Road tripping through Italy: the Dolomites
Italy has it all. From the magical peaks of the Dolomites in the north to the rolling vineyard landscapes, dramatic coastlines with towering cliffs, but also wide beaches and beautiful historic cities. And let's not forget the icing on the cake—the reason we flock to Italy—the delicious food and wine! We could write volumes about it, but for now we'll focus on the Dolomites.
Into the mountains without a car? It is possible, but with a car it is just a bit more convenient (and more fun, if you ask us). And what is better than just taking your sleeping place with you? No, not a tent, but a bus! Ideal with the Roadsurfer campers. Ready to plan your next road trip? We are! Tip from flip: read to the end for a nice discount!
Before we dive into the hotspots, let's start with the most important thing: how to get there and how to go on a road trip? We have the tip for you: Road surfers! Roadsurfer rents campervans in all shapes and sizes. Ideal because they can be found everywhere. Drive from the Netherlands (Amsterdam or Rotterdam) for the ultimate road trip experience, or fly to Italy and pick up your campervan there. You can pick up the campervan in 7 Italian cities. We think that's quite something. Bergamo and Venice are the closest to the Dolomites, but if you also want to go to Tuscany, Florence and Bologna are a good idea.
That's the beauty of a holiday home on wheels: the ultimate flexibility! You can go wherever you want. Fly to Rome for a few days of city tripping, and then hop in the camper for a road trip to the mountains or the countryside. Sounds good, right? We're fans!
Dolomites
If you ask us, you can easily spend two weeks here. But a half-half split – a week in the mountains and a week in the sun – is certainly not a bad idea either. So if you’ve had enough of walking after a week, you can just drive on! Venice is also just around the corner.
Here are the highlights, divided over the two most beautiful (and popular, with good reason) areas:
There are some very nice wines from this region like the Blauburgunder (Italian version of the Pinor Noir) or the Vernatsch. You can get these at Vincent, an award-winning wine bar, which by the way also a beautiful accommodation has. But we'll skip that on this trip, because we already have it.
If you are a winter sports fan, you may already know Seiser Alm. It is a beautiful ski area, but in the summer months it turns into a real hikingparadise. Even if you're not a fanatic hiker, you'll feel right at home here. You really don't need the latest ultra trail shoes. You can also just take the gondola up. Wink.
From the cute village of Ortisei you can go up on both sides. With the gondola to Seiser Elm is really a picture. It almost looks like a kind of green hilly Teletubbyland, but with a gigantic mountain formation in the background. Wow! The differences in height are not great, so it is certainly relaxing walking, cycling and mountain biking. Or just having a drink because Yes, there are also cozy log cabins where you can order an Aperol Spritz at any time of the day.
Parking
The best way to park your Roadsurfer is here do, right next to the gondola to Seiser Alm. Why? Most of the parking spaces are underground, and if you have a large camper, it won't fit there unfortunately.
Sleeping wing
We slept in the village of St. Christina (the village next to Ortisei) on this parking lot. You then pay 10 euros per 12 hours to park. We found this via Park4Night, really the best app for on the road with a campervan. Here you will find endless sleeping places (from along the road, campsites, to the most beautiful wild camping places), but also water points and gray and black water discharge points. Yes, that's part of it too. Of course it remains (a form of) camping.
On the way back to the parking lot you will find the most idyllic spots to drink a good glass of wine or beer, namely in a mega relaxed sun chair, surrounded by mountains. Cheers!
Nearby you will also find the Church of St. John, a cute, picturesque church that does particularly well in snapshots sent home.
Sleeping wing
This is possible at the parking lot where you hike begins. Don't forget to go outside at night (briefly because it's cold) to look at the stars. If there is a place without air pollution, it is here. It is not cheap (for what you get), but you don't sleep so beautifully between the mountains every night. We say do it!
In addition to the impressive mountains, you will also find (in almost all mountain areas) beautiful lakes. This lake is certainly one of the highlights because of the bright blue color. One of those cases where you would think it was photoshopped. Nope, it's completely real. Prime location for sure!
