Dominated by the Pale di San Martino, this valley is always thrilling: from trekking in the Paneveggio-Pale di San Martino Natural Park to the San Martino ski area.
The Valle di Primiero – San Martino di Castrozza is located in eastern Trentino, bordering Veneto, and is one of the most spectacular valleys in the Dolomites. Surrounded by ancient forests and postcard-perfect landscapes, it is the gateway to the Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino Natural Park, a protected area of extraordinary beauty. The valley’s iconic mountains are the Pale di San Martino, the largest Dolomite group with legendary peaks such as Cimon della Pala (3,184 m), Vezzana (3,192 m) and Sass Maor (2,812 m).
The Valle di Primiero – San Martino di Castrozza is located in eastern Trentino, bordering Veneto, and is one of the most spectacular valleys in the Dolomites. Surrounded by ancient forests and postcard-perfect landscapes, it is the gateway to the Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino Natural Park, a protected area of extraordinary beauty. The valley’s iconic mountains are the Pale di San Martino, the largest Dolomite group with legendary peaks such as Cimon della Pala (3,184 m), Vezzana (3,192 m) and Sass Maor (2,812 m).
Reaching Valle di Primiero and San Martino di Castrozza is easy. By car, you can conveniently arrive from Trento or Feltre via the SS50, a scenic road that passes through forests, alpine villages, and side valleys. Those coming from the A22 highway can exit at Trento Nord, while from the A27 it’s possible to exit at Belluno and continue towards Feltre–Primiero.
By train, the most convenient stations are Feltre (in Veneto) and Trento (in Trentino), from which regular buses depart for the valley. The Trentino Trasporti and Dolomitibus lines provide efficient service with stops in the main towns.
During the summer and winter seasons, direct long-distance bus connections, such as Flixbus, are also available, serving destinations like San Martino di Castrozza and Fiera di Primiero from various Italian and European cities. This makes the area easily accessible even without a car. In winter, a free or discounted skibus system connects hotels, campsites, parking areas and the main ski resorts in the area.
Valle di Primiero is a mosaic of villages, each with its own identity, collectively telling the story, culture and authentic atmosphere of this corner of Trentino. San Martino di Castrozza is the highest village in the valley, located at 1,450 meters above sea level and surrounded by the spectacular Pale di San Martino peaks. It’s the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts: a prime starting point for summer hikes and winter sports, it offers numerous ski lifts, scenic trails, via ferratas and ski slopes. The village has a lively spirit, with hotels, restaurants, après-ski venues, rental shops and ski schools. Here, you can experience a truly authentic alpine atmosphere—elegant yet welcoming—perfect for families, athletes and couples.
Fiera di Primiero is the commercial and cultural heart of the valley. Although small in size, it is a village full of life and history. Its cobbled streets are home to artisan shops, historic cafés, pastry shops and restaurants that showcase traditional Trentino cuisine. It’s the perfect base for exploring the surrounding villages and hosts events, markets and exhibitions throughout the year. With a conference center and close proximity to trails, parks and bike paths, it caters to all types of visitors.
Mezzano, listed among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, is famous for its “artistic woodpiles” and the Mezzano Romantica initiative—a journey through rural architecture, contemporary art and music.
Siror, with its frescoed houses, stone fountains and artisan workshops, is a place that preserves the timeless charm of the Alpine tradition.
Tonadico, one of the oldest settlements in the valley, tells the story of the area through its churches, historic palaces and picturesque views.
Canal San Bovo is the main center of the Valle del Vanoi, the most unspoiled and authentic area of the region. A starting point for hikes and outdoor activities, it is also home to the Great War Museum and the Paneveggio Park Visitor Center. Its hamlets—including Caoria, Prade, Cicona, Gobbera and Zortea—maintain a strong connection to farming traditions, making the village a perfect destination to experience the mountains in a genuine and sustainable way.
The surroundings of Primiero and San Martino di Castrozza offer a surprising variety of landscapes and activities. Among the most fascinating valleys to explore are Val Canali, Val Venegia and the Valle del Vanoi—each with its own spirit, colors and unique experiences to enjoy.
Val Canali is located within the Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino Nature Park. You can visit the mystical Villa Welsperg, the park’s headquarters and Rifugio Treviso, an ideal destination for a hike through greenery filled with larches, firs and Dolomite rocks.
To reach Val Venegia, you can start from Malga Venegia or Malga Juribello and follow easy trails to Baita Segantini, one of the most photographed viewpoints in Trentino. In summer, it’s perfect for walks, picnics and encounters with cows and marmots; in winter, it’s an excellent route for snowshoeing and ski mountaineering.
Valle del Vanoi is the greenest and quietest area, perfect for those who love slow tourism. Starting from Canal San Bovo, you can discover small hamlets, ancient mountain farms and museums that tell the story of rural life. Thematic trails, nature paths and events linked to traditions and biodiversity make it an authentic and still little-explored destination.
