1. The Alpine-Mediterranean mixThe mountains are what most people think of when they hear the words “summer holiday in South Tyrol”. It is not just the unspoilt natural world and inspiring adventures that captivate holiday guests, however, but also the “closeness” to the Mediterranean. The sun shines most days, while the palm trees and cypresses in the valleys acknowledge the mountain flowers and conifers on the peaks. Mingling with the locals means that you will sometimes hear spoken the hearty South Tyrolean dialect, sometimes the more melodious Italian. Alpine and Mediterranean flavours come together at the table and on the plate: dumplings and pasta, red Vernatsch wine and Aperol Spritz, paarl bread from the Vinschgau Valley and grissini from the south. We at the Vitalpina Hotels of South Tyrol also serve up the best of both worlds in summer, while placing great emphasis on regional ingredients, authentic preparations and traditional dishes, whether original or “cooked up” in new forms.
2. The natural world of the mountainsMany people, during the South Tyrolean summer, are drawn to the shade of the forests or to the
mountain peaks that watch over the valleys like kings of stone. It is not just the houses down in the valley that seem to shrink as the birds chirp among the leafy canopies and fir trees, while the scents of mushrooms, wood and the damp forest floor fill the air and your gaze wanders far and wide: many a thought fades into insignificance and the mind and heart are free to concentrate on the essential. Our
Vitalpina guides can take you to places where you can restore your strength while on an active holiday in South Tyrol in summer. Our love of the mountains is also reflected in our overall hotel concept: hay baths in the spa, herbs on the plate, sustainable energy to protect nature and the many activities on our weekly programme: “
Vitalpina” is not just a name, but a promise!
3. The ambience in the villages and towns
A summer holiday in South Tyrol and adventures in the mountains go together like, well…
Speck and Schüttelbrot (the local delicacies of cured ham and crispy bread). But it is variety that makes for a truly vibrant getaway – and there is plenty on offer in South Tyrol’s villages and towns, either for day trips or when the weather is bad. There is culture in every form, from attractions and museums to a wide range of events; shopping in local boutiques or in traditional souvenir shops and delicatessens; and, last but not least, the numerous spirited summer occasions, from concerts of all kinds, long summer evening hours and village festivals, to theatre, gourmet and wine events. Probably the best thing about it all is that locals and holiday visitors come together, allowing culture and traditions to be experienced and shared in an authentic manner.
4. The incredible range of activitiesHiking is high on the list of
“must-dos” while on a summer holiday in South Tyrol: yet the region’s green heart and diverse scenery have so much more to offer by way of activities: mountain bike tours on winding forest trails, paragliding between mountain peaks and valleyfloors, golfing against breathtaking backdrops – but also gentle sporting and outdoor activities, from relaxing walks to yoga practice and forest bathing. Adrenalin-packed thrills alternate with conscious self-awareness. The Vitalpina Hotels, immersed in nature, are your daily starting point for all you could wish for as a summer guest.
In keeping with our philosophy, we at the Vitalpina Hotels of South Tyrol offer guided summer hikes, not to mention deeply relaxing forest bathing, deep breathing excursions and moving experiences as part of our “Feel the mountains” programme. For us, exercise is life – and the
natural world of South Tyrol is the finest backdrop we can imagine for this.
5. The naturally fresh cuisineIn South Tyrol, a
“summer retreat” doesn’t just mean a time out. Here, at the Vitalpina Hotels, it can also be found in the kitchen. When the sun is high in the sky, and the fruit and vegetables in our orchards and gardens are flourishing, all this is reflected in our menus – whether as light pasta dishes or sweet apricot dumplings, as a homemade elderberry juice or an “insalata caprese” made with fresh basil. Everything that is served up while on a summer holiday in South Tyrol is a delight. While our culinary traditions remain the starting point for our cuisine, creativity and respect for nature also play a part. Add a glass of just the right wine – and you have the perfect summer enjoyment!