11 Best Towns In The Dolomites Worth Visiting!

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Are you looking for the cutest towns in the Dolomites?

My personal top three favorite towns in the Dolomites would have to be:
➡️ Santa Magdalena in Val Gardena (you see it in all the Instagram posts!)
➡️ Ortisei near the Seceda Ridgeline & the Alpi di Suisi meadows
➡️ Misurina near my favorite viewpoint in the Dolomites, Cadini di Misurina

A fellow travel nomad, Giorgy from G-Extreme Travel, and I partnered to weigh in on this one, giving deeper insight into the picturesque little spots that exist within these mountains. While Giorgy spends most of her time in South America, this girl is a world traveler (51+ countries and counting). And I have spent months road-tripping in the Dolomites these past few years.

Let’s start with some context. The Dolomites, located in northeastern Italy, is a mountain range renowned for its postcard-level views and the weirdest mesh of structured German and messy Italian culture in one spot. 

From cozy villages to little mountain cities, some truly quaint towns are nestled in these mountains, all serving unbeatable panoramic views no matter the season.

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11 Best Towns In The Dolomites

Ready to explore? Scroll through my list of the best towns in the Dolomites, starting with the most popular, then the ones with the best views, and wrapping up the list with a few little gems few people know about.

TRAVEL TIP: If you’re keen on a road trip with amazing hiking to some of the most iconic trails, then take a peek at my Italian Road Trip itinerary through the Dolomites.

1. Cortina D’Ampezzo

Cortina D’Ampezzo is a stunning town nestled in the Dolomites, and it is one of the more popular towns in the Dolomites. If you are thinking, “how do I get to the Dolomites?“, Cortina will be one of the first little city towns you’ll land in – all trains and busses from the rest of Italy lead to here.

In summer, popular outdoor activities include exploring the famous Croda Da Lago, Cinque Torri, and Lago Sorapiss trails in the mountains. There are many bike paths all around so it’s perfect for an adventure-filled day of cycling.

PRO TIP: I highly recommend the Via Ferrata Tridentina if you’re into climbing. It’s a beginner/medium route with an exit toward the top before it gets into the more difficult moves.

In the winter, Cortina D’Ampezzo offers world-class ski resorts with various runs suitable for all levels. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are also great activities to explore the surrounding area.

2. Santa Magdalena
⭐️ Hidden Little Gem ⭐️

Val di Funes is a stunning area to explore. Its towns, such as Santa Maddalena, offer breathtaking views and plenty of activities such as hiking, a few via ferratas, and mountain biking on the surrounding trails.

Val di Funes is great for a home base to explore the Adolf Munkel hikes and Geisler Alm, some of the most iconic hikes in the Dolomites. Rich in history and natural beauty, there are also a few churches to explore, all of which showcase these epic mountains in the background.

Beyond these attractions, Val di Funes’s towns provide delicious food options as well as warm hospitality from locals who take great pride in their land.

3. Ortisei

If you’re looking for a ‘bigger’ town in the Dolomites, Ortisei in Val Gardena might be just what you need. This town can almost be classified as a mini-city with a very German feel.

But it makes it to the top of the list because it is surrounded by stunning mountains and is a paradise for hikers and adventure seekers. From Ortisei, it’s a short gondola ride to the many hikes in Seceda, Passo Gardena, and the Via Ferrata Sass Rigais.

PRO TIP: If you want something more challenging, try the Oskar Schuster Via Ferrata or the Via Ferrata Mesules.

During the summer months, Ortisei also has plenty of outdoor activities like paragliding or mountain biking and just relaxing in the charming little side streets of the town itself. In the winter, skiing and a certain Christmas charm take over the town.

4. Alpi di Suisi

Located in the heart of the Dolomites, Siusi is a beautiful and tranquil mountain village with something for everyone and still feels untouched by tourists.

In the summer months, hiking and mountaineering are popular activities, with plenty of trails and routes to explore. My favorite things include galavanting along the Alpi di Suisi Altiplano, Europe’s highest alpine meadow, and taking the Seiser Alm Gondola for a bird’s eye view of the Dolomites – mindblowing!

Alpi di Siusi also boasts plenty of cultural attractions, including the nearby San Valentino Church, built in honor of Saint Valentine. The historic church is a great place to explore and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

In winter months, the town’s location makes it an ideal spot for skiing and snowboarding. Cross-country skiing is also popular and a great way to explore the terrain.

For a more relaxed experience, stroll around town and enjoy its quaint charm. Remember that people in this part of the town speak mostly German!

