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Discover the Dolomites in a motorhome, with the help of the instagramer @mis_ana_ps. A trip that will make you fall in love through the story of a trip to Ana and her family's favorite place in the world.
Ana is undoubtedly one of my favorite instagramers in the world of caravanning and campering. Ana has inspired me to routes like the one we have done this summer in Holland. With his publications he helped us plan and decide our route. For me, she is one of those instagramers who undoubtedly add value with her publications, so don't hesitate to follow her! What are you waiting for?
Ana travels with her family. A family of 5 crazy about travel, especially nature. In his profile you will find many routes through Europe with children and trips to Spain. They are in love with the Dolomites and define it as their favorite place in the world.
Do not miss the post they have made recounting their last trip, not the first, to the Dolomites. They are all experts!
In this post we share our route through the Dolomites in a motorhome this past so atypical summer of 2020.
We had visited this area in 2018 in our van and spending the night in camping and apartments of super cool farms. But given the exceptional situation we are experiencing this year, we decided to try to make the trip to the Dolomites in a motorhome and it was a success. Next, I detail our travel diary on board. I hope you enjoy it. And remember that for any questions you can use comments or write to me on instagram.
Day 1: ARRIVAL TO THE GRAND PUERTA DE LOS DOLOMITAS BY AUTOCARVANA, LAKE CAREZZA
We arrived in the Dolomites in our campervan in style. We reached Lake Carezza, also known as Karersee. The beauty of this place speaks for itself.
This time I barely took photos, I had waited so hard for this reunion, we had been so uncertain about the trip until the last minute that when I arrived I was so excited that (almost) I even forgot to take photos 
.
It's a small lake; the route around it can easily be done in half an hour , but if you're lucky enough to see it and enjoy it almost alone, as happened to us this second time, you won't want to leave.
A recommendation
El Campsite Vidor is, for us, without a doubt the best campsite in the Dolomites (and they don't give me commission 
). So, after enjoying Lake Carezza, we headed to this campsite where we planned to spend a couple of nights but…. It was complete! and it doesn't surprise me. When we were in 2018 I made the reservation in January, and I think that by February they usually hang the full poster for the summer season, something that you must take into account if you are going to include it in your plans.
Even if you don't stay at the campsite you can use the spa, we paid 29 euros for 3 hours, it's great!
This year as a novelty they had an outdoor heated pool with breathtaking views. It has 3 slides for children and adults and a very cool part for the smallest of the house that was closed that day but that you can see on its website if you are interested. The campsite has apartments and a restaurant with excellent cuisine.
Day 2: ON THE ROAD THROUGH VAL SAN NICOLÓ
Today, the second day of our route through the Dolomites by motorhome, it is the Val San Nicolo. It's time to go through this perfect alpine valley full of cabins, huge meadows, marmots and deer 
.
The valley can be climbed directly on foot from Pozza di Fassa , as we did, or take a little train that goes directly to the valley. If you don't like walking uphill very much, the ideal is to take the train 
.
The climb is almost 7 km (the descent is shorter). With the kids, it took us about two hours or more, as it's impossible not to stop frequently to admire the stunning scenery. The reward at the top is enjoying a coffee and a delicious slice of chocolate cake or strudel at Baita Ciampie. Don't miss it!
If you do not have a motorhome and what you want is to rent one and start in this world, this is your service. Or, if you don't have time to organize your next motorhome or camper trip and you want someone to organize it for you with the utmost professionalism, this is also your service.
We advise, manage, solve doubts, give support and set up a route or organized trip in a motorhome personalized to your tastes and needs, so that you go calm, safe and your motorhome trip is unforgettable.
PRICE: Depending on the days of the organized motorhome trip to be assembled.
Day 3: TWO ROUTES THAT LOVE YOU
Route to the Sass Pordoi, the terrace of the Dolomites
We woke up at the Pordoi Pass and the first thing we did was take the cable car up to Sass Pordoi, also known as the Terrace of the Dolomites. The views from up there are spectacular. On one side, the characteristic green of the Alps, and on the other, a rocky, desert-like, almost lunar landscape. While we were waiting for the cable car and during part of the ascent, we saw several marmots, which was super exciting for the kids.
