What to Do in Cortina

Introduction

Are you looking to spend an unforgettable vacation in Cortina d'Ampezzo? Nature, relaxation, and adventure await you in the Pearl of the Dolomites. Let’s explore together what to do in Cortina with this collection of articles for a dreamy escape in the heart of the Alps.

A Walk in Corso Italia

The beating heart of Cortina is "Corso Italia." It's a pedestrian island in the center of the town, where the most fashionable stores alternate with trendy bars and a few clubs. Some of the world's most prestigious clothing brands have one window in the center to show their products to the guests of Cortina.

"Corso Italia" is the gathering spot for the entire population of Cortina. After a day on the ski slopes, in the mountains, or at work, people come together in the town center to enjoy a drink or spend time with friends.

Along "Corso Italia," you can admire some of the town's most famous public buildings, from the distinctive bell tower of 1858, made entirely of the rock of our mountains, to the Basilica of Saints Philip and James. From the "Comun Vecio," the former town hall, to the "Ciasa dei pupe," translated as "the house of the kids." These buildings are inextricably linked to Cortina's history. If you are interested in this topic, you should read our page below:

What to see in Corso Italia All the buildings and points of interest in the pedestrian area of Cortina d'Ampezzo. Reading time: 17 min.

A Relaxing Walk

After visiting "Corso Italia," you'll probably want to connect with nature on a nice stroll. The most iconic walk you can take in Cortina, while staying close to the center, is along the path of the former railway.

This is a pedestrian route that crosses the town and continues both northward and southward. Since it follows the old train track, it is flat throughout its length. For more detailed information about this walk, which is truly suitable for everyone, you can check out our deep dive on the following page:

The former railway The most famous walk in Cortina. It is simple, for everyone, and accessible all year round. 2h 00' - 7 km - Easy

If you are looking for a more naturalistic walk, though it includes a steep but short climb, you will surely love the road of the former powder magazine. It's the most scenic path so close to the center, winding through the vast meadows at the foot of Mount Tofane. If you want to walk even more, the same road will lead you to Lake Pianozes, one of the most picturesque mountain lakes in the valley.

It is a very pleasant walk on a white road close to the traffic. For more detailed information on this walk, you may read our page on the subject below:

Walk to Lake Pianozes A walk from the center of Cortina to Lake Pianozes, along a road surrounded by green. 1h 45' - 6,5 km - Easy

There are many alternative walks and hikes in Cortina d'Ampezzo, but we have chosen these two as they are the most enjoyable and conveniently located near the center of Cortina.

An Amazing Hike

In the previous chapter we mentioned two wonderful strolls, but our website features an entire section dedicated to the most beautiful walks and hikes, both in Cortina and its surrounding areas.

We have divided those hikes into categories, ranging from easy ones, suitable for almost everyone, to more challenging ones for those more used to walking. In any case, they are all reasonably simple, so what are you waiting for? Click below to discover them:

Best hikes in Cortina The most beautiful hikes to do in Cortina d'Ampezzo, from the easiest to the most difficult. Reading time: 6 min.

A Breathtaking Panorama

If it’s a beautiful day and you’ve never seen Cortina from above, we highly recommend you do it. If you have a car and you want to avoid other means of transport, the simplest option is to drive up a mountain pass.

The most beautiful and iconic view of Cortina is undoubtedly from the Belvedere of Pocol. To reach it, you just need to drive a few minutes towards Falzarego Pass and park in this lay-by before the tunnel. You'll then have to walk a few meters up the road to reach the panoramic terrace. The panorama is amazing during the day, but as darkness falls, it becomes something truly unforgettable.

For those seeking an even more breathtaking perspective, reaching a peak by cable car is the ideal choice. The panorama unfolds in all its majesty, revealing an endless view of the enchanting Ampezzo Valley. In Italian, the cable car is called "Funivia."

From the center of Cortina, the most accessible one is the "Funivia Faloria," which reaches an altitude of 2,120 meters, almost seven thousand feet. It's just a few steps away from the Cortina bus station. The round-trip ticket should be around €30. Right at the top of the cable car, you will be welcomed by the mountain lodge "Rifugio Faloria," where you can refresh yourself with a drink or a meal.

Alternatively, the "Funivia Freccia nel Cielo" will bring you to the peak of Mount Tofane, reaching an altitude of 3,244 meters, almost eleven hundred feet. You may also get off before, at the mid-station of "Col Drusciè," where you'll be welcomed by the restaurant with the same name and the Masi Wine Bar, a wine lounge to enjoy a glass of excellent local wine in front of a breathtaking view.

If you are really lucky, you may be in Cortina in one of the few days where the "Alba in Quota" takes place. It means "Sunrise Above the Peaks." Seeing the sunrise on the top of Mount Tofane is an incredible experience that we highly recommend, even if it requires setting your alarm clock very early and a bit of luck.

The round-trip ticket to the peak of Mount Tofane should be around €40, while for the intermediate station of "Col Drusciè" alone, the cost is around €20.

The "Regole" Museums

The "Regole d'Ampezzo" are a centuries-old institution established both to manage and protect the forests and pastures and to ensure their responsible use by the "regolieri." They are the original inhabitants of Cortina, keeping it simple, those who have been in the territory for many generations.

