THE DOLOMITES & CORTINA D'AMPEZZO
The Dolomites are a UNESCO World Heritage site of breathtaking pale mountains, where jagged peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and vast meadows create a landscape of unparalleled drama. It’s a year-round paradise.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the jewel of this region, a charming, elegant town nestled in a large valley, offering a perfect blend of alpine tradition, spectacular views, and world-class sports facilities.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Peaks & Natural Wonders:
Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Drei Zinnen): The most iconic and photographed peaks in the Dolomites, offering spectacular hiking trails and views.
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee): A stunning emerald-green lake surrounded by towering mountains, famous for its wooden boathouse.
Cinque Torri: A distinctive group of rock towers, a popular area for rock climbers and hikers, with open-air World War I museums.
Marmolada (Queen of the Dolomites): The highest peak in the Dolomites, featuring a glacier and offering panoramic views from its summit cable car.
Lago di Sorapiss: A glacial lake known for its incredibly vivid turquoise-blue water, accessible via a moderately challenging hiking path.
Tofana di Mezzo: Accessible by a series of cable cars from Cortina, offering the highest panoramic viewpoint in the area.
Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park: A vast protected area known for its dramatic rock formations, high-altitude meadows, and diverse wildlife.
Gruppo del Sella: A massive plateau-like mountain group popular for skiing (Sella Ronda) and dramatic summer driving/biking on mountain passes.
Passo Giau: A high mountain pass near Cortina offering some of the most spectacular, unobstructed views of the Dolomite peaks.
Cortina d’Ampezzo Town & Culture:
Corso Italia: The elegant main street of Cortina, lined with high-end boutiques, traditional shops, cafes, and historic hotels.
Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo: Cortina’s main parish church, featuring a prominent bell tower that dominates the town’s skyline.
Museo delle Regole d’Ampezzo: A museum complex detailing the local history, culture, and ancient governance of the Ampezzo Valley community.
Olympic Ice Stadium (Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio): The site of the 1956 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, still in use for ice skating and hockey.
Museo della Grande Guerra (War Museum): Located near Passo Falzarego, detailing the intense fighting in the high mountains during World War I.
Hiking, Via Ferrata & Sport:
Via Ferrata Ivano Dibona (Monte Cristallo): A challenging but historic high-altitude protected climbing path, famous from the movie Cliffhanger.
Faloria-Cristallo Cable Car System: Offers access to high-altitude hiking, skiing, and panoramic views just outside Cortina.
Tofana Express (Cable Car): Provides rapid access to the Tofana area for hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.
Lagazuoi Tunnels: An incredible historic hike through former Italian military tunnels and trenches from World War I.
Dolomiti Superski Area: A massive interconnected ski network that includes Cortina and other famous resorts.
Val Pusteria/Pustertal Cycle Path: A scenic, mostly flat path along the river, perfect for family cycling.
Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm): Europe’s largest high-altitude alpine meadow, easily reachable and perfect for gentle hiking.
Activities & Experiences
Hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop: Complete the iconic and relatively easy 4-hour circuit trail around the stunning Three Peaks of Lavaredo, the most famous landmark in the Dolomites.
Take the Faloria Cable Car in Cortina: Ride the cable car from Cortina d’Ampezzo for breathtaking panoramic views of the entire Ampezzo Valley and the surrounding peaks.
Drive the Great Dolomites Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti): Take a scenic drive along this historic route, connecting Cortina with Bolzano, crossing spectacular high mountain passes like the Passo Pordoi and Passo Falzarego.
Explore the World War I Open-Air Museum: Visit the restored trenches and tunnels at Lagazuoi or Cinque Torri to learn about the fierce fighting that took place in these mountains.
Hike to Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee): Visit this stunning, emerald-green alpine lake and rent a small wooden rowboat for an unforgettable photo opportunity.
Ski or Snowboard the Sellaronda Circuit: In winter, tackle the world-famous Sellaronda, a 40 km ski tour linking four valleys and offering continuous skiing around the Sella Massif.
