10 Wellness Things to Do in the Dolomites in Summer

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The Italian Alps are a year-round destination. But if you’re planning your trip for the warmer months, you’ll want to read this list of 10 wellness things to do in the Dolomites in summer.

There are actually many reasons to visit the Dolomites off-season, including fewer tourists, cheaper prices, scenic hiking trails, and gorgeous lakes.

This applies not only to summer but to spring and autumn too, which are also great seasons to see the Dolomites.

I spent 4 days in June exploring the Brenta Dolomites, in the beautiful region of Trentino, and can assure you that’s a great time of the year to visit for a relaxing getaway.

Here are some of the things I did and absolutely loved about summer in the Dolomites.

Read More:

• Top 1o Best Yoga Retreats in Italy

 

Things to Do in the Dolomites in Summer:

#1 Hike the San Vili Pathway

The San Vili Pathway is a religious trek connecting Trento, the capital town of Trentino, to Madonna di Campiglio, in the heart of the Brenta Dolomites.

Conceived in the 80s, the path was inspired in the journey made by Saint Vigilio, the third Bishop of Trento, also known as San Vili by the locals.

The whole pathway is 100 km long, divided into 6 stages, and takes about one week to complete. You can walk the whole trek, or you can choose to walk only some of its steps, as I did.

You can also opt between the low itinerary, through the villages of the Val Rendena valley, and the high itinerary, through mountain areas.

Whatever you choose, a popular way to walk the San Vili Pathway is starting from Madonna di Campiglio and finishing in Trento. This is actually the opposite direction to the one taken by San Vili in the 4^th century, but much easier since mostly descent.

Nowadays, the San Vili trek is not only a religious pilgrimage but also a way to experience the local life, learn about the territory, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Brenta Dolomites.

I spent 4 days hiking part of the San Vili Pathway. This was my first time walking a long-distance trail and I absolutely loved it.

I especially recommend walking at least 2 of its stages: Madonna di Campiglio to S. Antonio di Mavignola, including the Vallesinella Waterfall and the spectacular Malga Brenta Bassa area, and Ranzo to Deggia, for the stunning views of the Canyon of Limarò.

Read more:

• The Essential Hiking Packing List for Beginners
• A Relaxing Dolomites Itinerary: Hiking and Wellness in Trentino, Italy

 

#2 Take a yoga class at Malga Brenta Bassa

Enjoying a yoga session with the Dolomites as a backdrop was definitely one of the highlights of my time in the Italian Alps.

Malga Brenta Bassa is a natural amphitheater with a fantastic view of the Brenta Dolomites and the perfect scenery for yoga and meditation.

Even if you’re new to yoga, I guarantee you this is an experience you don’t want to miss. You can book it here.

Afterward, Malga Brenta Bassa is also a great spot for a picnic and a pause from all the hiking and exercising.

Or, even better, join a yoga retreat in the Dolomites.

 

#3 Experience the Dolomiti Natural Wellness activities

Who needs a spa when you have the mighty Dolomites and Mother Nature, right?

Take some time to explore the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, the largest protected area in the region of Trentino, while detoxing and recharging through nature.

The Dolomiti Natural Wellness programs and activities include barefoot hiking trails, natural Kneipp (barefoot walking in a mountain stream) in the Sarca river, and tree-hugging in the forest.

I tried them all for the first time and was hooked!

I must confess I was a bit skeptical about tree-hugging at first, but it turned out to be a very special experience of connection with nature.

I also loved the natural Kneipp, although the water was almost unbearably cold. But the feeling of relaxation afterward was worth almost freezing my feet.

You can try all the Dolomiti Natural Wellness activities on your own or as part of an organized program (free for guests of the Dolomiti Natural Wellness hotels).

 

#4 Visit BoscoArteStenico

BoscoArteStenico is a one of a kind open-air museum located near the village of Stenico and a mandatory place to visit in the Italian Alps in summer.

Merging with the forest itself, this natural art museum presents beautiful sculptures made only from natural materials found in the woods.

Every summer, a group of selected international artists is invited to craft and present their pieces here in a new edition of the exhibition.

The result is an ever-changing collection of natural works of art worth visiting again and again.

The museum is part of a path including also the Stenico Castle, the botanic garden of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park, and the Rio Bianco waterfall, making it easy to visit all these places in one day.

You can visit BoscoArteStenico on your own or on a guided tour. If you have the time, I’d definitely recommend joining a tour with the founder, Maurizio (and his dog Silva), for some fascinating insights about the project and each work of art.

Entry is free of charge.

 

#5 Take a perception walk in San Lorenzo in Banale

This was another first-time experience for me, and one that I definitely recommend you try for yourself.

If you have no idea what I’m talking about, I’ll explain.

A perception walk is an activity in which you walk with your eyes closed while another person guides you for around half an hour.

