For the past three summers, Franco and I have made our way to Corvara, Italy, every July; a tradition that began as a quick mountain escape but has grown into something far more meaningful. If you’re wondering what makes Corvara worth visiting in summer, let me share our story. While Franco trains all year for the Dolomiti cycling race, which takes over these Alpine roads each season, I come for a different kind of thrill: crisp morning walks through wildflower meadows, long lunches under the peaks, and the soft, soul-resetting silence you can only find this high up.
It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down. Not because you have to, but because you want to. And after three years of experiencing Corvara in all its sunlit glory, I can say with full confidence that this little alpine town in northern Italy is one of the most underrated gems for a summer getaway.
1. Corvara Is One of the Most Stylish Destinations in the Italian Dolomites
Corvara isn’t just charming, it’s also effortlessly chic. Tucked in the Alta Badia region of South Tyrol, this elegant village in the Italian Alps offers boutique hotels, minimalist eco-lodges, and family-run inns — all with cinematic views of the Dolomites. If you’re deciding where to go in Italy for a summer mountain escape, Corvara strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and refined comfort.
2. Breathtaking Views Without the Crowds
Few places in Italy offer such sweeping alpine views with such ease. From the dramatic Sassongher peak to the vast Piz Boè massif, nature here takes centre stage. Cable cars connect you to high-altitude trails and plateaus like Col Alt and Pralongià. So ideal for hikers, cyclists, photographers, or anyone craving a serene outlook. And so if you’re searching for Italy’s most picturesque mountain towns, Corvara is a clear contender.
3. Corvara: A Destination Made for Resetting
Another reason to visit Corvara, in Italy? The peace. While Italian coastal spots buzz with tourists, Corvara invites you to slow down and breathe. It’s perfect for those who crave stillness with style — morning journaling on the balcony, slow aperitivos, and mountain sunsets that look straight out of a film. If you’re wondering where to go in Italy to unplug in nature without sacrificing elegance, this is your place.
4. Flavourful, Regional Cuisine Rooted in Alpine Culture
Food lovers, take note. The culinary scene in northern Italy doesn’t end with just the usual pasta and pizza. Corvara offers a rich blend of Ladin, Tyrolean, and Italian traditions. Think hand-rolled pasta, mountain cheeses, venison, speck, and melt-in-your-mouth dumplings; all enjoyed with crisp Alto Adige wines. If you’re planning a food-focused summer in Italy, Corvara’s mountain kitchens are definitely not to be missed.
5. A Perfect Balance of Adventure and Ease
Now, whether you’re into the outdoors or just enjoy a scenic stroll, Corvara really works for every kind of traveller. When we come here in July, Franco usually rides in the Maratona dles Dolomites Granfondo — an intense but breathtaking cycling race through these mountain passes. It’s honestly his dream week of the year.
I take things a little slower. My version of adventure here looks like pine-scented walks, quiet hikes with postcard views, and spending hours just wandering through town. I love grabbing a coffee or spritz and people-watching from a sunny terrace. Especially, with the peaks in full view.
Now, if you’re after a summer holiday that lets you choose your pace; fast, slow, or somewhere in between, I assure you, Corvara is where you’ll find it.
So, is Corvara worth a visit? Honestly, yes — and then some. It’s not just about the views or the food (though both are incredible). For me, it’s the feeling of coming back to a place that lets you slow down, breathe, and really be present. After three summers, it’s become our little ritual — and I have a feeling if you go, it might become yours too.
Planning your summer trip to Italy?
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