Climb a Via Ferrata: Experience the unique “iron paths”—protected climbing routes installed with steel cables, ladders, and fixed anchors—ideal for a guided introduction to mountaineering.
Hike the Tofana di Mezzo: Take the cable car from Cortina to the summit of the Tofana di Mezzo for the highest viewpoint in the area, offering views that stretch into Austria.
Visit a Local Ladin Museum: Discover the unique Ladin culture and language of the valleys, a distinct ethnic group with Roman origins, at a museum in Val Gardena or Val Badia.
Go Mountain Biking or E-Biking: Rent a bike and explore the network of trails, from gentle valley rides to challenging downhill single tracks, especially around the Sellaronda region in summer.
Enjoy Apéritivo Hour: Join the locals for a pre-dinner drink (often a Spritz or local wine) in Cortina or any valley town, accompanied by small snacks.
Relax at a Dolomite Lake: Spend an afternoon relaxing, picnicking, or swimming (if you dare to brave the cold water!) at lesser-known gems like Lago Sorapis or Lago Federa.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Essential: While a network of buses and cable cars exists, a rental car is highly recommended to experience the region fully. The most scenic mountain passes (Pordoi, Falzarego, Giau) are best accessed by private vehicle. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and use snow tires or chains if visiting in winter.
Dolomiti Bus Service: An efficient public bus network, known locally as DolomitiBus (or various regional variations), connects towns, villages, and major trailhead parking lots. This is the best way to travel if you do not have a car, but schedules can be limited, especially in the off-season.
Cable Cars & Lifts: The extensive lift system is not just for skiers. In summer, it’s a crucial way to access high-altitude hiking trails, rifugi (mountain huts), and scenic viewpoints. Consider purchasing a Dolomiti Supersummer Card (or a local variant) if you plan on using multiple lifts.
Cortina’s Transit: Cortina d’Ampezzo is compact enough to explore the main town center on foot. For trailheads or ski areas outside the town, you will rely on the local bus service or your private car. Parking in Cortina’s center can be limited and expensive.
Embrace the Alpine Climate: The weather in the mountains is highly unpredictable. Always pack layers, waterproof gear, and a hat, even for a summer day trip. Start hikes early; thunderstorms often build in the early afternoon.
Ladin and Linguistic Differences: The Dolomites are a crossroads of culture. You will find towns with three names: Italian, German (Austrian), and Ladin. Road signs and menus often reflect this trilingual heritage. In Cortina and Belluno, Italian is dominant; in areas like Val Gardena and Val Badia, Ladin and German are more prevalent. Respecting the local linguistic identity is part of the experience.
The “Rifugio” Culture: A rifugio (mountain hut) is the heart of the Dolomites experience. These offer simple, delicious food, drink, and often overnight accommodation high in the mountains. Stopping for a hearty lunch of polenta or canederli (dumplings) and a local beer is a must. They are also a great place to ask for trail advice.
Culinary Mix: The local cuisine is a fascinating blend of Italian and Austrian/Tyrolean. Look for dishes like Schlutzkrapfen (spinach and ricotta ravioli), Speck (smoked ham), and Strudel alongside classic Italian pasta and pizza. Don’t leave without trying a regional cheese from a local malga (alpine dairy farm).
Hidden Gems:
Messner Mountain Museum (MMM Corones): One of six distinctive museums established by legendary mountaineer Reinhold Messner, this one (designed by Zaha Hadid) focuses on traditional mountaineering. It offers a stunning blend of architecture and high-mountain philosophy.
Lago di Carezza (Karersee): Famous for its stunning green color and the Latemar mountain range reflecting in its surface, it’s a beautiful, less-trafficked lake than Braies, tied to ancient Ladin legends.
Dolomites UNESCO Geopark: Beyond the famous peaks, explore the incredible geological history of the area. Find fossil sites and interpretive trails that explain how these coral reefs became towering mountains.
