What to visit in Cortina d'Ampezzo, the Queen of the Dolomites, in 2026

A 10-point guide to visiting Cortina in 2026. The star of the last Winter Olympics, together with Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the most renowned mountain destinations in the world. An icon of ultra-luxury tourism a couple of hours from Venice, it balances a snobbish charm with Alpine nature. 

From mountain walks and sports to wine tastings, museums, and shopping, it remains a perennial top pick for high-altitude vacations year-round. Our itinerary, inspired by locals’ favourites, covers what to do, where to go and which experiences are unmissable. Have a look and explore Cortina like a local. 

Exploring historic sites, reaching panoramic mountain huts, and dining in traditional alpine huts are just a few of the experiences that make the Queen of the Dolomites special all year round, even for those who don’t ski.

Breathtaking landscapes, local traditions, and an exclusive lifestyle are at the heart of this Italian resort destination everyone is talking about in 2026.

After the Winter Olympics and ahead of the 2027 Alpine Ski World Cup, Cortina is set to shine even brighter.

Art, festivals, sporting events, and wellness experiences are all part of a diverse and rich tourist offering to discover year-round (even in autumn).

This itinerary will guide you through the must-visit spots and top local experiences for an unforgettable trip to Cortina.

Here’s a sneak peek at the best of Cortina d’Ampezzo for 2026:

. Reach the most scenic mountain hut and enjoy spectacular views of the Dolomites.

. Have lunch at a traditional malga.

. Discover one of the town’s most beloved local landmarks.

. Watch a vintage car rally unfold across snowy landscapes.

. Get passionate about short films.

. Admire spectacular bonfires on the eve of Ferragosto.

. Experience Cortina's dolce vita.

. Recharge in the serene silence of the mountains.

. Be swept away by the excitement of local events.

. Explore the most breathtaking landscapes with a special companion.

The town's main street, Corso Italia is Cortina's meeting place. The corso is the beating heart of the Queen of the Dolomites with its boutiques, luxury shops and the inimitable air of style and elegance that one breathes along the avenue.

In addition to the high fashion shops, Corso Italia offers the opportunity to buy local handicrafts, mountain equipment and typical local foodstuffs. There are also cafés, restaurants, bars and pastry shops where you can linger for a long time over a coffee and a hot chocolate.

One of Cortina's best-known sights, the Basilica dedicated to Saints Philip and James is located in the centre of town, just a few steps from Corso Italia.

The church was built between 1769 and 1775. Inside you can admire the fantastic paintings depicting the martyrdom of St James, the martyrdom of St Philip, and the expulsion of the merchants from the temple.

The building is embellished by the majestic bell tower of the Basilica, which has become the symbol of Cortina d'Ampezzo. It was erected in 1858 by the architect Silvestro Franceschi on the ashes of the old bell tower.

The tower houses six bells cast by the famous bell founder Grassmayr of Innsbruck. 

Traveling during the holiday season? On December 5, children are treated to gifts from Saint Nicholas on the church square. A magical local tradition not to be missed.

On the summit of Mount Lagazuoi, above the Falzarego Pass, is the Lagazuoi Refuge, the highest and most spectacular refuge in Cortina d'Ampezzo.

The refuge can be easily reached on foot or by cable car. The Lagazuoi Refuge offers bars, restaurants and numerous hospitality services such as beds and saunas. An ideal place for a rest at high altitudes.

The main attraction of the Refuge is the panoramic terrace overlooking a spectacular mountain landscape. From here it is possible to admire some of the most fabulous peaks in Italy, making the landscape of Cortina one of the most precious in the world.

From rustic alpine huts and mountain lodges to stylish wine bars and elegant hotels, Cortina’s food scene reflects a rich heritage shaped in part by the flavors of nearby Austrian Tyrol.

Cheese, meat and pasta are the stars and are served in generous portions, as is traditional in the mountains.

Among the specialities to be tasted are chenesi, breadcrumb balls filled with speck and cheese; pesariei, pieces of pasta cooked in salted milk; the typical Veneto polenta; broad bean and barley soup; pastìn, a meatball prepared with coarsely ground salami paste, garlic and various spices and cooked on the grill.

