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IN BRIEF
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Nestled just three hours by car from Nice, Longiarù in the Italian Dolomites stands out as one of the few mountain villages that has managed to resist the rise of mass tourism. This authentic and preserved village offers a unique experience for travelers seeking tranquility, stunning landscapes, and living traditions. In a peaceful atmosphere, Longiarù invites immersion in nature and local culture, away from the hustle and bustle of large resorts. Its development policy, focused on environmental respect and the preservation of rural lifestyles, gives this place a rare character that those wishing to reconnect with authenticity discover.
At an altitude of 1,400 meters, Longiarù dominates the Val Badia, in the heart of the Puez Odle Natural Park. Despite its proximity to Nice and renowned resorts like Cortina d’Ampezzo, Longiarù remains away from the typical tourist flow, having chosen a decidedly different path several decades ago. Here, there are no gigantic hotels, and no ski lifts have disrupted the landscape. Only 240 beds for 600 residents, a deliberate choice that has prevented the village from plunging into tourist industrialization.
The local community rejects uncontrolled development and preserves the traditional activities that still today structure the village’s economy: agriculture, carpentry, beekeeping. This thoughtful approach has enabled Longiarù to receive labels highlighting ecological management and the promotion of local culture, as evidenced by its membership since 2020 in the “Villages of Climbers” network. The village thus prefers to welcome visitors sensitive to nature and authenticity rather than responding solely to profitability, unlike some other preserved villages in Europe (example in the Loire Valley, or in Brittany).
Activities in harmony with nature
Longiarù charms with the variety of activities offered that align with its unique environment. Hiking enthusiasts find their joy here, benefiting from direct access to the trails of the Puez Odle Natural Park. The views of the famous rock formations classified as UNESCO World Heritage awestruck mountain lovers. In winter, ski touring and snowshoeing allow exploration of the region in a serene atmosphere, away from the bustle of overcrowded resorts.
In all seasons, the village also offers cultural discoveries: carpentry workshops, local beekeepers, traditional farms, and participation in Ladin culture – a rare language still alive. Local gastronomy, with its raw milk cheeses or wild herb infusions, can be experienced in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Encounters and hospitality at the heart of local life
The philosophy of Longiarù places human contact at the center of the experience. Visitors are invited to engage with residents and immerse themselves in a lifestyle rhythm driven by the seasons and the mountains. Guidance by local experts enhances the discovery. Christoph Alfreider, a mountain guide, passionately shares the secrets of the landscapes, little-known paths, and the stories of the elders.
The village also regularly comes alive during traditional festivals, inviting everyone to share music, dance, and the typical gastronomy of the Dolomites in a family-friendly atmosphere. This spirit of supportive and welcoming neighbors resonates with other villages in Europe where local life remains authentic (like Andretta, an artistic village or those around Sarlat in the Périgord to discover here).
A unique balance between traditions and sustainable future
The success of Longiarù lies in its ability to combine tradition and responsible modernity. The residents have rejected urbanization that has distorted other alpine valleys, preferring a model of slow, green tourism that stays true to their values. This strategy ensures the preservation of exceptional biodiversity, built heritage, and a vibrant social fabric focused on craftsmanship and land-based professions.
Thus, the village embodies a new way to travel, prioritizing human connections, environmental awareness, and slow discovery. Visitors feel privileged, away from the crowds, and often leave fascinated by the harmony between landscapes, culture, and hospitality. After a getaway to Longiarù, perspectives on mountains and tourism are transformed, perhaps inspiring a desire to discover other peaceful and authentic villages like those found in Greenwich Village for a culinary experience (learn more).
