Revisiting the Magic: An Unforgettable Week in the Italian Alps
Mid-July found us drawn back to the breathtaking spectacle of the Italian Alps. Our adventure began as we touched down at Bergamo Orio al Serio airport, eagerly collected our pre-booked Fiat (we used Economy Car Rentals at the time), and set our course for the mountains.
A quick note on car hire: While they’re still operating, the market has evolved. From early 2024, we’ve found DiscoverCars offers better value for money. This is just our personal preference – we aren’t sponsored by any rental companies!
Our home for the week was the delightful mountain village of Canazei, nestled in the heart of the Dolomites. We had secured a fantastic apartment for an excellent price, making it the perfect basecamp.
Finding Our Alpine Home – The Scenic Drive from Bergamo to Canazei
The drive from Bergamo was a journey in itself! We headed east, skirted the stunning shores of Lake Garda, and then turned north into the rising peaks. After a few blissful stops at picturesque spots by the lake and further up in the mountains, we arrived in Canazei by late afternoon.
Our landlady, who didn’t speak English, welcomed us warmly. With a mix of gestures and our rudimentary German (the region’s proximity to Austria and Germany is a great help!), we settled into our apartment. It was surprisingly spacious and boasted an incredibly central location on the main street. (We booked it through the local fassappartamenti website).
Based on our experience, we can recommend this booking site, though a word to the wise: be prepared to pay a deposit almost immediately after booking, a detail that wasn’t prominently displayed during our reservation process.
Exploring the Heart of the Dolomites
Canazei and its neighbouring villages – Campitello di Fassa, Mazzin, and Pozza di Fassa – are beloved resorts in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. This area is a stone’s throw from the famous Venetto region, home to the glamorous Cortina d’Ampezzo.
A glance at a map reveals a wonderland of ski resorts crisscrossing the border with Austria. The region is a hiker’s and skier’s paradise, with endless possibilities for exploration.
A Lesson in History: The Austrian Influence
A little geography and history: Trentino-Alto Adige is an autonomous region with a fascinating past, having once been part of the Austrian Empire. This heritage is palpable everywhere! To us, it often felt more akin to our visits to Austria than to other parts of Italy.
You see this duality in the bilingual town names, like Bolzano/Bozen and Castelrotto/Kastelruth. Bolzano itself is a gorgeous town, rightly nicknamed the “Gateway to the Dolomites” (a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 2009!). It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll, surrounded by epic landscapes.
One day, we ventured out to see the Piramidi di Segonzano, a geological marvel and a true masterpiece of nature. These are towering sandstone columns, some reaching an impressive 20 metres high. We’ve seen similar formations in Bulgaria’s Belogradchik Rocks, but each site possesses its own unique, awe-inspiring character.
The Crown Jewel: A Hike in the High Dolomites – Our Day at 2,300 Metres
The pinnacle of our trip was an entire day spent hiking high in the Dolomites. While we enjoyed several walks, this was the undisputed highlight.
Just a few minutes’ walk from our apartment, a mountain lift Cabinovia Belvedere Canazei – Val di Fassa Lift whisked us up to around 2,300 metres. From this lofty starting point, a network of well-marked trails unfolded before us, suitable for all who wish to immerse themselves in nature’s grandeur.
We trekked for about 11 kilometres that day, spending four and a half unforgettable hours surrounded by majestic peaks. The sheer scale and beauty of the landscape are impossible to put into words – it’s a feeling of pure, unadulterated freedom that you simply have to experience for yourself. In the afternoon, we rode the public Alpine bus back to Canazei, tired but utterly euphoric. It was worth every single step.
A Local Secret: The Canazei Town Festival
When we planned our trip, we had no idea our stay would coincide with the annual Canazei town festival! This turned into one of our most cherished memories. One evening, a vibrant parade flooded the main street, which we enjoyed from the perfect vantage point of our large balcony. The following day, the town was buzzing with locals and visitors alike, all enjoying attractions, sampling delicious local produce, and exploring small, private exhibitions.
The most enchanting part was how residents opened their homes to the public, showcasing their hobbies – from intricate embroidery and historical collections to full-blown workshops. Nearly every exhibit had a guestbook, and flicking through them was a journey in itself; entries dated back decades from visitors across the globe, speaking to deep-rooted, cherished traditions.
Inspired to plan your own trip? We have plenty more stories and tips from our travels across Italy and other Southern European gems like Croatia, Greece, and Spain. Keep exploring our blog for your next dose of inspiration!
adventures attractions Belgium Bulgaria city break Croatia Czech Republic day out England Estonia France Germany Greece heritage hiking holidays Iceland islands Italy Latvia Lithuania London Montenegro nature Norway Poland recipes Rome Scotland Spain Switzerland