The Italian Dolomites are a year-round destination, promising an unforgettable holiday in both summer and winter.
Make the most of Northern Italy’s temperate summer climate and spend endless sunny days exploring, enjoying, and relaxing amid the iconic Pale Mountains.
Explore luxury chalets and hotels in Val Gardena
Visiting Val Gardena in Italy: What to see and do
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dolomites are undoubtedly one of Europe’s most spectacular geological phenomena. Located in northeastern Italy, within the South Tyrol region, the Dolomites span over 6,000 square miles.
Val Gardena sits at the heart of the Dolomites, within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. This beautiful valley encompasses three villages: Selva, Oritsei, and S. Cristina.
Val Gardena shares much of its history with the Ladin people. Its culture is also deeply intertwined with Austria, making it a fascinating and enriching location to visit.
Travelling to Val Gardena for a summer holiday
Innsbruck Airport (INN) to Val Gardena: 1 hour 30 mins / 120km
Verona Airport (VRN) to Val Gardena: 2 hours 10 mins / 190km
Venice Airport (VCE) to Val Gardena: 3 hours 15 mins / 270km
Val Gardena can be easily reached by multiple forms of transport. Transfers - both public and private - run from nearby airports and train stations to Val Gardena.
If you prefer to travel by train, the closest station to Val Gardena is Ponte Gardena, situated just a 20-minute drive away. Buses run between the station and the resort, taking just over 30 minutes.
Summer holidays in Italy's Val Gardena
While winters in Val Gardena are cold and snowy, its summers are blissfully warm. With temperatures in the early 20s (celsius) throughout June, July and August, summer in the Dolomites offers a welcome reprieve from heatwaves and humidity.
The mountain air is fresh and crisp, whilst the weather is temperate enough to allow for hours upon end to be spent enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. August in particular sees a spell of warm evenings – perfect for savouring a meal or a drink outside.
Val Gardena enjoys, on average, 300 days of sunshine every year. Summer is no exception to this rule; skies are bright and blue, allowing for the warmth of the sun to shine through.
Check out our portfolio of luxury chalets and hotels in Val Gardena
What to Do in Val Gardena, Italy
Although skiing might not be on the cards, there’s an abundance of activities to be enjoyed in Val Gardena in summer.
Hiking in Val Gardena during summertime
In summer, the Dolomites become a veritable hiker’s paradise with numerous trails of varying difficulties. There are gentle routes, ideal for a slow-paced summer afternoon, whilst avid hikers can make the most of the more difficult trails.
Rock climbing in Val Gardena
Experience the beauty of the Dolomites up close and personal. Val Gardena is a must-visit destination for those passionate about the sport of rock climbing.
Home to the Città dei Sassi (City of Stones), Val Gardena offers a vast array of trails to explore. If you’re looking for a bit of guidance and support as you take on the Pale Mountains, there are mountain guides available for hire in Val Gardena.
Get involved in sports and leisure activities in Val Gardena
If hiking and climbing aren't quite your scene, there are plenty of other sports-based activities to enjoy in Val Gardena, such as:
- Horse riding
- Paragliding
- Swimming
- Mountain biking
- Ziplining
- Golf
Where to stay in Val Gardena
Chalet Vilaiet
Sleeps 6+1 | Catered
Nestled in the Dolomites, Chalet Vilaiet is a beautiful luxury catered Alpine property, situated just a short drive from the villages of Selva and Oritsei.
With its enviable position and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows, Chalet Vilaiet lets in an abundance of light, treating guests to remarkable mountain views. A hub of relaxation, guests can also enjoy the chalet’s heated outdoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art spa facilities.
Lum D’Or Spa Chalet
Sleeps 6+2 | Self-Catered
A blissful mountain retreat, situated just a few minutes’ drive from Selva. As the name suggests, Lum D’Or is home to exceptional spa facilities, including a heated outdoor infinity pool, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and a hot tub. Meanwhile, the chalet’s sun terrace is the perfect place to soak up the mountain sun.
Chalet Sellaronda
Sleeps 10+2 | Catered
Chalet Sellaronda is a boutique property located in the village of Selva. Boasting 280 square meters of space, Chalet Sellaronda is an elegantly designed property, with traditional décor throughout, creating a warm and homely atmosphere.
The chalet is a great option for families, with a spacious entertainment room with a pool table, bar and home cinema.
Chalet Villa Carolina
Sleeps 10 | Self-Catered
Chalet Villa Carolina is a beautiful self-catered alpine retreat located in the heart of the Dolomites. Surrounded by nature, Villa Carolina promises peace and relaxation, with panoramic views of the mountains and an outdoor whirlpool.
Thoughtfully designed throughout, Chalet Villa Carolina spans over 600 square metres, sleeping 10 guests.
Explore Chalet Villa Carolina for your next summer holiday
You can view our full summer portfolio below. If you need to get in touch regarding any of our chalets or hotels, you can always contact us, and a member of the team will get back to you.
Check out Oxford Ski Company’s full summer portfolio
Val Gardena Resort Guide FAQs
Things to do in the summer in Val Gardena?
While it might be home to an extensive array of outdoor activities, Val Gardena provides much in the way of culture, history and relaxation. Val Gardena plays host to some sensational events throughout the summer months.
If it's culture you’re after, the Val Gardena Folklore Festival must not be missed. Held annually, Gröden in Tracht - ‘Val Gardena Dressed to the Nines’ - celebrates the history and traditions of the South Tyrolean region and the Ladin peoples.
Trostburg Castle: Situated above the village of Ponte Gardena (known in German as Waidbruck), Trostburg Castle is a grand fortress dating back to the 12th century.
Explore the local villages: As the Val Gardena area comprises three separate villages, it is worth taking the time to visit each one throughout your trip.
Where to eat in Val Gardena?
There is a variety of Michelin-star restaurants in Italy’s Val Gardena. We highly recommend the following:
Suinsom: Situated in Selva, Suinsom is a Michelin-star restaurant specialising in contemporary Italian cuisine. The restaurant’s cosy, wood-panelled interior fosters a warm and inviting environment, perfect for a memorable summer’s evening.
Alpenroyal Gourmet: An elegant dining experience awaits at the Michelin-starred Alpenroyal Gourmet in Selva di Val Gardena.
Anna Stuben: Located in Oritsei, Anna Stuben boasts a charming Alpine-inspired interior that perfectly complements its menu. Inspired by seasonal ingredients, a creative approach is taken towards traditional South Tyrolean cuisine.
Almhotel Col Raiser: Alpine charm and tradition cling to the very walls of the Almhotel Col Raiser. Serving typical South Tyrolean cuisine amidst stunning mountain views, visitors will feel right at home here.
Piz Seteur: Located at 2,064m, the restaurant is a charming mountainside destination. Enjoy a varied menu, sampling flavours from South Tyrolean and Mediterranean cuisines.
The Troier Hut: Reachable from S. Cristina and Selva, it is situated at 2,250m. This family-run business offers typical South Tyrolean dishes, as well as a selection of homemade pastries.