5. Corvara

Corvara in Badia, nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites,’ is yet another town in the Dolomites with insane views. It won’t take long to see why it’s called the ‘Pearl’ – this picturesque village is nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains offering some truly spectacular scenery.

For outdoor adventures, Corvara has plenty to offer. In the summer months, hiking and mountaineering are popular activities, with many trails of varying difficulty levels in the area. There is also Passo Gardena, where you can find some great via ferratas – perfect for thrill seekers looking for a challenge!

And in winter, Corvara is the perfect place for a ski holiday. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities amongst locals and visitors alike, with some of the most beautiful runs in the Dolomites.

6. Sesto & San Candido

These two towns, located in the northern region of the Dolomites, are separated by a 5-minute drive but are serving all the looks – like cute twins!

In the summer months, hikers will have plenty of trails to choose from. Val Fiscalina provides stunning views of the Sesto Dolomites, while Via Ferrata Strada Degli Alpini is perfect for those who want a more challenging way up a mountain face. Other hikes in and around the towns include The Croda Rossa Summit, Lago di Braies, and Durrenstein summit.

In the winter, cross-country skiing is popular around the valley, and many ski runs offer spectacular views of the Dolomites. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the terrain and has become increasingly popular over recent years.

And for those who want a more relaxed experience, there are plenty of activities to do in the Towns. From exploring little shops and churches to visiting nearby cheese farms and sampling local delicacies – you are literally in food heaven!

7. Misurina

If you’re looking for a picturesque town boasting fantastic alpine views, Misurina in the Veneto region of Italy is the perfect little destination. With activities suitable for people of all ages, this small town offers an array of stunning scenery that will leave lasting memories.

The main feature here is its namesake—Lago di Misurina—which is known as one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the Dolomites. It provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and offers a variety of activities.

One of my favorite ways to pass the time in this area is by heading up to the Tre Cime Nature Park and trekking around the multitudes of trails, taking pictures of the mountain cows, and watching the insanity that is the Via Ferrata up the rock face of Tre Cime.

8. San Martino di Castrozza & Fiera Di Primiero

These two towns in Italy’s Trentino region provide unbeatable access to various outdoor activities and sights.

The Pale di San Martino range is the main attraction here, and it’s easy to see why! Its incredible spires and monoliths make it a paradise for climbers, mountaineers, and hikers alike. Best of all, despite being part of the Dolomite mountains, this area receives much less footfall than other popular spots like Tre Cime.

PRO TIP: As for the two towns themselves, San Martino di Castrozza is a typical ski town full of ski resorts and winter sports lovers. Fiera Di Primiero, however, feels much more local – it’s also home to some of the best ice cream shops in Italy (or so they promise)!

During summer months, popular hikes include Parro Rolle-Baita G Segantini, Pale di San Martino Range, and Cima Rosetta. There’s also Via Ferrata Bolver Lugli for more experienced hikers.

For those who prefer winter sports, Monte Castellaz is the place for epic ski slopes and snow parks.

9. Canazei & Campitello di Fassa

How can you not love a place like Canazei and Campitello di Fassa in the Dolomites? Nestled between majestic mountains, with multicolored pansies seemingly hanging from every balcony, this valley is truly breathtaking.

Canazei and Campitello di Fassa are great hubs for anyone looking to explore the Dolomites. They are close to three spectacular passes, Passo Pordoi, Passo Fedaia, and Passo Sella, which offer some of the area’s best hiking and mountain climbing.

With Sassopiatto and Sassolungo to the north, Piz Boè to the west, and Marmolada, the Queen of the Dolomites, to the southeast, you can find plenty of hikes and climbs for any skill level.

But Canazei and Campitello di Fassa offer more than just breathtaking views. You will also find a cute little German/Italian town with plenty of local restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias. And that is what life is all about, really!

10. Alleghe

Located on the stunning shores of Lake Alleghe, this charming town is another great starting point for exploring the Dolomites. With its dramatic backdrop of the majestic Monte Civetta and easy access to some of the area’s best hiking and mountain climbing, Alleghe is a must-see spot on the “Dolomites checklist.”

For an unforgettable experience, explore the Via Ferrata degli Alleghesi, which winds its way up to the peak of Monte Civetta. You’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the surrounding landscape and plenty of photo opportunities.

For a different sort of challenge, try your hand at climbing around the many trails of Monte Coldai. From the peak of this mountain, you’ll have an incredible panoramic view of Lake Alleghe and the valley below.

