Holidays in Canazei

Perpetually watched over by the mighty Marmolada, Canazei is a springboard for some of the greatest walking in the Dolomites, reeling in walkers 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 onto the more family-friendly, 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.

Culture in Canazei: 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 the family favourite 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. The festivals are great for all age groups and a fantastic opportunity to get to know the local culture.

Summer mountain adventures for families

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.

Plus, we've included two optional guided walks every week in Canazei. Join a professional mountain guide and really get to know the area (see more details in the ‘walking’ tab below).

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 Guided Walks included from 09 Jun - 22 Sep (subject to availability)

Inghams phone rep service

Flights and Transfers included

Val Di Fassa card included for guests staying at selected hotels: includes discounts on tourist office walks and activities and free use of Trentino bus network

Walking in and around Canazei

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Make each day a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking in Canazei

With it's diverse landscape and thousands of kilometres of mountain nature to explore Canazei is the most unbelievable place for walking lovers. The Val di Fassa is full of walks for all abilities, so a great choice for families looking to get the children outdoors. From more intense uphill climbs to flatter walks on the plateau there are so many walking trails to be discovered!

Guided walks

Don't forget, you have the option to join two included Inghams guided walks per week, with a local, professional guide. Get to know our favourite walking trails with insider knowledge and the company of Inghams guests. Pre-booking is essential - check out the Guided Walks section below for more information.

Getting Around Canazei

Buses

Buses are free to use in the area with your Val di Fassa card (see the Cards & Passes tab for more information), so they're an affordable way to travel to different walking locations and nearby towns.

Lifts

For getting up to some of the best walking areas around, the lifts are indispensable. Most lifts are open from approx. mid-June to mid-September, for more detail on the lifts and their opening times visit the Val di Fassa website.

If you're planning on exploring the area from high up, we'd recommend purchasing the Panorama Pass for your holiday which gives you access to 32 lifts in the Val di Fassa area - you'll be spoilt for choice (and views)! For more information on the Panorama Pass visit the Cards & Passes tab.

Inghams Guided Walks in Canazei

Inghams guided walks are included on your holiday in Canazei

We’ve included two full-day walks per week in Canazei, just for Inghams guests. Join a small group and be led by a professional guide on some of their favourite trails. It’s a great way to get to know the area.

The the walks will run every Monday (Moderate-Challenging) and Friday (Easy-Moderate) from 10 Jun - 20 Sep 24. You can add the walks onto your holiday at the time of booking, through My Booking or by calling us.

Marmolada Glacier & Lake Fedaia

Discover the hidden source of the Marmolada glacier 'Le Marmitte'. This circular walk starts at Pian Trevisan and follows a trail all the way to Lake Fedaia where you'll stop for a delicious lunch. You'll then head back down the valley all the way back to the start of the walk.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Walking time: Full Day (from 8.15am- approx. 4pm)
  • Ascent/descent: 600m
  • Terrain: Rocky Paths, wooded paths
  • Useful Information: During the walk you'll have the option to have some lunch in a mountain rifugio (payable locally). At the end of the walk you'll have the option to head back from Passo Fedaia on the bus, instead of ascending on foot.

This walk will run on Mondays: 10th, 24th Jun, 8th, 22nd Jul, 5th, 19th Aug, 2nd,16th Sep

Pordoi: Terrace of the Dolomites

Using a mixture of panoramic cable cars and walking you'll head up to the famous Terrace of the Dolomites, where the views are completely breathtaking! From here you'll take a panoramic walk to the Passo Pordoi and you'll walk through the Belvedere area, an ideal place for a picnic lunch or to grab a bite in a local rifugio. Before heading back down to Alba di Canazei and eventually Canazei in the Dolèda cable car.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Walking time: Full Day (from 8.15am- approx. 4pm)
  • Ascent/descent: 300m (ascent) & 400m (descent)
  • Terrain: Rocky paths, grassy terrain
  • Useful Information: You'll meet your guide at the bus stop near Hotel Ciasel, Canazei where you'll take the bus towards the starting point of the walk. There are two lifts used on the walk, the Sass Pordoi lift (approx. €27, return, payable locally) and the Doleda lift (one way, payable locally). You'll also have the option to have lunch in a mountain rifugio (payable locally).

