The most beautiful villages in the Dolomites: top 10 to visit

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A true natural wonder listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, here are the 10 most beautiful villages in the Dolomites to visit in north-east Italy. A stay among majestic mountains, green valleys and picturesque villages that will delight nature lovers with postcard-perfect landscapes. In the Dolomites, each village has its own character, whether through its architecture, traditions or natural landscapes.

1. Ortisei, one of the most beautiful villages in the Dolomites to visit 

Nestled in the Val Gardena in the autonomous province of Bolzano, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, Ortisei (St. Ulrich)  is renowned for its Alpine charm and craft traditions. This village is famous for its wood carvings and colourful houses, a skill passed down from generation to generation. With its pedestrian streets lined with shops and cafés, Ortisei is also an ideal gateway for exploring the Seceda massif.

What to do in Ortisei? What to see?:

• A hike on the Alpe di Siusi at over 1,680 m altitude and more than 1,450 km of waymarked trails, considered the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe, only 30 minutes west of Ortisei. The Alpe di Siusi is also a paradise for mountain bikers. Hire a bike and set off to discover the rolling plateaus. We love its vast green meadows, pure air and idyllic landscapes.

How to get there?🚡 From Ortisei: take the cable car for an easy panoramic ascent. It's the ideal option for admiring the landscapes as soon as you arrive. 🚗 By car: if you prefer to drive, note that access is restricted between 9am and 5pm to protect the environment. Plan your visit outside these hours if you want to get there by car.

• A visit to the Val Gardena Museum to discover local history and traditions.
• A 40-minute drive from Ortisei, you also have the Val di Funes, with the charming village of Santa Maddalena, one of the most beautiful in the region, and the Chapel of San Giovanni in Ranui (one of the most photographed sites in the Dolomites).

2. San Candido (Innichen)

Located in the Alta Pusteria valley within the Tre Cime Natural Park, San Candido combines medieval architecture with breathtaking landscapes. Its historic centre is full of historic buildings, notably the Collegiate Church of San Candido, one of the best-preserved Romanesque churches in the Dolomites.

What to do in San Candido? What to see?

• Plan an excursion to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo Natural Park.
• Go for a bike ride on the cycle path linking San Candido to Lienz in Austria.
• Go to Lake Braies, one of the most emblematic in the Dolomites, to admire its turquoise waters surrounded by steep peaks. It's a very photogenic spot, often called the "Jewel of the Dolomites". You can do an easy hike around the lake (4 km, allow about 1 hour 30).

3. Cortina d'Ampezzo, the "Queen of the Dolomites"

Cortina d'Ampezzo is a mix of luxury and natural beauty. This village, which hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and will host them again in 2026, offers spectacular landscapes and a lively atmosphere.

What to do in Cortina d'Ampezzo? What to see?

• Go hiking around Lake Sorapis, with its turquoise waters.
• Enjoy a climb to the summit of Tofana di Rozes to admire panoramic views.
• See Lake Misurina (Lago di Misurina), also called "the mirror of the Dolomites". It is surrounded by legends and offers a breathtaking view of the Dolomite peaks. 

4. Alleghe, a hidden gem of the Dolomites

Located on the shores of Lake Alleghe, this village is surrounded by forests and mountains. A true paradise for winter sports and hiking fans that is part of our top 10 most beautiful villages in the Dolomites.

What to do in Alleghe? What to see?

• Take a boat trip on the lake.
• Go on an excursion to the Civetta massif, ideal for climbing and hiking.
• Book your private ski lessons

5. Canazei

Canazei, in the heart of the Val di Fassa, is a popular destination for its easy access to the Sellaronda ski circuit. In summer, the village becomes an ideal starting point for hikes in the surrounding mountains.

What to do in Canazei? What to see?

• Take a cable car up to the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites.
• Go to the Ladin festival, which celebrates local culture with traditional costumes and culinary specialities.

6. Vigo di Fassa, one of the most beautiful villages in the Dolomites

Ranked among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy", Vigo di Fassa is a cultural gem with its Ladin traditions and enchanting landscapes.

What to do in Vigo di Fassa? What to see?

