Just Us in the Dolomites: Peaks, Food, and Unexpected Magic

The Dolomites: Peaks, Plates & Peaceful Days in Alleghe

Some places leave you breathless—not just from the altitude, but from the way they make you feel. The Dolomites are that place for us.

We chose the charming lakeside town of Alleghe as our base, and it gave us everything we love about travel: epic hikes, incredible food, quiet moments, and real connections with the people who live there. We visited in mid August and the weather was perfect! 70’s during the day and 50’s in the evenings.

La Maison Alleghe: A Home in the Mountains

Our stay at La Maison Alleghe felt less like a hotel and more like visiting friends. Filippo and his sweet parents welcomed us with warmth that instantly made Alleghe feel like home.

Our mornings started with crisp alpine air and the dramatic Monte Civetta reflecting in the lake. It was the perfect place to sip coffee and plan our next spontaneous adventure—or just take a deep breath and enjoy being in the mountains.

Hiking Monte Civetta: A Day to Remember

One of our favorite days was hiking to Monte Civetta, on a crisp, cool morning. We took the lift from Alleghe up to Col dei Baldi, where our hike began.

The trail to Lago di Coldai was moderately challenging, winding through alpine meadows and rocky paths with postcard views the entire way. When we reached the lake, we dipped our feet in the icy water—refreshing, a little shocking, and exactly what we needed.

Before heading back, we stopped for a beer at Rifugio Coldai, soaking in the views. Then, on our return to Col dei Baldi, we enjoyed a well-earned lunch at the chalet. We started the lift at 9 a.m. and sat down to eat at 3 p.m.—a perfect day of effort and reward.

Other Hikes We Loved

  • Seceda – Famous for its surreal ridgeline, where lush meadows meet jagged peaks. Truly unforgettable.

  • Tre Cime di Lavaredo – Iconic and breathtaking. We looped around the peaks, spotting marmots and soaking in 360° views.

  • Masarè & Ru de Rialt Waterfall – A peaceful local trail with few people, ending in a tucked-away waterfall and the sound of rushing water.

Wellness and Aperol Afternoons

After our hikes, it was all about relaxation. Back at La Maison Alleghe, we treated ourselves to massages, warmed up in the hot tub and spa, and floated in the heated pool with panoramic mountain views.

Evenings often started with a classic Aperol spritz by the pool, served with thoughtful little snacks—bruschetta, chips, and other small bites that made us feel completely spoiled.

Cozy Dinners at Pizzeria Al Fornel

Just steps from our hotel, Pizzeria Al Fornel became our go-to for dinner. The pizza, pasta, canederli, and local wine were all perfect—comforting and delicious.

Our favorite table? The tiny upstairs balcony, where we watched the sun dip behind the mountains. It was warm, romantic, and the kind of dinner you replay in your mind long after you leave.

Why We’ll Always Come Back

Between the towering peaks, the tranquil lake, the hospitality of Filippo’s family, and the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, Alleghe gave us exactly the kind of trip we love.

The Dolomites reminded us why we travel this way—unplanned, open-hearted, and always hungry (for food and life).

Because the best adventures? They happen when you just go.

— Jerry & Cyn

Red heart-shaped frame with flowers at the base, overlooks a lake surrounded by mountains and houses in the Italian Dolomites.
A swimming pool with people relaxing on lounge chairs under umbrellas, surrounded by a lawn and a building with balconies, set against mountains and a bright blue sky with some clouds.
A scenic mountain landscape with rocky peaks, green grassy slopes, a small lake, and a few people relaxing on the sandy shore.
A smiling man and woman with backpacks standing on a wooden viewpoint overlooking mountain peaks and a clear blue sky with a few clouds.
A man smiling outdoors in a mountainous landscape with rocky peaks, green grassy slopes, and a blue sky with scattered clouds. He is wearing a blue t-shirt, gray pants, and a backpack, standing on a dirt trail next to a wooden fence.
A woman with sunglasses and a striped shirt smiling and making a fist in front of a mountain landscape with a lake and a man in the background, all under a blue sky with clouds.
Two glasses of beer with foam on top, placed on a wooden surface, with mountains and a blue sky with clouds in the background.
Smiling man and woman taking a selfie during a hike in a mountainous area with rocky peaks and green valleys in the background.
Wooden cross with a triangular roof structure on top, situated on grassy terrain with several people walking around, mountains in the background, and scattered clouds in the sky.
A smiling man and woman taking a selfie in front of a waterfall, surrounded by rocks and greenery.
A man with short hair and sunglasses smiling while swimming in a pool during daytime, with poolside chairs and umbrellas in the background, surrounded by greenery and trees.
A woman with brown hair wearing a gray sweater and a pink headband, smiling and holding a glass of red wine, sitting outdoors with mountains and green trees in the background.
Person lying on the grass with mountains, green hills, scattered houses, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A smiling man and woman wearing backpacks taking a selfie outdoors in a mountainous area with tall rocky peaks in the background on a clear, sunny day.
Mountain peaks partially covered by clouds in the background, a building with a red roof in the middle, and people walking and sitting on the grassy area in the foreground.
A waterfall cascading down a rocky cliffside into a shallow pool below, surrounded by rocks and green foliage.
A woman standing in front of a waterfall, smiling with arms raised.
A hand holding an orange-colored drink with ice, outdoors on a sunny day, with trees, mountains, and a clear blue sky in the background.
A cozy wooden restaurant with a view of lush green trees outside. Two people are sitting at a table near the window, engaged in conversation. The tables are covered with red tablecloths and white napkins, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A glass of orange soda with ice on a black outdoor table, with slices of prosciutto and bread on a green napkin nearby, outdoors with poolside lounge chairs and umbrellas in the background.
A pizza with cheese, mushrooms, and sausage on a white plate, with a mountain view in the background and a glass of red wine on the table.
A man smiling and holding a glass of red wine, sitting outdoors at a wooden table with potted plants, trees, and string lights in the background. He is wearing a blue shirt with a logo that says qua Scuba Saint Lucia."
A scenic mountain landscape with green grass, trees, and small wooden cabins, featuring a large rocky mountain with patches of greenery under a blue sky.
Mountain scenery with towering rock formations partially covered by clouds, a building with a red roof in the foreground, and numerous people walking and gathering on grassy terrain.
Cows grazing on a green hillside with rocky mountain peaks in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A cow lying on grass in a mountainous landscape with a partly cloudy sky.
People walking in a plaza in front of a red and white building with ornate woodwork and a sign that reads 'Cavallino Bianco.' The building has multiple levels with balconies, and mountains with dense green forests are visible in the background.
A scenic mountainous landscape with rolling green hills, scattered trees, small houses, and a pond, with pathways running through the area.