This walk will run on Fridays: 14th, 28th Jun, 12th, 26th Jul, 9th, 23rd Aug, 6th, 20th Sep

Ciampac Crest Panoramic Crossing

Heading up into the mountains via bus and cable car the walk will start at Buffaure and head along a stunning high-altitude crossing. You'll then head to the Ciampac Basin and descend back down the valley to the village of Alba di Canazei, where the walk finishes.

  • Grade: Moderate-Challenging (a good fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Walking time: Full Day (from 8.30am- approx. 4pm)
  • Ascent/descent: 400m (ascent) & 200m (descent)
  • Terrain: Wide rocky ridge paths
  • Useful Information: Meeting at the bus stop in Canazei's Piazza Marconi you'll start by taking the bus and the Buffaure lift (one way, payable locally) up to the starting point of the walk. Along the walk you'll also have the option to have lunch in a mountain rifugio (payable locally).

This walk will run on Mondays: 17th Jun, 1st, 15th, 29th Jul, 12th, 26th Aug, 9th Sep

Sella Waterfalls and Forest Walk

This fantastic walk takes you to the Sella waterfalls and their natural pools, real gems of the area! You'll head from Pecol all the way to Val Lasties where you'll see it's famous waterfalls. Heading back to Canazei you'll pass two more waterfalls along a beautiful and tranquil route.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level and sure-footedness is required)
  • Walking time: Full Day (from 8.30am- approx. 4pm)
  • Ascent/descent: 400m (ascent) & 500m (descent)
  • Terrain: Wooded paths, grassy terrain
  • Useful Information: During the walk you'll head up to Pecol in the Pecol lift (approx. €8, one way payable locally). You'll stop along the walk to have your lunch in the open air, so make sure you bring along a packed lunch, snacks and plenty of water.

This walk will run on Fridays: 21st Jun, 5th, 19th Jul, 2nd, 16th, 30th Aug, 13th Sep

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun-cream, sun glasses, rain jacket, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Early booking is strongly recommended as spaces are limited. All walks are subject to availability of local guides, weather conditions and maximum numbers. Planned routes are subject to change. Any distances and ascents/descents stated are approximate. Full details of the walks with the meeting points and routes will be provided to you on arrival. In some instances there may be a small charge for local transport that is payable locally. In resorts where the walks run over more than two days, the day of the walk will be allocated to you by your Rep in your welcome meeting. Where we cannot confirm your preferred option in resort, we will endeavour to offer an alternative subject to the above conditions.

Please ensure you are comfortable with the grade of walk, planned distance covered and terrain before booking. The decision of the guide on the suitability of the walk for you is final and no compensation will be paid where the guide believes, in their professional opinion, that it is not suitable. Please ensure you are well-equipped for the walk have suitable clothing and footwear. Walks are not recommended for guests under 12 years. Any guests under 18 years will need to be accompanied by an adult.

Our Favourite Walks in and Around Canazei

The Church of Santa Giuliana

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a decent fitness level is required)
  • Distance: 2.7km
  • Duration: approx. 1 hour 20 mins
  • Ascent/Descent: 135m
  • Useful Information: You can hop on the B101 bus from Canazei all the way to Vigo di Fassa where the walk begins, the bus journey takes around 15 mins

Head up to Vigo di Fassa and walk to the incredible medieval church of Santa Giuliana (the patron Saint of the valley), dating back to the early 13th Century! If you love history and art it's well worth looking inside the church which houses a couple of 15th Century frescoes and a 16th Century carved wooden altar. Just beneath the church there's a very poignant Austro-Hungarian war cemetery, making this a very peaceful area to visit. This isn't a long walk but there is a bit of a climb to get to the church, however it is still suitable for families and children. There are a few benches dotted through the larch forest that you'll walk through on this circular route, so ideal for having a little pit stop to take in the serene surroundings.