Cheeses are among the typical products of the Belluno Dolomites area, the best known of which are: Contrin, Fodòm, Renàz, Schiz, Tosela, Zumelle and Zigher. The names are difficult to pronounce but eating them will be very easy.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is not only about sport and glamour. The town nurtures a vibrant cultural life that spans art, history, and local traditions.

Essential stops include the Mario Rimoldi Museum of Modern Art, home to an important collection of 20th-century Italian masterpieces; the Rinaldo Zardini Paleontological Museum, which traces the geological history of the Dolomites; and the Ethnographic Museum of the Regole d’Ampezzo, guardian of Ladin heritage and community traditions.

. From February 21 to April 12, 2026, Mucciaccia Gallery will host Brain Thinking Models and Drawings by Jan Fabre, an exhibition featuring 25 works, including drawings and sculptures, exploring thought as living matter.

Each spring, Cortina hosts Cortinametraggio, Italy’s first and most important festival entirely dedicated to short films.

Founded in the 1990s, it has grown into a prestigious showcase for directors, actors, and rising stars of the big screen.

The festival brings screenings, premieres, evening events, and meet-the-author sessions to the heart of Cortina. The mountain setting becomes a dynamic meeting point for nature, entertainment, and creativity.

. Cortinametraggio is scheduled to take place from March 23 to 29, 2026.

Cortina just for skiing? Not quite. Between hotel spas and open-air wooden hot tubs overlooking the Dolomites, wellness takes center stage with rituals that evolve with the seasons.

Saunas, steam baths, and tailored treatments are complemented by sunrise yoga sessions and forest bathing, helping visitors restore balance between body and mind. Even in winter, you can soak in warm water beneath a crystal-clear Alpine sky.

In Cortina, the wellness offering extends from boutique hotels in the town center to high-altitude mountain huts.

 The experience to try: Yoga Nidra at Lake Ajal.

Alongside trekking trails and long days spent outdoors, Cortina d’Ampezzo features a summer calendar packed with events that reveal the most authentic soul of the Alpine valley.

With folk festivals, centuries-old traditions, and spectacular moments set against the backdrop of the Dolomites, it’s well worth staying a few extra days to experience it all up close.

. July 5, 2026 — Sagra di Cortina

The traditional town festival shines with market stalls, local food, and a cosy atmosphere that unites locals and visitors. The highlight is the friendly competition between the six sestieri (Alverà, Azzon, Cadin, Chiave, Cortina, and Zuel), who race, play tug-of-war, and take part in the classic log-cutting contest.

. July 16–19, 2026 — Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti

This iconic automotive event brings some of the most beautiful vintage cars ever made to Cortina. Participants race across the dramatic UNESCO-listed Dolomite passes.

. August 14, 2026 — Ferragosto Bonfires

At sunset, large bonfires light up the meadows of Cortina, while a fiery “M” ignites the Tofane peaks. It’s one of the most evocative and magical moments of the summer in the Alps.

. August 23–30, 2026 — Festa delle Bande

Marching bands from all over Italy and Europe fill the town centre with parades and outdoor concerts, celebrating a musical tradition that’s deeply part of the local community.

This timeless event captivates enthusiasts of unique and exclusive experiences in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Around 70 historic cars and supercars take part in the Cortina WinteRace, an exhilarating regularity rally that winds through the region's snow-covered landscapes.

Participants cover 450 kilometres over two stages, passing through picturesque Ladin villages, the Five Lakes itinerary, and the spectacular mountain passes of Falzarego, Valparola, Gardena, Campolongo, and Giau.

. The Cortina WinteRace is scheduled for March 19–21, 2026.

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a pet-friendly destination where you can enjoy the mountains alongside your four-legged best friends.

Besides hotels with special services, many mountain huts like Pomedes, Mietres, Col Gallina, and the Lagazuoi Terrace Bar offer water and treats for pets. Also, lifts such as Faloria, Averau 5 Torri, Tofana, the Ista chairlifts, and the Lagazuoi cable car let dogs ride safely, either for free or at a reduced price depending on their size.

Your furry friends can enjoy the natural beauty of the Dolomiti d’Ampezzo Nature Park, but remember to keep them on a leash to protect the local wildlife.