During this time your guide will make you touch, feel and smell different objects and surfaces along the way in order to stimulate your senses.

It can sound a little daunting, especially if you’re someone who likes to be in control of things (like I am!).

But letting go of control through an exercise like this can actually feel very liberating and relaxing.

You can book your perception walk with Mattia and Alissa at aleeshang[@]gmail[.]com.

San Lorenzo in Banale is considered one of the most beautiful Italian villages, so I also recommend exploring it with your eyes wide open afterward.

 

#6 Relax in the Comano thermal baths

The village of Comano is famous for its thermal baths with dermatological properties.

After hiking in the Dolomites, make sure to spend a day or two in the Terme di Comano Park for some wellness and relaxation.

Your body (and your skin) will thank you!

Set inside this 14-hectare natural park, Grand Hotel Terme di Comano offers a gorgeous spa and wellness center and is a great option for your stay here.

 

#7 Visit Il Ritorno agricultural farm

Located in San Lorenzo, Il Ritorno is an oasis of nature, tranquility and… delicious cakes!

Il Ritorno is a biodynamic farm (a holistic form of organic agriculture) where you can learn about its aromatic and medicinal plants, walk through a sensorial path, interact with the farm animals, shop for natural products, and savor the delicious homemade cakes.

You can also enjoy a yoga session or massage amidst the beautiful mountain scenery at the Il Ritorno spa.

 

#8 Go lake swimming

A great thing to do in Trentino in summer is, of course, swimming in gorgeous and refreshing lakes.

Lake Garda is the largest and most famous lake in Trentino and Italy, and a holiday destination in its own right. But it’s not your only option for cooling off in the warmer months.

In fact, Trentino features almost 300 lakes (yes, that many!) where you can try water sports, swim, cycle, walk, or just relax and admire the views.

During my visit, I got a glimpse of the wonderful Lake Toblino, the most romantic lake in the Sarca Valley, also known as the Valley of Lakes.

Words cannot describe this place. The views are just astonishingly beautiful, and the remarkable Toblino Castle looks straight out of a fairy tale.

The castle is now a restaurant from where you can admire a panoramic view across the lake.

Alternatively, walk or cycle along the shore for some stunning views of the castle and surrounding mountains.

 

#9 Chase waterfalls

I’m a sucker for waterfalls, and just being around water in general, so I couldn’t be happier in Trentino.

I lost count of how many waterfalls I saw while hiking the Adamello Brenta Nature Park. But the most impressive ones were, no doubt, the Vallesinella and Rio Bianco waterfalls, both really worth visiting.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always taken aback by the power of nature!

 

#10 Enjoy the local food and drinks

Everyone knows that food is a great part of Italy’s appeal, and the Trentino region is no exception.

Local specialties include the strangolapreti (literally priest stranglers) gnocchi, polenta, and a wide variety of alpine cheese, sausages and meat products.

For drinks, you can’t possibly leave Trentino without trying the famous Trento DOC sparkling wine.

Also popular here are the classic Italian cocktail Aperol Spritz or the South Tyrolean cocktail Hugo, my personal favorite.

Some restaurants I recommend in the Brenta Dolomites are Prà de La Casa, Hotel & Bar Funivie Pinzolo, Hotel San Lorenzo, and Grand Hotel Terme di Comano.

 

Where to stay in the Dolomites in summer

La Soldanella

La Soldanella, in the small village of S. Antonio di Mavignola, was one of my favorite hotels in the Dolomites.

This family-owned hotel is beautifully decorated and has such a homely feeling to it.

And don’t even get me started about the views. My room had a balcony with views of the Brenta Dolomites that make waking up here a dream come true.

Click here for more info and booking.

 

Garni Lilly

I absolutely loved Garni Lilly, in San Lorenzo in Banale. I stayed here for 2 nights and didn’t want to leave!

My room was so spacious and comfortable and had a nice balcony with breathtaking views of the Dolomites.

All common areas are also lovely and cozy, and the garden is the perfect place to relax after a day of hiking.

Click here for more info and booking.

 

Summer in the Italian Alps is absolutely stunning and a great time of the year to see the mythical Dolomites.

Make sure to check these 10 things to do in the Dolomites in summer off your travel bucket list and I promise you’ll leave wanting to return in no time.

 

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More travel tips

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Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

 

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.

 

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

 

Tours

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

 

Car Rentals

Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

 

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* I was a guest of Visit Trentino during my time in the Italian Alps. As always, all opinions are my own.

 

Have you been to the Dolomites in the summer? How was your experience? Share in the comments section below.

 

Read more:

• The Essential Hiking Packing List for Beginners
• A Relaxing Dolomites Itinerary: Hiking and Wellness in Trentino
• Top 15 Things to Do in Trento, Italy

 

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