Moena to Soreda

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a good fitness level is required)
  • Distance: 6km
  • Duration: approx. 2 hours 15 mins
  • Ascent/Descent: Ascent - 395m  Descent- 268m
  • Useful Information: You can hop on the B101 bus from Canazei all the way to Moena Pezzè, just a short walk from where the walk begins, the bus journey takes around 35 mins.

Heading from Moena and passing by the towns of Soraga and Pianac ending in Soreda this beautiful walk is a great opportunity to take in the diverse landscapes around the Val di Fassa. From the jagged peaks of Larséch to lush meadows, with benches dotted along the route, perfect for taking a moment to sit and soak up the landscape around you. The end of the walk is downhill to Someda, which is just a short walk away from the starting point of the walk in Moena.

Lake Fedaia and Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a standard fitness level is required)
  • Distance: 5.4km
  • Duration: approx. 1hour 30 mins
  • Ascent/Descent: 53m
  • Useful Information: From Canazei it's about a 20 minute taxi ride to the staring point of the walk.

Starting the walk at the Rifugio Fedaia (why not grab a coffee if you're starting in the morning), walk alongside the stunning Lake Fedaia on this easy walk. Admire the peaceful waters of the Lake surrounded by mountain scenery and alpine trees. End the walk at the Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada all the way up at 2,057 metres, where you can enjoy views of the lake and relax with a spot of lunch or a cold drink.

San Pellegrino Pass

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate (a standard fitness level is required)
  • Distance: 6.9km
  • Duration: approx. 2 hours
  • Ascent/Descent: 94m
  • Useful Information: You can get to the starting point of the walk by taking the B101 bus to Moena and then changing onto the B123 bus to San Pellegrino Chiesetta. The journey takes just under 2 hours but it's a lovely area to explore if you want to get to know the area more. 

This family friendly walk is great for nature lovers. Starting at the San Pellegrino Pass you'll head along a relatively flat dirt track towards the Fuciade basin, an amphitheatre-like area which will make you feel completely immersed in nature. The walk has some fantastic plants and flowers en route, and is a popular area for botanists. Before heading back the way you came, stop at the Fuciade Refuge, where you can grab a drink or a snack.

 

Useful Information & Guidelines

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps

The Groden/Val Gardena Sella, Canazei Kompass map 616 (1:25 000) is useful if you want a paper map to use whilst exploring Canazei. This can be purchased online in advance of your trip.

Hiking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help them stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

  • Plan your route well and don't over-estimate yourself
  • Check the weather forecast
  • Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
  • Take all the recommended equipment
  • Make a note of emergency numbers:
    • Italian Emergency Services: 112
  • Don't leave the marked trails without a guide
  • Let nature stay wild by not picking flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
  • Always leave gates as you found them and don't climb over fences
  • Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

  • from£959pp
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  • 52 rooms
Hotel La Perla, Spa in the Dolomites

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, making it the ideal spot for walkers. This property has been a firm favourite of summer holiday makers since it first opened its doors in 2011. 

  • from£829pp
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  • 57 rooms
Hotel Cesa Tyrol (1)

Hotel Cesa Tyrol 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 if you're planning to go walking on some of the mountain trails.

  • from£909pp
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Hotel Cristallo, Canazei, Dolomite Mountains

Hotel Cristallo has offered a high quality service since 1901. It's just 150 metres from Canazei's town square and a short walk to the Belvedere Gondola, making it the perfect base for walking in the mountains on your summer holiday.

  • from£729pp
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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. 

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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. 