Viel del Pan Route
After descending from Sass Pordoi, we began this beautiful route that had already captivated us on our previous visit . This historic trail was used during World War I to transport supplies with pack animals between Passo Pordoi and Fedaia. Trail 601 starts at Passo Pordoi itself, which you can reach by car or by funicular from Canazzei. The complete route is just over 12 km to Lake Fedaia , but keep in mind that from there you'll have to wait for a bus and then take the funicular if you've left your car at the top and need to return. We did it this way the first time and just barely made it to the last bus because the funicular was already closed. Another option is to hike to the lovely Viel del Pan refuge and have lunch there enjoying the views, then return along the same path, admiring the queen of the Dolomites, the Marmolada , throughout the journey . This route is quite easy to do with children; although the path is narrow, there's no major danger. There is a third option which is a circular route.
Day 4: VISIT TO THE MOST EXTENSIVE ALTIPLANE IN EUROPE
We started our fourth day of our Dolomites road trip with children at Alpe di Siusi (in German Seiser Alm), the largest plateau in Europe.
It is a unique place full of traditional farms, alpine huts and trails where you can take a leisurely stroll enjoying the views. This visit is accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs because a large part of the trails is paved. The access road is closed between 9 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon (except if you are staying there) but you can go up by bus or cable car. We use the second option and the views during the up and down trip are .
Day 5: ON THE ROAD THROUGH 4 BEAUTIFUL TOWNS
This fifth day of our motorhome trip to the Dolomites was dedicated to visiting two of the most beautiful villages in this first area (I think you should make at least 3 stops) and starting our journey towards the next one.
This motorhome trip was very different from the first. The truth is that it is very noticeable not having to return to the accommodation and being able to move forward every day. We saw more than I had planned and the days were much longer than the first time we came.
Without a doubt, the Dolomites are an ideal destination to explore by motorhome , due to the time saved on journeys and the wonderful places where you can sleep.
Ortisei
We returned to Ortisei , a small town nestled in the heart of Val Gardena, full of colorful houses and with this square which is one of the most beautiful I have ever visited.
Canazei
This small town is one of the most important in Val di Fassa for its ski resorts and because several of the cable cars depart from here to reach some of the most visited mountains.
Canazei is full of luxury hotels, wooden houses with flowers and many small food stores.
It has an indoor aquatic center that is a real wonder: thermal pools, slides for the little ones, jacuzzi, all in a spectacular setting.
We visited it on the previous trip to the Dolomites, but this time it was closed due to COVID 
. It also has a small outdoor park with inflatables, cars and many attractions for the little ones (which was also closed) And after this visit we started the way to the easternmost part of our route.
Sottoguda
Sottoguda, is a very small town, you can see plenty of it in just an hour. In it we will find again the typical houses with flowers, a couple of beautiful craft shops and a wonderful iron and forge shop. The two times we have visited this town it has rained and there was fog, and to me personally the atmosphere could not seem more magical. From this town comes a very beautiful and famous route, “El Serrai de Sottoguda” that runs through a gorge. We had no intention of doing it, we just wanted to walk around town again and eat the richest pretzels we've ever tasted. In addition to the fact that the day was not good, it was closed due to landslides. Another reason to return.
Alleghe
This town is considered as one one of the most beautiful in the Dolomites, but I think, is there anyone who isn't? ? Alleghe is located at the foot of the Mount Civeta and bathed by Lake Alleghe. The carved wooden statues They are very typical of the region and in this town we can find numerous artisan shops. I have to say that the two times we have visited it, it was very very cloudy, nothing to do with the crystal clear waters and supernatural colors of other lakes. Of course, the view of the town over the lake is truly beautiful and being able to enjoy it alone was a luxury.
Day 6: ON THE ROAD THROUGH THE MOST TURQUOISE LAKE OF LOS DOLOMITAS: LAKE SORAPIS
Today sixth day of our trip to the Dolomites in a motorhome with children, we made the route of Lake Sorapis, the most turquoise lake in the Dolomites The color of its waters is due to the accumulated dust of the glacier and is almost 2000 meters high. The only way to access is through a route of about 11 km approximately round trip. That is if the route is not suitable for people with vertigo and only for adventurers. . In the most complicated parts of the route we find handrails and, in more rugged terrain, stairs and walkways to facilitate progress. For us, to complicate it a little more, it was raining, and quite a lot, during almost the entire journey up and down, but even so the adventure was worth it and for my kids it was an epic day, they talk a lot about that great adventure taken to the cable with the precipice at its feet.
