrol is a guarantee for adventure and, since we're in Italy, for enjoyment. Welcome to the Dolomites, welcome to South Tyrol. These are our favorite hut hikes! South Tyrol has more than 16,000 km of marked hiking trails that lead through diverse natural landscapes, including themed paths, multi-day tours, hut hikes, climbing routes, and high-alpine paths. What about the Three Peaks or the Dolomites High Route 1? We know there's much more, but for our trekking experts, these hut hikes are the favorites.

Hiking in Italy? Read our blog post and discover the eight best routes for a hiking adventure in Italy. While the wonders of nature in Italy are well-known, it's only when you venture into the mountains and hike along the breathtaking coasts that you truly realize how beautiful this country is. Join us for a hike at Tre Cime di Lavaredo or Cinque Torre, explore the most scenic routes for an unforgettable time in Northern Italy, and relax at Lake Garda. Andiamo! Italy is not only famous for its food, history, and art, but it also offers diverse hiking opportunities that are perfect for exploring its beautiful natural landscapes. The Italian Alps and Dolomites are a Disneyland for anyone looking for an authentic walking trip.

The Alta Via 2, the more adventurous of the Alta Via routes, is calling your name! This isn’t just any trail; it’s a true challenge through the rugged heart of the Dolomites. Picture jagged limestone peaks towering above you, each day bringing a new mix of steep climbs and thrilling ridgelines. And after those long days on the trail? You’ll relax in rustic mountain huts and enjoy South Tyrolean meals. If you're looking for hut to hut hiking Dolomites style, this is it. The Alta Via 2 isn’t for the faint-hearted, but for those craving an authentic wilderness adventure. And trust me, this trek delivers. Big time. In this blog, we'll guide you through the route’s difficulty, different itinerary options, and what it's like to stay in remote rifugios high in the mountains. Every year, we help countless trekkers book their accommodations along this beautiful, quieter path, as well as in many other popular trekking routes in Europe. If you’re ready for a demanding journey through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Dolomites, we’ve got your back! With the right preparation, any trek is possible.

Alta Via 1, often hailed as the queen of all Alta Vias — a Dolomites classic — is on your bucket list. Of course, it is! This isn’t just another trail; it’s a journey through some of Italy's most dramatic limestone peaks. Think cozy mountain huts serving up hearty South Tyrolean dishes, paired with wild, rugged landscapes that make every step feel like an adventure. As a true hut to hut hiking Dolomites experience, the Alta Via 1 strikes the perfect balance between thrilling trekking and well-earned comfort, making it an unforgettable journey. We discuss the difficulty of the route, introduce you to different options, and explain to you what it's like to spend the night in a mountain hut. Every year we help hundreds of hikers with booking huts along one of the most popular hiking routes in Europe . The Dolomites are hot and happening and if you want to experience the magic of the Dolomite High Route 1, you better get prepared early. Andiamo!