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Index

  1. Castelrotto, Bolzano
  2. Canale di Tenno, Trento
  3. Mezzano, Trento
  4. Vigo di Fassa, Trento
  5. Egna, Bolzano
  6. Bondone, Trento
  7. San Lorenzo in Banale, Trento
  8. Chiusa, Bolzano
  9. Sterzing, Bolzano
  10. Rango, Trento
  11. San Martino di Castrozza, Trento
  12. Pinzolo, Trento
  13. Tyrol, Bolzano
  14. Merano, Bolzano
  15. Rovereto, Trento
  16. Ossana
  17. Braies, Bolzano
  18. Nova Levante, Bolzano
  19. Prato allo Stelvio, Bolzano
  20. Ortisei, Bolzano

Trentino Alto Adige boasts several of the most beautiful villages in Italy : real jewels of rural architecture, with views of the Dolomites or other decidedly suggestive natural landscapes. Let’s get to know them together.

NB : The following list is the result of a survey which actively involved the members of the Community. Over 10,000 users were asked to express 20 preferences, choosing from the proposals of the editorial staff.

1- Castelrotto, Bolzano
Photo by Luciobocchi. The name Castelruptum bought for the first time in some documents of 982-987 but, before that date, human settlements were already present in that place. Part of the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy, of the ancient medieval village remain today traces of walls, the presence of a fortified village and a tower with a square plan.
A portion of the territory is located in the Sciliar natural park , at the foot of the Alpe di Siusi: a detail that has allowed the area to develop a thriving mass tourism , both summer and winter.

  • Ideal period for a visit : in winter, on the occasion of the Traditional Peasant Wedding Ceremony and the wedding banquets of Castelrotto
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the ruins of Castelvecchio. Bolzano is 38 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b starting from € 110.00 – look at the offers

Do you want to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.
Treat yourself to a stay in the Hotel Lamm , a fantastic 4-star hotel on the Alpe di Siusi with Spa, Skypool and Fitness Room.

2 – Canale di Tenno, Trento
Photo by Peter willi buck. It is a medieval village that rises 600 meters high, on the hills enclosed between Riva del Garda and the Fiave plateau. Fully registered among the most beautiful villages in Italy, the first document attesting the existence of the village dates back to 1211.
The village preserves its original urban connotations intact, characterized by the four main streets that converge in the square, and a large number of stone houses. Some of these buildings are decorated with frescoes, mostly modern, the most valuable of which is the work of the painter Gianni Longinotti, and decorates the facade of his home.

  • Ideal period for a visit : first two weeks of August, on the occasion of the “Rustico Medioevo”, and in all the weekends before Christmas, when the city is filled with markets
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : historic center, Lake Tenno, Castle of Tenno, Casas degli Artisti. Riva del Garda is 14 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 90.00 per room – see the offers

3 – Mezzano, Trento
Photo by myself (Chalda Pnuzig). There are several hypotheses regarding the origin of the toponym Mezzano even if, the most accredited, it reconnects it to the position of the village , central between Imer and Siror. Presence of human settlements, even if only seasonal and at high altitudes, are evidenced by archaeological finds , which date back to the Mesolithic era. The first news about the town dates back only to after the year 1000 when Mezzano was considered one of the most organized towns in the area.
Since 2010, the country has become part of the prestigious club of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”: this has considerably increased the care of the historical-cultural aspect of the country.

  • Ideal period for a visit : in autumn, when the landscape is colored in various shades of brown
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and in the surrounding area : historic center, Prati di San Giovanni, Church of San Giovanni. The old road that connects Mezzano to San Giovanni, the Tabernacle of Santa Fosca and the Stala granda, Pra de la Forca where, until 1720, those sentenced to death were executed. Pedavena is 37 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 70.00 per room – see the offers

4 – Vigo di Fassa, Trento
Photo of Bbruno. It is a ski center in the Val di Fassa / Dolomiti Superski area full of hotels : among the most important summer centers for excursions in the Catinaccio massif, it is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
The first news concerning the area dates back to the Middle Ages, even if historical testimonies have dated the first human settlements to the Paleolithic . From the Late Middle Ages onwards, Vigo di Fassa faced uninterrupted growth, which led to the incorporation of the nearby town of San Giovanni.