Day 7: SLEEPING WITH THE THREE PEAKS OF THE DOLOMITAS IN A MOTORHOME IS PRICELESS
Morning route: to Lake Misurina
Lake Misurina is located in the town of the same name where we had spent the night in an area for motorhomes. In our previous visit to the Dolomites, this lake was pending and I wanted to remove the thorn, but I have to say that neither fu nor fa. They say that the sunset in this lake is very beautiful and it can be, but we went first thing in the morning since in the afternoon we had the main dish of the day 
. If it takes you on the route or you can go to see the sunset, it is still worth it but for us this visit is dispensable. Not everything is so wonderful in the Dolomites, there are places with less charm and it is also said (the same thing happened to us with the famous Antorno lake that we saw on the way and it was so dirty that we did not stop).
An afternoon with the highlight of the Dolomites: Tre Cime di Lavaredo
Tre Cime di Lavaredo is perhaps one of the most iconic and special places in the Dolomites . This is one of those places you have to experience firsthand because photos simply can't capture the majesty of the landscape, the imposing presence of the three peaks (Piccola, Grande, and Ovest) , and the feeling of being so small amidst such an arid and rocky landscape.
We drove up to the parking lot of the Auronzo Refuge, where we planned to spend the night to watch the sunset from up there and where the trail begins. Whether you stay overnight or not, you have to pay the same fee to drive up there with your vehicle. For campervans, it's 45 euros, which is well worth it. Thanks to the advice of @viajandonuestravida and @lanzados_bcn, we decided to do this trek in the afternoon when there are far fewer people. Our intention was to reach the Locatelli Refuge , which offers the best views, but the afternoon turned nasty. It rained on and off, the wind was incredibly cold, and it was -1 degree Celsius. Even though we were bundled up, we weren't comfortable, so less than a kilometer from our destination, we decided to turn back and have another reason to return (we believe in not forcing things).
We'd spent the whole afternoon dreaming about the famous chocolate cake Maeva had recommended, and we were lucky because they also had it at Rifugio Lavaredo on the way back. It tasted heavenly with a nice hot chocolate, which was perfect for warming us up in the cold. The Tre Cime is one of those places you absolutely shouldn't miss.
Day 8: SLIDES, ALTA PUSTERIA VALLEY AND LAKES
Saint Candido
Today we have a great plan for the kids. We're heading to the town of San Cándido, home to the " Fun Bob." Some of you may already know these fun toboggan runs on rails . This one in particular is very famous in the area and is usually very crowded. This year, due to the current situation, there weren't many people, and even so, it was incredibly difficult to park the campervan; we almost gave up. To go down, you have to take a chairlift to the top (it's quite high), and the price is €22 for adults and €16 for children. A bit pricey for what it is, but it's worth doing at least once. At the bottom of the toboggan run, there's a very nice mini-golf course with a restaurant where you can enjoy delicious local specialties. Rodelbahn, lunch, a round of mini-golf, a stroll through the town, and then on to the next destination of the day.
Lake Dobbiaco
It is located in the Alta Pusteria valley , near the village of the same name. It is a picturesque lake, although not as famous as its neighbor, Lake Braies.
Dobbiaco is the northern gateway to the Dolomites . This natural alpine lake is a popular destination for families and hikers. The 2,5-kilometer trail around the lake is a very pleasant walk.
As a curiosity, this lake served as the border for many years between Austria and Italy.
Braies lake
And from here we head to our bedroom that night and next destination on our route through the Dolomites in a motorhome with children: Lake Di Braies where we intend to enjoy the last hours of the day and the first hours of the next day with peace of mind. we get?
Day 9: DAY OF MASSIFICATIONS AND PEACE
Lago di Braies
Some of you had faith that we would enjoy this beautiful lake calmly late in the day or early in the morning but no…. not at one point or another 😰😰. When we arrived late in the afternoon the parking lots were full. We were walking until the power went out and there were a lot of people (this is a totally exceptional year where we had been almost alone in most places) and the next morning, at 7:30 am there was already a queue waiting for the pier to open abr . At 10 when we were leaving it looked like a shopping mall. From the last thing I read, it seems that the Italian government is going to take measures with the capacity of this area and I think they should do so without taking too long, firstly (and more importantly) due to the deterioration that this implies for such a natural area. wonderful and special and secondly because it loses all the charm !!! It has become a showcase where to go to take photos
Saint Maddalena
We left Lake Braies behind and headed to our last stop, one of my favorite spots in the Dolomites : the small village of Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes . Very close to the Austrian border and the city of Bolzano, this area is known as South Tyrol . This place offers one of the most famous and sought-after panoramic views. The vistas from the village's most popular bench, with its church , the valley, and the impressive Oddle Mountains , create an idyllic and beautiful scene that you won't want to leave 🙈. We were lucky enough to enjoy it peacefully and completely alone. I still have to show you the most special place (for me).
