travel
Exploring Italy’s ‘forgotten’ Dolomites: ‘The same massive mountains without the crowds’
Clear waterfalls, mountain meadows and high-altitude refuges are just some of the highlights of this less-visited part of the stunning range

TL;DR
- The eastern Dolomites provide an alternative to crowded areas like Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Val Gardena.
- Belluno serves as a gateway to the quieter upper Piave valley and Friulian mountains.
- Traditional 'Regole di Comunità' manage land collectively, supporting local artisans and farmers.
- Culinary highlights include 'pastìn', 'malga' cheeses, polenta, and 'canederli'.
- Notable locations include Val del Mis with Lago del Mis and Cadini del Brenton, Lago di Calaita beneath the Pale di San Martino, and Monte Penna for Monte Pelmo views.
- Agriturismo Bon Tajer near Lentiai and Malga Campon above Feltre offer unique dining experiences.
- Refugio Tita Barba di Pieve and Bivacco dei Loff provide remote stays.
- The Cansiglio plateau offers forested landscapes and stays like Agriturismo Filippon.