Maddalena P. Chionne

Published on November 30 2025

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Italy's Veneto region, Cortina D'Ampezzo is a place of unparalleled beauty, where dramatic, jagged peaks meet sophisticated Italian elegance. Known as the "Queen of the Dolomites," Cortina gained international fame as the host of the 1956 Winter Olympics and continues to attract an elite crowd seeking world-class skiing, spectacular hiking, and glamorous relaxation. The town perfectly balances high-end boutique shopping with pristine natural landscapes, offering a year-round luxury escape that is both invigorating and stylish.

Top Attractions:

• Corso Italia: the elegant main street of Cortina is the heart of the town's social life. Lined with designer boutiques, historic cafes, and art galleries, it’s the perfect place for the traditional Italian passeggiata (evening stroll).
• Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo: this prominent church, with its distinctive bell tower, stands in the center of town and is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture.
• The Dolomites: the mountains themselves are the main attraction. The unique pale rock (dolomia) changes color from pale pink to fiery red at sunset (Enrosadira), a daily spectacle you won't want to miss.
• Museo delle Regole D'Ampezzo: a local history and art museum that showcases the cultural heritage and traditional "rules" of the Ampezzo community.
• Shopping: from high fashion brands like Gucci and Prada to local artisan shops selling exquisite wood carvings and jewelry, shopping here is a luxurious experience.

High-End Hotels & Spas:

• Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa: this historic Art Nouveau palace hotel offers unparalleled luxury, an award-winning spa, indoor pool, and several excellent restaurants. It’s an icon of Cortina's high society.
• Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina d'Ampezzo, A Radisson Collection Hotel: an elegant and historic hotel located in the center of town, offering refined accommodation, a modern spa, and a lovely outdoor terrace.
• Rosapetra SPA Resort: a contemporary luxury hotel that focuses heavily on wellness, featuring a large spa with a swimming pool, Turkish bath, and beautiful mountain views.

High-End Restaurants with a View:

• Tivoli: a Michelin-starred restaurant highly regarded for its refined cuisine featuring local ingredients and a spectacular view of the Tofane mountain group.
• El Camineto: a historic, family-run restaurant offering traditional Ampezzo and Venetian dishes in a cozy, elegant atmosphere with beautiful views of the valley.
• Rifugio Col Drusciè: accessible via the Freccia nel Cielo cable car, this rifugio (mountain hut) and restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of Cortina and the Dolomites, perfect for a meal both summer and winter.
• 1224 Terrazza (at Grand Hotel Savoia): offers fine dining with views of the mountains from its elegant terrace.

Best Hikes:

• Cinque Torri Loop: a moderately easy and highly rewarding hike that circles the iconic "Five Towers" rock formation. You can take a chairlift up to shorten the walk. The views are spectacular, and the area has historical significance from WWI.
• Tre Cime di Lavaredo Loop: one of the most famous hikes in the Dolomites. The loop trail offers breathtaking views of the "Three Peaks" (Drei Zinnen). This is a must-do for serious hikers.
• Hike to Lago di Sorapis: a popular, moderately challenging hike that leads to a stunning, bright turquoise glacial lake nestled in a natural amphitheater of mountains.

Best Known Lakes Close By:

• Lago di Misurina: a picturesque alpine lake known for its crystal-clear water and views of the surrounding peaks, including the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. It's easily accessible by car.
• Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee): while a bit further away (in South Tyrol), this is arguably the most famous and photographed lake in the Dolomites, renowned for its emerald green water and boathouse.
• Lago Ghedina: a smaller, quieter, and more intimate lake located closer to Cortina, with a charming restaurant on its shores.

Best Mountain Chalets (Rifugi) on Ski Tracks:

• Rifugio Lagazuoi: accessible via the Lagazuoi cable car, this rifugio sits at a high elevation and offers one of the most stunning terrace views in the Alps, overlooking a vast range of peaks.
• Rifugio Averau: located near the Cinque Torri area, this rifugio is renowned for its excellent cuisine (earning mentions in gastronomic guides) and magnificent panoramic views. Accessible via a chairlift or hiking in the summer.
• Rifugio Faloria: accessible by the Faloria cable car, this spot offers a fantastic view over the entire Cortina valley and a great sun terrace.

These chalets (rifugi) serve as restaurants during the day and are often accessible in summer by hike, chairlift, or dedicated mountain roads.



Don't Miss:

• Pasticceria e Bar Lovat: a historic and elegant pastry shop and bar. It's the perfect spot for a refined breakfast with excellent coffee and pastries, or a sophisticated afternoon aperitif.
• La Cooperativa: this isn't just a department store; it's a Cortina institution. Offering everything from local crafts and high-end clothing to gourmet food items, it's a great place to shop for authentic souvenirs and local delicacies.
• Toast at Villa Oretta: for a casual, yet iconic local dining experience, grab a toast (a gourmet toasted sandwich) at Villa Oretta. It’s a favorite casual spot among locals and visitors alike.
• The Famous "Frittella" at Baita Fraina: you can't leave Cortina without trying the legendary frittella (a type of local, sweet fritter/doughnut) from Baita Fraina. It's a beloved local treat that perfectly encapsulates the simple delights of alpine dining.
• The "Bombardino" Drink: this potent, creamy, and warm Italian alcoholic drink (made with Advocaat/egg liqueur, brandy, and often topped with whipped cream) is a must-try for any winter visitor. Enjoy one at a mountain rifugio after a day of skiing.
• VIP Disco Club: experience Cortina's nightlife at the exclusive VIP Disco Club. This historical club has been a staple of the town's social scene for decades, attracting a glamorous crowd for late-night dancing and cocktails.

Our Recommended Tour