  • Ideal period for a visit : all seasons, even if you have to be equipped for any rainy days, which are not uncommon in these areas
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : monumental barn, Church of San Giovanni, Austro-Hungarian war cemetery, Ladin Museum of Fassa, Church of Santa Giuliana. Vallonga is 4 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 137.00 per room – see the offers
  • Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Bolzano private tour along the Great Dolomites Road

5 – Egna, Bolzano
Photo of Bighignoli Michele. Administrative and cultural center of the Oltradige-Bassa Atesina district, the small trading village of Egna and of early medieval foundation , and saw the light around 1189. Its particular name derives from the ancient Roman post office, located on Via Claudia Augusta, where today there is an archaeological site that can be visited.
Thanks to the counts of Tyrol, during the thirteenth century the judicial district of Egna became one of the most important but was soon forgotten and remained backward. This has ensured that the village retained the atmosphere of antiquity , which today characterizes it.

  • Ideal period for a visit : April to mid-June and September, when the climate is mild and the rainfall is less, although not entirely absent
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : the arcades, late Gothic parish church dedicated to S. Niccolo, late Gothic parish church dedicated to S. Maria in Villa, Griesfeld palace. Laghetti is 6 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b in Bolzano (28 km) starting from € 77.00 per room – look at the offers

6 – Bondone, Trento
Photo of Merymaffei. It is the southernmost municipality in the Valle del Chiese , and has recently entered the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its houses, leaning against each other, are firmly anchored to a spur of rock overlooking Lake Idro.
With a difficult history, intertwined with that of the surrounding lords and towns, Bondone is known to most as the “town of charcoal burners” as, up to fifty years ago, this was the profession practiced by the majority of the inhabitants. Peculiarities of Bondone are the names of the streets which, during the twenty years of Fascism, by order of the Prefect were dedicated to symbols of Fascism.

  • Ideal period for a visit : September 8, the day of the patron saint, throughout the month of September for the succession of the various religious celebrations
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Lake Idro, the historic center, the parish church of the birth of the virgin, Il Castelo si San Giovanni, the countless naturalistic beauties. The town of lodrone is 24 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 80.00 per room – see the offers

7 – San Lorenzo in Banale, Trento
Photo by Jmz1902. It is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, it boasts Roman encampment origins , as evidenced by the numerous archaeological finds found in the area. The construction of Castel Mani , which took place in the 12th century by the bishop of Trento, then inaugurated its future as a “village”.
To date, the small town has made the natural beauty of the surrounding area its greatest point of attraction, thanks to the variety of excursions available, and the possibility of practicing “mountain sports”, both in a competitive way and suitable for children.

  • Ideal period for a visit : in November for the Ciuiga festival, and from April to September, to make the most of mountain excursions
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Ancient Church of San Giorgio, Castel Mani, the ancient center, the natural beauties of the surrounding area. The nearby town of Molveno is 15 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 86.00 per room – see the offers

8 – Chiusa, Bolzano
Photo of rachel_thecat. It is made up of Gudon, Lazfons, Pratello, Verdines and the city of artists, all enclosed in the heart of the Isarco Valley , between the Sarentine Alps and the Dolomites. The heart of the municipality is the medieval village, declared one of the most beautiful villages in Italy in 2002, and dominated by the suggestive Benedictine monastery .
According to some historical testimonies, the territory where the village now stands would have been inhabited since before Christ : in fact, tombs dating back to both the Germanic period and that of networks have been found in the area.

  • Ideal period for a visit : from June to September, when temperatures are milder and the days are longer
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : the church of Sant’Andrea, the monastery of Sabiona, the castle of Gernstein, the hill of the friars, the Civic museum of Chiusa. The village of Castelrotto is 27 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 84.00 per room – see the offers

9 – Vipiteno, Bolzano
Photo of Llorenzi. Few things remain of the Roman origin of the village, including: the inscription Vipitenum on an ancient Roman road, and the same name which, would resume that of the Roman camp Vibidina . Among the most beautiful villages in Italy, its foundation could date back to 14 BC, when the military station of Vipitenum was founded on the communication route between Italy and the countries beyond the Alps.
The village officially developed in 1180, following the invasion of the Baiuvari. An ancient legend tells that Storz, a crippled pilgrim, was the first inhabitant of the modern city: it is possible to see him depicted in the coat of arms of the city, right under the wings of the Tyrolean eagle.

  • Ideal period for a visit : the evening / night of December 5 for the Krampus parade, Christmas period, for the markets, the second Sunday of September for the Festival of dumplings, for the historical festival
  • Recommended visit time : 1-2 days
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : “Madonna della Palude” parish church, Santo Spirito church, Torre delle Dodici, Town Hall, Ancient Commandery of the Teutonic Order. The town of Colle Isarco is 6 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 80.00 per room – see the offers

10 – Rango, Trento
Photo of Massimo Telo. It is one of the most characteristic villages of Trentino : a quality that has earned it its inclusion in the circuit of the most beautiful villages in Italy in 2006.
In fact , in the village time seems to have stopped , the houses they are leaning against each other, and connected by arcades, hallways and internal courtyards. The ancient dirt road starts from the top of the town to reach the Passo del Durone, giving life to a pleasant and not at all demanding walk, ideal for exploring the whole area and enjoying a few moments in the midst of nature.

