With dreamy beaches, enchanting Roman streets, and stately Florentine galleries, it’s no wonder that Southern Italy is so beloved—but perhaps the south is a bit too loved, with overtourism becoming an increasingly pervasive issue. The north of Italy is often overlooked by travelers, but has much to offer. And one small town is quickly gaining more attention.
According to data from Hotels.com, interest and search volume for Italy’s Belluno province (located a little more than an hour from Venice), increased 115 percent between 2024 and 2025. The province is home to the eponymous town of the same name, which is considered the “gateway to the Dolomites” and is full of charm. But there’s much to see throughout Belluno.
During the winter, there’s no better place to ski and snowboard. Belluno has such nice terrain conditions and powder that the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo will host the women’s alpine skiing events for the 2026 Winter Olympics. However, Belluno is truly a year-round destination.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Belluno Dolomites National Park is home to Monte Schiara, an 8,415-foot-tall mountain with numerous hiking and climbing trails. The park also has springs, swamps, and rivers, plus stunning canyon vistas. In the spring and summer, there are beautiful fields of wildflowers to walk through. AllTrails even has a curated list of hikes that include details on how best to see and experience the blossoms.
But it’s not all about the wilderness here. For visitors looking for more of a cultural experience, Belluno is also filled with Medieval history, fantastic dining, and gorgeous buildings. You’ll find storied architecture. Roman gates, dazzling palaces, Baroque bell towers, Franciscan churches, and bridges built during the Austrian empire—and you can see all of this just by strolling through town. In Mel, Italy, you’ll find Castello di Zumelle, which dates back to the 1st century A.C.E. You can also find performances, guided tours, a café, and even some activities for kids at the castle.
After you’ve worked up an appetite taking in all of Belluno’s sights, you can sit down to a memorable meal. Outside of Belluno’s main city center, you’ll find Al Borgo tucked into an 18th-century villa. The Michelin Guide-recommended restaurant specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, and you’ll want to make sure to leave room for dessert—the house-made ice cream is a must-try.
Just remember, you might want to pack a cardigan, even during the summer. Average highs reach 80 degrees, but the nights can get pretty cool, dropping down to the 60s.
