Sorting out the various regions of the Italian Dolomites was somewhat confusing. I wanted to discover which hikes and viewpoints would be the best to visit. I also sought to maximize my time in this glorious, wild place. The internet was helpful, but I was a little frustrated that there weren’t clear maps like I was used to with American National Parks. I highly recommend visiting these mountains, so I am providing some helpful advice based on my experiences.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

1. Know the Lingo

I’m not talking about learning Italian! (Although that would also help). There’s simply a lot of terms that you need to keep straight.

The Italian Alps vs. The Dolomites: Both are technically part of the larger Alps mountain range, but are located in different areas of the country. They also have varied features and rock quality, with some minor differences in types of recreation.

Within the Dolomites, there are separate Nature Parks. These are sometimes called natural parks or national parks. Confusing? Yes, especially when a great deal of the information is translated from another language. These parks are protected areas or wilderness reserves that have separate management. You can also find more detailed maps by honing in on one specific park.

Here’s an example: The Puez Odle (commonly called Puez-Geizler) Nature Park is located within the Dolomites, which is also part of the Alps. Got it? Good.

2. Rent a Car

Some people might disagree with me on this one. From what I noticed, the bus system in the Dolomites is pretty well-managed and extensive. However, they also don’t run as frequently as I feel they should, at least during the summer season. I really enjoyed the freedom to drive where I wanted when I wanted. Yes, it was a little harry at times driving stick-shift through ridiculously steep Italian towns. I like to think that it added to the adventure component of my experiences.

3. Don’t Over-Carry (but bring euros)

During my hike in Tre Cime, I mentioned the beautiful mountain huts that had snacks, coffee, and running water. If you’re doing a very long day hike, keep in mind that you can replenish supplies on a regular basis. It’s so much more enjoyable to carry a lighter pack, knowing full-well that you can grab more drinking water, or even have a delicious hot lunch every couple miles or so.

Note: be sure to check out the location of these huts and make certain that you’ll be passing one every so often.

4. Switch Up Your Location

Although you could easily spend days within one Nature Park, take the time to drive around a bit and see all the beauty the Dolomites have to other. Each park I visited had a unique flavor. The Adolf Munkel Trail (in Puez Geisler) had a lot more greenery and wild flowers than Tre Cimes. Even if the mountains look similar, you’ll experience unique viewpoints that can’t be missed. Additionally, the northernmost province of Italy, South Tyrol has a distinct culture due to its proximity to Austria and the fact that it used to be part of the Austrian empire. Here, many Italians speak German, and you’ll find some delicious German cuisine for a post-hike meal.

Hopefully this helps! If you’re planning a visit to Dolomites, leave a comment and I’d be happy to give some more advice.