Summer 2025 in the mountains: here are the secret destinations to avoid the chaos.

Some people imagine holidays with the sound of waves and the scent of salty air, but, aided by the search for peace and quiet and cooler temperatures, more and more travelers are choosing to turn their gaze to the peaks. In recent years , mountain tourism has grown steadily, while Italian beaches have seen significant declines, and summer 2025 is no exception, as evidenced by a recent study shared by the newspaper "Il Messaggero."

While the sea often means crowds, the mountains can be the key to a slow, rejuvenating summer far from the chaos. However, there's no need to limit yourself to the most famous resorts: there are valleys and villages off the beaten track , where nature still reigns supreme and traditions are preserved intact.

Val d'Ega, the authentic soul of the Dolomites

Knocking on the door of the Dolomites means not only immersing yourself in scenic trails and high-altitude adventures, but also encountering stories, legends, and works of art that tell the story of centuries of life. The Val d'Ega (Bolzano) is an invitation to slow down and discover, beyond the eternal beauty of the mountains, the most intimate side of South Tyrol.

The Collepietra Museum is a surprising stop: carefully reconstructed stube, rooms, and workshops house objects of rural life, ancient crafts, religious testimonies, and wartime mementos. A journey into the past that can only be experienced with a guided tour, from Palm Sunday to the end of October.

Among the artistic jewels, the Romanesque church of Sant'Elena houses splendid 15th-century Gothic frescoes, probably commissioned by local noble families, as do the churches of Terlano and Aica di Fiè.

Dominating the valley, Cornedo Castle watches over the Bolzano basin. Built in the 12th century and passed from hand to hand between noble families and feudal lords, it is today one of the best-preserved examples of medieval South Tyrolean architecture.

Finally, the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Pietralba exudes an aura of spirituality that dates back to the Marian apparition to the hermit Leonhard Weißensteiner in 1553. Nestled in a gentle and peaceful landscape, it is a destination that unites nature, faith, and beauty.

Prali, among coniferous forests and peaks of the Cottian Alps

Less than two hours from Turin, Prali is the gateway to Alpine landscapes that seem like paintings. Surrounded by coniferous forests and nestled in a valley between 1,400 and 1,700 meters above sea level, this village in the Upper Germanasca Valley offers pure air, silence, and unforgettable views. Behind it, the imposing mountain range marking the border with France; ahead, summer trails crisscross forests and alpine lakes, perfect for hikes of all levels.

But Prali's charm isn't limited to its natural beauty: museums, churches, Waldensian temples, and ancient mines tell the story of a rugged yet generous land. Outdoor enthusiasts will find welcoming accommodations, authentic Piedmontese cuisine , and the feeling of being guests rather than tourists.

Val Fiorentina, the silent heart of the Dolomites

In the heart of the Belluno Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Val Fiorentina preserves a serene beauty, far from the crowded tourist circuits. Selva di Cadore and the other small Ladin villages nestle at 1,300 meters above sea level, at the foot of giants such as Pelmo, Civetta, Cernera, and Marmolada.

Here, nature still dictates the rhythm: dense forests, lush green pastures, and views opening onto majestic peaks. The villages have an authentic atmosphere, with deep-rooted traditions and a warm welcome. The trails are suitable for every pace, from leisurely family strolls to more challenging hikes.

Cimolais, where time stands still

Cimolais is the heart of the Friulian Dolomites Natural Park and the starting point for discovering one of the wildest landscapes in the Alps. Watched over by jagged peaks, among which the famous Campanile di Val Montanaia stands out, the village retains an intact rural soul: the cobbled streets and stone houses tell the story of a simple life, tied to the mountains.

The trails wind for miles without encountering any traces of man, past rare flowers like the Huteri sandstone and the Morettian bellflower, and the animals that silently inhabit these places: deer, chamois, marmots, eagles, and ibex. Among the stops are the Parish Church with its 17th-century wooden altars and the small Alpine churches scattered throughout the area.

Valdidentro, between turquoise lakes and fortifications

Between Bormio and Livigno , in the heart of the Stelvio National Park, Valdidentro is a destination enchanting with its variety of landscapes and activities. The trails of Val Viola, Val Lia, and Valle di San Giacomo lead to lakes, mountain pastures, and unforgettable views. In summer, the climb to the Cancano dams (also accessible by bike) offers a spectacular view of turquoise waters framed by mountains.

History can be felt at the Torri di Fraele , ancient fortifications placed to guard the entrance to the Bormio area, and at the Ferriera Corneliani in Premadio, evidence of the ancient iron and steel industry which, together with trade and livestock farming, shaped the valley's identity.

Valsavarenche, the kingdom of Gran Paradiso

In the heart of the Gran Paradiso National Park, Valsavarenche is a valley that preserves the rarest luxury: silence. Far from mass tourism, yet still affordable, it offers trails that wind through woods and meadows, always overlooking the Gran Paradiso.

Here, it's common to encounter chamois, ibex, and marmots along trails once used by the House of Savoy on hunting trips. From the simple natural trail between the hamlets of Fenille and Eaux-Rousses to the royal mule tracks leading to the park rangers' huts, every walk becomes a complete immersion in protected nature.

Gran Sasso, where mountains meet timeless villages

In Abruzzo , the Gran Sasso welcomes those seeking not only high-altitude landscapes, but also villages that seem suspended in time: it is the ideal destination for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and savor all the nuances of an area still little frequented by mass tourism.

The perfect starting point is Prati di Tivo , at the foot of the peaks, from which trails for all levels branch off: simple walks through meadows and woods, challenging hiking trails, and climbs up to Calderone, the only glacier in the Apennines.

A short distance away, the village of Calascio boasts its famous fortress, the highest in Italy at 1,460 meters, from which the view stretches across valleys and peaks. Just beyond, Lake Campotosto adds a touch of deep blue to an already spectacular landscape, framed by the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.