Bolzano

The capital of South Tyrol, Bolzano (or Bozen), has beautiful parks, flower-lined promenades, and a cog railway and cable-car that ferry passengers up to ski areas and plateaus with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Must-sees include the Duomo di Bolzano and the Archaeological Museum where you can meet Ötzi the Iceman, an incredibly well-preserved glacial mummy dating back to the Copper Age.

Bolzano is an ideal starting point for long hikes and for more demanding bike and mountain tours. There are actually a vast number of hiking and excursion destinations around this popular vacation town. You should definitely take the Rittnerbahn railway to reach the high plateau and pay a visit to the rose garden above Bolzano when the evening sun is shining red upon the rose garden.

Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo, known as the "pearl of the Dolomites", is a fashionable village in the province of Belluno. Not only does Cortina have an abundance of scenery, but it also boasts museums, art galleries, fine-dining restaurants, luxury hotels, plus one of the most famous ski resorts in the world. In the summertime, mountain climbers flock to the area to try their hand at the challenging via ferrata hiking trails nearby.

Merano

The pastel-colored spa town of Merano is best known for attracting literary figures as Franz Kafka and Ezra Pound. In the summer months, the town offers relaxing walking paths lined with a great deal of palm trees, and more challenging hiking trails at higher altitudes. Its main thoroughfare of smart shops and fancy hotels ranks second only to its beautiful gardens that line the River Passirio.

Trento

Trento sits on the River Adige and is nestled within the Adige River Valley. As the capital of the Trentino region, the city has a population of 117,000 and is considered to be one of the richest cities of the country and serves as a main communication hub in Northern Italy. Furthermore, citizens here enjoy a high quality of life and standard of living.

Due to its extensive history and involvement with various Empires and rulers, Trento has a plethora of beautiful historical structures such as the Duomo and Castello del Buonocnsiglio. Furthermore, the city has a host of fine museums and galleries, and some great shopping opportunities. Alternatively, due to its location in the Northern Alps, Trento lies in close proximity to many high-quality ski resorts for those who are more adventurous.

Bassano Del Grappa

Brassano del Grappa is a picturesque town wedged in the Pedemontana hills, facing the beautiful Alps and flowing through the Brenta river. The city is known for its wooden pontoon bridge built by Palladio in the 16th century and its 12th century castle. Grappa, the renowned Italian spirit made of grapes, was invented here.

The town boasts an enchanted medieval atmosphere with romantic narrow streets full of bars and ceramics, and small shops selling local products. The food scene here is known throughout the region. And a visit here takes you on a journey through time. The history of this town is closely tied to the memories of the Great War. There are entire museums and landmarks dedicated to it, but one thing you can't miss is the Ponte degli Alpini.

Brunico

The urban center of the Pustertal valley, Brunico, is associated above all with mountains. However, here you will also find two temples designed by Reinhold Messner, the king of the eight-thousand-metre peaks – the MMM Corones and the MMM Ripa. The first is located at 7,464 ft. on the peak of the Kronplatz and offers stunning panoramic views. The museum designed is a shrine to the world of mountaineering. The MMM Ripa at Schloss Bruneck castle is dedicated to mountain people all over the world. Together with the Stadtgasse street, this former summer residence makes up the old town, where townhouses gleam with their crenelated gables and pointed-arch doorways. The Moessmer textile mill and the Ulbrich textile factory are a reminder of its past as a historic textile center. For those interested in history, the City Museum, the South Tyrolean Folklore Museum in Teodone or the military cemetery are worth a visit. If you feel like getting some exercise, a trip to the climbing center and then the Cron4 swimming pool is recommended.

Bressanone (Brixen)

The charming and gorgeous town of Bressanone lies nestled at the foot of the mountains. Located in a wide and lush green valley, it is the perfect place to base yourself for exploring the amazing Dolomites. With a very interesting history, amazing architecture, and a gold mine of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, Bressanone is a must visit for anyone passing through the region.

Corvara

Corvara occupies a very central location in Val Badia, between La Villa and Colfosco. Planted at the foot of Sassongher peak, this scenic village offers many outdoor activities without feeling clogged, or packed. Corvara is just about 12.5 miles away from Cortina and is separated by the stunning Passo Falzarego. Unlike Cortina. The city is in a very central location and is quite a quiet little town that has small side streets. The slopes in the area are a well-known skiing spot, and you’ve got easy access to the ski lifts from the town. While most people visit the area to go on long-distance and multi-day hikes in the Dolomites, the sleepy feel of this town makes it a great place to simply relax and unwind. Plus, its proximity to Cortina means that you’ll never run out of things to do.

Canazei

Canazei is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. The town is a well-known ski town, and the Belvedere ski area above it is part of the Sella Ronda ski circuit.