WHERE TO VISIT, EAT AND STAY IN THE DOLOMITES

• Bolzano Visit this pretty town at the base of the Dolomites for an authentic Italian experience. The Saturday markets and narrow cobbled streets are extremely charming, and it’s easy to access to the Dolomites from here. bolzano-bozen.it • Pur Südtirol This modern bistro, produce market and wine store in Bolzano is close to the town square. Via Perathoner 9, 39100, Bolzano. pursuedtirol.com • Oberrauch Zitt A Bolzano department store selling traditional Tyrolean dresses and jumpers, as well as beautiful designer clothes — it’s definitely worth a look for unique finds. Lauben 67, 39100, Bolzano. oberrauch-zitt.com • Lago di Carezza This lake is at the base of the Dolomites near the town of Carezza in the provence of Bolzano. It’s incredibly beautiful and appears brilliant blue in contrast with the white stone of the mountains. • Rifugio Lagazuoi One of the highest rifugios in the region. If you’re not walking the Alta Via 1, you can get a cable car up from the Falzarego Pass on the Grand Dolomite Highway. Rifugio Lagazuoi has spectacular views and from here you can see Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites. rifugiolagazuoi.com • Rifugio Nuvolau This is another wonderful rifugio perched on the edge of a cliff. It is one of the oldest rifugios and is very authentic with an outdoor toilet that must have the world’s best view. nuvolau.com • Marmolada The highest mountain in the Dolomites and worth a side trip. You can even do a via ferrata route, which is climbing assisted by chains and a harness. Marmolada is one of the first and most popular via ferrata climbs in the Dolomites and is quite doable if you’re reasonably fit. • Menodiciotto A fabulous gelato shop in the middle of Bolzano. Piazza della Parrocchia 7, 39100, Bolzano. meno18.com