When the Italian sun is at its strongest and cities simmer in August heat, there’s no better way to cool off than by heading into the mountains. Italy offers an extraordinary variety of mountain escapes that combine fresh air, stunning views, and trails for all fitness levels.

Whether you’re new to hiking or already have a pair of well-worn boots, these destinations provide the perfect retreat for nature lovers looking to stay active and refreshed. Here’s our hand-picked selection!

The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Italy’s most dramatic landscapes, offering cool mountain air, open green meadows, and world-class trails. Whether you're a beginner or a casual hiker, this region promises memorable walks with minimal effort.

Start with the Seceda Ridge hike above Ortisei. A cable car brings you straight to a high-altitude plateau where wide, easy trails wind past grazing cows and wildflower meadows. The views over the Odle peaks are unforgettable, and the paths can be as short or long as you like.

For a slightly more adventurous route, try the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop: an iconic 10-kilometer trail that circles three dramatic limestone towers. Starting from Rifugio Auronzo, this moderately challenging hike offers panoramic views, historic World War I sites, and welcoming mountain huts serving hearty dishes and apple strudel.

Base yourself in Ortisei, a postcard-like town in Val Gardena known for its wooden chalets, artisan woodcarvers, and welcoming atmosphere. It’s the perfect mix of charm and convenience, with direct access to lifts, cafes, and shops. Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina are also excellent nearby options if you want something a bit quieter or closer to the Puez-Odle Nature Park.

For those planning to hike around the Tre Cime area, Cortina d’Ampezzo is your best bet. This elegant mountain resort town blends old-world Alpine charm with modern amenities. It’s a great place to return to after a day on the trails and is well-situated for exploring both the Dolomiti Bellunesi and the nearby Ampezzo Dolomites.

The Dolomites sit at the crossroads of Italian and Austrian cultures, and that’s reflected in the food. You’ll find hearty, comforting mountain fare with a Tyrolean twist. Don’t miss:

• Speck: a cured and lightly smoked ham, often served with rye bread and pickles.
• Canederli (knödel): bread dumplings with cheese or speck, served in broth or butter.
• Casunziei: half-moon ravioli stuffed with beets and ricotta, dressed in melted butter and poppy seeds.
• Strudel di Mele: apple strudel, usually served warm with whipped cream.

Pair your meal with a glass of Lagrein or Gewürztraminer, two of the region’s best local wines!

For a peaceful day out, we recommend heading to Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm): Europe’s largest alpine meadow, perfect for gentle walks and sweeping views. Nearby, Lago di Braies is a turquoise lake framed by forest and peaks, ideal for a relaxing stroll or rowboat ride.

From Cortina, visit Lago di Misurina or ride the Faloria cable car for wide-angle views of the Ampezzo Valley. Many local trails trace the frontlines of World War I, where remnants of tunnels and bunkers still remain, quietly blending history into the landscape.

If you're staying in or around Ortisei, take time to explore its woodcarving studios: a living tradition that adds cultural depth to your mountain escape.

Interested in exploring the Dolomites? Check out this itinerary for start and then feel free to reach out for more information - we can plan the best mountain retreat you can think of!

Nestled in the northwest corner of Italy, Gran Paradiso National Park is a sanctuary of alpine peace. It’s Italy’s oldest national park and remains one of its most unspoiled: where ibex roam freely, wildflowers paint the meadows, and the air feels noticeably cooler even on the warmest summer days. With gentle trails and rewarding climbs, this is the perfect spot for walkers who want nature at its purest pace.

A great place to begin is the Valnontey trail, just outside the village of Cogne. This wide, mostly flat path follows the river through shady forests and open fields, with plenty of benches and picnic spots along the way. It’s ideal for a slow, scenic stroll and offers a high chance of spotting alpine wildlife like chamois, marmots, and the park’s iconic ibex.

For those up for a moderate challenge, continue from Valnontey to Rifugio Vittorio Sella: a panoramic mountain hut perched at 2,588 meters. The climb is steady but not technical, and the views from the top stretch across glaciers, valleys, and rugged granite peaks. It’s a fantastic half-day outing for those who want to feel like they’ve earned their lunch.