• Visit the Ladin museum to learn more about local culture.
• Explore the trails of the Catinaccio.

7. Dobbiaco (Toblach) in the Val Pusteria

Located at the entrance to the Alta Pusteria valley, Dobbiaco is a paradise for nature and music lovers, notably thanks to its link with the composer Gustav Mahler.

What to do in Dobbiaco? What to see?

• Stargaze at the local astronomy centre.
• Walk around Lake Dobbiaco.

8. Selva di Val Gardena

Surrounded by the imposing peaks of the Dolomites, this village offers breathtaking landscapes and activities for all levels of sporting ability.

What to do in Selva di Val Gardena? What to see?

• Go hiking towards Col Raiser.
• Taste local specialities in the mountain huts.

9. Funes (Villnöss)

Famous for its iconic views of the Odle, the village of Funes is perfect for photographers and lovers of tranquillity.

What to do in Funes? What to see?

• See the church of San Giovanni in Ranui.
• Go for walks in the green valleys.

10. Molveno

Although located on the edge of the Brenta Dolomites, Molveno deserves a place in this top 10 most beautiful villages in the Dolomites thanks to its crystal-clear lake and peaceful atmosphere.

What to do in Molveno? What to see?

• relax by the lake, ideal for letting go. 
• Exploring the Brenta Dolomites.

Other typical villages in the Dolomites 

If you have time to visit the Dolomites, here are other villages to discover in the region: 

• San Martino di Castrozza in the province of Trento,
• Vipiteno with its iconic tower built in 1472,
• Chiusa, a pretty medieval village,
• Glorenza located in South Tyrol,
• San Vigilio di Marebbe in South Tyrol,
• the village of Mel located in the province of Belluno,
• Sottoguda at the foot of the Marmolada.

FAQ: visiting the Dolomites 

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions. 

Dolomites tourist map 

What is the most beautiful place in the Dolomites?

It's hard to name a single place as the most beautiful in the Dolomites, as this region is full of natural treasures. Among the most emblematic places, the Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude meadow in Europe, and Lake Braies, with its turquoise waters surrounded by mountains, come out on top. Add to these the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, three impressive peaks, which are also a must for lovers of grandiose landscapes. Of course, don't miss our top 10 most beautiful villages in the Dolomites. 

What is the main city of the Dolomites?

Bolzano (called Bozen in German) is considered the main city of the Dolomites. Located at the entrance to the region, this cosmopolitan city blends Italian and Tyrolean influences. If you want to stay there, it's an excellent starting point for exploring the Dolomites. You'll find many museums, restaurants and a unique charm with its markets and medieval architecture.

What is the best time to go to the Dolomites?

The best time to come depends mainly on your favourite activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking, with green landscapes and pleasant temperatures. Autumn offers spectacular colours, and fewer crowds. In winter, the region becomes a paradise for snow sports such as skiing and snowshoeing. Spring, a quieter period, reveals flowering landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere.

What is the most beautiful road in the Dolomites?

The Great Dolomite Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti) is often considered the most beautiful. This spectacular route, linking Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo, crosses majestic Alpine passes such as the Passo Pordoi and the Passo Sella. The views of snow-capped peaks, green meadows and picturesque villages are unforgettable.

What is the most beautiful resort in the Dolomites?

Cortina d'Ampezzo is undoubtedly the most prestigious and most beautiful resort. Perhaps that's why it's called the "Queen of the Dolomites". It offers modern facilities, an enchanting setting and exceptional views of the surrounding peaks. With its chic and lively atmosphere, Cortina is an ideal resort for skiing in winter and for its outdoor activities in summer. 

What is the highest peak in the Dolomites?

The Marmolada, rising to 3,343 metres, is the highest peak in the Dolomites. Located near Canazei, this glacier offers spectacular landscapes and is a popular destination for skiing and hiking. Its summit, accessible by cable car, offers a breathtaking panoramic view over the whole Dolomites range.

And that's where our article on visiting the most beautiful villages in the Dolomites ends. We hope all this information will help you plan your stay in north-east Italy, and more particularly in Trentino-Alto Adige and Veneto. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