Cortina d'Ampezzo

Cortina d'Ampezzo stands as Italy's crown jewel in the magnificent Dolomite mountains. This charming alpine town has been a playground for the wealthy and famous for decades, but don't let that fool you – it welcomes visitors from all walks of life with its warm Italian hospitality.

The town is surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Europe. The towering peaks of the Dolomites create a dramatic backdrop that changes color throughout the day, turning pink during the beautiful 'alpenglow' at sunset. Cortina hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956 and is set to co-host again in 2026, cementing its reputation as one of Italy's premier winter sports destinations.

Beyond winter sports, Cortina boasts a rich cultural heritage. The town center features beautiful bell towers and historic buildings that showcase its blend of Italian and Tyrolean influences. The area was once part of Austria, and this cultural mix is evident in the architecture, cuisine, and even the local Ladin language still spoken by some residents.

Year-round, the town's elegant pedestrian streets are lined with upscale boutiques, cozy cafés, and restaurants serving fantastic regional specialties. The food scene blends Italian classics with unique mountain dishes – expect to find excellent pasta alongside hearty venison stews and Alpine cheeses. Whether visiting for the slopes, the summer hiking, or simply to soak in the mountain atmosphere, Cortina delivers an authentic Italian Alps experience.