The most beautiful towns in the Italian dolomites

Frequently asked questions about the most beautiful towns Dolomites

What is the prettiest town in the Dolomites?

This cannot be answered objectively, as beauty is always a matter of personal taste. Cortina d’Ampezzo is certainly one of the destinations most frequently mentioned, earning its reputation as the “Queen of the Dolomites”. Cortina lies nestled in a spectacular valley basin, surrounded by the monumental peaks of the Tofane and Cristallo massifs, and impresses with its sophisticated flair and historic architecture in the centre.

Which town is best for base in Dolomites?

Which location is best suited as a starting point depends heavily on what you want to experience in the Dolomites. For a ski-focused winter holiday, destinations such as Corvara, Selva di Val Gardena, Riscone and San Vigilio offer direct access to major ski areas including Alta Badia, Val Gardena and Plan de Corones. These destinations are equally well suited to hiking and summer activities, as are the many other villages in the Dolomites with direct access to extensive networks of hiking trails. Those looking for peace and quiet away from the crowds will also find smaller destinations such as Val di Funes and Val di Fassa ideal bases for a more individual Dolomites holiday.

What is the difference between Val Gardena, Alta Badia, and Cortina d’Ampezzo?

The main difference lies in their structure and location: Val Gardena and Alta Badia are entire valley regions comprising several villages in the South Tyrolean Dolomites, while Cortina d’Ampezzo is a single town in the Belluno Dolomites. Val Gardena comprises Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena. With its Ladin and German heritage, it is renowned for its woodcarving tradition and proximity to Seceda. Alta Badia comprises Corvara, San Cassiano, La Villa and several smaller villages. It is also strongly rooted in Ladin culture and renowned for its exceptional cuisine, with numerous Michelin-starred restaurants. Cortina d’Ampezzo, by contrast, is a single Italian-speaking town, distinguished from the two Ladin valley regions by its elegant, sophisticated atmosphere and Olympic heritage.

Which towns are ideal for couples?

There is no single “best” choice here either, as it largely depends on the couple’s personal preferences. Some couples seek romantic boutique hotels with a stylish ambience, while others prefer adults-only or wellness hotels for undisturbed time together and relaxation. Others prefer lively places with restaurants, bars and nightlife, while quieter, more tranquil villages are ideal for couples seeking retreat and nature. Cultural highlights or special events can also be decisive for couples, depending on whether the focus is more on activity, culture or pure relaxation.

Which towns are best connected by public transport?

The South Tyrolean Dolomites in particular have an excellent public transport network, providing reliable connections even to more remote valleys. Bolzano and Bressanone are particularly well connected, as both lie directly on the Munich–Innsbruck–Verona railway line and are served several times a day by international trains. From either station, regional buses and shuttle services such as Südtirol Transfer provide convenient onward connections, making a car-free holiday in the Dolomites an easy option.