Holidays in Canazei

Perpetually watched over by the mighty Marmolada, Canazei is a springboard for some of the greatest hikes in the Dolomites, reeling in hikers and cyclists with a head for heights

Canazei (Cianacei in the local language of Ladin) is tucked amongst the sky-scraping peaks of Val di Fassa – including the Marmolada, the highest mountain in the Dolomites. Summer lifts winch hikers and cyclists up to the all-you-can-explore buffet of footpaths and mountain top via ferrata routes. Back in town, the pedestrian-friendly streets of Canazei make for a wonderful wander. Duck into inns and restaurants with elaborately carved wooden balconies and pick up souvenirs in farm and wine shops selling Ladin specialities unique to this once-isolated region.

Walking the Val di Fassa

Some of the most scenic footpaths in the Dolomites traverse Val di Fassa. Thankfully, having the fitness of a mountain goat isn’t always required. Sure, you can trek up Piz Boè, the highest mountain in the Sella group – or you can hop in the cable car to the top for walks without the calf ache. Lake Carezza is an hour’s bus ride away from Canazei – a fairy-tale lake that mirrors the spruce forests and mountains around. Take in its (often very popular) viewpoints before heading out into the more peaceful paths beyond.

Giro d’Italia cycling country

Cable cars and mountain trails lead the way to the Pordoi Pass, where viewpoints offer incredible views over the Dolomites; and the 28 hairpin bends of the Giro d’Italia far, far below. In this region, cyclists can tackle the challenging climbs of the cols, weave through forests on the valley floor, and dive into bike park trails. Many of the cable cars welcome bikes on board, transforming the Marmolada, Sella and Sassolungo mountains into cycling routes for almost every ability.

Ladin villages

Val di Fassa is one of the five Ladin valleys in northern Italy. Italian, German and English are all widely spoken here, but most townspeople name Ladin as their first language. Try “bun dé!” for hello and “giulan!” for thank you when exploring the more traditional mountain huts, bars and bakeries in town. These are the places to try Ladin specialities such as fig-filled cajoncie ravioli and Tyrolean pancakes piled with blueberry jam. Festivals materialise all summer long too, including the Gran Festa d’istà – when people from all five Ladin valleys get together to celebrate with music, food and dance.

Mountain adventures

From orienteering and e-biking to easy hikes with cable car access – the mountains around Canazei are a great playground for families. Just don’t forget the actual playgrounds, like Fassa Park’s trampolines, paddling pools and bike hire centre. Dòlaondes is the place for zooming down waterslides and swimming in pools with wrap-around views of the Dolomites; along with a spa treatment or two for the grown-ups.

Why book a summer holiday in Canazei with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time in your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of Canazei's best activities at your own pace.

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to Canazei include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team in resort can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

Inghams phone rep service

Flights and transfers included

  • from£1219pp
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  • 52 rooms
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Hotel La Perla is run by the friendly and welcoming Debertol family. It's in the centre of Canazei and close to the Belvedere lift. The hotel is a great choice - it's known for its authentic Tyrolean décor and spacious rooms. This property has been a firm favourite of guests since it first opened its doors in 2011. 

  • from£824pp
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    4 Rating

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  • 57 rooms
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This hotel has some of the most breath-taking views in all of Canazei. It's close to the centre of town and has its own wellness centre. It's geared up to ensure you have everything you need for a great holiday, especially you're planning to walk or cycle some of the mountain trails.

  • from£1139pp
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    3.5 Rating

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Hotel Cristallo has offered a high quality of service since 1901. It's just 150 metres from the town square and just a short walk from the Belvedere Gondola, making it the perfect base for exploring the mountains.

  • from£979pp
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  • 90 rooms
Hotel Dolomiti, Sauna

This distinctive Habsburg style of the Hotel Dolomiti is what make it one of the most popular places to stay in Canazei. Hand painted murals, eclectic furnishings and vaulted ceilings mean you'll be surrounded by history. It's in a great location just a five minute walk from the Belvedere Gondola. 

  • from£709pp
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Hotel Medil, Spa

Hotel Medil is in a great position close to the Col Rodella cable car, which opens up a huge range of walking and biking trails. With great spa facilities, hearty Tyrolean food and panoramic views of the Dolomites, it's a great choice for anyone looking for an active summer holiday. 

Things To Do

Things to see and do in the Canazei

Canazei's rich history dates back to World War One and you can learn all about the battles that took place with a visit to the Great War Museum. Take time to wonder round the cobbled streets too, there’s always something going on like music concerts and food & wine shows.

Jumping on the lifts is one of the best ways to get out and about. Many of them allow for bikes so you can explore the Sella, Marmolada and Sassolungo mountains by foot or on two wheels. Or just hop on the shuttle train and enjoy a sightseeing tour to Val Contrin.

Throughout the season there's plenty going on from international mountain running to the Ladin folk festival, where locals from all over the Dolomites come together to celebrate their culture. 

After exploring, we love heading for the Doloandes Wellness Centre. With both fun pools and relaxation areas, it's a great way for all the family to have some fun splashing about. 

Food & drink 

When on holiday in the Dolomites you have to try out one of the many mountain huts - they're perfect for lunch. You can expect traditional Ladin recipes with many of the ingredients being sourced locally. Visit as many as you can to try lots of different dishes and unique views of the Dolomites. 

There's plenty of places for a drink in Canizei but if you like your wine, visit the Valentini Wine & Speciality Shop. They've got a great selection and you can stock up on snacks like cheese and homemade strudel too.

Activities

There's loads of great walking near Canazei including the Strada die Russi (The Road of the Russians). It's a nice easy two hour walk and the perfect way to warm up the legs at the start of your holiday. Advanced walks  includes climbing up the Piz Boe, the highest mountain of the Sella group with an elevation of 3,152 meters.

Take a trip to the Dolomiti Action Adventure Park in Campitello di Fassa or the Adventure Park Piciocaa in Pozza di Fassa to learn or test your skills along aerial zip lines, Tibetan and Nepalese swinging bridges and suspended rope passages.

Cycling is massive in Canazei, with over 400 routes to explore. One of the most popular goes through the Fassa and Fiemme valleys and along the River Avisio. 

Resort card

Free Val Di Fassa card for all guests staying at hotels; La Perla, Cesa Tyrol, Cristallo and Dolomiti. 

The Val Di Fassa card will be given to you by your hotel on arrival and entitles you to: 

  • A reduced cost on the Panorama Pass which gives you access to the lifts open in summer as well as public transport services 
  • An introduction to climbing for children ages 7 - 14 years including lessons on using ropes and clamps 
  • Workshops for adults and children to learn about the Geology of the Dolomites 
  • Guided excursions to 'I Suoni delle Dolomiti' or 'The Sounds of the Dolomites' - fantastic open air concerts throughout the season 
  • Discounted entry to museums including the First World War exhibition in Moena and the Great War exhibition at Pordoi Pass
  • 5% discount on selected treatments at the Terme Dolomia Spa and 10% discount on entry to the QC Terme Dolomiti in Pozza di Fassa
  • And many others available locally 

*Please note the climbing workshops and open air concerts are subject to availability and to enroll, you must bring your Val di Fassa card to your nearest tourist office by 6.30pm the day before the event is due to take place. 

Good to know

  • Buy the Panorama Pass travel card for unlimited use of public buses and lifts open during the summer
  • Take the cable car to the peak of Sass Pordoi to experience stunning views from the “Terrace of the Dolomites”
  • This region in the Dolomites has its own language called Ladin - a mixture of Latin and Rhaetian. Although they also speak German and Italian, Ladin is the first language of the region and is still taught in schools
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