Church of San Giovanni in Ranui
This had to be the last place we visited in the Dolomites. I saved it for last so I could leave with the best possible impression and already wanting to come back even before I'd left 😊. This is my favorite view , and this place fills me with immense peace.
Dolomites is an area famous for its impressive mountains, its lakes, its villages and its churches that are so characteristic of this area of Tyrol. I do not understand much about architecture but I would dare to say that what makes this church more special, or at least it seems so to me, is its location in the middle of that huge meadow and surrounded by mountains.
Here we were also lucky to be completely alone but I think it is a place where tourism is also increasing a lot. The proof is that when we went in 2018 it was possible to access with complete freedom and now they have fenced off the entire enclosure and have put some rotating lathes and to pass you have to pay four euros per person, children also pay. It would seem fine to me if you could have access to the church from the inside but it is not like that, you can only see it from the outside, although a legend has it (which I don't believe much) that if you ask for the key at the nearby hotel you can enter.
Day 10: WE SAY GOODBYE TO THE ROUTE THROUGH LOS DOLOMITAS IN A MOTORHOME WITH CHILDREN AS IT COULD NOT BE ANY OTHERWAY
As a final touch to this trip, we went down to Lake Garda and revisited the "Gardaland" amusement park, known as the Italian Disney.
GARDALAND ITALY BY MOTORHOME
Gardaland Park is the largest amusement park in Italy . It is located on Lake Garda, specifically in Castelnuovo del Garda.
This park features five different themed areas to suit all tastes and ages: Fantasy Kingdom, Medieval Area, English Village, Arab Souk, and Rio Bravo. Each has its own unique identity, period shows, and attractions that recreate Pharaonic Egypt, pirates, medieval jousting, or the Wild West.
Gardaland, Italy's best amusement park, has a designated parking area for motorhomes, but not a designated overnight area for them. For overnight stays, you can stay where we did, in one of the motorhome areas in Pieschiera del Garda, 10 minutes from Gardaland.
This exceptional year there were not many people and if many security measures, for example, you did not queue at the attractions but through a QR code they gave you the exact time to get on, which used to be no more than 5 minutes. In 2018 there were sooooo many people and it was unbearably hot.
And here comes our super route for this year 2020. And I anticipate that by 2021 next to Gardaland there will be a
Lego super water park that was under construction and well underway in August. We have it already added to our list.
Other articles that may interest you
If you do not have a motorhome and what you want is to rent one and start in this world, this is your service. Or, if you don't have time to organize your next motorhome or camper trip and you want someone to organize it for you with the utmost professionalism, this is also your service.
We advise, manage, solve doubts, give support and set up a route or organized trip in a motorhome personalized to your tastes and needs, so that you go calm, safe and your motorhome trip is unforgettable.
PRICE: Depending on the days of the organized motorhome trip to be assembled.
Hi I love the idea of the 30 routes
At the moment we have read the one on dolomites.
But it does not say on any day where they spent the night with the motorhome.
It is something we would like to know to support
Hello Sandra, we are glad to hear that you like this idea of giving voice to other families in the camper world with their routes. In this case, each one writes their route in their own way and that is how we try to respect it. On the post of Dolomites, in some cases it tells you where they spend the night and others it is true that they do not. But with overnight apps and knowing the place, you will surely find the places they went to 🙂 You can also ask Ana any questions on her instagram, knowing her she will surely answer you, she is a great person. Thank you for your comment Sandra!
Good morning
It is a very interesting and practical post. So much so that we decided to go to that area at the end of June.
My question is if you have any recommendations to rent a motorhome in the Venice area (this is where we fly) and if so, which company do you recommend?
Thank you
We recommend checking out http://www.yescapa.es, a website for renting motorhomes between individuals. Our friends always use this Airbnb-type platform and are always very happy with it 🙂 It's cheaper than a company and more flexible, which is also important 🙂
Hello ! I am reading you and I think that if we go to the Dolomites. Due to a forced change of plans, we left on Thursday, January 4, 2023. I am looking at "your guide". Any suggestions when going these days? My husband and I go with a motorhome and we spend the night in campsites. If you know camping sites, we would appreciate it because I do NOT have time to plan anything! I work until the 3rd. … As if you have a suggestion for another destination! Italy, I think we will be able to visit it later. As I also remember how beautiful Croatia was and I also hope to visit it by motorhome later.
Thank you very much,
Ruth
Hi, did you get my comment?
Grace,
Ruth
Hello Ruth today I answered your email, sorry we were out 🙂