  • Ideal period for a visit : during the Christmas period, when the whole city is filled with markets
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : the ancient parish church and the whole center. Tione di Trento is 18 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotel and b & b in Arco (23 km) starting from € 59.00 per room – look at the offers

11 – San Martino di Castrozza, Trento
Photo by myself. It is located in the Primiero Valley, in eastern Trentino. It is a historic tourist destination , whose main attraction is certainly the Pale di San Martino , mountains that overlook this wonderful town.
Wonderful both in winter, for snow sports, and in summer, thanks to the many excursions that can be done here, San Martino di Castrozza is a much loved destination for hikers and mountaineers . The historic center is elegant and picturesque and is perfect for visiting with the family, thanks to activities for children, such as the Agility Forest Adventure Park.

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, in summer for excursions and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
  • Recommended visit time : 2 days
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : historic center, Pale di San Martino, Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park, Agility Forest Adventure Park. Fiera di Primiero is 20 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers

12 – Pinzolo, Trento
Photo of Mattana. Also in the province of Trento, it is located in the upper Val Rendena. If you take the state road 239 of Campiglio, on which the town is located, you will arrive as far as Passo Campo Carlo Magno. It is also located in the heart of the Adamello Brenta Natural Park , which makes it a small jewel set in the Brenta Dolomites.
Ideal to be visited all year round , thanks to the large number of activities to take birth, Pinzolo is loved above all by families and sportsmen and allows you to live a few days completely immersed in nature . To visit absolutely the church of San Vigilio and to go on one of the many treks, perhaps the one that reaches the Nardis Falls.

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, in summer for excursions and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Adamello Brenta Natural Park, San Vigilio church, numerous trekking tours in the Brenta Dolomites. Madonna di Campiglio is 13 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 70.00 per room – see the offers

13 – Tirolo, Bolzano
Photo of Herbert Ortner, Vienna, Austria. Not to be confused with the Austrian Tyrol, Tirolo, in the province of Bolzano, also called Dorf Tirol, is located in the heart of the Gruppo di Tessa nature park and belongs to the Burgraviato area. Completely immersed in nature, it is the ideal destination for those who want to disconnect from the stress of everyday life.
It is located a few kilometers from Merano, so a visit to Tirolo can represent a beautiful and relaxing day trip . Excellent starting point for exploring all the surroundings, from here there are numerous trails and treks of varying difficulty and duration. The Tirolo Castle is absolutely worth seeing, formerly the seat of the Counts of Tirolo, which now houses the Provincial Museum of culture and history. Small curiosity: the castle itself gave its name to the whole region.

  • Ideal period for a visit : from April to October for the many outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking in the mountains
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Gruppo di Tessa nature park, Tyrol Castle, Johanneum Dorf Tirol, Brunnenburg. Merano is 10 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 50.00 per room – see the offers

14 – Merano, Bolzano
Photo of G2. It is located in the province of Bolzano not very far from the Austrian border, and is one of the most beautiful and renowned destinations in this whole area! There are many activities to do and things to see, moreover it is an excellent starting point for several day trips in the surrounding area, so the ideal would be to stay at least 3 days.
But, above all, Merano is known as the spa town : there are several spas in which to relax, perhaps after a day of hiking in the nearby mountains! The historic center is also wonderful, within the ancient city walls. Small curiosity: here live Italian native speakers and German native speakers, thus creating a perfect mix of traditions and culture, which is then also reflected on the cuisine and customs!

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, in summer for outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports due to the presence of the famous ski resort Merano 2000
  • Recommended visit time : 3 days
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : historic center, Trauttmansdorff and Sissi’s path, Tappeiner promenade, Castel Winkel Merano. Bolzano is 30 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 65.00 per room – see the offers

15 – Rovereto, Trento
Photo by Gio 2000. Still in the province of Trento, not far from Lake Garda, this village is an important industrial, tourist and cultural center of Trentino . It is also called Citta della Quercia, a symbol present in the city coat of arms.
Full of museums, and a destination to be discovered, between history, culture, good food and nature! It is therefore an ideal destination for everyone : for sports enthusiasts there is no shortage of mountains and trekking in all the surrounding areas; for lovers of culture and cultural visits there are numerous museums, including international ones; families will find many activities also suitable for children. In addition, it is also called the city of festivals, for the numerous events and events that take place all year round!

