Dolomites Unleashed: Summer's Calling—Get Your Thrills in the Alps!

If your inner rebel is itching to toss a suitcase in the trunk but your route's still a mystery, cast your gaze at Italy’s Dolomites. These jagged, badass mountains will challenge even the most jaded travelers: the cliffs are as sharp as your wit, and cheeses on these Alpine meadows age faster than you can post a sunset story.

Val di Fassa is your playground if hiking’s your jam—and if you want to catch an opera on a mountaintop (yep, that's a thing here). Craving zen mode? Lake Braies is so crystal-clear you'd swear it’s filtered 24/7 by some invisible Instagram mods.

Gourmets, welcome to your kingdom—Cortina d’Ampezzo. Here, risotto rice is cooked in the bitter tears of chefs without Michelin stars, and panna cotta is served with glacier views, just to remind you that life is all about the fine details.

Cycling junkies, saddle up! If mountain passes are too much, stick to the valleys, snap selfies with cows and herders (sometimes ex–Tour de France racers who, yes, also love a good like).

Had enough of all this pastoral bliss? Hit up the Dolomite thermal spas—they’ll wash away not just your aches but yesterday’s grappa hangover, too.

Don’t snooze—book your stay early: this summer the Dolomites are breaking Insta records and there’ll be more stories than snow on the peaks!