Thanks to the efforts of the "Regole," it has been possible to preserve the integrity of the territory over the centuries. This institution is so important that some illustrious locals decided to donate their priceless legacy to them. Using this heritage, the "Regole" decided to build Cortina's three main museums.

The museums of the "Regole d'Ampezzo" are three. The first is named after Mario Rimoldi and is one of the most significant private collections of 20th-century Italian art. The second is named after Rinaldo Zardini and is one of the largest existing fossil collections, with more than one thousand different species exposed. The third is an ethnographic museum and is a look at life in Cortina in the past centuries. If you would like to learn more about this topic, you may read or page; you can see it below:

The Museums of the Regole Three interesting museums: an art gallery, an ethnographic museum, and a fossil collection. Reading time: 6 min.

The Vespa Private Museum

In Cortina there is a guy named Marco, who has created a private museum dedicated to his great passion: the Vespa. As you can read in the title, this is a private exhibit, open to the public only by appointment.

This is a private exhibit, but don't be intimidated; Marco is a fantastic person. He will have no problem welcoming you if you share the same passion as him. Obviously this is something he does as a hobby, so you can't be certain that he will actually have the time to show you his creation, but if you are curious, you should try to contact him.

On the page below, you'll find our impressions, the story behind its creation, and, at the end, its contact information.

The private Vespa museum The Cortina Vespa Museum is a private collection about the famous Italian scooter. Reading time: 7 min.

What to Do in Summer in Cortina

Summer in the mountains brings to mind hiking through the peaks, fresh air, the scent of blooming meadows, and peaceful walks in the woods. Temperatures are milder compared to the cities or the seaside, allowing you to relax in the sun by the shores of a lake or stream, or to enjoy the refreshing shade of the forest trees.

Alternatively, you could ride an e-bike to explore the beautiful scenic trails of the valley, play golf, enjoy a game of mini-golf, or savor a meal at a mountain lodge. If these ideas have sparked your curiosity, you might want to check out our page dedicated to the Ampezzo summer below.

Summer in Cortina Some ideas and inspirations to fill your days during the hot season in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Reading time: 19 min.

What to Do in Winter in Cortina

There are a lot of activities you can do in winter in Cortina. The first to mention are the winter sports, which have made our mountains famous all over the world. Skiing is the most practiced, but there are also ice skating or snow hiking, towards one of the many mountain lodges, often sledding down instead of walking.

What has made Cortina one of the most desirable winter destinations has been its ability to mix sports with social life. Its guests have the opportunity to have fun with skis on their feet, stopping to eat on the slopes, in front of a panorama that is unique in the world.

After a day outdoors, you may choose to stroll along "Corso Italia," the pedestrian area in the heart of town. There, you can go shopping in the stores of the most famous brands. Has this topic intrigued you? Then we invite you to read our page below:

Winter in Cortina Winter in Cortina d'Ampezzo is sport, snow, skiing and fun. Let's find out together. Reading time: 12 min.

What to Do in Cortina When it Rains

There's nothing to do; some will have bad luck and will find some rainy days during their holidays. That's why you should be prepared, thinking in advance about what to do in case of rain or snow.

A rainy day in Cortina might be the perfect push to stay in bed a little longer, perhaps spending some time browsing through our website. After enjoying a hearty breakfast at one of the pastry shops in the center, you could spend your morning shopping at the local stores. The most famous of these is the "Cooperativa," which is almost an institution. Later, you might treat yourself to a meal at a fancy restaurant, sipping some fine wine.

You could spend the afternoon immersed in culture, visiting one of the museums in the valley. Then, why not enjoy a drink? After all, you’re on vacation; some exceptions to the rules are allowed! If the bad weather lasts a few days and you’re looking for more ideas, you may check out the page below, which is more detailed:

What to do when it rains How to spend a pleasant day in Cortina d'Ampezzo even if you've found bad weather. Reading time: 9 min.

What to See in Cortina

Although the town is quite small, there is no shortage of things to do and see in Cortina d'Ampezzo. The challenge, however, is that you might only have a few days to explore the Pearl of the Dolomites.

In this case, you may be looking for a summarized page, where to find all the unmissable things to see during a really short vacation. If this is what you're looking for, the next page is the right one for you:

What to see in Cortina A page where you can discover all that Cortina has to offer on a one or multi day vacation. Reading time: 5 min.

Of course, we recommend a deep exploration of our website, where you’re sure you'll find plenty of additional inspiration for planning your short visit.

Tourist Seasonality

Depending on the time of year you decide to visit, Cortina changes face: in peak season you'll find many people, shopping, and nightlife; in low season it's a natural oasis of quietness. It's important to highlight that, in a few months of the year, most of the shops and restaurants are closed.

To better understand the seasonality in the different months of the year, below you can read our page where we describe, month by month, what you should expect:

Cortina's seasonality Let's discover the tourist influx to Cortina. A detailed analysis of every month of the year. Reading time: 12 min.

Remember, no matter the time of year you choose to visit, Cortina truly deserves its title as the Pearl of the Dolomites.

Conclusion

We hope you liked this page about what to do in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Before saying goodbye, we would suggest you read our home page, with all the articles we wrote about Cortina d'Ampezzo.

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