Val di Fassa Guest Card

The Val Di Fassa Guest Card is free for all guests staying at hotels; La Perla, Cesa Tyrol, Cristallo and Dolomiti. 

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

  • A 10% discount on the Panorama Pass (for more information see Panorama Pass tab below)
  • Free travel on local buses, regional trains and selected lifts.
  • Access to workshops, activities and excursions for adults and children
  • 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
  • Insurance cover for sporting accidents (applicable from 13 May-25 Jun & 9th Sep - 01 Nov. Between 26th Jun-8th Sep you can buy the policy at a 15% discount)

*Some workshops and open air concerts are subject to availability. To sign up, take your Val di Fassa card to your nearest tourist office by 6.30pm the day before the event is due to take place.

How to access the card?

Ask your hotel for the card and they will give you a physical version or you can download a mobile version on the Mio Trentino app. Each card has a QR code which will be scanned by any affiliated suppliers to verify validity.

How long is the card valid for?

The card is valid for a maximum of 20 consecutive days, starting on the day of arrival and ending on the day of departure.

Panorama Pass

Buy the Panorama Pass for free use of lifts in the Val di Fassa during the summer. This is a fantastic pass to have if you're planning on checking out those stunning Val di Fassa panoramas during your holiday- why not discover a new lift and panorama each day? Don't forget you get a 10% discount on this pass with your Val di Fassa card.

The Panorama Pass includes:

  • Access to all 32 lifts in the Val di Fassa area (children up to 8 years old go free) for 3,6 or 7 consecutive days
  • Discount on entry to the Dòlaondes aquatic center in Canazei

Where to buy the Panorama Pass 

  • On the Mio Trentino app
  • Online
  • At information offices in Canazei
Things To Do

Things to see and do in 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 are plenty of places for a drink in Canazei 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.

Family activities in Canazei

Family friendly walking

Canazei has plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, including lots of family friendly walks. If you're looking for an easier walk for younger children, the Aloch-Pozza route takes just 30 minutes with a spot to stop off and enjoy lunch, children can also enjoy spotting the wooden sculptures of Ladin legends along the way. Or, for an easier route which is slightly longer, check out the Vigo-Vallonga-Tamion-Vigo walk which is around 6.9 kilometres and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are some uphill points along the way but there's a playground and plenty of benches and tables for a pit stop or a picnic.

For families looking for a challenge, check out the Penia-Lorenx-Vera-Penia route which is a moderate walk. The walk takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, and is 5 kilometres. The walk is part of an educational trail where children can learn about the origins of water whilst crossing bridges, streams and meadows. 

Activities galore: family fun in the mountains

The Ladin Museum Fassa offers a modern and interactive museum, plus there are plenty of other museums in the area too. Head to Fora! - Escape Room Val di Fassa, if you're looking for a challenge (perfect for a rainy day, or a break from the sun). For another great rainy day activity, there's a bowling alley in Canazei town which can be enjoyed from the age of five and above.

Make sure you try out the sightseeing train which runs through the centre of Canazei. It's the perfect way to reach the villages between Campitello and Penia for a day of exploring. If you're looking for a more fast paced activity, then an afternoon spent biking is perfect. Mountain biking is plentiful in Canazei, and there are lots of family routes to choose from.

Aquapark Vidor

If days spent swimming and relaxing in a spa are more up your street, then 4,000m² of family fun awaits you at Aquapark Vidor, a family and wellness resort. There are indoor and outdoor pools, slides and more! Adults will enjoy the spas and beauty treatments available too.

Good to know

Walking Trails: 2240km of walking trails around Canazei

Terrain: Mountainous terrain, forested & wooded areas, valleys, rocky paths

Best time to go: June & September, when the temperatures are slightly cooler for walking

Best for: Activities, nature, families, challenging walks 

Fly into: Verona Airport (approx. 2 hours)

Fly from: London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle 

Transfer Time: approx. 2 hour 30 mins

Inghams Guided Walks included

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