Cortina d’Ampezzo is a stunning mountain town in the eastern Dolomites near many of the must-see sights, making it one of the most popular places to visit. It is near iconic hikes and lakes, including Cadini di Misurina, Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, and Lago di Sorapis.

We spent the second half of our Dolomites trip in Cortina d’Ampezzo and loved our time there! It was the perfect base camp to explore the eastern Dolomites, and the downtown had everything we needed, including restaurants, accommodations, and shops. We spent our days hiking stunning trails, exploring turquoise lakes, and taking in the breathtaking mountain views.

If you want to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo, you are in the right place! This guide has everything you need to know about the best things to do in Cortina d’Ampezzo. Get your hiking boots and cameras ready for an incredible trip to the eastern Dolomites!

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Tips for Visiting Cortina d’Ampezzo

Although planning a trip to Cortina d’Ampezzo is not too difficult, you should know these things before you go:

Check Gondola schedules. Most gondolas are only open from May to October, and opening times change depending on the month. If you are visiting a popular area, I recommend getting the first gondola of the day to avoid lines and enjoy the trails with fewer people.
Have some cash for toilets and rifugios. Although some restrooms are free and some rifugios accept cards, we ran into a few instances where both required cash. For example, the rifugios near Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina are cash-only for food and use of their toilets.
Pack layers and a rain jacket. The Dolomites have unpredictable weather that can change unexpectedly, making it crucial to pack gear just in case. The top of gondolas may also have cooler weather than the nearby towns, especially in the morning, and we always carried at least a light jacket to help.
Wear sunscreen. I know this may sound obvious, but it is crucial to wear sunscreen, especially when you are hiking. Many hikes are at higher elevations, and you can get sunburned pretty quickly. Trust me, we made that mistake on our first day because we did not think the sun would be that strong when we visited in September.
If you are celiac, download the AIC app. My husband is celiac, and I have a gluten allergy, so we were a bit nervous traveling to Italy. Luckily, Italy has a great program for celiacs, and restaurants can become AIC-accredited, which means they take precautions to create a safe environment for celiacs to eat. Tourists can download the app for 14 days for under $5, which we used throughout our trip, and it was incredibly helpful! We found a great restaurant in Cortina d’Ampezzo from the app!
Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they do not have trash bins, you can throw your trash away once you reach a trash bin.

Airports Near Cortina d’Ampezzo

Although a few smaller airports are near Cortina d’Ampezzo, I recommend flying into Venice to have the best flight options. We flew into Venice, and honestly, I think that was the best choice. I also recommend renting a car because it will make your life a lot easier and give you the flexibility to be on your own schedule.

Venice is about a 2-hour drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo. If you plan to spend a few extra days in Italy, Venice is the best city to visit in the area. We spent our last two days in the city, and it was fun exploring its hidden alleyways and historic buildings.

You could fly into Milan, but it is a 4.5-hour drive to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Milan may have better direct flight options, but it is a much further drive.

Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo is near some of the most iconic places to visit in the Dolomites. Although they may not be directly accessible from downtown, they are all a quick drive or day trip.

Cortina d’Ampezzo has hotels, campsites, and glamping cabins, so you can find the perfect place to stay. We loved staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo because it was the most central location to everything on our itinerary in the eastern Dolomites.

Hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Many accommodations in Cortina d’Ampezzo are on the more expensive side because it is one of the best places to stay, but it has hotels for different budgets, so you can find something that works for you.

Franceschi Park Hotel
Hotel Ambra
Hotel da Beppe Sello
Hotel Aquila
Radisson Residences Savoia Palace (we stayed here and enjoyed it because we had a kitchenette)
Grand Hotel Savoia (Luxury)
HOTEL de LËN (Luxury)

Campgrounds in Cortina d’Ampezzo

If you plan to camp or are roadtripping in a campervan, you are in luck! Cortina d’Ampezzo has campgrounds nearby, and some even have glamping accommodations. Even though they are not downtown, these campgrounds are close enough that you can drive into town when needed.

International Camping Olympia - campsites, glamping pods, and chalets
Camping Rocchetta - campsites and lodge rooms
Camping Dolomiti - campsites

What to Pack for Cortina d’Ampezzo

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!

Things to Do in Cortina d’Ampezzo

Cortina d’Ampezzo has many fun things to do and see, including hikes, gondola rides, lakes, and everything in between. This guide has everything you need to know about my favorite things to do near Cortina d’Ampezzo that should be on every itinerary!

