Home to the Brenta Dolomites, Paganella is one of the most visited spots in Trentino. So here are 9 amazing things to do in Paganella that you cannot miss!
1. Dolomites Trekking
One of the most popular things to do in Paganella!
The majority of tourists that head to Trentino are there for two things. The lakes, and the Dolomites!
So trekking the Dolomites is a huge bucket list tick, and also one that is relatively cheap once you’re in the area.
We trekked route 304 from Molveno to the Brenta Dolomites. Which was a short (just one hour each way) but beautiful trek, and it was a day we’ll never forget.
If trekking is not your thing, The Heart of the Dolomites: Private Full-Day Tour by Car takes you in comfort to all the very best spots in the Dolomites.
2. Lago Di Molveno
It’s not hard to see why Lago Di Molveno is voted one of the best lakes in Italy.
Spanning across 4.5 km in length, and 1.5 km in width, Lago Di Molveno represents the largest alpine lake located above an altitude of 800m.
The lake is one of the most popular things to do in Paganella in summer, amongst both locals and tourists, due to its incredible blue colours and lengthy beaches.
Plenty of activities are available both on and off the lake. Those on the lake range from stand up paddle boarding, to canoeing and electric boat rides.
Then you have the surrounding areas which include a crazy golf course, pump track and the extremely popular Acquapark.
3. Cima Paganella
Cima Paganella, which translates to ‘Top of Paganella’, is the peak of the Paganella region.
Standing at 2,125 metres, Cima Paganella gives a 360 degree panoramic view over the peaks of Trentino.
From the very top you can view the whole region and see places such as the Brenta Dolomites, Lake Garda and all the surrounding cute Italian towns.
With a restaurant, treks, and insane views it’s a ‘must add’ to your things to do in Paganella list.
4. Sentiero Delle Aquile
Sentiero Delle Aquile, also known as the Eagle Trail, is one of the most popular walks at the top of Cima Paganella.
The Sentiero Delle Aquile path is pretty straight forward once you hop off the cable cars at the top. The trail guides you around the edge of the mountains, and gives you some of the best views across the neighbouring peaks.
We spent the afternoon stopping for photos and taking in the views. During the time we were up there, we only passed one or two other people. So it was a pretty peaceful afternoon!
The trek takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the Eagle plaque. However please bear in mind this is one way. You must return using the same path so allow for 3 hours in total.
5. Forest Bathing
Not the kind of bathing you’re expecting!
In Italy ‘forest bathing’ consists of walking through the tall tree forests. Simply bathing in the nature and the beauty.
Forest Bathing is spending time in a forest to reduce stress and feel a sense of wellbeing. It originated in Japan, where it is called shinrin-yoku, and it is now one of the cornerstones of Japanese healthcare. Wikipedia probably explains it better as ‘Nature Therapy’.
So we took a walk one afternoon through one of the forests close to our hotel, Solea Boutique & Spa Hotel, and it’s fair to say we came out feeling pretty refreshed!
There are many forests in and around Paganella so make sure to take in the smells, sounds and feels of the incredible Trentino nature!
6. Castel Belfort
Originally built in 1311, Castel Belfort is now partial ruins of what once protected the areas.
Just a 10 minute drive from Fai Della Paganella, or a 15 minute drive from Andalo, the Castle itself is accessible directly from the main road.
From the building itself only the exterior stone walls have been preserved until today. However the views looking out over the surrounding towns are quite impressive from above.
Castel Belfort is still a pretty impressive building and worth stopping by for a photo when passing.
7. Spend A Night In The Dolomites
So when we were told we’d be ‘spending a night in the Dolomites’ we weren’t quite sure what to expect.
However, Rifugio La Montanara is one of the most magical places we’ve ever been lucky enough to stay in!
Think of opening your window, or walking out onto your balcony, to a real life painting.
With fantastic hospitality, incredible food and a view to die for – spending a night in the Dolomites is an absolute must on your things to do in Paganella list!
8. Lunch At A Rifugio
The word Rifugio translates in English as ‘shelter’. Which is essentially what they are.
Traditional Rifugios were generally accessible only by foot, and intended to provide food and shelter to mountaineers, climbers and hikers. A place to stay when the road got too tough, or weather conditions prevented them from carrying on.
However nowadays most of the Rifugios in Paganella have been transformed into homely restaurants, whilst still upholding their unique interior lay out.
These cosy, family run mountain huts serve up some of the freshest food around. Now making them a tourist attraction and one of the top things to do in Paganella!
Our favourite of the huts we stopped at was definitely Rifugio La Roda located at Cima Paganella.
9. Eat Pizza
Although pizza originates from Naples, how can you take a trip to Italy without feasting on their famous dough!
We ate our fair share of pizzas whilst travelling through Paganella, however Pizzico at Lago Di Molveno had to be our favourite.
If you’re looking for somewhere to treat yourself to a giant pizza, at a great price, all pizzas at Pizzico range from €6-10!
Tucking into pizza has to be the final tick on our things to do in Paganella list.
Where To Stay In Paganella
Luxury – Solea Boutique & Spa Hotel
Solea Boutique & Spa Hotel is located in Fai della Paganella in Adamello Brenta Natural Park.
The hotel has one of the best wellness centres in Paganella.
It also has a traditional restaurant and free WiFi.
The bedrooms feature many luxuries, such as a balcony, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a stylish courtesy set.
Mid-Budget – Rifugio La Montanara
Rifugio La Montanara is immersed in the mountains and set 0.6 miles from Lake Molveno.
It offers guests an Italian-style breakfast and rustic accommodation with a fireplace.
Each room is complete with a wardrobe and hardwood floors. Also, most rooms feature an incredible mountain view balcony.
Budget – Montanara Chalet
Montanara Chalet in Fai della Paganella offers accommodation, a garden, barbecue facilities and a terrace.
Each unit comes with a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom.
A ski equipment rental service, ski-to-door access and a ski pass sales point are all offered at the apartment too.
For more places to stay in Paganella, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Italy Blogs
Dolomites Trekking – Molveno To Brenta Dolomites
Lago Di Molveno – A Complete Guide
6 Amazing Things To Do In Val Di Sole Trentino
6 Awesome Things To Do In Val Di Non Trentino
Trip sponsored by Visit Trentino
@visittrentino
www.visittrentino.info
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