The Italian Alps spread from Mont Blanc and the French border in the west, past the German-speaking region of Trentino-Alto Adige, all the way to the Slovenian border. It's a long and dramatic series of mountainscapes, and we've picked out a few of our favourite places at opposite ends of the chain.
Our favourite spots are in Alto Adige (also known as South Tyrol or Südtirol), home to the dramatic spikes of the Dolomites, the handsome Alpine towns of Trento and Bolzano, and some lesser known (but equally beautiful) Italian lakes.
La Dolce Mela sits midway between Trento and Molveno (gateway to the Brenta Dolomites), with the stunning mini-lakes of Lamar on its doorstep, and bustling Lake Garda a short drive away. Up near Merano, hilltop Vigilius is perfectly placed for hiking, biking and climbing routes, not to mention paragliding and archery in summer; or snow-shoeing, cross-country or Alpine skiing in winter; and wellness treatments year-round. For breathtaking mountain vistas, you can't beat Forestis, perched opposite the needle-like Geislergruppe Dolomites above the Ladin-speaking Bressanone Valley.
Wherever you choose, do factor in some culture: vineyard tours, castle visits, surpringly good modern art (e.g. Mart in Rovereto, Museion in Bolzano), hearty cuisine, summer music festivals and historic thermal spas.