Cogne is the heart of the park and the most convenient base for walkers. It’s a tidy, welcoming town with a lovely piazza, charming hotels, and small trattorias serving hearty alpine dishes.

If you're after a quieter experience, the nearby hamlets of Valsavarenche and Rhemes-Notre-Dame offer fewer crowds and immediate access to peaceful high-altitude trails. These villages are perfect for travelers who want to wake up with the mountains right outside their window.

Aosta Valley cuisine is simple and satisfying, born from its mountain roots. Look for:

• Fontina: the region’s signature cheese, often melted into rich dishes like fondue or polenta.
• Seupa à la Vapelenentse: a local bread and cabbage soup with layers of Fontina - perfect after a cool day outdoors.
• Tegole: light, crisp hazelnut cookies traditionally made in Cogne.

Pair any meal with a glass of Petite Arvine or Torrette, two wines grown in this alpine corner of Italy.

While the park itself is vast, it’s also well-situated for short side trips. From Cogne, you can easily visit the Lillaz Waterfalls, a scenic series of cascades just a short walk from the village. The path is easy and family-friendly, with great photo opportunities.

A bit further afield, the Roman ruins of Aosta make for a great cultural contrast. The town offers ancient theatres, archways, and pretty cobbled streets - a nice mix of history and boutique shopping. You can also explore nearby Castello di Fenis, one of the most iconic castles in the region.

Gran Paradiso is one of those rare places where you can truly unplug. The trails are never crowded, the views are wide and wild, and the hospitality is as warm as the sun after a morning hike. Interested? We can craft the perfect mountain stay together - just book a free call with our travel designers!

Tucked between the better-known Dolomites and Lake Como, the Orobie Alps offer a quieter, less-traveled mountain escape in Northern Lombardy. Here, alpine charm meets rugged natural beauty, with dense pine forests, crystal-clear rivers, and panoramic ridgelines. It’s a perfect destination for hikers looking to avoid the crowds while still enjoying varied and rewarding trails.

The Alta Via delle Orobie is the region’s signature multi-day trail, stretching across dramatic ridges and high passes. But you don’t need to be a seasoned trekker to enjoy this region. For easier days, head into Val Brembana, where gentle trails lead through mountain pastures, spruce woods, and the occasional rushing waterfall. One particularly scenic walk runs from Branzi toward Lago di Cassiglio, offering lush views and plenty of quiet spots to stop and breathe.

There are also circular day hikes around Foppolo and Carona, where you’ll pass old alpine huts and reflective lakes that make for ideal picnic breaks. For intermediate hikers, longer loops can take you toward panoramic peaks like Monte Arera or through high mountain passes between alpine valleys.

Base yourself in Branzi, a cozy village nestled between forests and peaks, or in Foppolo, a former ski resort now enjoying a second life as a summer hiking hub. Both offer small family-run hotels, traditional food, and trail access just steps from your door.

If you’d like to pair your hikes with a bit of relaxation, San Pellegrino Terme makes for a delightful detour (if you’re interested in SPAs and natural hot springs, check this out). Famous for its mineral waters and Liberty-style architecture, this spa town offers thermal baths, riverside walks, and an elegant escape after a few days on the trails.

The Orobie region is part of Bergamo’s culinary heartland. Expect rustic, satisfying dishes built for mountain appetites:

• Polenta Taragna: a rich, cheesy polenta made with buckwheat flour and local cheeses like Branzi or Formai de Mut.
• Scarpinocc di Parre: handmade pasta stuffed with breadcrumbs and cheese, typically served with melted butter and sage.
• Casoncelli alla Bergamasca: a local pasta filled with meat, herbs, and amaretti, dressed in butter and pancetta.

Finish your meal with a slice of Torta Donizetti, a soft almond and pineapple cake named after the composer from nearby Bergamo.

