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- Issue #14: The Dolomites: Italy’s Secret Playground
Issue #14: The Dolomites: Italy’s Secret Playground

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE:
Why the Dolomites are Europe’s best kept secret for outdoor adventure
A 4-day itinerary for couples & small groups
Bologna: a cultural reset before or after the trails
Who this adventure is for
What’s inspiring us this week
A little poll
The Dolomites: Italy’s Secret Playground
If you’re looking for real adventure without the group tour vibes, it’s time to head to the Dolomites. These Italian Alps might just be the perfect playground for couples and small groups.
Wake up in a wooden cabin, mountain air in your lungs, and nothing but possibilities ahead.
Coffee on a balcony. A gentle zig-zag trail waiting for your boots. No rigid plans. Just fresh air and that sweet sense of freedom.
If you’re flying in through Bologna, give yourself a couple of days before or after.
Gorgeous arcades. A final slow evening in a city that’s all about small pleasures.
Here’s what to expect, and how to make it yours:
Settle in and Slow Down
Base yourself in a small village like Ortisei or San Cassiano. Both are charming, queer-friendly enough and give you that perfect blend of cosy alpine base and easy access to trailheads.
Arrive mid-afternoon, dump your bags, and take an easy walk to shake off the travel day. I think even a short wander in these mountains feels like a reset.
Either way, you’re rewarded with views so good they make you forget about your bad knees (or is that just me)?
You won’t find a wild scene here, but it’s for couples and small groups who want adventure without the crowd. You should find safe, inclusive stays; LGBTQ+ Friendly Hotels in the Dolomites have you covered.
Picnic lunches with your favourite people
Cold beers at a mountain hut after a sweaty climb
Life’s too short for boring views.
Lace Up for the Views
Today’s for the big one. The Seceda ridgeline is a must-do: a panorama that’s so perfect it almost looks fake.
You can hike it from the valley floor if you’re up for it, or cheat a bit and take the cable car. Either way, you’ll be in the thick of those jagged limestone peaks that have made this region a UNESCO gem.

The peaks turn pink at dawn and dusk. This is due to the way sunlight reflects off the dolomitic rock, creating a magical, pink glow
Go Off-Grid (a Bit)
Switch it up with a wilder day. Head to Lago di Braies early.
If you get there before the buses roll in, you can still find that hush that makes you feel like you’re the only one around.
In the afternoon, pick a lesser-known valley for a more local hike such as Val di Funes. It has gentle meadows and a postcard-perfect view of the Odle peaks.
Grab a picnic lunch and watch the clouds roll past. Spend the morning in a mountain hut (a rifugio), sharing a plate of polenta and a cold beer with other wanderers.
If you’re up for a final push, a short forest loop or a wild swim in a mountain lake will do the trick. Otherwise, just watch the sun fade behind the peaks
Who it’s good for:
Small groups of friends who want to feel free, safe, and held by nature

And If You’ve Got Time… Bologna’s Calling
If you’re flying in through Bologna or fancy a couple of days to slow it right down before or after your mountain fix, this foodie city is worth a detour.
You could do:
· Wine tasting in the Colli Bolognesi hills — rustic vineyards, small family-run cellars
· Slow lunch in a countryside trattoria
· Optional: cycle a few easy miles through the hills if you’re feeling sporty
Beware, Bologna isn’t for everyone. The city’s ‘rough-around-the-edges’ charm might feel a bit too low-key if you’re a bit bougie. In August, the city practically empties out as locals escape the heat. Some find it peaceful, others might feel it’s too quiet.
Plan the vibe, not just the logistics. Make space for introverts, extroverts, and quiet wanderers.
What This Adventure Offers:
Flexible activities: You can choose short forest walks or cable car rides if little legs (or older knees!) aren’t up for long hikes.
Queer travellers: Safe and easy-going here, no big scene, just warm welcomes
Perfect for couples and small groups who want real connection, not just group selfies
Fresh air and fresh perspectives: No group tours, no strict itineraries
Nature immersion: Kids love seeing the cows in alpine meadows and older family members will appreciate the fresh air and slow pace.
Mountain huts: Rifugios offer hearty food and easy rest stops.
Lakes and cable cars: These provide fun, low-intensity outings.
Who It’s Not For
If you’re on a tight budget, high season can sting
Public transport’s a bit patchy, so you’ll want a car to unlock those lesser-known valleys

A Flexible 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Easy Exploring
Base in Ortisei or San Cassiano, - small, charming, and safe for LGBTQ+ travellers
Wander the village, grab a local gelato, and stretch your legs on an easy forest trail
Sunset at your digs.
Day 2: Big Mountain Adventure
Hike to the Seceda ridgeline or take the cable car if you’re easing in
Picnic lunch with peaks all around this is the Dolomites’ greatest hits moment
Optional: wild swim in a mountain lake (yes, it’s cold, but it’s glorious)
Day 3: Off-the-Beaten-Path Valleys
Early start at Lago di Braies, best if you’re there before the crowds
Afternoon in Val di Funes for gentle trails and mountain meadows
Dinner in a local rifugio (mountain huts) with comfort food and no fuss
Day 4: Rest or Ramp Up
Legs tired? Take a scenic cable car for more views with less effort
Feeling energised? Hike a short loop in the forest
Wrap the trip with local wine and slow conversations
Optional Add-On: 2 Days in Bologna
Swap the trails for porticoes and pasta
Wander medieval lanes and eat everything in sight
More about slowing down than gearing up, it’s a cultural reset to bookend the trip.
Outro
Ready to swap the crowds for cool mountain air and quiet nights under the stars? The Dolomites are waiting. Let us know if you’ve been or if it’s next on your list.
What’s Inspiring Us This Week:
What I’m bookmarking:
LGBTQ+-friendly hotels in the Dolomites. Inclusive stays for everyone
What I’ve enjoyed reading:
Fast Facts About the Dolomites (Travel Awaits) — get the lowdown on what makes this region so unique.
What I’m listening to:
Freedom is Mine — a look at black communities and LGBTQ+ icons in countries all around the world.
Who I’m inspired by:
The energy over at The Gay Games. Only comes around every 4 years. The next one is in Valencia, Spain in 2026.
That’s a Wrap! Here’s how we help:
We plan LGBTQ+ adventure travel for you and yours, saving the headache
Whether you’re hiking near home or planning a big escape, we got tips!
Got a favourite place you want us to feature next? Email me I’m listening
POLL: Did you enjoy this post? |
Until next time, Go beyond the usual