Cortina d’ Ampezzo Italian Dolomites
Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of those places that makes you realize Italy does mountains very differently and very, very well. Set in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, this alpine town blends dramatic peaks with Italian charm, incredible food, and a deep-rooted hiking culture that feels both social and sacred.
One of the best parts of hiking here is the rifugio culture. Scattered throughout the mountains, rifugi are high-altitude mountain huts where hikers stop to rest, refuel, and soak it all in. They’re not just snack stops, they’re gathering places. After tackling the steep climb up Nuvolau, we joined a mix of hikers, climbers, and locals for lunch at the top, all sharing long tables, cold drinks, laughter, and that unbeatable “we earned this” feeling. The views were unreal, the energy was contagious, and the food somehow tasted even better knowing it came after a serious uphill push.
We stayed in a tiny village called Villagrande which honestly felt like a movie set. Quiet streets, mountain backdrops in every direction, and the kind of cozy calm you don’t want to leave. And the pasta? Life-changing. Simple, fresh, and hands-down the best I’ve ever had.
We barely scratched the surface of Cortina and the Dolomites, exploring only a small pocket of this magical region. It’s the kind of place that pulls you back the moment you leave. Next time, I’m doing it right, slowing down, hiking more trails, lingering longer at rifugi, and staying for weeks instead of days.
