Four walks in Cortina and surroundings you can't miss
Cortina d'Ampezzo is one of the most iconic destinations in the Italian Dolomites, celebrated for its breathtaking mountain scenery, elegant centre, and vibrant atmosphere that draws visitors throughout the year. Yet, some of the most rewarding experiences in this area are found not in Cortina itself, but along the route that leads to it.
These four walks in Cortina and surroundings take you through villages and valleys that remain largely off the beaten path — places where nature, history, and local culture come together in a way that feels genuinely authentic. From ancient churches and dramatic gorges to serene lakeshores and larch forests, each stop along the way offers something distinct and memorable.
Whether you are an experienced hiker seeking challenging trails or a casual walker looking for a peaceful stroll through mountain landscapes, the area surrounding Cortina has the perfect route waiting for you.
Valle di Cadore: where history meets the mountain trail
The journey through the four walks in Cortina and surroundings begins at Valle di Cadore, one of the first stops along the route and a place that rewards curious travellers with far more than just scenic views. Nestled between dramatic peaks and lush valleys, this village carries centuries of history within its landscape, and the best way to experience it is simply by walking.
Start your exploration at the Church of San Martino, whose deceptively simple exterior conceals a wealth of artistic and architectural details inside. From here, the Via Romana trail leads you upward toward Costa Pian de Val in approximately 40 minutes — a manageable route that suits most fitness levels and offers sweeping views along the way.
For something more dramatic, follow the Via De Amicis to the Rualàn bridge, a path that feels almost otherworldly as it winds along the edge of a cliff face, granting privileged views of a deep and evocative gorge below. This stretch can be slippery during certain seasons, so proper trekking footwear is strongly recommended.
Those with more time and energy can follow the trail skirting the old Calalzo-Cortina route, a two-hour walk that brings you close to the local flora and fauna, with colours that shift dramatically between spring and autumn. Along the way, the small church of Carmine stands as a quiet reminder of the area's deep-rooted spiritual and cultural heritage.
Valle di Cadore is the kind of place that reveals itself slowly — the more you walk, the more it gives back. Have you ever explored a village where every path seems to lead to an unexpected discovery?
Vodo di Cadore: cycling, trekking and alpine refuges
Sitting at an altitude of 910 metres, Vodo di Cadore is a versatile base for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Whether you arrive by bus or by bike, this compact village positioned near the Venas di Cadore weir offers direct access to some of the most engaging trails and cycle routes in the entire Cadore area.
Cyclists will immediately recognise the appeal of the Long Road of the Dolomites, a celebrated cycle path that passes through Vodo and demands a mountain bike to ride properly. The route is a favourite among two-wheel enthusiasts and ultimately leads to Becco di Cuzze, passing through a series of charming mountain refuges that serve hearty local food — a welcome reward after hours in the saddle.
For trekkers, the challenge lies in reaching the Galassi and Antelao refuges, routes that require a good level of physical preparation but deliver unparalleled panoramic views across the Dolomite peaks. These are not beginner trails, but experienced hikers will find the effort entirely justified.
What makes Vodo particularly appealing is the way it balances physical challenge with genuine comfort. After a demanding day on the trails, you will find traditional mountain restaurants offering dishes rooted in local culinary tradition — think hearty soups, cured meats, and polenta prepared in ways that have barely changed over generations.
The village also serves as a convenient gateway to the main ski resorts in the area, including those of Cortina, making it a practical stopover in any season. If you are building an itinerary around active travel, Vodo deserves a dedicated half-day at minimum.
Borca di Cadore: larch forests and authentic mountain life
There is something quietly compelling about Borca di Cadore that sets it apart from better-known Dolomite destinations. Positioned at a similar altitude to Vodo, this small resort sits in a privileged location between the mountains and offers a pace of life that feels genuinely unhurried — a rare quality in a region that attracts so many visitors.
The landscape around Borca is defined by its larch forests, which stretch across level terrain and make for some of the most accessible walking in the entire area. These are trails that require no specialist equipment and no prior hiking experience, yet they deliver a sense of immersion in nature that many more demanding routes fail to match. In autumn, when the larches turn gold, the effect is particularly striking.
More experienced hikers are not left without options. The equipped paths leading toward the surrounding mountain peaks offer a genuine physical challenge, and the sense of achievement on reaching higher ground is matched only by the views looking back down over the valley.
Within the village itself, small artisan workshops line the streets alongside intimate restaurants where local specialities take centre stage. A small white church, its bell tower visible from almost every corner of the hamlet, gives Borca a sense of quiet character that larger resorts often lack.
Do not leave without following the track that begins at the former railway line and winds through the surrounding countryside. It requires nothing more than comfortable shoes and a willingness to slow down — and in return, it shows you exactly how the landscape of Borca shifts and breathes with the changing seasons.
San Vito di Cadore: lakes, climbing walls and panoramic views
San Vito di Cadore is often reduced to a footnote in conversations about winter skiing, thanks to the well-regarded San Vito Ski Area. But arriving here outside of ski season — or simply taking the time to look beyond the slopes — reveals a destination with a genuinely diverse range of experiences on offer.
Positioned at 1,011 metres above sea level and just 15 minutes by car from Cortina, San Vito occupies a strategic location that makes it easy to combine with other stops along the route. Equipment hire is available year-round, covering both winter and summer activities, so arriving without gear is never a problem.
The undisputed highlight of the area is the lake of San Vito, a body of water so perfectly still on calm days that the clouds appear to float on its surface. The effect is genuinely arresting — the kind of view that makes you stop walking and simply stand there for a moment. The lake's banks offer a peaceful spot to rest, while the surrounding area is dotted with climbing walls suited to a range of experience levels, from beginners trying their first routes to seasoned climbers looking for a new challenge.
Behind the village, the silhouettes of the Antelao, the Pelmo and the Marcora rise imposingly against the sky, forming a backdrop that gives every walk here a sense of scale and grandeur. These are not just decorative peaks — they are accessible targets for experienced hikers who want to push further into the Dolomite wilderness.
San Vito rewards those who linger. The more time you give it, the more it offers in return.
Your next steps into the Dolomite landscape
Valle di Cadore, Vodo, Borca and San Vito di Cadore represent just a fraction of what this extraordinary corner of the Italian Alps has to offer. Each stop carries its own character, its own rhythm, and its own reasons to slow down and look more carefully at what surrounds you.
What unites them is the sense that the most rewarding experiences in this area are rarely the loudest or most advertised. They are found on a forest trail, beside a mirror-still lake, or inside a small church that most visitors walk straight past.
