Trentino Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and food to eat within Trentino. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary and learn about the local culture and customs.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Trentino, Italy

Located in Northeast Italy, Trentino is a region within the larger Trentino-Alto Adige area and is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and rich cultural history. Whether you’re interested in hiking through the Dolomite mountains, exploring historic museums, or trying out delicious local cuisine, Trentino has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll highlight the best things to see, do, and experience in Trentino.

List of Places to Visit in Trentino

Trentino is home to many culturally important attractions, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the top places to visit during your trip:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Castello del Buonconsiglio: A castle complex built during the 13th and 14th centuries, which now houses several museums.
  • MART: Trento’s modern and contemporary art museum is located in Rovereto and features a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions.
  • Thun Castle: A medieval castle which serves as a museum dedicated to Trentino’s history.
  • Museo degli Usi e Costumi della Gente Trentina: A museum showcasing the daily life and traditions of Trentino’s people.

Natural Attractions of Trentino: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Garda: Italy’s largest lake, which offers beaches, boating, and hiking opportunities.
  • The Dolomites: A mountain range that’s perfect for hiking, skiing, and enjoying the scenic vistas.
  • Cascata del Varone: A stunning waterfall near Lake Garda that can be viewed from an elevated walkway.
  • Brenta Dolomites: Another great hiking destination featuring dramatic peaks and lush forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Trentino

Whether you’re an avid hiker or just want to take a leisurely bike ride through the Italian countryside, Trentino has plenty of options. Here are some of the best trails:

  • The Paganella Bike Park: A downhill bike park with 20 trails of varying difficulty levels.
  • The Dolomiti Paganella Bike Trail: A 50 km trail stretching through the Paganella mountains which offers plenty of scenic views.
  • The Alta Via 1: A challenging 10-day trek through the Dolomites.
  • Sentiero della Pace: A path that follows the front line of World War I with several outdoor sculptures and historic sites along the way.

Best Things to Do in Trentino: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking, there are many other activities to enjoy in Trentino.

  • Wine Tasting: Trentino is known for its delicious wines, especially its whites which often feature the region’s typical crisp and fruity notes.
  • Skiing: Trentino has several ski resorts that are perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.
  • Paragliding: Take in the breathtaking views of the Dolomites while soaring above the landscapes.
  • Spa Treatments: Trentino is home to many great spas where you can unwind and relax with various wellness treatments.

Week-Long Itinerary for Trentino

To make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a week-long itinerary:

  • Day 1: Visit Trento, the capital city of Trentino and explore the Castello del Buonconsiglio and the city center.
  • Day 2: Hike the Sentiero della Pace trail and learn about the area’s World War I history.
  • Day 3: Enjoy a day of leisure at Lake Garda and take a boat tour.
  • Day 4: Visit Thun Castle and the nearby village of San Michele all’Adige, home to the Fondazione Edmund Mach scientific research center.
  • Day 5: Explore the beautiful Brenta Dolomites and go on a guided tour of the area.
  • Day 6: Take a bike ride through the Dolomiti Paganella Bike Trail and enjoy the views.
  • Day 7: Unwind with a spa day and wine tasting at a local vineyard.

Food and Drink Scene of Trentino

Trentino has a rich culinary tradition that’s worth exploring. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Canederli: Bread dumplings filled with speck or cheese, a hearty traditional dish.
  • Polenta: A dish made from ground cornmeal which is often served with meat, cheese, or mushrooms.
  • Strangolapreti: Spinach and ricotta dumplings served in a butter and sage sauce.
  • Apple Strudel: A flaky pastry filled with caramelized apples and raisins.

Local Beverages

  • Trentodoc: A type of sparkling wine made using the same method as Champagne, which was invented in Trentino.
  • Marzemino: A red wine produced in the area around Lake Garda.
  • Grappa: An after-dinner liquor made from distilled grape residue.

