Dominated by Cortina d’Ampezzo and surrounded by lakes and iconic mountains like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, this area is truly one of a kind.
Central Cadore and Val Boite are located in the northern part of Veneto nestled among the most spectacular Dolomite valleys. This area stretches along the Boite River which originates near Croda Marcora and passes through a series of picturesque villages before flowing into the Piave. It also includes the Valle d’Ampezzo with Cortina d’Ampezzo as its main town.
The most imposing peaks that define the landscape include Antelao (3,263 m), the second highest summit of the Dolomites, Pelmo (3,168 m), known as the “Throne of God” for its distinctive shape, and Sorapiss (3,205 m), with the famous turquoise lake at its feet.
Central Cadore and Val Boite are located in the northern part of Veneto nestled among the most spectacular Dolomite valleys. This area stretches along the Boite River which originates near Croda Marcora and passes through a series of picturesque villages before flowing into the Piave. It also includes the Valle d’Ampezzo with Cortina d’Ampezzo as its main town.
The most imposing peaks that define the landscape include Antelao (3,263 m), the second highest summit of the Dolomites, Pelmo (3,168 m), known as the “Throne of God” for its distinctive shape, and Sorapiss (3,205 m), with the famous turquoise lake at its feet.
Reaching Central Cadore and Val Boite is easy by car or public transport. By car, the main access is via the A27 Venice–Belluno motorway, exiting at Pian di Vedoia and continuing along the SS51 di Alemagna, which runs through Val Boite all the way to Cortina d’Ampezzo. From the north, you can arrive via the SS48, crossing Passo Tre Croci or Passo Giau.
By train, the closest station is Calalzo di Cadore, the terminus of the railway from Venice, with buses connecting to the various towns of the valley. By bus, Dolomitibus connects Belluno and Pieve di Cadore with the main villages in Central Cadore and Val Boite. During the tourist season, transfer services from Venezia and Treviso are also available.
Each village in the area tells a story. Starting with Cortina d’Ampezzo, the “Queen of the Dolomites,” a destination known for its blend of luxury and alpine traditions. Its historic center, filled with boutiques and fine dining, stands beneath the majestic Tofane mountains, which host World Cup alpine ski races in winter.
Pieve di Cadore, birthplace of Tiziano Vecellio (Titian), is the cultural heart of the valley, with a museum and the painter’s historic home. Auronzo di Cadore, overlooking its alpine lake, is the gateway to excursions toward the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, while San Vito di Cadore is a gem at the foot of Antelao, offering ski lifts and trails immersed in nature.
Cibiana di Cadore, known as the “village of murals,” is an open-air museum where painted facades tell stories of tradition and life. Not far away, Domegge di Cadore and Calalzo di Cadore offer beautiful views over Lago di Centro Cadore, perfect for moments of relaxation or bike rides along the valley path.
San Pietro di Cadore is a historic village in the Piave valley, home to ancient buildings and scenic trails toward Costaltaand the Foresta di Somadida. Lozzo di Cadore, on the other hand, is known for the Via dei Mulini and the Parco della Memoria di Pian dei Buoi, a heritage site preserving remnants of the Great War.
Danta di Cadore is unique for its spectacular alpine peat bogs — a rare ecosystem in the Dolomites — while Laggio di Cadore is a small gem offering breathtaking views of Val d’Ansiei and the Dolomiti Bellunesi, along with excursions through history and nature via the Sentiero degli Alpini and Monte Tudaio.
Summer is the perfect season to explore Cadore’s scenic trails leading to mountain huts like Rifugio Vandelli, located above the enchanting Lago di Sorapiss, or Rifugio Galassi, the base for climbing Antelao. Cycling enthusiasts can follow the Ciclabile delle Dolomiti Calalzo–Cortina, passing through Vodo di Cadore and Borca di Cadore, with unforgettable landscapes along the way.
Alpine lakes like Auronzo, Misurina, and Centro Cadore reflect the sky and surrounding peaks, offering moments of pure peace. And after a day of hiking, nothing beats a refreshing break with a handmade gelato — a local tradition born right here in Central Cadore, thanks to the area’s historic maestri gelatieri who brought their craft to the world.
Summer is also rich in cultural events. The Cadore Dolomiti Music Festival transforms peaks and villages into open-air stages, with concerts at dawn, performances in mountain huts, and evening events in historic town centers. At the end of September, the Delicious Festival Dolomiti celebrates the fusion of sport and gastronomy, with refreshment points along the trail and a grand finale at PalaDelicious di Pocol, where traditional flavors meet competitive energy.
Autumn paints the forests of Central Cadore and Val Boite in golden tones. It’s the perfect season for hikes in the Foresta di Somadida or up Monte Rite, where the foliage combines with sweeping mountain views. The Ciclabile delle Dolomiti is perfect for pedaling among vibrant colors, and the Ferrata degli Alpini at Col dei Bos offers a thrilling adventure on the rock.
Local traditions come alive with the Desmontegada in San Vito and Borca di Cadore, and the evocative Festa dei Zatèr in Perarolo di Cadore, which honors the ancient craft of log rafting on the Piave. For culture lovers, museums like Casa di Tiziano in Pieve di Cadore offer fascinating insights into local history.
In winter, Central Cadore, Val Boite, and Val d’Ampezzo become a snow-covered paradise for skiers and mountain lovers. Skiers can enjoy the slopes of Cadore Dolomiti Superski or the legendary descents of the Tofane in Cortina, while freeride enthusiasts can explore wild routes around Cristallo and Forcella Staunies. Snowshoeing in the Cadore Regno delle Ciaspe offers magical paths around San Vito, Zoppè, and Passo Giau, and ski mountaineers can head toward Rifugio Palmieri alle Crode di Lago or Monte Pelmo.
The festive atmosphere is brought to life by the Christmas markets in Cortina and Pieve di Cadore, local craftsmanship, and the striking Krampus parades. Ice sports fans can skate or watch hockey in Pieve and Auronzo, while Cortina’s Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio hosts major events in preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
For something special, try ice driving or a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through Val di Fanes.
From March to mid-June, Central Cadore, Val Boite and Val d’Ampezzo offer vibrant scenery and outdoor adventures. In Cortina d’Ampezzo, the trail to Lago di Sorapiss reveals breathtaking landscapes, while Val Travenanzes is a perfect escape into untouched nature.
In Central Cadore, Monte Rite is home to the Messner Mountain Museum Dolomites, combining culture and scenic views, while the shores of Lago di Centro Cadore offer peaceful lakeside walks. Climbing fans will find the Cinque Torri an iconic natural gym, while Passo Giau becomes a top spot for photography, with blooming meadows and snow-capped peaks. For those seeking culture, the Museo Etnografico delle Regole d’Ampezzo tells the story of the Ladin people, while the Museo dell’Occhiale in Pieve di Cadore celebrates the valley’s legacy of craftsmanship and innovation.
