Where to Stay in the Dolomites: Best Towns and Villages

The Dolomites are a stunning mountain region in Northern Italy, stretching across several towns. Planning a trip here can feel a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the best place to stay. If you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place!

In this article, I’ll break down the main areas of the Dolomites. I’ll also help you decide whether to stay in one spot or split your time to see more.

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Why Splitting Your Time Makes Sense

The Dolomites are split into two main areas: Val Gardena on the west side and Cortina d’Ampezzo on the east. The drive between them takes about two hours. If you’re staying more than a few days, it makes sense to split your time so you can fully explore each area.

The east side is home to highlights like Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Lago di Braies, Lago di Misurina, and Cinque Torri. On the west side, you’ll find Puez-Odle Nature Park, Alpe di Siusi, and Seceda. If you only have 1–3 days in the Dolomites, I recommend picking one area and exploring that side thoroughly.

On our trip, we spent 4 nights in Cortina and 3 nights in Val Gardena, which felt like the perfect amount of time to experience both areas without feeling rushed.

Cortina d’Ampezzo

The major town in the east side is Cortina d’Ampezzo. Its a pretty busy town with plenty of restaurants and hotels to choose from. Since it is a really popular city, it can get pretty busy. In 2025 they are doing a lot of construction to prepare for the 2026 winter Olympics, which added to the traffic.

Cortina is close to a lot of major hikes and has a good bus system, the Dolomiti Bus, that you can use to get around if you do not have a car. There are also quite a few cable cars that start from the town to take you to the surrounding mountains.

Lake Misurina

If you prefer a quieter stay, I recommend checking out the hotels around Lago di Misurina. We personally stayed in this area and loved it. While there aren’t as many restaurants nearby, we had great meals at Restaurant of Dolomiti Des Alpes and Pizzeria Edelweiss. Another bonus: you can easily walk to the Dolomiti Bus stop. This bus takes you straight up to Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Val Gardena

Val Gardena is an area in the east, not a town. Usually people stay in one of these three main areas:

1. Ortisei – the largest and most popular base.
2. Santa Cristina – smaller and quieter.
3. Selva di Val Gardena – great for hiking and skiing access.

There are also smaller villages in Val Gardena, so you’re not limited to just the three main towns. One of the biggest perks of staying in this area is the public bus system. Most hotels and B&Bs participate in a program that gives guests free access to the buses. Just ask at check-in and they’ll either give you a physical pass or send you a digital one you can add to your mobile wallet.

Even though we had a car, we relied on the buses the entire time we were in Val Gardena. The roads are narrow and winding, so it was much easier to let the buses handle the driving. Plus, it saved us the hassle (and cost) of finding parking at the cable cars.

Ortisei

Ortisei is one of the largest towns in Val Gardena, with plenty of restaurants and hotel options. It’s also home to two key cable cars – one that goes up to Seceda and another that takes you directly to Alpe di Siusi. This makes staying in Ortisei especially convenient, since you can often walk from your hotel straight to the lifts.

Santa Cristina

Santa Cristina is a smaller, quieter village in Val Gardena. Its perfect if you want a more relaxed atmosphere without being far from the action. It’s centrally located between Ortisei and Selva, making it a convenient base for exploring both sides of the valley. While the town itself has fewer restaurants and hotels than Ortisei, you’ll still find cozy places to stay and eat. Santa Cristina also offers access to cable cars and hiking trails, but with a calmer, less crowded vibe.

Selva di Val Gardena

Selva di Val Gardena is where we personally stayed, and it turned out to be a very charming town. It has a good mix of shops and restaurants, but still feels quieter compared to Ortisei. From town, you also have easy access to two major cable cars: Dantercepies and the Ciampinoi cable car.

The Dantercepies takes you right up into the heart of the Dolomiti Superski area, and the Ciampinoi cable car goes straight to the Sassolungo range. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a peaceful base with everything you need close by. Plus it gives you direct access to some of the best hikes and views in the region.

Tips for Planning Your Stay

1. Deciding How Long to Stay in Each Spot

If hiking is your main goal, plan at least 2–3 nights in a single area so you can fully explore the trails without feeling rushed. Towns like Ortisei, Selva, or Cortina are great bases for summer hiking. Not sure what trails to hike in the Dolomites? Check out this article for my top recommendation!

If you’re there for skiing, staying 4–5 nights in one ski resort town gives you time to enjoy the slopes and nearby towns after skiing.

Moving around every night can get tiring, so try to cluster your activities and pick accommodations accordingly.

2. Transportation tips: Car vs. Public Transport

A rental car gives you the most freedom, especially if you want to see multiple areas or remote trailheads. Driving also makes it easier to carry luggage and gear.

That said, public transport is very good in the Dolomites. Buses connect most towns and lift stations, and in peak seasons they run frequently. If you’re only visiting one town and don’t want to deal with mountain roads or parking, public transport works well. If you’re covering more ground, a car is the easiest option.

3. Seasonal Considerations: Hiking vs. Skiing

Summer (June–September) is all about hiking, climbing, and enjoying alpine lakes, while winter (December–March) is peak ski season. Summer is warmer and easier for driving mountain passes, but also busier, so book early.

If you’re thinking about visiting in September (like we did), check out this article to so you know exactly what to expect during this month.

Winter stays tend to center around ski resorts like Val Gardena or Alta Badia, and accommodations may include ski-in/ski-out chalets or hotels near lift stations. Shoulder seasons (spring and late fall) are quieter, but some lifts, hotels, and restaurants may be closed, so check ahead.

Where to Stay in the Dolomites

The Dolomites are pretty spread out, with so much to see and do that planning your time wisely is key. Splitting your stay between a couple of regions lets you take in more of what this incredible area has to offer.