11 European Mountain Escapes Beyond the Ski Slopes

8. The Dolomites, Italy

No peak in the Dolomites is more famous than its sharp limestone towers, but these mountains dazzle just as much during hiking season. The valleys bloom with color as wildflowers return each summer, and travelers can tackle scenic via ferrata routes, rent e-bikes for easy valley trails, or savor Ladin culture at mountain festivals. Foodies flock to high-altitude huts that serve Michelin-starred tasting menus alongside rustic fare. Cortina d’Ampezzo and Alta Badia offer access to public transport, base villages, and a range of wellness hotels. Autumn brings truffle fairs and forest walks beneath fiery leaves; even in peak times, it’s easy to find solitude on less traveled paths. The Dolomites reward those who look upward—and inward—for adventure and authentic living.