For those who’d like to explore the lake, kayaks, and canoes are available for rent. It’s a great way to enjoy peace and quiet while enjoying the stunning scenery.

11. Arco

Arco in Trentino is a popular destination for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to some of the best climbing spots in Europe, such as Massone, Arco’s limestone crags and walls, and various other climbs throughout the region.

Annually, in September, climbers from across the globe assemble here for the Rock Master International Free Climbing Cup. This event is renowned as an accomplishment amongst dedicated rock climbers!

Popular trails around the town also include Monte Bardellina, Punta Lobbia, and the Sentiero della Pace trail. And if you’re a smart traveler, you’ll take the opportunity also to visit Lake Garda while in the area – my favorite town was Limone Sul Garda!

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Towns In The Dolomites Map

TRAVEL TIP: If you have two weeks, you can get the best of both Italy & Switzerland hikes – check out my route and the lessons learned, costs (~$3K for a couple), and see if it sparks joy!

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FAQs About The Italian Dolomites

Alright, now that you are well-informed about the best towns in the Dolomites, let’s move on to answer some pertinent questions.

What is the main town in the Dolomites?

Cortina D’Ampezzo is undoubtedly the crown jewel of all towns in the Dolomites, as it is surrounded by access to so many things to do in both winter and summer. It’s renowned for its ski resorts, luxurious hotels, and sweeping views of snow-capped landscapes.

This mountain town is a bustling tourist attraction, the ultimate Italian gateway into the Dolomites, and a getaway for those seeking tranquility and beauty.

What town has the best view of the Dolomites?

My favorite town in the Dolomites is Santa Maddalena in Val Di Funes because it looks like the postcards you see of what the Dolomites look like.

Every time someone makes an Instagram reel of the Dolomites with those funny little songs – it’s showcasing this exact spot at Geisler Alm.

What town is closest to the Dolomites?

A few towns are hubs for exploring the Dolomites, most of which are on the list above. But the entry point and closest town to all that is happening in the Dolomites is Cortina d’Ampezzo.

What is the most beautiful part of the Dolomites?

Alpe di Suisi, located in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, is undoubtedly one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places to visit.

Known as Europe’s largest expanse of high alpine meadowland, this area is renowned for its surreal beauty and endless views.

With vast rolling hills, shimmering lakes, and of course, the iconic Dolomites peaks reaching up to dizzying heights, you won’t be able to resist taking out your camera at every turn – no matter how many times you’ve visited before!

What are common mistakes travelers make when traveling to the Italian Dolomites?

The three most common mistakes I see for first-timers to these mountains are as follows.

❌ Failing to plan for a variety of weather conditions.

While sunny skies and blue skies are often considered ideal, sometimes sudden thunderstorms can roll in at a moment’s notice. As such, it’s best to come prepared with rain gear and warm clothes just in case. Additionally, be sure to check local forecasts and plan your itinerary around possible weather changes.

❌ Failing to pack the right gear and equipment for your activity.

For example, if you go rock climbing, you need a good pair of shoes, a helmet, and other safety items. So make sure to do your research before setting off! And if you’re wondering, that’s a YES to travel medical insurance.

❌ Failing to rent a car & relying on public transport.

While these towns and mountains can be explored in many different ways, and there are a few public transportation ways to get in and around the Dolomites, renting a car makes it infinitely easier – there is no Uber in this part of Italy.

❌ Failing to learn a few local sayings – in German!

While many locals are very friendly, it’s important to remember that while the Dolomites are still part of Italy, the region is culturally very German. So be sure to brush up on your German language skills before you arrive.

• Hi! – Hi!
• Tschüss! – Bye!
• Bitte schön – You’re welcome
• Danke – Thank you
• Entschuldigung – Excuse me
• Können Sie mir helfen? – Can you help me?
• Die Rechnung, bitte. – The bill, please.
• Prost! – Cheers!
• Danke! – Thanks!

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The Wrap-Up: Towns In The Dolomites

Towns and villages like Cortina, Ortisei, Corvara, San Candido, and so on offer different activities and adventure possibilities along with those amazing Dolomite mountain range views.

My personal top three favorite towns in the Dolomites would have to be:
➡️ Santa Magdalena in Val Gardena (you see it in all the Instagram posts!)
➡️ Ortisei near the Seceda Ridgeline & the Alpi di Suisi meadows
➡️ Misurina near my favorite viewpoint in the Dolomites, Cadini di Misurina

So don’t wait any longer – start planning your trip!