A scenic small Italian village could soon experience a tourism boom as interest in the destination, featuring icy waterfalls and alpine skiing, surges according to Airbnb
Tourism is expected to surge in a small picturesque Italian village, as interest in ‘echo travel’ destinations rises.
According to Airbnb, more and more Brits are opting for ‘echo-city travel’, which entails skipping the most popular city or region for an equally charming, yet less-crowded and more affordable alternative.
Topping the list of the most popular cities for spring travel on Airbnb are Italian wonders including Rocca Pietore – with soaring searches for spring showing UK travellers are looking beyond the obvious choices for low-season travel.
Rocca Pietore is in the heart of the UNESCO Dolomites and has around 1,200 residents. The region originally became famous for its beautiful natural elements in the mountains, including forests, streams, mountain lakes and sights of the majestic Dolomites peaks.
Today, the village offers many activities for visitors including sport, history, culture and well-being experiences. Alternatively, travellers can visit the Marmolada ski area for winter activities including ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing, freeriding and snowshoeing, with over 60km of Alpine skiing tracks for both beginners and experts.
The ‘Serrai’ of Sottoguda is an impressive natural canyon that lies between Malga Ciapela, the lower cableway station, and Sottoguda. It is about two kilometres long and has impressive cliff walls. This is where one particularly special activity takes place — ice climbing — the only sport where you are allowed to climb frozen waterfalls. This gorge becomes one of Europe’s most popular ice climbing gyms.
One visitor, Karen, said in a review: “Stunning canyon hidden close to Marmolada, the highest peak of the Dolomites. Incredible views even if you don’t ice climb. We started our hike from sottoguda towards Marmolada which is less than an hour and relatively easy, slightly up; which makes easier your way back to the car.”
Another visitor added: “The visit to the Serrai di Sottoguda was a truly unique experience. The landscape is breathtaking, with impressive natural scenery and an enchanting atmosphere. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, he made the tour really enjoyable and interesting.”
For travellers looking for the ideal picnic spot with a view, head to Lake Alleghe. The scenic lake is surrounded by quaint houses begging to be explored. One visited explained: “This small town, on the shores of the lake of the same name, is a delightful place and much visited both in the summer, for the endless possibilities it offers for excursions on foot or by mountain bike, and in the winter, for the famous ski resort.”
The village also has a wealth of history, including many local traditions such as a dance group. For example, the church of Santa Maria Maddalena is a 15th century, Alpine Gothic-style church and inside travellers can find numerous works including a sculpted altar, a winged altarpiece type from the 16th century, the work of Ruprecht Potsch from Bressanone, as well as several mural paintings.