Trentino-Alto Adige
Discover Trentino-Alto Adige through its dramatic Dolomites, alpine villages, turquoise lakes, authentic mountain cuisine, and spectacular landscapes beyond the tourist trail.
Why visit Trentino-Alto Adige?
Alpine Villages & Mountain Culture
Trentino-Alto Adige combines traditional alpine villages, historic towns, and a distinctive blend of Italian and Austrian influences. Explore colourful streets, wooden chalets, ancient castles, and peaceful communities surrounded by some of Italy’s most spectacular mountain scenery.
Dramatic Dolomites & Alpine Landscapes
The Dolomites dominate much of the region, creating an extraordinary landscape of jagged peaks, green valleys, and high mountain passes. Scenic roads, cable cars, and hiking trails reveal breathtaking views throughout both Trentino and South Tyrol.
Authentic Flavours & Local Traditions
The region’s cuisine reflects its unique position between Italy and Austria. Taste handmade canederli, speck, mountain cheeses, apple strudel, local wines, and traditional dishes served in rustic mountain huts and family-run restaurants.
Turquoise Lakes & Wild Nature
Beyond the mountains, Trentino-Alto Adige is filled with crystal-clear lakes, forests, waterfalls, and peaceful valleys. Discover turquoise alpine waters, hike through protected nature parks, or explore remote landscapes far from the busiest resorts.
Discover Trentino-Alto Adige Beyond the Crowds
From hidden mountain villages and turquoise lakes to dramatic valleys and spectacular Dolomite peaks, the region rewards travellers who explore beyond its famous destinations. Venture off the usual routes and discover a quieter side of the Italian Alps.
Best time to visit
Spring
Ideal for exploring alpine villages, green valleys, waterfalls, and lower hiking trails as the landscapes come alive with wildflowers and fresh mountain scenery.
SUMMER
Perfect for hiking in the Dolomites, swimming in alpine lakes, scenic road trips, and lively evenings in mountain villages, although famous destinations become busier in July and August.
AUTUMN
Cooler temperatures, colourful forests, fewer visitors, and seasonal food traditions make autumn perfect for hiking, scenic drives, and exploring the region’s villages and valleys.
WINTER
Best for skiing, snow-covered mountain villages, traditional Christmas markets, cosy mountain huts, and experiencing the spectacular winter landscapes of the Dolomites.
TOP 10 HIDDEN GEMS IN Trentino-Alto Adige
Discover ten extraordinary places that showcase Trentino-Alto Adige beyond the tourist hotspots, each offering its own unique charm and authentic local atmosphere.
10. Val di Funes
Val di Funes offers one of Trentino-Alto Adige’s most spectacular Alpine landscapes, where green meadows and traditional villages sit beneath the dramatic Odle peaks. Explore peaceful hiking trails, discover picturesque churches such as Santa Maddalena, and enjoy breathtaking views across the valley. With its traditional mountain character, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable Dolomite backdrop, Val di Funes is one of the region’s most captivating mountain escapes.
9. Bondone
Bondone rises above the landscapes of southwestern Trentino, with stone houses and narrow streets surrounded by mountains and forests. Wander through its beautifully preserved historic centre, discover quiet corners and panoramic viewpoints, then visit nearby Castel San Giovanni overlooking Lago d’Idro. With its medieval character, peaceful atmosphere, and dramatic mountain setting, Bondone is one of Trentino-Alto Adige’s most charming hidden villages.
8. Vipiteno
Vipiteno combines colourful Alpine charm with centuries of history, surrounded by the dramatic mountains of Trentino-Alto Adige. Wander through its elegant historic centre, lined with pastel-coloured buildings and traditional arcades, and admire the iconic Torre delle Dodici rising above the main street. Nearby trails and mountain valleys offer endless opportunities for exploring the surrounding landscape. With its beautiful architecture, lively atmosphere, and Alpine setting, Vipiteno is one of the region’s most captivating historic towns.
7. Lago di Ledro
Lago di Ledro offers a peaceful Alpine escape surrounded by forested mountains and traditional villages. Walk or cycle along the lakeshore, swim in its turquoise waters, or explore nearby trails. The lake is also known for its UNESCO-listed prehistoric pile dwellings. With its beautiful scenery and fewer crowds than nearby Lake Garda, Lago di Ledro is a refreshing mountain escape.
6. Chiusa
Chiusa combines medieval charm with a beautiful setting between vineyards and the mountains of Trentino-Alto Adige. Wander through its narrow streets and colourful buildings before climbing towards the impressive Sabiona Monastery. Surrounded by green hills and Alpine scenery, Chiusa offers beautiful architecture, historic character, and a relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds.