The Via dei Pastelli: A beautiful, easy hiking path that follows an old road to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, avoiding some of the initial crowds and offering unique views.
Top Restaurants
Rifugio Lagazuoi [€30-€50] – An iconic mountain hut (rifugio) on the Lagazuoi peak, famous for its hearty Ladin food, cozy atmosphere, and an unparalleled panoramic terrace view of the Dolomites.
Rifugio Scoiattoli [€25-€40] – Located near the Cinque Torri area, this rifugio is celebrated for its warm atmosphere, authentic mountain dishes like canederli, and a stunning view, making it a perfect lunch stop for hikers and skiers.
Il Ponte [€20-€35] – A very popular, rustic restaurant and pizzeria in Cortina known for its tavern-like ambiance, simple, delicious Italian food, and especially its wood-fired pizzas.
Ristorante Ra Stua [€25-€40] – A welcoming, cozy restaurant in Cortina’s center known for its traditional Ampezzo dishes, including local game, homemade pasta, and a refined selection of regional wines.
Baita Fraina [€40-€70] – Located outside Cortina’s center, this classic establishment offers traditional Dolomite cuisine, including game and local specialties, in an elegant, wood-paneled setting with an excellent wine cellar.
El Camineto [€40-€70] – A long-established and popular spot near the Falzarego Pass road, offering exquisite Italian and local cuisine with traditional recipes, known for its superb atmosphere and fireplace.
Ristorante Lago Pianozes [€35-€60] – Set by a charming small lake, this restaurant offers delicious Italian and local dishes based on traditional fare, with a beautiful view and a romantic atmosphere.
Ristorante Dolom’eats all’Aquila [€25-€45] – A centrally located spot in Cortina that focuses on authentic Italian cuisine, with a strong nod to Dolomite culinary traditions and an inviting, modern-rustic ambiance.
Ristorante El Brite de Larieto [€40-€60] – An “agricucina” located in a beautiful pastoral setting outside Cortina, known for dishes created from the products of their own farm, especially the fantastic cheeses and meats.
Baita Piè Tofana [€40-€70] – A traditional style chalet near the Tofane slopes that blends tradition and innovation in its cuisine, offering sophisticated takes on classic regional dishes and a great wine list.
Rifugio Averau [€30-€50] – Voted one of the best mountain restaurants in the Alps, located near the Averau peak, it is a must-visit for high-quality food, superb service, and spectacular views.
Rifugio Fedare [€25-€40] – A traditional rifugio near the Passo Giau, offering a relaxed mountain atmosphere and generous portions of typical Ladin and Italian dishes.
Ristorante Ospitale [€30-€50] – Housed in an important historic building outside Cortina, this restaurant focuses on traditional Ampezzo cuisine and regional specialties, with a cozy, old-world feel.
Ristorante Malga Federa [€25-€40] – A wonderful mountain hut experience accessible by car or a short hike, offering simple, genuine local food, including excellent polenta dishes and homemade desserts.
Ristorante Franceschi [€35-€60] – A historic restaurant in Cortina known for its refined Italian cuisine, fresh ingredients, and a menu that includes many regional classic dishes.
Ristorante Rio Gere [€20-€35] – Located at the starting point of the Faloria ski lifts, this is a popular spot for skiers and hikers offering hearty, traditional mountain fare and a large terrace.
Ristorante La Baita [€20-€35] – A cozy and authentic restaurant in Cortina known for its warm atmosphere and high-quality traditional Tyrolean and Ladin cuisine, including great soups and goulash.
Ristorante Pontechiesa [€25-€40] – A classic family-run restaurant that offers Italian and Ampezzo cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, simple ingredients and a welcoming environment.
Osteria La Stua de Sief [€30-€50] – Located in a quieter part of Cortina, offering traditional, hearty mountain food and local specialties in an intimate and characteristic setting.
Pontejel Bierstube FORST [€20-€35] – More than just a beer house, this centrally located spot offers a peaceful atmosphere and delicious Tyrolean and Italian dishes.