Cadini Misurina

Note: Starting in 2025, you must reserve your parking space in advance at Rifugio Auronzo or take a bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo. I recommend reserving it as far in advance as possible because they book up quickly, especially in July and August. The parking reservation allows you to stay in the parking lot for up to 12 hours, which is perfect if you want to hike to both Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina. I also recommend booking an early timeslot to enjoy the trails with fewer crowds.

Cadini di Misurina is an iconic hike you see everywhere on social media because it has breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. And it is under an hour's drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo!

Cadini di Misurina begins at Rifugio Auronzo and immediately descends before ascending steeply to the ridge. Although the hike is only 2 miles round trip, it is steep, making you work for the views.

Now, if you want to visit the iconic viewpoint, you likely will have to wait in line. Another hiker told me they waited over an hour to get a photo because everyone took about 15-20 minutes once it was their turn. Sunrise and sunset tend to have fewer people, but even then, you will have to wait in a short line.

I recommend exploring the trails around the iconic viewpoint, which is what I did! I shared these viewpoints with a handful of people, and they were large enough that we all could take photos without waiting in line. And trust me, the views are just as breathtaking!

Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Note: Starting in 2025, you must reserve your parking space in advance at Rifugio Auronzo or take a bus from Cortina d’Ampezzo. I recommend reserving it as far in advance as possible because they book up quickly, especially in July and August. The parking reservation allows you to stay in the parking lot for up to 12 hours, which is perfect if you want to hike to both Tre Cime di Lavaredo and Cadini di Misurina. I also recommend booking an early timeslot to enjoy the trails with fewer crowds.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular hikes near Cortina d’Ampezzo because it has beautiful views of the three peaks and surrounding mountains. It was easily one of my favorite places we visited near Cortina d’Ampezzo.

You have a few ways to explore Tre Cime di Lavaredo. If you only want to hike to the iconic view of the three peaks, you can hike an out-and-back 3-mile round trip trail to the Forcella Lavaredo viewpoint. Unfortunately, we had food poisoning the day we hiked Tre Cime di Lavaredo, and we only made it to this viewpoint, but it was breathtaking! I also recommend taking a quick detour to the monument near the chapel on the way back for more spectacular views of Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

If you want to experience everything Tre Cime di Lavaredo offers, I recommend hiking the 6.2-mile loop around the three peaks. This entire hike has stunning views, making it worth every ounce of effort. You can even extend the hike in a few areas to get additional viewpoints, including a few lakes near Rifugio Locatelli.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo will quickly become one of your favorite hikes near Cortina d’Ampezzo, no matter which way you experience it. It certainly became one of mine!

Cima Tofana and Tofana di Mezzo

Did you know Cortina d’Ampezzo is home to the third-tallest mountain in the Dolomites?! And the best part? The cable car is right in downtown.

One of the best things to do in Cortina d’Ampezzo is to ride the cable car to Cima Tofana, then hike to Tofana di Mezzo. To get to the top of Cima Tofana, you have to ride three gondolas and cable cars, and you can explore a bit at each stop before getting on the next one.

Once you reach the top of Cima Tofana, you can take in the breathtaking views from the terrace, get a bite to eat at Bar Cima Tofana, or hike to Tofana di Mezzo.

Tofana di Mezzo is the third-tallest mountain in the Dolomites and requires a short but steep 0.5-mile round trip hike. The hike is fun, but it has exposed ledges and some rock scrambling to reach the summit of Tofana di Mezzo.

Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with unmatched 360-degree views of the Dolomites! If you visit on a clear day, you will be able to see for miles.

Lago di Braies

Note: Between July and September, access to Lago di Braies is restricted between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm. You can either take a bus or visit outside of the timeframe.

Lago di Braies is one of the most iconic lakes near Cortina d’Ampezzo, known for its turquoise water, so I am sure you have seen it before. And let me tell you, it is as stunning in real life as it is in photos!

Since access is restricted most of the day, I recommend visiting Lago di Braies before 9:30 am or after 4:00 pm. It is a wonderful spot for sunrise and sunset, and it will likely have fewer crowds.

If you do not want to hike, you can take a quick walk to the lake shore to enjoy the views. You could also rent a boat, but it is expensive. When we went, it was 55€ for 45 minutes, so we skipped that.

If you want to explore the lake from a different perspective, I recommend hiking the 2.3-mile loop around Lago di Braies. It is a peaceful hike with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Lago di Sorapis

Lago di Sorapis is another iconic lake near Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is a stunning, bright blue lake with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. It is one of the most popular hikes, so I recommend arriving early to enjoy the area before the crowds arrive.