Where to Stay in Trentino: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options in Trentino:

  • Luxury hotels: The area around Lake Garda has several luxury hotels, such as Lefay Resort & Spa, that offer stunning views and top-of-the-line facilities.
  • Mountain huts: If you’re planning on hiking or skiing, you might consider staying in a mountain hut, such as Rifugio Pernici, which offers basic facilities but spectacular views.
  • Hostels: For budget-minded travelers, there are several hostels in Trentino, such as Casa del Pittore in Levico Terme or Ostello di Malga Cere in Paganella.

What to Buy in Trentino: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Trentino produces many local products that make great souvenirs or gifts:

  • Speck: A type of cured ham that’s a local specialty.
  • Trentingrana: A hard cheese similar to Parmigiano Reggiano.
  • Grappa: A great souvenir for the restaurant lovers in your life. Varieties sold at various stages of maturation.
  • Aglio di Ranco: Garlic from Ranco Castle, which is grown and harvested in the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Trentino

Trentino has a unique blend of Austrian and Italian culture, which is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and language. The local people are friendly and welcoming, but it’s important to respect their traditions and customs, such as dress conservatively when visiting churches and cathedrals. Smoking is not allowed in public areas.

Best Time to Visit Trentino

Trentino has something to offer year-round. Depending on your interests, you might enjoy visiting during different seasons.

  • Summer: June to August is the peak tourist season, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and good weather.
  • Winter: December to February is ideal for skiing and other winter sports, as well as Christmas markets and festivities.
  • Fall: September to November is less crowded and offers harvest festivals, truffle fairs, and wine tasting.

Do’s and Don’ts of Trentino

Do:

  • Try local specialties, such as canederli and Trentodoc wine.
  • Explore the outdoor scenery and go on hikes in the Dolomite mountains.
  • Respect local customs and dress conservatively when visiting churches.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas, it’s against the law in Italy.
  • Touch cultural or religious artifacts, and be sensitive to the value they have to the local communities.

Safety and Health

Trentino is a safe area, but it’s always important to take adequate precautions when traveling.

Safety in Trentino

  • Beware of the sun, the area is known for harsh sun in the summer months.
  • Always wear appropriate clothing and accessories for hikes and outdoor activities.
  • Don’t leave valuables unattended in public areas.

Health in Trentino

  • Medical facilities in Trentino are outstanding, so obtaining medical help will be no issue in case you need it.
  • Diarrhea can be a concern, therefore, it is recommended to drink only from sources that you trust, ensuring you have potable water.

Getting to Trentino: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Trentino

The closest airports to Trentino are:

  • Verona Villafranca Airport (~70 km)
  • Venice Marco Polo Airport (~220 km)
  • Innsbruck Airport (~160 km)

Bus Stations Near Trentino

There are several bus options that bring people into Trentino from various nearby locations- some of the most notable ones are:

  • Trento bus station
  • Rovereto bus station
  • Malè bus station

Other Options

It’s also possible to get to Trentino by train or car. The most convenient train station is Trento Station, from which you can take a bus to your final destination.

How to Get Around Trentino

The best way to get around Trentino is by car, and if you aren’t driving yourself, then consider car rental options. Buses are another good option but working around the limited schedules and additional time and lines required to get from A to B can be an issue otherwise intercity taxis may be marginally more expensive but definitely a faster way to get around.

Where to Go Next from Trentino: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to continue your trip beyond Trentino, consider visiting:

  • Venice: Known for its famous canals, unique architecture, and romantic ambiance.
  • Bolzano: A historic town in South Tyrol that’s home to the world-famous Otzi the Iceman exhibit with a unique German-Italian blend of culture.
  • The Italian Lakes: Surrounding Trentino, the Italian lakes offer a haven of scenic views and an array of activities on each of them.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for beautiful landscapes, outdoor adventures, rich cultural history, and delicious cuisine, Trentino is the perfect destination for you. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that this region is quickly becoming one of Italy’s top destinations. We hope this guide has helped you plan your trip and that you have an unforgettable experience in Trentino.

Antermoia refuge (''Il rifugio Antermoia''/''Die Antermoia-Schutzhütte'') viewed from the West Antermoia refuge (''Il rifugio Antermoia''/''Die Antermoia-Schutzhütte'') viewed from the West


    Canazei
    Riva del Garda
    Rovereto