In summer, San Martino di Castrozza and Valle di Primeiro offer a wide variety of nature-filled experiences suitable for all ages and skill levels. Walking enthusiasts will find trails for every preference: from easy strolls to the picturesque Calaita Lake or the Colbricon Lakes at the foot of Passo Rolle, to more challenging routes like the via ferratas of Porton and Rosetta, which lead into the heart of the Pale di San Martino.
The panoramic mountain huts are an invitation to relax and explore: from Rifugio Rosetta, easily accessible by cable car, to Velo della Madonna and Rifugio Treviso, these are ideal spots to enjoy a meal at altitude surrounded by the Dolomites.
For families, there are plenty of engaging, child-friendly options, such as themed trails in the woods—like the Giant Fir Tree Trail—or the educational activities at Kinderland on the Tognola, making the mountains fun even for the little ones.
Cycling enthusiasts can explore the area on a mountain bike or e-bike, taking advantage of the equipped trails of the San Martino Bike Arena, the Dolomiti Bike Galaxy network and the scenic bike path that connects Fiera di Primiero to Mezzano.
Summer in Valle di Primiero is marked by traditional festivals that celebrate the valley’s history, cuisine and identity through food stalls, artisan markets and music. One of the most anticipated events is the Canederli Festival in Imer, which attracts visitors from all over Trentino every year. It’s a whole day dedicated to the region’s iconic dish, offered in many different variations.
Another unmissable event is the Sagra dei Carmeni e del Carmenin, which livens up the village of Mezzano—one of the most beautiful in Italy—during the summer. The heart of the festival is the distinctive Palio dei Musàti, a lively and entertaining donkey race that involves the valley’s communities in an atmosphere of joy and friendly competition.
In autumn, Valle di Primeiro and its surroundings are dressed in warm, embracing colors with the fall foliage. Among the most scenic routes are the Ancient Fruit Trail and the interpretive path “Intrecci del Tempo”, which combine natural beauty with rural heritage.
A unique experience is offered by the deer wildlife areas, where you can observe these animals in their natural habitat and, during the quietest moments, listen to the evocative roaring that accompanies the mating season.
For adventure lovers, autumn is also the perfect time to explore less-traveled routes like the Val di Scala Via Ferrata, an equipped trail immersed in the wild nature of the Valle del Vanoi.
The season is enriched by events linked to local traditions, such as the Desmontegada, a festival that celebrates the return of livestock from the mountain pastures with costume parades, folk songs and tastings of typical local products.
Winter in San Martino di Castrozza and Valle di Primiero means snow, fun and fairy-tale atmospheres. Alpine skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts will find a modern and well-equipped ski area, with over 60 km of Dolomiti Superski slopes stretching across the Tognola, Ces and Passo Rolle areas. The slopes, suitable for all skill levels, are served by efficient ski lifts and a snow-making system that ensures excellent conditions throughout the season.
Snowshoe hikes offer a charming way to explore the snow-covered nature quietly, along enchanting trails such as those in Val Venegia, Malga Juribello, or around Malga Ces. Winter days can continue with other activities like ice skating and sledding or tobogganing runs.
Great care is given to children, thanks to specialized ski schools, experienced instructors and well-equipped Kinderlands, where learning to ski becomes a safe and fun experience. Don’t miss the Nasse Park, the outdoor amusement park at the Pra’ delle Nasse ski school area.
After sports, it’s time to relax. Après-ski at the mountain huts and downtown venues offers music, mulled wine and warm atmospheres, while those seeking wellness can enjoy spas and wellness centers—perfect for rejuvenating between hikes and days on the slopes.
Between late November and December, the atmosphere becomes even more magical with the Christmas Markets of Siror—the oldest in Trentino—which brighten the villages with lights, scents and local crafts. During this time, you can also encounter the Krampus, folkloric figures who parade through the streets in one of the region’s most evocative traditions.
In spring, Valle di Primeiro and its villages awaken with colors, scents and new energy. The blooming meadows turn into a natural carpet dotted with crocuses, anemones and buttercups: it’s the perfect time to enjoy relaxing walks through the green expanses surrounding villages like Mezzano—recognized among The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy—Siror, and Tonadico.
Spring is also the season of traditional festivals and village fairs, such as the Spring Festival in Primiero, featuring flower markets, workshops for children, folk performances and tastings of local products.
Nature, still quiet but already awakening, offers unique experiences such as wildlife spotting. In the forests of the Paneveggio – Pale di San Martino Nature Park, including the Violin Forest on the border with the Val di Fiemme, with a bit of patience and respect, you can observe deer, roe deer, chamois and marmots peeking out among the clearings.
