Yet another one of Italy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Dolomite mountain range might be the most beautiful in the world. Located in the far north eastern corner of Italy, the Dolomite mountain range is packed full of ambitious climbs, full speed descents, and a massively underrated culinary scene. The mountains were once coral islands formed millions of years ago, but now they're home to glitzy ski resorts, mountainside villages, 1000 year old herding trails, and a mix of cultures that you won't find anywhere else.

The Dolomites are a short 2 hour drive, or cycle, out of Venice and have one of the most extensive cycling networks for both road and mountain bikes you will find anywhere in the world. The labyrinth of jagged peaks and emerald green valleys is the perfect place to spend a cycling vacation. There are many circular cycling routes that allow you to tie in multiple resort towns via the roadways, or by cycling the trials. Many of the ski resorts boast hundreds of kms of cycling trails that all connect. There are as many tour operators in the Dolomites as there are new roads to explore, even some of the hotels will rent you a bike and book you a tour.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is a great place to be based out of in the Italian Dolomites. The high class ski resort town has everything you need for that quintessential Dolomite experience: spectacular views, world class food, award winning wine, unique spas, and unprecedented access to amazing road and mountain cycling.  Be prepared to see road signs in three languages, Italian, German and Ladin, as the Dolomite region of Italy is as culturally diverse as it is magnificent. Finding accommodations and tour operators is easy in northern Italy, why not try one of the many cycling specific hotels? Let them take care of every aspect of your stay in the Dolomites.

Best Seasons:May - Sep
Popular Locations:Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Sellaronda route, Dolomite to Lake Garda route