Val Comelico, at the northernmost tip of Cadore, is nestled among the Dolomites, on the border with South Tyrol and Austria.
Val Comelico is located in the far north of the Veneto region, in the province of Belluno. It is a valley nestled in the Eastern Dolomites, right on the border with Austria and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Here, the mountains retain their authentic charm — untouched landscapes, peaceful villages, and a slower pace of life, far from mass tourism. The heart of the valley is Padola, a welcoming town perfect for enjoying the mountains in every season.
Val Comelico is located in the far north of the Veneto region, in the province of Belluno. It is a valley nestled in the Eastern Dolomites, right on the border with Austria and Friuli Venezia Giulia. Here, the mountains retain their authentic charm — untouched landscapes, peaceful villages, and a slower pace of life, far from mass tourism. The heart of the valley is Padola, a welcoming town perfect for enjoying the mountains in every season.
Among the highest peaks in the area is Monte Popera, which rises above 3,000 meters and belongs to the Sesto Dolomites. The Croda dei Toni is one of the region’s most iconic mountains, known for its dramatic vertical walls that attract expert climbers. Monte Cavallino, which lies directly on the Austrian border, offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Monte Aiarnola is popular for trekking and snowshoeing in winter, while Monte Quaternà, of volcanic origin, stands out with its unique profile and panoramic views over the valley.
Reaching Val Comelico is easy, even though the valley remains a peaceful retreat, away from major tourist routes. If you’re arriving by car from Venezia or Treviso, take the A27 motorway to Ponte nelle Alpi, then continue towards Cortina and Santo Stefano di Cadore, from where Padola is easily accessible. From Verona or Bolzano, the best route is through Val Pusteria, passing Bressanone and San Candido, and then entering the valley via Passo Monte Croce Comelico. From Friuli, take the scenic road through Tolmezzo and Forni Avoltri.
Train travelers can reach Calalzo di Cadore, the nearest railway station with good connections to Venezia and Padova. From there, Dolomitibus buses connect to the main towns in the valley. There are also bus connections from Cortina and other Dolomite destinations.
For those flying in, the closest airports are Treviso and Venezia, both about three hours away. From there, you can rent a car or travel to Calalzo by train and continue by bus.
Val Comelico is made up of charming mountain villages, each with its own unique character and traditions. Comelico Superiore is the main municipality, including several hamlets, with Padola being the best known. One of the valley’s gems is Lago di Santa Anna, a small lake surrounded by forest, perfect for a peaceful walk. Nearby is the Santuario di Santa Anna, an ancient and beloved sanctuary for locals.
Padola is the main tourist hub of Val Comelico. In winter, it’s famous for its ski resort connected to Dolomiti Superski, ideal for skiers and snowboarders. In summer, it becomes a gateway to numerous hiking trails. After a day of activity, visitors can relax at the Terme di Valgrande, a small wellness center with natural hot water.
Dosoledo is known for its Ladino Carnival, a traditional celebration featuring handmade wooden masks and folk costumes. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and learn about ancient Comelico customs.
Santo Stefano di Cadore is the administrative center of the valley and a key point of reference for visitors. It’s home to the Museo Algudnei, a museum dedicated to Ladin culture and the history of Val Comelico, showcasing everyday life, local crafts, and ancient traditions.
Candide is a small village that preserves the charm of old stone and wooden houses. Its main attraction is the Chiesa di San Nicolò, an alpine architectural gem with 16th-century frescoes and a beautiful baroque altar.
Costalta is a true treasure of Val Comelico, famous for its perfectly preserved wooden houses. A walk through its streets feels like a journey back in time. The village is also home to the Via della Poesia, a poetic path among the homes featuring panels with verses from local poets and mountain life reflections.
Casamazzagno hosts the Museo della Cultura Alpina, a museum that tells the story of alpine life through historical objects, tools, and testimonies from the farming tradition — an ideal stop for those wanting to understand the valley’s heritage.
Though it is administratively part of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Sappada is historically and culturally linked to Val Comelico and is a must-visit. Its historic borgate (hamlets), with centuries-old wooden houses, are beautifully preserved. In winter, Sappada is also known for sleddog, an exciting dog sled experience for both kids and adults.
Summer in Val Comelico offers an authentic experience of nature, sports, culture, and the alpine flavors of the Eastern Dolomites. Trekking lovers can explore spectacular trails like the Anello delle Malghe or hike toward Monte Popera and Croda dei Toni. For easier outings, the walk to Rifugio Lunelli provides scenic views and traditional food. Malga Coltrondo, which is easily accessible, lets visitors discover the life of mountain herders and taste local cheeses. Mountain biking fans can enjoy the adrenaline of the Bike Park di Padola, while summer sleddog in Sappada offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Summer is also perfect for discovering local traditions, with events like the Festa dei Kneili (dedicated to canederli dumplings) and the Giornata del Fungo, celebrating mushrooms and forest produce. After a day outdoors, you can unwind at the Bagni di Valgrande, a wellness oasis surrounded by nature. Local cuisine is another excellent reason to extend your stay: in the valley’s huts, restaurants, and mountain dairies, you’ll find platters of cheeses and cured meats paired with the finest Venetian wines.
Autumn wraps Val Comelico in a golden atmosphere, as forests turn warm hues and the mountains prepare for winter. It’s the perfect season for hiking on the Monte Quaternà trails, foraging for mushrooms, or mountain biking through scenic backdrops.
Beyond outdoor adventures, the valley boasts a rich cultural heritage. The Museo Algudnei in Santo Stefano di Cadore explores Ladin history and culture, while the Museo della Cultura Alpina in Casamazzagno offers a deep dive into rural mountain life. In the historical villages, you’ll find centuries-old churches like the Chiesa di San Nicolò in Candide, decorated with ancient frescoes and alpine artwork.
Winter in Val Comelico is pure magic — snowy landscapes and a wide range of activities that blend nature, sport, and tradition. In Padola, the ski area linked to Dolomiti Superski offers scenic slopes for all levels. Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can glide along forested trails. For something different, try sleddog in Sappada, snowshoeing to Rifugio Berti, or thrilling snowboard descents.
Winter is also the season for Ladin traditions. The Carnevale Ladino of Dosoledo brings wooden masks and ancient rituals to life, while Christmas markets and the Festa della Befana fill the villages with music, crafts, and local flavors. The valley’s cultural side can be explored in the museums of Santo Stefano di Cadore and Casamazzagno, both rich in alpine history and heritage.
After a snowy day, relax is guaranteed at the Terme di Valgrande in Padola, with warm waters and wellness treatments. In mountain huts and restaurants, you’ll enjoy genuine dishes such as casunziei, gnocchi with smoked ricotta, and mountain cheeses — all paired with excellent local wines.
In spring, Val Comelico transforms into a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The trails wind through lush forests, blooming meadows, and breathtaking views of the Dolomites. Among the most captivating hikes is the route leading to Malga Aiarnola, offering an immersive experience in unspoiled nature. For history enthusiasts, the Vallon Popera Loop allows you to explore the trenches and tunnels of World War I, starting from Rifugio Berti.
Spring is also the ideal time to discover the local culture and traditions. The “Troi“, themed trails that cross the villages of Upper Comelico, tell the story of the valley’s life and customs through sculptures and installations. Additionally, events like the Festa d’Estate celebrate the start of the season with music, gastronomy, and outdoor activities. For cycling enthusiasts, routes such as the Giro del Comelico are suitable for all levels, passing through characteristic landscapes and villages.
