This road in the Dolomites will take you through breathtaking landscapes

route-nationale-48-dolomites

Standing proudly with its sharp peaks and breathtaking scenery, the Dolomites are a destination at odds with the expected Italian decor, but these mountains reveal a different face of North Italy. And this is the perfect road to take to make the most of these most beautiful massifs and verdant valleys.

Located in the north-east of Italy, the Dolomites are a great way to see Italy in a different light, to enjoy some absolutely extraordinary mountain scenery and to explore it in many interesting ways. At any rate, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an exceptional natural beauty and geological importance, and you will not be disappointed with the experience.

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What is the most exceptional road to explore in the Dolomites?

Well served by roads and public transport, the Dolomites are within easy reach of cities such as Venice, Verona and Innsbruck. However, we advise you drive carefully, especially in winter, as like with any mountain road, the path can be winding and narrow,.

Perhaps the most beautiful - and perhaps the most famous - road in the Dolomites is the Grande Strada delle Dolomiti (the Great Dolomites Road), also known in Italian as the Strada Statale 48 delle Dolomiti. This panoramic route runs through the heart of the Dolomites, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Highlights of theGreat Dolomites Road:

• Cortina d'Ampezzo: the famous ski resort, mentioned above, is an excellent starting point to travel this route.
• Falzarego Pass: an impressive mountain pass rising to an altitude of 2,105 metres, with panoramic views and plenty of opportunities for hiking.
• Val di Fassa: one of the main valleys in the Dolomites, surrounded by iconic peaks such as Sassolungo and Marmolada, the Dolomites' highest peak at 3,343 m.
• Pordoi Pass: another spectacular pass with particularly photogenic views.
• Val Gardena: a high Alpine valley dotted with charming mountain villages such as Ortisei, Santa Cristina Valgardena and Selva di Val Gardena.
• Sella Pass: this mountain pass links the Val Gardena and the Val di Fassa, with gorgeous views of the imposing Sella group, a mountain range rising to an altitude of 3,152 metres.
• Canazei: a typical Alpine village and an ideal base camp from which to go exploring the Dolomites.

What to do in the Dolomites?

There are many ways to discover - or rediscover - the Dolomites, and you can always happen upon surprising and uniquely rich places to explore.

Hiking, of course, with hundreds of signposted trails for all levels, from short walks to multi-day treks, but also cycling and climbing - the whole area is a climber's paradise with numerous climbing routes and Via Ferrata courses, which are mountain paths equipped with cables, iron rungs and bridges.

The Dolomites are home to a great variety of flora and fauna, with many endemic species. To appreciate this natural environement more closely, the best thing to do is to venture into one of the region's nature parks which protect these unique ecosystems, such as the Parco Naturale Paneveggio - Pale di San Martino.

In winter, the Dolomites also become a world-famous ski area, with resorts such as Cortina d'Ampezzo and Val Gardena. Ortisei, Canazei and Cortina d'Ampezzo are also worth a visit. There, you can sample local dishes with Italian and Austrian influences, such as canederli - bread dumplings in a broth - and strudel.

After a day of spent running around outdoors, you can relax in one of the Dolomites' spas, such as Pozza di Fassa, QC Terme Dolomiti, or Spa Dolomiti in San Martino di Castrozza. Another relaxing option is the 1500 m² spa at the 4-star Brunet The Dolomites Resort hotel in Tonadico.