Cycling in the Dolomites - must-sees and dos

Ah, Italia! Land of gelato, coffee, pizza, pasta - in other words the good life. But that’s just for starters, add in some incredible bike routes in iconic regions like the Dolomites and you have a dream bike trip.

Because the Dolomites, in the northeastern corner of Italy, are without doubt a dream destination for gravel riders. In a word, dazzling. Think spectacular scenery, winding roads and trails and picturesque villages - an ideal playground for those wishing to combine culture and adventure.

So if you’re eager to explore these magnificent mountains renowned for their rock cliffs and peaks towering high into the sky, here’s a few tips on what not to miss. Be warned, it’s hard to resist this UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The Dolomites - a jaw-droppingly beautiful place to ride gravel!

Straddling the Trentino Alto Adige (South Tyrol) and the Venezia regions, the Dolomites are best known for their imposing mountains with craggy summits, emerald lakes and beautiful spruce forests. An enchanting and unique setting that helps to make this Alpine massif seem like a forgotten land.

With more to explore around every corner they really are ideal for cyclists, and gravel riders in particular.

Composed mainly of sedimentary limestone several million years ago, the mountains have retained their sea-bed heritage, with impurities in the rock creating the impressive formations we are blessed with today. Visible from the lagoon that separates Venice from Murano on a clear day, Venetians like to say that the mountains shows off their diamonds, with the sunlight illuminating to perfection the multitude of colours in the rock. Just a stones throw from France and Austria, you’ll find a perfect playground for adventure, contemplation and a total change of scenery.

Must sees in the heart of the Dolomites, and nearby

• The Tre Cime di Lavaredo - 3 emblematic peaks

The Tre Cime di Lavaredo Natural Park is one of the jewels in the crown of the Dolomites. These three emblematic peaks attract hikers, cyclists and nature lovers from all over the world. The park's gravel itineraries will take you straight into nature, against a backdrop of spectacular alpine scenery.

Mountain huts such as the Rifugio Auronzo and Rifugio Lavaredo are dotted throughout the Park and are an excellent option for a well-earned break and authentic places to stay!

• The Val di Funes - a green haven

The Valley of Funes (Val di Funes) is famous for its lush green meadows and breathtaking views of the Geisler Mountains. You’ll find plenty of route options that pass through traditional villages, pastures and forests, a real mountain community. A great opportunity to stop off at one of the many local farms to sample some artisanal products - cheese and charcuterie galore! Get off the beaten track and enjoy this paradise-like valley, the contrast between the lush green meadows and the craggy peaks of the Geisler mountains is breathtaking!

Our favourites: the small church of San Giovanni in Ranui, which you’ll find hidden in the middle of lush meadows, and the church of Santa Maddalena which stands proud against a picture-postcard backdrop.

• Cortina d'Ampezzo: Queen of the Dolomites

Famous for hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics, Cortina d'Ampezzo is much more than a swanky mountain resort. It’s a vibrant, elegant town framed by majestic peaks such as the Tofane, Pomagagnon, Cristallo and Sorapis, and is blessed by incredible sunsets! You’ll also find plenty of spots to rest and recover before and after an intense day's gravel riding, as well as interesting shops and a lively bar and restaurant scene.

• Ortisei and San Candido - two authentic villages in the heart of the Dolomites

The Dolomites are dotted with authentic mountain villages where time seems to have stood still. Among them, Ortisei, with its typically Tyrolean architecture, and San Candido, known for its ancient frescoes, are not to be missed if you’d like to explore two villages steeped in history. The Germanic and Italian influences that characterise the Dolomites are reflected not only in the architecture, but also in the local cuisine. So whether you prefer strudel to tiramisu, schlutzkrapfen (spinach-filled ravioli) to casunziei (beetroot-stuffed pasta), you're sure to find something to satisfy your appetite, and more!