The hike to Lago di Sorapis is 8 miles round trip with 2,000 feet of elevation and a few exposed sections, making you work for the views. It is one of the more strenuous hikes near Cortina d’Ampezzo, but the views make the effort worth it!

The first half of the trail leads you through a beautiful forest before bringing you out on an exposed trail as you begin to ascend. The second half is exposed and steep, but once you arrive at the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of Lago di Sorapis.

The hike will likely take most of the day, making it a great day trip from Cortina d’Ampezzo. If you are looking for a longer hike to a beautiful lake, you should add Lago di Sorapis to your Cortina d’Ampezzo itinerary!

Croda da Lago

If you are looking for a stunning hike near Cortina d’Ampezzo, look no further! The Croda da Lago Circuit is only 20 minutes outside Cortina d’Ampezzo and offers breathtaking views. But it is not easy! It gains about 3,000 feet of elevation, making you work for the views.

One of the best things about the Crado da Lago Circuit is that it is one of the lesser-known hikes! Most trails in the Dolomites are crowded in summer, but this one tends to have fewer crowds, which is a nice change of pace. But the parking area is small, so I recommend arriving early to secure a spot and enjoy this beautiful hike near Cortina d’Ampezzo!

The 8-mile hike loops around Crado da Lago, providing breathtaking views of the spiky mountains and nearby lakes. You can hike the loop in either direction, but I recommend following it clockwise so you are descending the steepest section.

The first section of the trail to the loop junction wanders through a beautiful forest as it ascends towards Lago Federa. Most of this section is in the forest, but do not worry! The stunning views are coming!

Once you arrive at Lago Federa, you can hike around the lake or enjoy a bite to eat at the rifugio before continuing on the loop.

The next section of the trail continues to ascend towards Forcella Ambrizzola, and the views around you are stunning. When you stop to take a break during the ascent, make sure to turn around to enjoy the views looking back the way you came.

The next mile to Forcella Rossa del Formin is steep and rocky, but once you reach the top, you get beautiful views of Croda da Lago and the surrounding mountains! This spot is perfect for a snack break before you begin the steep and strenuous descent back to the trailhead.

The Croda da Lago is easily one of the best lesser-known hikes near Cortina d’Ampezzo!

Cinque Torri

Cinque Torri is one of the most unique things to do near Cortina d’Ampezzo because of its WWI open-air museum with historic bunkers and trenches. It easily became one of our favorite hikes in the area!

To reach the top, you can either hike the 1.6-mile one-way trail or ride the gondola. We rode the gondola because it was easier, and the views along it were stunning!

Once at the top, you can enjoy an easy 1.3-mile loop around Cinque Torri, which is the most popular way to explore the area. The trail provides stunning views of the rock formations and surrounding mountains, and it brings you through the WWI open-air museum. We loved exploring the historic bunkers and trenches and learning more about the history.

If you want a longer hike, you can add Rifugio Averau onto the hike for a total of 2.3 miles round trip. Our original plan was to hike to the rifugio, but the weather quickly changed, bringing in rain, so we were only able to hike the Cinque Torri Loop. But the hike was still stunning!

Lagazuoi

If you are looking for another fun thing to do near Cortina d’Ampezzo that is not too far from Cinque Torri, look no further! Lagazoui stands at over 9,000 feet tall and offers incredible 360-degree views.

The easiest way to reach the top is by riding the steep gondola from Passo Falzarego to Rifugio Lagazuoi. Once you reach the top, you get breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

You can, of course, ride the gondola back down, but if you are looking for a fun alternative, I recommend hiking the 2.2-mile trail back to Passo Falzarego.

The descent provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and passes a few WWI bunkers and tunnels. It is a steady descent, climbing down 2,000 feet of elevation in two miles, but the views make it worth it!

No matter which way you decide to explore Lagazuoi, you will quickly fall in love with its views!

Downtown Cortina d’Ampezzo

Of course, one of the best things to do in Cortina d'Ampezzo is to explore downtown! Although it is not a large downtown, it has plenty of restaurants, shops, and incredible views of the surrounding mountains. Even on a rainy day, Cortina d’Ampezzo is stunning!

We loved spending our afternoons walking around, exploring cute shops, and eating good food. We stayed right downtown, making it easy to walk to the shops and restaurants. It was a great way to wind down after a long day of exploring and hiking.

If you want to visit Cortina d’Ampezzo, this guide is the perfect place to start planning a trip! It has everything you need to know about the best things to do in Cortina d’Ampezzo!