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The Dolomites — Italy — Mountain
Europe

The Dolomites

Italy

In short: The Dolomites is a 118 km mountain road trip in Italy, typically driven over 2–3 days, best in Jun–Oct (skiing: Dec–Mar). Highlights: Bolzano, Val di Fassa, Passo Pordoi.

Distance
118 km
Duration
2–3 days
Best Season
Jun–Oct (skiing: Dec–Mar)
LegendaryModerateMountainEV-friendly

The Grande Strada delle Dolomiti, the Great Dolomites Road from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo through the most spectacular mountain scenery in the Alps. Huge cathedrals of rock, the Val di Fassa, the Sella Ronda massif, the Alta Badia, and vertiginous switchbacks between peaks of 3,168m and 3,218m.

Practical notes
High passes including the Pordoi and Falzarego exceed 2,200 m and are typically closed by snow from November to late May. Roads are narrow with sharp switchbacks and heavy tourist traffic in summer. Check pass opening dates and avoid peak-season weekends if possible.
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Stops along the route

Bolzano — Departure — The Dolomites — Italy
Departure
Bolzano
Bilingual South Tyrolean capital. Otzi the Iceman (3300 BC) is in the Archaeology Museum; Castel Roncolo looms above the gorge at the city's northern edge.
Hotels
Val di Fassa — City — The Dolomites — Italy
City
Val di Fassa
Ladin-speaking valley below the Marmolada (3343m). Canazei is the gateway to the Sella Ronda circuit and some of the Dolomites' most dramatic hiking terrain.
Hotels
Alta Badia — City — The Dolomites — Italy
City
Alta Badia
Ladin villages in a meadow bowl ringed by the Sella Group's vertical walls. The valley has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than almost anywhere in the Alps.
Hotels
Cortina d'Ampezzo — Arrival — The Dolomites — Italy
Arrival
Cortina d'Ampezzo
The Queen of the Dolomites, host of the 1956 and 2026 Winter Olympics. The Tofane massif rises directly above the Corso Italia's elegant boutiques and cafes.
Hotels

Things to Do

Passo Pordoi — Landmark — The Dolomites — Italy
Landmark
Passo Pordoi
The Great Dolomites Road's highest point at 2239m. A cable car ascends to the Sass Pordoi plateau; 33 hairpins climb each side of the pass.
Passo Falzarego — Landmark — The Dolomites — Italy
Landmark
Passo Falzarego
The dramatic 2105m pass linking Alta Badia to Cortina, with the Lagazuoi massif rising sheer above the road and WWI tunnels carved into the cliffs.
Sass Pordoi Cable Car — Scenic Viewpoint — The Dolomites — Italy
Scenic Viewpoint
Sass Pordoi Cable Car
Ascend to 2,950 meters for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Dolomites.
Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor — Museum — The Dolomites — Italy
Museum
Museum Ladin Ciastel de Tor
Explore the rich Ladin culture and history housed in a medieval castle in San Martino in Badia.
Viel dal Pan Trail — Hike — The Dolomites — Italy
Hike
Viel dal Pan Trail
A historic trail offering stunning views of the Marmolada glacier and surrounding peaks.

Where to Eat

Rifugio Fuciade — Italian — The Dolomites — Italy
Italian
Rifugio Fuciade
A charming mountain hut offering traditional Ladin cuisine amidst panoramic views of the Dolomites.
El Pael — Italian — The Dolomites — Italy
Italian
El Pael
Renowned for its authentic Italian dishes and cozy ambiance in the heart of Canazei.
Ristorante La Stua de Michil — Gourmet — The Dolomites — Italy
Gourmet
Ristorante La Stua de Michil
An upscale dining experience featuring gourmet dishes crafted from local ingredients in Corvara.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the The Dolomites drive?

The The Dolomites covers 118 km from start to finish.

How long does the The Dolomites take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2–3 days on the The Dolomites, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the The Dolomites?

The recommended season for the The Dolomites is Jun–Oct (skiing: Dec–Mar).

Where does the The Dolomites start and end?

The The Dolomites runs from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo.

What are the main stops on the The Dolomites?

The The Dolomites passes through Bolzano, Val di Fassa, Passo Pordoi.

Can I drive the The Dolomites in a regular car?

Yes — the The Dolomites is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the The Dolomites EV friendly?

Yes — the The Dolomites has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the The Dolomites safe to drive?

High passes including the Pordoi and Falzarego exceed 2,200 m and are typically closed by snow from November to late May. Roads are narrow with sharp switchbacks and heavy tourist traffic in summer. Check pass opening dates and avoid peak-season weekends if possible.

What scenic tier is the The Dolomites?

The The Dolomites is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.