• The Stelvio - 48 hairpins to reach the top of the world

Although technically just on the edge of the Dolomites, the Passo dello Stelvio deserves a special mention. With 48 switchbacks winding up the mountain, through meadows and rock formations, it is one of the most famous and feared passes in Europe. For gravel riders, it's certainly demanding, but the panoramic views from the summit are well worth your efforts and struggle.

Don’t forget to look around and see how far you’ve come!

• The Passo Giau - a climb not to be underestimated or overlooked!

Like the Stelvio, the Passo di Giau is another must-do climb for those looking for the ultimate challenge. This legendary climb offers spectacular panoramic views from each of its 29 hairpins. At the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and incredible satisfaction of having conquered one of the most famous passes in the Dolomites.

• Mountain lakes - a haven of peace and serenity

The Dolomites are also renowned for their many mountain lakes, which are sure to add a touch of alpine charm to each of your rides. The Lago di Braies, Lago di Sorapis and Lago di Carezza are among the most famous.

These lakes offer magnificent views, and are ideal places for a lunch break and even a well-earned siesta. With turquoise waters, flower-filled glades and spruce forests, it can be hard to drag yourself away from such a setting. You’ve been warned!

• Mountain huts - a unique and authentic experience

The last highlight (in our non-exhaustive list!) are the mountain refuges, a typical feature of the Dolomites. These refuges offer above all a warm welcome whatever the weather, with comfortable accommodation and generous meals in an exceptional setting. What better way to spend a night in the heart of the mountains than a refuge, for an unforgettable and typically “Dolomiti” experience

It's also a great opportunity to hit the road at sunrise (if you can drag yourself away from the warm coffee!) and enjoy the gravel trails before anyone else.

Practical tips for gravel riding in the heart of the Dolomites

Exploring the Dolomites on a gravel bike needs a little bit of preparation, so here’s a few tips to help you plan your adventure:

• Plan your route

First of all, the best time to explore the Dolomites by gravel bike is from June to September, when the weather conditions are ideal and the trails are clear any of lingering snow.

Riding in the mountains can add an extra challenge at times, with altitude, quickly changing weather and steep climbs and descents. Make sure you choose a route suited to your fitness and experience. Remember to identify any points of interest en route (our suggestions above would be a good place to start!) and assess the difficulties you’ll encounter on your ride, particularly the gradients.

For example, here at GravelUp, our organised and guided trips are planned around different formats, so that you can choose an adventure that's as close as possible to your level. We use local and qualified guides to lead all our trips, so you can be sure of an unforgettable adventure.

• Prepare your kit

Choose your equipment carefully: opt for a sturdy and comfy bike with decent tyres suited to the variety of terrain you’ll encounter. When it comes to clothing, choose clothes that are suited to the season and the weather conditions, which are often changeable in the mountains.

And if you don't have a gravel bike yet, have a look at our rental platform where we have both traditional and electric gravel bikes to choose from. We’ve partnered with the French brand Origine - manufacturers of top end bikes that combine comfort and performance for your riding pleasure!

• Ride safely

Even on the trails, don't neglect your safety equipment. Being visible should be your top priority! Check any local regulations and restrictions before setting off, like where bivouacking is allowed in the National Park and and the mountain pass opening and closing dates!

It’s easy to underestimate the importance of being prepared both physically and mentally for your adventure. Gravel riding in the mountains can be very demanding at times, so take it easy for the first few days, and be ready to change your routes as needed. That’s part of the adventure!

Explore the Dolomites by gravel bike - a tailor-made adventure from GravelUp

From hard-core riders to bike-packing novices, at GravelUp we're committed to satisfying everyone's needs. With various levels on offer, we have something for everyone. We set off together exploring some of themost beautiful destinations in Europe for a tailor-made adventure.

On every adventure we take care of everything to give you an unforgettable gravel experience - comfy accommodation, hearty breakfasts, meals and snacks designed to fuel your ride, wellbeing and culture. Our trips are fully guided and we also havetop-of-the-range gravel bikes available to rent.

So all you have to do is start choosing where to go, and GravelUp will take care of the rest!

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