This Charming Italian Alpine City Is a Rising Star in 2025—and It is Simply 1 Hour From Venice

With dreamy seashores, enchanting Roman streets, and stately Florentine galleries, it is no surprise that Southern Italy is so beloved—however maybe the south is a bit too cherished, with overtourism changing into an more and more pervasive situation. The north of Italy is commonly missed by vacationers, however has a lot to supply. And one small city is shortly gaining extra consideration.

In accordance with knowledge from Lodges.com, curiosity and search quantity for Italy’s Belluno province (situated just a little greater than an hour from Venice), elevated 115 p.c between 2024 and 2025. The province is dwelling to the eponymous city of the identical identify, which is taken into account the “gateway to the Dolomites” and is stuffed with appeal. However there’s a lot to see all through Belluno.

Through the winter, there’s no higher place to ski and snowboard. Belluno has such good terrain situations and powder that the city of Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the ladies’s alpine snowboarding occasions for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Nevertheless, Belluno is actually a year-round vacation spot.

For out of doors fanatics, the Belluno Dolomites Nationwide Park is dwelling to Monte Schiara, an 8,415-foot-tall mountain with quite a few climbing and climbing trails. The park additionally has springs, swamps, and rivers, plus gorgeous canyon vistas. Within the spring and summer time, there are lovely fields of wildflowers to stroll via. AllTrails even has a curated checklist of hikes that embrace particulars on how finest to see and expertise the blossoms.

Nevertheless it’s not all concerning the wilderness right here. For guests searching for extra of a cultural expertise, Belluno can be full of Medieval historical past, incredible eating, and lovely buildings. You’ll discover storied structure. Roman gates, dazzling palaces, Baroque bell towers, Franciscan church buildings, and bridges constructed through the Austrian empire—and you may see all of this simply by strolling via city. In Mel, Italy, you may discover Castello di Zumelle, which dates again to the 1st century A.C.E. You too can discover performances, guided excursions, a café, and even some actions for youths on the fortress.

After you’ve labored up an urge for food taking in all of Belluno’s sights, you possibly can sit all the way down to a memorable meal. Exterior of Belluno’s major metropolis middle, you’ll discover Al Borgo tucked into an 18th-century villa. The Michelin Information-recommended restaurant focuses on Northern Italian delicacies, and also you’ll need to ensure that to go away room for dessert—the house-made ice cream is a must-try.

Simply bear in mind, you would possibly need to pack a cardigan, even through the summer time. Common highs attain 80 levels, however the nights can get fairly cool, dropping all the way down to the 60s.