Italy is a country of rare places and wonders. A peninsula surrounded by the sea for thousands of miles, it is also located in a strategic geographical position in the center of continental Europe, crowned by mountains to the north. The Alps draw the northern borders of Italy, creating hundreds of valleys that have been home to people since prehistoric times and continue to draw visitors to one of the most evocative locales in the world.
In winter and summer, the Italian Alps present natural wonders such as glaciers, forests, waterfalls and lakes, and also offer fascinating history, architecture and gastronomic variety. This is where you’ll find the regions of Valle d’Aosta, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino Alto-Adige, Veneto and Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, where the following must-see destinations will give your visit memories for a lifetime.
Funes Valley
(Photo Credit: Viaggi-estate.com)
The Dolomites, a mountain range within the Italian Alps, stand majestically over the richness of the Funes Valley. Hikers come from all over the world to this stone sanctuary that millions of years ago was located at the bottom of a sea and is today a refuge for those who love pure nature, silence, and spirituality. The beauty of the Odle mountains, situated in the heart of the Dolomites, is breathtaking.
This area’s 15,000-mile-long valleys are rich in the natural beauty of the Valluzze waterfalls, the enchanting villages of San Pietro—capital of the valley and birthplace of Reinhold Messner, the greatest climber alive—Santa Maddalena, with its iconic church, San Valentino; Colle; and the village of Funes that gives its name to the valley. Other popular activities in the Funes Valley include mountain biking, cycling, horseback riding and, of course, climbing.
Susa Valley
(Photo Credit: Piemoteitalia.eu)
Susa Valley is the 50-mile-long connection between Turin and France and the most populated valley in Piemonte. This is home to Sacra of San Michele, an architectural complex perched on Mount Pirchiriano, the first outpost into Italian territory along the ancient pilgrimage trail Via Francigena, that begins in England and ends in Rome. Several lakes such as Lake Nero of Sauze d'Oulx and Avigliana Lake grace the area, and a walk to the Gran Bosco of Salbertrand Natural Park is a must.
Valtournenche
(Photo Credit: Viaggi.it)
This famous valley is home to Mount Cervino, known as the Matterhorn in German, the 14,692-foot peak on the Italy-Switzerland border. With its iconic pyramid shape, Cervino is one of the most beautiful and recognizable mountain peaks in the world. Cervinia, the city that takes its name from the mountain, is one of the most popular places for those who love snow sports. Summer is also a phenomenal season here with spectacular lakes, unspoiled nature, and exquisite small villages such as Chamois, where cars are forbidden.
Lys Valley
(Photo Credit: Viaggi.corriere.it)
Picturesque Lys Valley is rich in architectural jewels such as the Savoy Castle, immersed in the woods, adorned in flowers on its balconies, a stone's throw from Gressoney-Saint-Jean, and refuge of Italy’s Queen Margherita, wife of King Umberto I. Here you can also find the Museum of Alpine animals and the village of Fontainemore, surrounded by thick woods. Traveling toward Monte Rosa you will also delight in the alpine villages of Gressoney, Saint-Jean, and La-Trinitè.
Val Camonica
(Photo Credit: Scattiebagagli.it)
One of the largest valleys of the central Alps, Val Camonica almost completely fills the province of Brescia. The River Oglio runs nearly the full length of the valley’s pristine landscape. Do not miss the prehistoric drawings in the National Park of Rock Engravings, where people have drawn petroglyphs and scenes on the glacier-smoothed rocks for 8,000 years. More parks await you for breathtaking views and good food is found everywhere. Try the area’s traditional casoncelli, a specially shaped chestnut-flour ravioli filled with bread and ham.
Boite Valley
(Photo Credit: Dolomitiskirock.it)
The Boite Valley, also known as Alto Cadore, is dominated by two gigantic peaks, Antelao and Pelmo. The most famous city in this Dolomite Mountain region is historic Cortina d’Ampezzo, a chic ski resort where some races in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games will take place. In Cibiana di Cadore, which stands at 7,150 feet on Mount Rite, you’ll find the Messner Mountain Museum, housed in a fort built in WWI. Renowned Italian explorer and extreme climber Reinhold Messner launched the museum in 2006. A thirty-minute drive northeast will bring you to Pieve di Cadore, birthplace of the Renaissance painter Titian.
Barbara Benzoni
Barbara Benzoni was born in Milan and lives between Rome and Tuscany. She is devoted to USA, the land of courage and innovation. She’s Peter's super-lucky mum and Ale's wife. Cinema, art, good food and only beautiful things are the themes of her existence. With a degree in Italian literature and a Masters in Sports Management she can both enjoys books and basketball matches. In 25 years she has been organizing sport events all over the world and she’s been lucky enough to meet the greatest champs ever. Curiosity in everyday life and people are her drivers. Her personal icon is Mohammed Ali : "It's not bragging if you can back it up".