At Lake of Braies, or in German: Pragser Wildsee, you can park in the paid parking lot. If you are early, you can drive to P4, so that you are close to the lake. Since you pay for a 24-hour camper ticket anyway, you have immediately arranged your sleeping place - and what a place!
Roadsurfer also has its own app 'Roadsurfer Spots'. This is also a great tip if you don't have any inspiration or plans for your overnight stay!
On to the next. Perhaps the most photographed part of the Dolomites. If there is one, because every mountain top is worth a snap. Okay, first things first: go early. The Three Cime di Lavaredo hike is popular, and because the mountain roads are not that wide and everyone has to drive up, you can sometimes get stuck in traffic. You can (partly) avoid this by just going really early.
This is another one of those exceptionally beautiful places (Parcheggio Auronzo) where you can also sleeping for a fee, so you can head that way at the end of the day. It's smart to plan well anyway, because not everyone feels like going after a day hiking to be in the car for a long time. Planning routes, checking the weather and doing some research will make your journey a lot smoother. In each area you can go to the visitors center, wherever they are hikes can recommend. Big tip!
Anyone who wants to end their road trip through the Dolomites with a touch of slow luxury, sets My Arbor On the list. This design hotel is literally nestled in the treetops, just above Brixen, and is built around a single idea: unwinding through nature. The rooms are like treehouses jutting out from the mountainside, with large windows, wood, tranquility, and views of endless pine forests.
During the day, you can stroll straight into the forest, and in the evening, you can immerse yourself in the spa with saunas, relaxation areas, and heated pools overlooking the greenery. Wellness isn't an add-on here, but an integral part of your stay: sleeping, eating, exercising, and relaxing blend seamlessly. Another bonus: sustainability plays a key role here. From the architecture to the cuisine, everything focuses on local materials, seasonal produce, and minimal impact on the environment. My Arbor is the perfect ending to a road trip through this region: after days spent outdoors, hiking, exploring, and driving, this is the perfect place to unwind.
What makes sleeping in a camper different from a hotel? Sometimes you might miss a bit of luxury (although you don't have to worry about that with a Roadsurfer). First of all, you really sleep in the middle of nature (and sometimes for free), and you can go anywhere in no time. If you want, you can sit behind the wheel in your pyjamas, and you have probably never eaten breakfast, lunch or dinner in such unique places. Fold out those chairs at the most beautiful lake you have ever seen!
It is certainly unique, but also easy. You can take everything with you, without luggage limit, so also (way too) many clothes. And it is cheaper. Spending the night in the Dolomites can be quite expensive. Plus you have transport and a place to sleep for the price of one.
Italy is such a beautiful holiday destination, especially if you like cooking. Not a chef? No problem! With fresh pesto and some pasta you are ready in no time. For lunch you take the most delicious focaccias with you. Again, budget proof!
And when you're done with the mountains, you can easily drive to Venice, Milan, Cinque Terre or even Tuscany!
Whether you're traveling with your husband, the whole family or solo, Road surfers has a nice means of transport for every group aka sleeping place. The largest camper van is the family farm en Road House, both suitable for 4 people. At the Road House two can sleep in the back and two under the pop-up roof. So kiddos along? Or would you rather have a double date or go out with the girlfriends? Let's go! Want even bigger? Then choose a real camper – a square onespace shuttle'. Not our favorite in terms of looks, but plenty of space! Oh, even better news: these three models also have a hot water shower. I know right?
Prefer something a little more compact? They also have cute options like the Beach Hostel of surfing suite. Small but nice: they drive and park super easy. We have the Road House tested in South Tyrol, including narrow mountain roads – and it was smooth! So are you comfortable behind the wheel? Don’t let those larger vehicles scare you off. Have fun! Here you will find all options
Vroom vroom
Hopefully, we've inspired you for a road trip to the Dolomites, or wherever you like! Let's go! Voilà ! Book via this link.
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