From the heart of the Orobie, you’re just a short drive from the historic city of Bergamo Alta, with its cobbled streets, panoramic walls, and Renaissance buildings - a perfect rest day alternative to hiking.

Closer to the trails, visit Cornello dei Tasso, a tiny medieval village perched above a gorge and known for its role in the creation of the European postal service. It’s a quiet, storybook place that offers a glimpse into the region’s long history.

With its mix of wild landscapes, authentic food, and local hospitality, the Orobie Alps are a perfect under-the-radar destination for those who love nature, walking, and a slower pace of life. Interested? Just send us a quick text on WhatsApp and let’s talk about it!

Lake Como is famous for its villas, glamour, and sparkling waters - but just above the shoreline lies a lesser-known side of the lake, where mountain trails wind through chestnut woods, quiet villages, and ridge-top meadows with sweeping views below. It’s the perfect escape for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the lake from a cooler, more peaceful vantage point.

The Via dei Monti Lariani is a long-distance hiking route that follows the western side of Lake Como. The full trail stretches over 100 kilometers but is divided into manageable sections, making it perfect for day hikes. Trails typically link ancient mule tracks and stone hamlets perched above the water, with natural terraces that offer some of the best lake views you’ll find anywhere.

One popular stretch runs from Menaggio up through Croce and along to Rifugio Menaggio, a small mountain hut with panoramic views over the lake. The ascent is steady but not difficult, and the scenery rewards every step. Other sections, like those above Cernobbio or San Fedele Intelvi, are gentler and ideal for more relaxed walkers.

Stay in Cernobbio if you want a stylish lakeside base with easy access to trailheads and ferries. For a quieter option with beautiful scenery, Menaggio offers a charming old town, waterfront promenade, and a direct path into the hills. Bellagio is also a wonderful choice if you’re looking to combine gentle hikes with lakeside elegance and easy boat travel.

All these towns are well-connected by local buses and ferries, making it easy to hike by day and dine by the water in the evening (and, of course, if you organize the trip with us you’ll enjoy private transfers everyday!)

This part of Lake Como blends mountain flavors with lake cuisine. Look out for:

• Missoltini: dried lake fish served with polenta, a true local specialty.
• Pizzoccheri: buckwheat pasta with cabbage and cheese, a hearty dish from nearby Valtellina.
• Polenta uncia: creamy polenta layered with butter, garlic, and alpine cheese.

Wash it down with a chilled glass of Domasino white wine, made from grapes grown right on the hills above the lake.

While the trails give you the lake from above, you’re also perfectly placed to explore it from below. Take a ferry to Villa Carlotta or Villa Balbianello, two of the region’s most famous lakeside estates with spectacular gardens. Or wander the narrow streets of Varenna, a quiet and romantic village on the eastern shore.

Whether you’re walking through shaded forests or watching sailboats glide below, the Monti Lariani trails let you experience Lake Como from a fresh perspective, one that’s a little cooler, a little quieter, and just as breathtaking. Check out our Lake Como itineraries and contact us to personalize your trip with some hiking experiences!

If your goal is to stay truly cool in the height of summer, head for Italy’s high-altitude north - specifically the Stelvio Pass and the surrounding Ortler Alps. This is one of the few places in Italy where you might need a jacket in August. With altitudes above 2,700 meters, the air is crisp, the views are dramatic, and the hiking is as refreshing as it gets.

A great option for an easy yet breathtaking walk is the Goldseeweg Trail. Starting from the Stelvio Pass, this well-marked path gently descends along the slopes of Monte Scorluzzo, with uninterrupted views of the Ortler range. The route is accessible, quiet, and offers a sense of being far above the everyday.

For more experienced hikers, the Ortler High Trail delivers a multi-day adventure through remote valleys, alpine ridges, and glacier viewpoints. This route offers a true sense of high-mountain immersion, complete with overnight stays in mountain huts and the chance to spot ibex and golden eagles along the way.

You’ll also find shorter loop trails near Monte Vioz and Val Martello, offering dramatic glacier views without the need for technical climbing.

