Italy for a few more Dolomites
Alleghe in Belluno, 80 miles north of Venice, is a picturesque town on a magnificent lake, surrounded by the magnificent eastern Dolomites. We found the streets truly charming, the local cuisine exceptional and enjoyed exciting walks where we hardly encountered another living creature. Alleghe was the perfect base from which to explore one of the most fascinating and unspoiled regions of Italy.
Lorna Young
Rock windows and waterfalls, Slovenia
Kranjska Gora in the Julian Alps has some great peaks for thrill seekers. Try Prisank (2,547 metres) and look out for the spectacular rock window on the way up. Mala Mojstrovka (2,332 metres) has great views and is easier to climb. We loved the walk to the emerald pools of Zelenci and visited the Martuljek waterfall through beautiful woodland. We relaxed on the shores of Lake Jasna, soaking up the 360-degree views and tucking into delicious creamy cream colored resin cake at a lakeside cafe. Then we cycled through north-eastern Italy on a fantastic off-road course.
Matthew
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
Each week we ask our readers for advice on their travels. A selection of their tips will be published online and may also appear in print. To enter the latest competition, visit the reader tips homepage
–
Cursed But Beautiful Peaks of Albania
The Albanian Alps, or Cursed Mountains, offer impressive peaks, idyllic pastoral valleys and freezing turquoise rivers. While many tourists choose to make a short visit to walk the 11-mile Valbonë pass from Theth, we spent five days in Theth, staying at the wonderful and friendly Bujtina Vellezerit Grrela (doubles from £49 B&B), which serves excellent traditional Albanian food. Relatively undeveloped, Theth is a relaxing base for resting after a tough mountain hike. Warm June evenings spent watching swallows and fireflies against a backdrop of spectacular views and peaks were truly unforgettable.
Emily
Lakeside monasteries, North Macedonia
We recently spent some wonderful days exploring the monasteries and ruins at Lake Ohrid, one of the deepest lakes in Europe. We had lunch on the wooden veranda of a restaurant that juts out so you can dip your feet in the crystal clear water, and finished the day with a tasting at a local winery. North Macedonia has a unique blend of Balkan and Mediterranean influences, from domed churches to delicious plates of grilled vegetables, lamb and fresh sheep’s cheese. Sofia
Solo walk on Lake Bracciano near Rome
An hour’s drive north of Rome, Lake Bracciano was the perfect place to relearn how to enjoy (really enjoy) a solo vacation after completely losing my desire to travel during the pandemic. Motorized boats are banned, and the water is cool, clear, and perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and lazing around. The three sleepy towns on the lake—Bracciano, Anguillara, Trevignano—have a wealth of restaurants and aperitivo spots. I felt pampered by the locals, who were eager to hear my tips for visiting the Scottish islands (my hometown) and patient with my iffy Italian. I’m already planning my return.
Ela said
Inspired by Newby in the Apennine Mountains of Italy
Inspired by Eric Newby’s book Love and War in the Apennines, about his experiences hiding from the German army on mountain farms during World War II, we explored the mountains of Emilia Romagna, Italy. We followed his footsteps through the forests in the mountains south of Parma, crinal (ridge), where you can see magnificent views of the Ligurian coast. The paths are well marked and we mountains (Alpine huts) Run by Club Alpino Italiano (half board from €55), the food is seasonal and local: think mushrooms, polenta, homemade pasta and charcuterie.
RW
Stopover towards the border by local train, Slovenia to Italy
To get from Lake Bled to Italy, you might want to return to Ljubljana and take a high-speed train or bus to Trieste. Instead, opt for one of the most scenic journeys in Slovenia – a regional train from Bled Jezero station (at the western end of the lake) to the Slovenian town of Nova Gorica on the Italian border. The 90-minute journey, which cost us just €7.30 each, took us from Lake Bled to the Bohinj valley and offered views of the Julian Alps and the emerald waters of the Soca River. Once in Nova Gorica, walk about 20 minutes to cross the border into Italy through the pretty town of Gorizia.
France Li
Glacial period near Chamonix
Chamonix is best known as a ski resort, but it is equally charming in the warmer months. Setting out from the village of Les Praz on the outskirts of Chamonix, we walked through the peaceful forest, stopping several times to take in the breathtaking views of the lush vegetation against the snow-capped mountains. We discovered Chalet de la Floria, at 1,350 metres in the forest, where we had an omelette and tart myrtle (blueberry tart). The next day we took the funicular train to the ice cave at the Mer du Glace glacier. It was amazing: the cold was intense, there were impressive ice sculptures, and we learned fascinating details about the history of the glaciers.
Nitika
Floating on Lake Lugano in Switzerland/Italy
Lake Lugano is shared between Italy and Switzerland and last summer we found it a lovely way to explore both sides. We took the sparkling white Swiss Navigazione Lago di Lugano ferry for £20 per day return. Departing from Porto Ceresio in Italy at 10.30am, the ship glides across the lake, stopping at stone-housed villages, alternating between Switzerland and Italy, including the magnificent Swiss Miniatures Open Air Museum in Melide, across the super-smooth waters. There are views of pine-studded hillsides and distant snowy peaks along the journey. Arriving in Lugano just over an hour later, we explored the pretty town and even took a dip in the lake, returning at 7pm for sunset views.
Nigel
Tip to win: Pranks like this in Interlaken, Switzerland
My husband and I took our four-year-old son on his first adventure abroad, taking overnight ferries and trains via Amsterdam to Interlaken. We arrived, exhausted from our travels, to find the bright turquoise waters of Thunersee sparkling in the early summer sunlight. Just east of Interlaken is another beautiful lake: Brienzersee. Over the next few days, we explored the surrounding mountains and hiked from the Lauterbrunnen cable car to Mürren. It was an unforgettable adventure for all of us.
Hannah