Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo is the "Queen of the Dolomites" — a chic, storied Italian resort town cradled in a bowl of the most dramatic mountains in Europe. The Dolomites' pale, vertical limestone towers glow pink at sunset all around it, and Cortina has drawn skiers, climbers and film crews for a century. It hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and is a host of the 2026 Games, and it wears its glamour openly, with elegant shops and cafés lining the Corso.

But the mountains are the real star. In winter, Cortina plugs into the vast Dolomiti Superski network and the famous Sellaronda ski circuit. In summer, it is one of the great hiking and via ferrata bases on the continent — the Tofane, Cristallo and the Cinque Torri rise above the town, the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo are within reach, and the Alta Via long-distance routes thread through the surrounding peaks.

Cortina is glamorous, and priced to match — this is the upscale end of the Dolomites. But few mountain towns anywhere can match the sheer scenic drama that surrounds it, or the quality of the hiking and skiing on its doorstep.

Winter (December to April) for skiing on the Dolomiti Superski network and the Sellaronda. Summer (mid-June to September) for hiking, via ferrata and the Alta Via routes, when the high trails and rifugi are open. Late September brings golden larches and quieter trails. The via ferrata and high routes are serious mountain terrain — go equipped and experienced, or with a guide.

Cortina has no airport or train of its own — you reach it by road, around two hours from Venice airport or from Innsbruck over the Brenner. Buses connect it to Venice, Treviso and the wider Dolomites. A car gives the most freedom for reaching trailheads, though the local bus network is decent in season.