Bormio is a fantastic all-round base. This historic spa town offers a blend of wellness and outdoor activity, with thermal baths, medieval streets, and great food - all at the foot of the mountains. If you prefer something quieter, consider Trafoi, a tiny village nestled near the pass, or Solda (Sulden), a peaceful resort surrounded by peaks and perfect for serious walkers.

These areas are well-equipped with chairlifts, mountain huts, and scenic drives - so even non-hikers in your group can enjoy the views.

The food in this alpine region is hearty and often surprising. Look for:

• Pizzoccheri della Valtellina: short buckwheat pasta with potatoes, cheese, and cabbage.
• Bresaola: air-dried beef from nearby Valtellina, sliced thin and dressed with lemon and olive oil.
• Kaiserschmarrn: a fluffy shredded pancake from the Austrian tradition, usually topped with berries or jam.

Pair your meal with a glass of Valtellina Superiore, a refined red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes grown on steep terraced slopes nearby.

Beyond hiking, you can take a drive along the Stelvio Pass road, one of Europe’s most legendary and scenic alpine routes. With its dramatic hairpin bends and breathtaking drops, it’s a favorite among photographers, cyclists, and classic car enthusiasts.

Visit Glorenza (Glurns), a beautifully preserved walled town with medieval charm, or explore Santa Caterina Valfurva, a quiet valley that serves as another excellent base for nature walks and wildlife spotting.

In the Stelvio and Ortler region, you’ll find space, silence, and true coolness - a summer escape that feels almost otherworldly, high above the bustle of the lowlands. Interested? Let’s talk about it!

For travelers based in central Italy or looking to escape the summer heat without heading too far north, the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park in Abruzzo is a stunning alternative. This is where central Italy’s wild heart beats strongest: high plains, rugged peaks, and open skies stretch across a landscape that feels more Alpine than Mediterranean.

The star of the region is Corno Grande, the highest peak in the Apennines at 2,912 meters. Starting from the Campo Imperatore plateau, already at over 2,100 meters, this climb is demanding but doable for fit hikers. The well-marked "Via Normale" trail offers a mix of rocky paths and panoramic views, with sweeping vistas across Abruzzo and even glimpses of the Adriatic Sea on clear days. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding experience.

For something gentler, the Campo Imperatore plateau itself is ideal for easy walks across rolling meadows. The landscape is wide and open, often dotted with grazing sheep, wildflowers, and even wild horses. The quiet here is total: just wind, grass, and distant peaks.

The most atmospheric places to stay are in the ancient hilltop villages that surround the park. Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a beautifully preserved medieval town known for its stone buildings and peaceful pace. Castel del Monte, perched on a ridge, is another excellent base with a historic center and access to nearby trails. For an even more cinematic experience, visit Rocca Calascio, home to one of Italy’s most photogenic mountaintop fortresses.

Many accommodations in this region are family-run or part of restored historic buildings, making for a stay that feels connected to the land.

Abruzzo’s cuisine is rustic, flavorful, and deeply tied to its pastoral traditions. Don’t miss:

• Arrosticini: skewers of grilled mutton, a regional favorite often cooked over open coals.
• Sagne e fagioli: thick pasta with beans, garlic, and herbs.
• Pecorino di Farindola: a rare sheep’s milk cheese made using a traditional pork rennet method.

Round it out with a glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, the region’s bold and beloved red wine.

While the park offers days of hiking and exploration, nearby villages are well worth a visit. Explore the cobbled streets of Santo Stefano di Sessanio, known for its artisanal wool products and quiet charm. Walk to Rocca Calascio at sunrise or sunset for unforgettable views and a taste of cinema history (the fortress has been featured in several films, including Ladyhawke).

The region also makes a great base for visiting L’Aquila, Abruzzo’s capital, with its Renaissance buildings, churches, and evolving post-earthquake energy.

Gran Sasso offers something rare in summer Italy: vast space, cool air, and a sense of real escape. Interested? We would love to create a fully customized itinerary for you. Schedule a call with us whenever you want!

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