Ristorante Pizzeria Larieto [€20-€35] – A simple but popular spot known for its reliable pizzas and classic Italian pasta dishes, often bustling with locals and families.
Ristorante La Tavernetta [€25-€40] – A Cortina institution near the Olympic ice-skating rink, known for its Tirolean-style wood-paneled dining rooms and classic Italian-Alpine menu.
Ristorante Col Tondo (near Marmolada) [€30-€50] – Located outside Cortina near the Passo Fedaia, it’s a quintessential mountain dining spot offering excellent traditional dishes like polenta and game.
Ristorante Maso Runch-Hof (near Corvara) [€30-€45] – While a drive from Cortina, this maso (farmstead) offers genuine regional cuisine in a truly authentic South Tyrolean setting.
Ristorante Rifugio Ospitale [€30-€50] – A historically significant inn on the road to Dobbiaco, offering typical Ampezzo and regional dishes in a beautifully restored Alpine house.
Ristorante Il Capriolino (near Vodo di Cadore) [€25-€40] – A charming restaurant in the Cadore area, offering regional country cooking and traditional dishes in a cozy setting.
Ristorante Alla Locanda (near Canazei) [€35-€60] – Offers a refined take on regional and Italian contemporary cuisine, worth the drive for a taste of traditional flavors with an elegant touch.
Ristorante Baita Resch [€30-€50] – A cozy mountain retreat with a terrace, offering traditional dishes with a focus on local ingredients and a great selection of wines.
SanBrite [€80-€150] – A Michelin-starred “Agricucina” outside Cortina, where Chef Riccardo Gaspari offers a creative, precise cuisine deeply linked to the region, utilizing ingredients from their own organic dairy and farm. (Michelin Star)
Tivoli [€70-€120] – A Michelin-starred restaurant located on the road to the Falzarego pass, blending local cuisine with tradition and modernity, known for its elegant dishes and breathtaking views. (Michelin Star)
Alajmo Cortina [€70-€120] – A sophisticated and elegant dining experience by the renowned Alajmo family, offering high-level Italian cuisine that reinterprets traditional recipes with a contemporary flair.
Ristorante de LEN [€50-€90] – A modern bistro in Cortina with a focus on local ingredients and a contemporary, innovative approach to Dolomite cuisine.
Ristorante Tivoli (Selected Menu) [€50-€90] – While known for its Michelin star experience, the regular à la carte menu often offers exquisite dishes that skillfully combine local tradition and modern techniques.
Fvsion Cortina Restaurant [€40-€70] – Offers an intriguing fusion cuisine, blending Italian flavors with global, often Japanese, artistry in a modern setting.
Ristorante Rosapetra [€60-€90] – Located in a refined hotel, this spot offers gourmet cuisine that follows tradition but is known for unusual and tasty creative dishes.
Ristorante El Toula (Alajmo) [€70-€120] – While the main restaurant is now Alajmo Cortina, the location itself is historic and now offers a highly refined, modern take on high-altitude Italian cuisine.
Ristorante Ciasa Lorenzi [€40-€60] – A multi-generational restaurant in Cortina offering Italian and international cuisine with a focus on traditional Ampezzo gastronomy reinterpreted with a modern lens.
Dolomiti Lodge Alverá Restaurant [€50-€80] – Offers a sophisticated, modern chalet style with Ampezzo cuisine reinterpreted using modern techniques and artful touches.
Ristorante La Stüa de Michil (Corvara) [€100-€200] – A Michelin-starred restaurant in Corvara (Alta Badia) offering highly creative and refined dishes by Chef Simone Cantafio. (Michelin Star)
Ristorante Tilia (Toblach) [€80-€150] – A short drive away, this Michelin-starred spot is known for its modern cuisine focusing on local and seasonal ingredients. (Michelin Star)
Ristorante L’Ostì (Corvara) [€50-€80] – Another modern cuisine option in Corvara, offering a fresh, contemporary approach to mountain flavors.