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, due to the large number of events, demonstrations, activities that can be carried out and museums
  • Recommended visit time : 3 days
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : historic center, Castelbarco, Church of San Marco, Italian War History Museum, Depero Futuristic Art House, Mart. Trento is 25 minutes away, Riva del Garda 35 minutes
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 45.00 per room – see the offers

16 – Ossana
Photo by Luca Giarelli. Also in the province of Trento, the village is located in a wonderful position, which make it an ideal destination both in summer and in winter . It is in fact located between the Adamello Park and the Adamello Brenta Natural Park and is surrounded by numerous mountain ranges, full of paths and trails.
But not only that, also the use of the historic center, albeit small and contained, and rich in history and attractions to see. One of the main ones is the Castle of San Michele, also called Castello di Ossana, the first evidence of which dates back to 1191. The Bosco Derniga, a wonderful botanical garden just outside the center, is also worth a visit. Finally, in December until the beginning of January, gods take placewonderful Christmas markets and the whole town is decorated and decorated for the party!

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, in summer for excursions and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports. In winter, the wonderful Christmas markets are worth seeing
  • Recommended visit time : 2 days
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Castle of San Michele, Church of San Vigilio, Christmas markets in December, Bosco Derniga. Madonna di Campiglio is 40 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 90.00 per room – see the offers

17 – Braies, Bolzano
If you are in Trentino, especially in the province of Bolzano, you cannot miss a visit to Braies, considered the pearl of the Val di Braies . This small municipality is located in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park and is surrounded by wonderful mountains, orf Tirol.
The main attraction of the area is certainly Lake Braies , a wonderful lake nestled in the mountains, a real jewel of the Dolomites, to be seen at least once in a lifetime! With the advent of Instagram, the lake is increasingly known and visited, so it is recommended to arrive early in the morning, before the many tourists arrive. Moreover, in Italy it has become famous for being one of the settings of the TV series Un Passo dal Cielo.

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, in summer for outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports. In summer on Lake Braies it is possible to sail with wooden boats, while in winter it freezes completely
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Lake Braies, Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, Dobiacco and Dobiacco Lake. San Candido is 20 minutes away, Sesto 25 minutes
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 90.00 per room – see the offers

18 – Nova Levante, Bolzano
Photo by Bernard Blanc. It is a wonderful village in the Val d’Elga , at the foot of the Catinaccio, and can be reached along the famous Strada delle Dolomiti, a 110 km long road. In the past also called Nova Latina or Nova Italiana, today it is a tourist destination completely immersed in nature.
Surrounded by the Dolomites, Nova Levante is a perfect destination for both relaxation and sport ! For those who love hiking in the mountains, the one that leads to the Catinaccio is unmissable. In addition, in winter, there are numerous cross-country ski trails that lead through the woods to immerse yourself in a landscape from Winterwonderland.

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, in summer for excursions and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Catinaccio, Princess Sissi Monument, Carezza and Lake Carezza. Bolzano is 20 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 100.00 per room – look at the offers

19 – Prato allo Stelvio, Bolzano
Photo of Kuebi. In the province of Bolzano, Prato allo Stelvio is a village located in the Val Venosta. It is also a common market , i.e. those small municipalities located in Europe which, under medieval law, have obtained the right to host a market.
It is the perfect starting point for excursions to the Ortles , a majestic mountain range, much loved by experienced hikers and mountaineers! Furthermore, much of the municipal area is located within the Stelvio National Park, characterized by unspoiled nature. This makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers, thanks to the many outdoor activities here it is impossible to get bored!

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, in summer for excursions and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
  • Recommended visit time : 1 day
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : Ortles, aquaprad visitor center, St. John’s Church, Kirche St. Georg zu Agums. Resia is 30 minutes away
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 60.00 per room – see the offers

20 – Ortisei, Bolzano
Ortisei, in the province of Bolzano, is a destination not to be missed. Market town such as Prato allo Stelvio, Ortisei and the main town of Val Gardena . It is also the perfect starting point for exploring the magnificent surroundings, such as the wonderful Siusi Alps, approximately 20 minutes away.
Ortisei, in addition to being a wonderful village in which to spend a weekend, is famous for its wood carving tradition : here, for generations, families of expert carvers have created artistic wood sculptures, which enchant at first glance! In addition, the historic center has many activities to offer and its pedestrian area is defined as the most beautiful in the Dolomites!

  • Ideal period for a visit : all year round, in summer for excursions and outdoor activities, in winter for winter sports
  • Recommended visit time : 3 days
  • What to see in the city and its surroundings : historic center, Museo de Gherdeina, Emozion Col de Flam park, Rasciesa funicular. Bressanone is 40 minutes away, Siusi 20 minutes
  • How to get there: Get directions
  • Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 100.00 per room – look at the offers
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