Are you looking for the prettiest villages in the Dolomites you can visit or stay in?
The series of Alpine mountains in Northern Italy boasts many beautiful spots and panoramic views with dramatic trails and mountain peaks to reach from easy to challenging levels of difficulty, each one seeming better than the other.
Covering a total area of 142,000 hectares spanning across 5 Italian provinces and 3 regions, the Dolomite Mountains have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009.
In the Dolomites there are many charming villages visitors shouldn’t miss checking out. Each one offers panoramic views, notable unique spots, fascinating places to stay in, and interesting activities to do besides simply relaxing and taking in the local sounds and colors. They are home to historical structures one must not miss exploring, documenting, and sharing.
Come and discover the best villages in the Dolomites to visit on your next adventure to this beautiful spot in the north of Italy.
- MUST-READ: 14 Best Summer Destinations in Italy
9 Prettiest Villages in the Dolomites
Let’s jump into some of the prettiest villages in the Dolomites to visit or stay in.
1. Santa Maddalena Village, Val di Funes (Trentino-South Tyrol)
A tiny village in Val di Funes with a few population of less than 400 people, Santa Maddalena Village is surrounded by picturesque natural beauty.
Despite the small size, this village is full of tourist attractions and activities such as hiking, skiing, and sightseeing. The Santa Maddalena Panoramic Trail, one of the best trails in the Dolomites, allows tourists to fully appreciate the beauty of the meadows, the forest, and farmsteads while hiking strolling around.
The historic Santa Maddalena Church situated at the meadow hilltop is one of the spots visitors should not miss checking out in the village. Pictures of the church and the Dolomites Odle/Geisler Peak as the captivating background will amaze your Instagram followers!
As for the food, Santa Maddalena has restaurants where you can partake in the fabulous local cuisine. You should try their prized local wines – St. Magdalener and Lagrein. The Alto Adige apples are also a must-eat in the area.
Will you be staying in Santa Maddalena? Book here! Also check out these guided tours of the village.
2. Ortisei Village, Val Gardena (Trentino-South Tyrol)
Truly one of the best villages in the Dolomites, Ortisei in the heart of Val Gardena is visited by many tourists. It is considered the main village, a perfect holiday destination with a wide variety of apartments, B&Bs, flats, guesthouses, and hotels to stay in. You can check out the best deals here.
Aside from many panoramic views of the Dolomite mountain range that can be seen in Ortisei, the village also has a slew of shops, cafés, and restaurants in its pedestrian zone.
Hiking is best in Ortisei in the summer season. During winter, visitors can enjoy skiing with various ski rentals to choose from.
From the village, tourists can take the cable cars in order to reach Rasciesa and Seceda mountains, as well as the largest alpine meadow plateau – Alpi di Siusi. Wood carving is famous in the village and is known internationally.
Drop by the exceptional Ortisei Parish Church, also known as St. Ulrich Parish Church, and its collection of different works of arts as decorations. One is the statue of St. Ulrich by Ludwig Moroder.
Tourism is in full bloom in Ortisei. The more or less 5,000 inhabitants certainly are at their best in accommodating the tourists that keep coming to their charming village. If you need a guided tour, click here to find out the one that suits you best.
3. Moena Village, Val di Fassa (Trentino-South Tyrol)
What could be the best way to get closer to the Dolomites than taking the “Fairy of the Dolomites” way?
Truly a place with a unique charm, Moena Village is easily one of the prettiest villages in the Dolomites. Aside from being the main entry point of Val di Fassa, the village is called the “Fairy of the Dolomites.” This is thanks to the peaks that surround it turning pink during sunrise and sunset.
Tourists will surely be captivated by four of the mountain peaks that can be viewed from the village – the Langofel, Latemar, Monzoni, and Rosengarten (Catenaccio). Modern ski venues are available in the village during winter. In summer, visitors can choose from hiking to mountain biking in Moena.
Cravings for food will never be a problem in the village as it has various food fests happening as well. Don’t forget to taste the wine in Moena which the village is most famous for.
The 1025 San Volfango Church and the 1164 San Virgilio Church in Moena are both must-visits as they showcase historical symbols of the village.
To book your accommodation, click here. Guided tours are also available, which you can view here.
4. Badia Village, Alta Badia (Trentino-South Tyrol)
Definitely one of the prettiest villages in the Dolomites, Badia is located in the southern part of the Val Badia Valley, near the borders of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Venetia. It is part of the six small villages making up the Alta Badia region in a sunny valley at the foot of the impressive Dolomites.
Known for preserving Ladin culture that goes way back to the Bronze Age, which makes it among the oldest in the Alps, any visitor will love how locals find ways to maintain the village – from language to customs and architecture. You should check out Museum Ladin Ursus to see many of these historical proofs. La Crusc/Santa Croce (Holy Cross), an idyllic little pilgrimage church in Badia, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the village and another must-visit.
