Summer holidays are just around the corner, and many are already dreaming of escaping the heat to find relief in mountain areas. Italy has countless phenomenal places where you can find respite from the scorching sun and city stress. Whatever you enjoy doing, whether trekking, birdwatching, or leisurely walks, if you’re wondering where to go for a mountain vacation to recharge your batteries, the ideal destination might not necessarily be far from home.
Whether you’re an enthusiast seeking incredible photographs, an active family looking for adventure; a skilled climber, an experienced hiker, a fan of mountain cuisine, or simply looking to get away from it all in search of fresh air in a peaceful setting, our country is the perfect place to find excellent vacations for a perfect escape! To help you find the right break, we’ve prepared a list of 18 mountain vacation destinations in Italy, where you can find some inner peace and immerse yourself in nature.
18 Places to Go for a Mountain Vacation in Italy
Relaxing? Active? Or maybe adrenaline-fueled? Whatever your ideal mountain vacation is, discover which of these places suits you best., discover which of these places suits you best.
The majestic dreamlike scenery of the Alps is perhaps even more spectacular during the warmer season, when snow-capped peaks and the green valleys below offer breathtaking and contrasting views.
The entire mountain range stretches about 750 miles, and each area has its own unique charm, offering different ways to experience the mountains. Looking for the highest peaks? Choose the Aosta Valley, home to the Mont Blanc massif. Interested in wild, untamed nature? Stelvio National Park is ideal for you. Dreaming of breathtaking mountain panoramas? The Dolomites offer some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. And that’s not all.
Whatever your destination, a summer mountain vacation promises plenty of fun and sports activities. You’ll find wonderful hiking and walking trails everywhere, plus you can explore the surrounding nature through activities like cycling, horseback riding, golf, mountain and rock climbing, river rafting, or paragliding, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.
Not to mention all the water sports on the lakes. There are also many opportunities to relax: indulge yourself in a spa at a cozy chalet, shop to discover great local wines, art, and crafts, try some delicious gourmet restaurants, or simply sunbathe while enjoying the view of flower-filled meadows and the sound of cowbells and mountain streams around you.
Discover which of these places suits you best and start planning your mountain vacation!
Brunico
Located in the heart of the Puster Valley, in Trentino-Alto Adige, Bolzano province, Brunico is a typical winter destination but also perfect for summer thanks to its high-altitude hikes and forest walks.
Plan de Corones is near the town, well known for its ski resorts, and offers interesting summer opportunities for hikers and paragliders who flock here to enjoy breathtaking views and crystal-clear air.
Then there’s Brunico Castle, with its interactive museum founded by Reinhold Messner, dedicated to the inhabitants of these mountain areas: a perfect choice for a cultural break from outdoor activities or something to do on a rainy day.
Malborghetto-Valbruna
Near the border with Austria and Slovenia, among the Julian Alps, Malborghetto-Valbruna boasts a very ancient history, including important ties to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At an altitude of 807 meters above sea level, the landscape features forests, woods, mountain huts, and pastures. In short, it offers endless possibilities for relaxing nature walks!
For example, you can complete the Animalborghetto trail in about an hour. This is a path that allows you to admire 44 wooden statues carved by local artist Marina Gioitti. Depicting forest animals, the hike creates a magical setting that’s also perfect for an adventure with children!
And of course, cycling enthusiasts are well catered for in Malborghetto-Valbruna. Why not explore the Alpe Adria cycle path? It’s a 435 km bike route connecting Salzburg to Grado and passes through this mountainous region.
Alagna Valsesia
In Piedmont, at the foot of Monte Rosa, you’ll find Alagna Valsesia, in the province of Vercelli. Famous for its ski resorts, it’s a hidden gem dating back to the Walser people, the Germanic inhabitants who founded settlements in this area in the 13th century. Located in the Alta Valsesia Natural Park, it’s an important landmark for alpine tourism.
The Sesia River also flows through Alagna and cascades into a large, roaring waterfall, also known as the “Sesia Cauldrons.” This is a region of pristine beauty shaped by a glacier over millennia. To learn more about the local influence, culture, history, and architecture of the Walsers, we highly recommend visiting the Walser Museum in the village of Pedemonte.
Trentino – Dolomites
It’s hard to choose just one spot in the Dolomites! Trentino offers a fascinating mix of Alpine and Italian traditions in the Dolomites. The towering peaks and exuberant shapes of these mountains form a superb backdrop for what is a famous ski destination in the colder months. In summer, these lush places offer a wide range of hiking trails for various levels. With excellent climbing opportunities, charming alpine villages, and truly breathtaking views, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your appetite!
Civitella Alfedena
Let’s move to Abruzzo to discover this location situated on the slopes of Monte Sterpi d’Alto, at 1,121 meters. Civitella Alfedena is a small medieval village nestled in the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. The tower dates back to the 1300s, and the stone houses and palaces clearly mark the village’s medieval origins.
The church offers tradition, culture, history, a series of festivals and activities, and much more, all in a breathtaking setting. The area is particularly known for its wood carving tradition and the Palazzo delle Feste, which hosts a lively calendar of exhibitions, shows, and concerts throughout the year. For cultural gems atop the mountain and outdoor activities, it’s the ideal destination!
Courmayeur
At 1,224 meters altitude, this ancient and elegant town lies at the foot of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, in the Aosta Valley, and is crossed by the Dora Baltea river. A must-see for nature lovers who also appreciate refined old-world charm.
Madonna di Campiglio
Madonna di Campiglio, at 1,522 meters, is the main gateway to the Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers many activities and services dedicated to families with children in a natural setting of incomparable beauty.
It’s one of those famous trendy Italian ski resorts, but equally beautiful in summer. It boasts many excellent trekking, hiking, and climbing routes that can be enjoyed while staying in an ideal and perfect alpine village.
Ortisei
At 1,230 meters, in Trentino-Alto Adige, Ortisei is a charming town in the splendid Val Gardena, in the heart of the Dolomites. It’s an ideal starting point for hikes and also hosts numerous cultural, musical, and sporting events during the summer season.
Champoluc
Finally, at 1,568 meters, you’ll find Champoluc in a large sunny valley, enclosed by a glacier backdrop. It’s an authentic alpine village at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif. Watching Mont Blanc at sunset is priceless!