Ristorante Suinsom (Selva di Val Gardena) [€90-€160] – A Michelin-starred Italian Contemporary restaurant with an elegant atmosphere, a worthy detour for high-end dining. (Michelin Star)
Ristorante Pizzeria “Al Passetto” [€15-€25] – Highly recommended for its friendly service, cozy atmosphere, and an extensive menu of delicious, affordable pizzas.
Ristorante Pizzeria Il Vizietto Di Cortina [€20-€35] – A small, cozy, and smart spot on the main street offering a mix of classic pastas, seafood, game dishes, and good pizzas.
Ristorante Pizzeria Il Capriolo [€15-€30] – Known locally for its excellent pizzas and a wide array of classic Italian comfort foods in a simple, no-frills setting.
Ristorante Pizzeria Ariston [€20-€35] – Right next to “Al Passetto,” it’s known for freshly cooked pastas and delicious, slightly higher-end Italian/pizza dishes.
Pizzeria Il Covo (San Vito Di Cadore) [€15-€25] – Located slightly outside Cortina, this is a popular spot for authentic Italian pizza in a classic setting.
Ristorante Pizzeria L’Incontro [€15-€30] – A reliable choice in Cortina for a casual meal, offering good pizza, pasta, and other classic Italian dishes.
Pizzeria Fiori di Zucca [€15-€25] – A favorite with locals for its thin-crust pizzas and a relaxed, familiar atmosphere.
Rifugio Averau [€30-€50] – Offers high-quality cuisine and unforgettable views, accessible by chairlift.
Rifugio Col Alt (Corvara) [€25-€40] – A great lunch spot in Alta Badia, known for classic cuisine and one of the first mountain huts accessible by a chairlift in the area.
Rifugio Cason del Macaròn [€25-€40] – A lesser-known but authentic rifugio offering hearty, homemade local dishes and a truly rustic mountain experience.
Rifugio Cinque Torri [€25-€40] – Located near the iconic Cinque Torri, this hut provides traditional Ampezzo dishes and a fantastic spot for a break while exploring the area.
Ristorante Rifugio Fedare [€25-€40] – Located at Passo Giau, offering a classic alpine lunch experience with stunning views and generous portions of regional food.
Ristorante Rifugio Son Forca [€20-€35] – Accessible via the Faloria cable car, it provides spectacular views and simple, satisfying mountain fare, perfect for a mid-ski or mid-hike lunch.
Ristorante Rifugio Croda da Lago/Gino Boni [€30-€50] – Requires a significant hike but rewards visitors with a beautiful location by a lake and excellent traditional food and warm hospitality.
Ristorante Col Druscié [€35-€60] – Accessible by cable car, it offers fine dining at high altitude with traditional and modern dishes and a stunning panoramic terrace.
Rifugio Cherz (Corvara) [€25-€40] – Offers traditional Ladin cuisine with an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the Dolomites from its high-altitude location.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar Sport: A central, iconic spot right on Corso Italia in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s perfect for the classic Italian aperitivo or a lively après-ski, famous for its outdoor seating and serving drinks like the local Bombardino (a warm, strong, eggnog-like cocktail).
Faro Cocktail Bar: Located in Cortina d’Ampezzo, this bar seamlessly blends a cozy mountain vibe with a traditional cocktail bar atmosphere. It offers a creative mixology menu, including signature cocktails inspired by Disney characters.
The Lounge Bar (Hotel de la Poste): Found within the historic Hotel de la Poste on Corso Italia in Cortina, this elegant bar is a sophisticated venue for refined cocktails and a classic, old-school atmosphere.
Bar La Suite: A typical wine bar in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo (Piazza Angelo Dibona). It’s well-known for après-ski and aperitifs on its outdoor terrace, often featuring DJ sets and live music.
