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

A red heart-shaped frame with flowers at the base, positioned by a lakeside with mountains in the background and a clear blue sky.
People relaxing on lounge chairs by a swimming pool with white umbrellas in front of a mountain background and a multi-story building with balconies.
A mountain landscape featuring rocky peaks, grassy hills, and a lake with people enjoying the area under a bright blue sky with a few wispy clouds.
Two hikers, a man and a woman, smiling at the camera on a wooden viewing platform in a mountainous area with rocky peaks and a bright blue sky.
A man with a backpack standing on a hiking trail in a mountainous area, with green grass, rocky formations, and large mountain peaks in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A woman in sunglasses and a striped shirt smiling and giving a thumbs-up, with a mountain and a man in the background by a clear mountain lake.
Two glasses of beer on a wooden surface in front of a mountainous landscape with blue sky and white clouds.
Two smiling hikers, a woman and a man, taking a selfie on a mountain trail with rocky peaks and green slopes in the background on a clear sunny day.
A wooden cross with a black statue of Jesus Christ is set against a mountain range with jagged peaks, some shrouded in clouds. The sky is partly cloudy, and there are small buildings and people walking on a grassy landscape in the background.
A man and a woman taking a selfie in front of a waterfall surrounded by rocks and greenery.
A man with sunglasses smiling while sitting in a swimming pool, with pool chairs and umbrellas along the poolside and a green hillside with trees in the background.
A smiling woman with light brown hair holding a glass of red wine, sitting outdoors with a scenic mountain landscape in the background, including trees and a building with a tiled roof.
View of a mountain landscape with lush green rolling hills, scattered houses, and a large mountain range in the distance under a partly cloudy sky. In the foreground, a person is lying down with their legs and hiking shoes visible.
A smiling man wearing sunglasses, a cap, and outdoor gear taking a selfie with a woman, both in a mountain landscape. Behind them are towering rocky mountains under a bright blue sky with some clouds.
A mountain scene with towering rocky peaks partially covered in clouds, a building with a red roof in the foreground, and people walking and sitting on the grass nearby.
A tall waterfall cascading down a rocky landscape surrounded by lush greenery and trees, with a rocky and sandy ground at the base.
A woman in a blue tank top and black shorts happily standing with arms raised in front of a waterfall.
A person holding a glass of orange-colored drink outdoors with a mountain and blue sky in the background.
A cozy wooden dining room with a triangular ceiling and large open window. There are two people sitting at a table outside, visible through the window, drinking wine and talking. The room has red tablecloths on the tables and white curtains on the windows.
A glass of orange soda with ice on a black table beside a plate of bread with prosciutto meat on it, outdoors at a poolside area with lounge chairs and umbrellas in the background.
A large pizza with cheese, sausage, mushrooms, and other toppings on a white plate, set on a table with a glass of red wine, in a scenic mountain-view setting
A man in a blue shirt with 'Scuba Saint Lucia' logo is smiling and holding a glass of red wine, sitting outdoors with a view of green trees, flowers, and a wooden building.
A lush green hillside with small wooden houses, some with metal roofs, situated near a mountain with rocky cliffs and sparse trees, under a clear blue sky with a few clouds.
A mountainous landscape with tall, rugged peaks partly covered by clouds. In the foreground, there is a building with a red roof, surrounded by people walking and sitting on the grassy area with rocks scattered around.
Cows grazing on green grassy hillside with rocky mountain in the background under a blue sky with some clouds.
A cow with brown and white fur lying on grass in a mountainous landscape with cloudy sky.
A European-style pink building with white decorative trim, balconies with flowers, and a sign that reads "CAVALLINO BIANCO Family Spa Grand Hotel." People are walking in front of the building on a cobblestone plaza, and there are mountains in the bac
Aerial view of a lush green hillside with small houses, trees, and a small pond, with pathways and a few cars parked near the buildings, in a rural area.