For families spending holidays in Badia, summer would be best for leisurely strolls and hikes with a great variety of trails – from simple to challenging. During winter, the best thing to do is skiing, which the area is very popular for.
Thanks to the imposing mountain peaks, enchanting meadows, and dreamy alpine pastures, Badia has become one of the most popular holiday destinations in South Tyrol. It provides every visitor a memorably unique Dolomites experience.
Check out the best hotel deals in Badia here. For guided tours, click here.
5. Sottoguda Village, Val Petturina (Veneto)
Set at the foot of Dolomites’ highest peak, Marmolada, Sottoguda Village is one of the best villages you can visit in the Dolomites.
This magical alpine village aged with time does not only boast the scenic beauty of nature that brings tranquility and awesome experience to visitors, here you can also find but the tabièi or wooden barns typical of the Ladin tradition.
With its little streets and wooden houses, the unique beauty of Sottoguda is well-known all over Italy. In addition, its ancient history in terms of traditional wrought-iron works has been preserved by architects for centuries.
Various activities can be enjoyed in the summer, including hiking, strolling, and mountain climbing while taking shots of the picturesque surroundings. During winter, expect skiing, snowboarding, and winter walks to provide you with unforgettable experiences.
The church of the village is dedicated to two saints, San Fabiano and San Rocco, with its 16th-century bell that can be heard all over the village.
Whether you’re with family and friends or alone in the trip, Sottoguda should not be missed when you’re in visiting the Dolomites.
Click here for hotel rates and booking. If you’d like a guided tour, visit this page.
6. Compaccio Village, Alpe di Siusi (Trentino-South Tyrol)
Right at the foot of Alpe di Siusi lies one of the best villages in the Dolomites, Compaccio (Compatsch), located at the west end of the high-altitude pasture. It is the largest settlement and the location of Alpe di Siusi Cable Car, funiculars and other lifts, Castelrotto serves as the gateway to the vast alpine field.
A series of enchanting mountain huts make up the village. It is home to large alpine pastures and varieties of flowers.
The modern church Chiesa di San Francesco is one of the village’s attractions as its inside is as peaceful as the light shades of its color and its steeple is like a beak and the sides as wings of a dove, a symbol of peace. The three bells are dedicated to St. Francis, St. James, and the peasant saint Notburga.
Book a guided tour here. For accommodation, check out the best deals here.
7. Sesto/Sexten Village, Alta Val Pusteria (Trentino-South Tyrol)
Famous all year round, Sesto or Sexten Village is definitely one of the best villages to visit in the Dolomites. Sesto is known for various sports and activities – from skiing and sledging to hiking and mountain climbing. Whether you’re on a solo trip or traveling with family or friends, on holidays or weekends, summer or winter, Sesto has it all.
Foods from traditional to Italian cuisines are available in various restaurants. Sesto offers not only natural beauty and scenic views but history and culture as well. Witness the passing of time with the “Meridiana di Sesto,” a clock made by nature using the mountain peak irradiated by the sun.
You should not miss checking out the Parish Church of Saint Peter and Paul in Sesto. The village is also the gateway to the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
For accommodation choices, visit this page. Click here for guided tours.
8. Castelrotto / Kastelruth, Alpe di Siusi (Trentino-South Tyrol)
Known as Kastelruth in German, Castelrotto is a charming small village with a wide range of accommodations to choose from, cafés and restaurants, tons of dramatic hiking trails, and splendid views. The village has something for everyone, with lots of things to do and guided tours if you prefer.
Castelrotto is truly Germanic – from food to language, architecture, and other traditions. This gorgeous village is perched in a valley surrounded by mountains, with a little town square where you can find a beautiful church and bell tower as well as gorgeous buildings.
Castelrotto is one of the most famous villages in the Dolomites, one you shouldn’t miss when traveling in the area.
9. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Dolomiti Superski (Veneto)
This ski resort village is in the heart of the Dolomitic Alps, encompassing the Falzarego Pass. With its downhill runs, Cortina d’Ampezzo is a popular destination for walkers, climbers, and cyclists.
Cortina d’Ampezzo sits on the River Boite, in the heart of the Valle d’Ampezzo. This town is famous for its skiing trails, scenery, accommodation, shops, and après-ski scene. It is a favorite among jet-setters and Italy’s rich and famous.
One of the best-known villages in the Dolomites, Cortina d’Ampezzo boasts 140 ski runs and more than 50 miles of cross-country pistes. The village has been featured in various films, including the 1991 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only and the 1993 Sylvester Stallone-starred Cliffhanger.
Staying in Cortina d’Ampezzo is highly recommended! Check out hotel rates here. For guided tours, check out a wide array of options here.