5. Lago di Resia
Lago di Resia offers one of Trentino-Alto Adige’s most unusual Alpine landscapes, surrounded by mountains near the Austrian and Swiss borders. Its famous submerged church tower rises dramatically from the lake after the former village was flooded in the 20th century. Follow scenic paths along the turquoise water and enjoy views of the surrounding peaks. With its fascinating history and spectacular setting, Lago di Resia is truly unique.
4. Mezzano
Mezzano captures the traditional character of Trentino-Alto Adige, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites. Wander through its narrow streets, admire stone houses and wooden balconies, and discover the artistic cataste e canzei, carefully arranged stacks of firewood found throughout the village. Nearby trails lead towards the spectacular Pale di San Martino mountains. With its authentic atmosphere, unique traditions, and beautiful Alpine setting, Mezzano is one of the region’s most charming hidden gems.
3. Lago di Tovel
Lago di Tovel offers a spectacular Alpine escape in the Brenta Dolomites, surrounded by forests and dramatic peaks. Follow scenic trails around its crystal-clear waters and explore the landscapes of Adamello Brenta Nature Park. With its turquoise water, untouched nature, and breathtaking mountain setting, Lago di Tovel is one of the region’s most beautiful natural escapes.
2. Glorenza
Glorenza offers a beautifully preserved glimpse into medieval Trentino-Alto Adige, surrounded by the mountains of Val Venosta. Wander through its intact city walls, historic gates, arcaded streets, and colourful buildings. Beyond the old centre, scenic trails lead through orchards and Alpine landscapes. With its unique architecture and peaceful mountain setting, Glorenza is one of the region’s most fascinating hidden gems.
1. Canale di Tenno
Canale di Tenno feels like a journey into medieval Trentino-Alto Adige, with stone houses and narrow cobbled streets surrounded by green mountains. Explore its beautifully preserved historic centre before heading to nearby Lago di Tenno, known for its turquoise waters. With its timeless atmosphere and beautiful Alpine setting, Canale di Tenno is one of the region’s most enchanting hidden gems.
Practical Travel Tips
Everything you need to know before exploring Trentino-Alto Adige.
✈️ Best Airport
Verona Airport is a convenient gateway for southern Trentino, while Venice and Bergamo can also be useful depending on your route. For Alto Adige and the northern Dolomites, Innsbruck Airport in Austria is another practical option.
🛣️ Driving in Trentino-Alto Adige
Driving is one of the best ways to explore mountain villages, alpine lakes, and remote valleys. Main roads are generally excellent, but expect winding mountain routes, steep sections, and occasional seasonal closures on high passes.
🅿️ Parking
Most villages and natural attractions have designated parking areas, although popular lakes and hiking destinations can fill quickly in summer. Some locations require reservations or seasonal access restrictions, so check local rules before visiting.
💳 Cash or Card?
Cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, shops, and cable cars throughout the region. However, carrying some cash is useful for mountain refuges, smaller villages, parking machines, local markets, and more remote areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Trentino-Alto Adige combines the spectacular Dolomites, turquoise alpine lakes, traditional mountain villages, historic towns, and beautiful valleys. It is one of Italy’s best regions for nature, hiking, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures.
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Yes, Trentino-Alto Adige is generally very safe for tourists. Take normal precautions and always prepare properly when hiking or exploring higher mountain areas, where weather conditions can change quickly.
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A week is enough to experience several highlights, while 7 to 10 days is ideal for combining the Dolomites, alpine lakes, historic villages, scenic drives, and hiking trails.
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Popular Dolomite resorts and famous mountain destinations can be expensive, especially during summer and ski season. Smaller villages, lesser-known valleys, and accommodation away from the major resorts often offer better value.
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Not necessarily. Public transport is excellent in many parts of the region, but a rental car gives you greater flexibility for reaching remote valleys, hidden villages, mountain passes, and lesser-known natural attractions.
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The region is famous for the Dolomites, spectacular alpine lakes, skiing, hiking, traditional mountain villages, castles, and its distinctive blend of Italian and Central European culture and cuisine.
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June, September, and early October are excellent for hiking and exploring the region with fewer crowds. July and August offer ideal mountain conditions but are busier, while winter is perfect for skiing and snow-covered landscapes.
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Choose Trentino for dramatic mountain landscapes, beautiful lakes, and traditional Italian Alpine villages. Choose Alto Adige (South Tyrol) for spectacular Dolomite scenery, colourful towns, vineyards, and a stronger Italian-Austrian cultural influence. Ideally, combine both.