Enoteca Cortina “da Gerry”: Located in the center of Cortina, under the bell tower, this is a historic institution famous for its extensive and high-quality selection of Italian and international wines, perfect for a cozy, classic aperitif.
Bar Osteria Dal Nòce: Situated on the famous evening stroll street, Corso Italia, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, it offers quality wines and cocktails for an engaging aperitif or evening out.
Janbo Snack Disco Bar: Central in Cortina d’Ampezzo (Via Stazione), this venue functions as a great spot for well-crafted cocktails and aperitifs before turning into a disco in the late evening, especially known for its winter après-ski events.
Enoteca Villa Sandi Wine Bar: Located in Cortina d’Ampezzo (Largo Poste), this popular spot offers quality wines and sparkling wines, ideal for a high-level aperitif on its comfortable outdoor terrace with views.
Panino Top Bar: Found in the center of Cortina d’Ampezzo (Via Cesare Battisti), this bar is popular with a younger crowd, serving a good selection of quality beer and innovative cocktails, alongside customizable sandwiches.
Pontejel Bier Stube Forst: A cheerful tavern right in the center of Cortina, this establishment has a simple, bright décor and is the perfect pit stop for a cold beer, reflecting its proximity to the Austrian border.
Chalet Tofane: Located in Socrepes, near the Tofane ski lifts just outside Cortina d’Ampezzo, this is a versatile venue that embodies the lively après-ski spirit, with a large terrace, DJ sets, and cocktails.
LP 26 Prosciutteria: Found at Largo Poste in Cortina d’Ampezzo, this is a popular and trendy venue for pre-dinner drinks, offering a wide array of fine wines and cured meats (prosciutteria).
X Bar: Centrally located on Largo Poste in Cortina d’Ampezzo, this spot is known for staying open late, making it a good choice for drinks after dinner.
Il Molo Music Pub: Located on Via Majon in Cortina, this pub offers a wide selection of quality beers and is a laid-back spot to spend an evening playing darts or table football.
Bar Dolomiti: One of Cortina’s oldest inns (Via Roma), this recently renovated bar maintains a romantic, Viennese style, offering excellent wines in its ancient cellar transformed into a tavern.
Hierbas Cortina: Located in the Galleria Nuovo Centro in Cortina d’Ampezzo, this dynamic spot combines delicious dining with a high-energy nightlife experience, transforming into a pulsating dance floor with DJs late into the night.
Bilbò Club: A lively beacon of Cortina d’Ampezzo’s nightlife, also located in the Galleria Nuovo Centro. It preserves the charm of classic Cortina, with music and dancing often featured on weekends, especially during peak season.
Vip Club Cortina: A historic and high-end club on Corso Italia in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Known for its rustic style with wood decor and soft lighting, it offers a sophisticated nightlife experience, often for a more adult clientele.
Disco Belvedere: Situated in Pocol, a scenic location outside the main center of Cortina d’Ampezzo (reachable by taxi/car), this nightclub is known to attract a younger crowd on the special nights it is open.
Janbo Snack Disco Bar: As the night progresses, this central Cortina d’Ampezzo venue (Via Stazione) fully transitions into a club, offering a large dance floor with DJ sets and themed evenings.
Blu Room: Found in the Galleria Nuovo Centro, right next to Bilbò Club in Cortina d’Ampezzo, this club is part of the area that comes alive after midnight during peak season, offering a vibrant dance scene.
Area: Another venue contributing to the late-night scene in Cortina d’Ampezzo (in the Ronco area), offering another option for dancing and high-energy fun in the popular resort town.
Limbo: A club that is frequently mentioned in the Cortina d’Ampezzo nightlife scene, often associated with the area’s main late-night venues and known for providing a dancing environment.
Ciarlis: Located on Largo Poste in Cortina d’Ampezzo, this venue is another of the choices for those looking to stay out late and experience the town’s disco options.
Hotel Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel Disco: The hotel’s disco provides a glamorous and elegant setting for dancing and late-night drinks for an upscale clientele in Cortina d’Ampezzo.