1) Explore 5000km of hiking trails around UNESCO-protected scenery

The mountains and valleys of Trentino are so beautiful they were branded an official UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2009.

With three national parks, some of the most stunning valleys in the world and mountains as distinctive as you’ll find anywhere on the globe, it’s not hard to see why.

There’s also an abundance of ski lifts in Trentino, from Val di Fassa to Val di Fiemme, Altopiano della Paganella and more, and many of them are open in the summer.

This means you can fast-forward your hike and get started right in the middle of the mountains, giving you more time to summit your peak of choice and take in the views. All you have to do is hop in a cable car for 15 minutes at the start of the day and then get on your way.

2) Get your adrenaline pumping on a via ferrata

Vie ferrate are established fixed-cable rock-climbing routes which give hiking enthusiasts of all abilities access to settings normally reserved for expert rock climbers.

No previous experience is required if you climb with a professional mountain guide, but you will need to be able to hold your nerve – though you’ll be clipped into the wire, the routes will bring you up against cliff edges with a hell of a drop, and can find yourself incredibly exposed. A head for heights is required.

Of course, your reward will be an adrenaline-pumping ascent and some of the most spectacular views in Trentino. The Dolomites has the highest concentration of via ferratas in the world, and their wires, ladders and suspension bridges provide an astounding level of access to some of the most beautiful mountain summits in the world.

3) Take in the culinary delights in a mountain refuge

What’s the best possible end to a day spent hiking in the mountains? A night spent watching the sun set over them, of course.

If you choose to stay in one of the many overnight refuges in the Dolomites you’ll get to see exactly that – watching the colours deepen in the meditative silence of the fresh mountain air before sitting down to a dinner cooked from delicious local produce, and featuring traditional wine from the region.

Italian food is world famous for a reason, and in Trentino the fruit and veg, olive oil, pasta, fish, freshwater fish, venison, beef and endless catalogue of mouth-watering cheeses is all sourced locally, meaning that once you’ve eaten once, you’re always going to be looking forward to your next meal.

Likewise, Trentino boasts the perfect climate, soil and terrain for growing distinctive wine grapes. Centuries of tradition have lead to a modern day offering which is deservingly acclaimed, and you’ll find wines made from the native grapes in every mountain refuge.

4) Take in the Sound of the Dolomites festival

The Sounds of the Dolomites is a high-altitude music festival that takes place every year in Trentino, running this summer from Friday 7 July – Thursday 31 August.

The festival gathers a program of internationally renowned musicians from a range of genres, from classical to jazz, this year boasting jazz child prodigy Joey Alexander, stars Chick Corea and Béla Fleck, the Orchestra di Piazza Vittorio, Mario Brunello, Kremerata Baltica and much, much more.

Expect pianos, violins, guitars and more, all playing in front of the stunning Italian Dolomites. It’s a serene live experience which is not to be missed.

5) Get the best views of Lake Garda

As well as the green grass and the towering mountains, Trentino is packed with beautiful lakes – most famously Lake Garda. And it’s no secret why it’s famous.

Dominated by green on every side and boasting an abundance of mountain biking, road cycling and, of course, hiking trails, Lake Garda is one of the most all encompassing holiday spots that Europe has to offer. You’ll find relaxing walks around the lake alongside challenging hikes through the forest and challenging treks stretching to the peaks of the mountains.

A medium-difficulty walk of particular beauty is that through the battlefield on Monte Altissimo. Exploring the massif above Lake Garda, the walk serves up stunning panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and mountains, all the while offering added interest from the extensive network of trenches and forts built for purpose in World War One.

For more information on hiking in Trentino, click here to have a browse of the official website for the province.