DOLOMITES PARK – GUIDE
The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are one of the most spectacular natural destinations in Italy. From Villa Clementina, some of the most famous areas can be visited on a day trip, with beautiful alpine lakes, panoramic mountain passes and easy walks surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
For a day trip, we especially recommend the area around Cortina d’Ampezzo, Misurina and the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
HOW TO GET TO THE DOLOMITES:
The best way to explore the Dolomites from Villa Clementina is by car.
We recommend leaving early in the morning, especially during the summer months and at weekends, when the most popular areas can be very busy.
Cortina d’Ampezzo is a good reference point for exploring the surrounding lakes, mountain passes and walking trails.
IMPORTANT: some mountain roads, car parks, cable cars and shuttle services are seasonal. Before leaving, always check the weather conditions, road openings and access information.
WHAT TO SEE IN THE DOLOMITES:
OPTION 1 – LAKE MISURINA & LAKE ANTORNO
The easiest option, also ideal for families.
Lake Misurina is one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites, surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountains in the area. On clear days, you can also enjoy views towards the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
You can take an easy walk around the lake, stop for lunch or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
From Misurina, we recommend continuing to the nearby Lake Antorno, a small alpine lake surrounded by nature and a beautiful place for photographs and a short walk.
Ideal for: families, children and anyone who prefers an easy day without demanding hikes.
OPTION 2 – TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO
The most iconic option.
The Tre Cime di Lavaredo are one of the most famous symbols of the Dolomites.
During the season, it is possible to reach the area around Rifugio Auronzo, the starting point for several panoramic hiking trails. Even from the refuge itself, you can enjoy spectacular views of Misurina, the Cadini, Cristallo and the surrounding mountains.
If you do not want to complete the entire circuit around the Tre Cime, you can simply walk part of the trail towards Forcella Lavaredo and then return along the same route. This is a more relaxed option for a day trip.
IMPORTANT: access to the Tre Cime is seasonal and regulated, and depending on the period, advance booking may be required. Always check the latest access information before your visit.
Ideal for: those who want to experience one of the most famous landscapes in the Dolomites and enjoy a real mountain walk.
OPTION 3 – PASSO GIAU & CINQUE TORRI
The most panoramic option.
Passo Giau is one of the most spectacular mountain passes in the Dolomites. It can be reached by car and offers incredible views without requiring a long hike.
It is therefore perfect for stopping to admire the scenery, take photographs and enjoy a short walk.
From this area, you can also see and explore the famous Cinque Torri, one of the most characteristic rock formations in the Dolomites.
There are longer hiking routes connecting Passo Giau, Cinque Torri and Rifugio Nuvolau, but these are more demanding and are not recommended as a standard day trip for inexperienced hikers.
Ideal for: couples, photography, panoramic views and short walks.
OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR A FIRST VISIT:
If you are visiting the Dolomites for the first time and only have one day, we recommend:
Leave Villa Clementina early → Cortina d’Ampezzo → Lake Misurina → Lake Antorno → Tre Cime di Lavaredo (if accessible) → return
This is a great combination of beautiful scenery, alpine lakes and some of the most famous mountains in the Dolomites without requiring a demanding hike.
For families with young children or anyone looking for a more relaxing day:
Cortina → Lake Misurina → Lake Antorno → short walk → lunch in the mountains → return
FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY HIKING:
The Dolomites offer countless trails, from easy walks to challenging high-altitude hikes.
For a day trip from Villa Clementina, we recommend choosing short or medium-length trails and avoiding technical mountain routes unless you have the appropriate experience and equipment.
Mountain conditions can change quickly, even in summer. Suitable footwear, water, layered clothing and checking the weather forecast before setting off are always recommended.
NOTES:
- Leave early in the morning, especially in July and August.
- Always check the mountain weather forecast before leaving.
- Comfortable shoes are essential; hiking shoes are recommended for mountain trails.
- Even in summer, bring a jacket or warm layer.
- Some mountain roads, car parks, refuges and cable cars are seasonal.
- Access to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo may be regulated and may require advance booking.
- For families with young children, we especially recommend Lake Misurina and Lake Antorno.
- You do not need to complete a long hike to enjoy the Dolomites: many beautiful viewpoints can be reached with short and easy walks.
For updated information about Cortina, Misurina and hiking in the area: