Holidays in San Cassiano

Laid-back San Cassiano is full of surprises, from its mountain history to its traditional food and wine

The mountain village of San Cassiano lounges between the Lavarela and Conturines peaks of the Alta Badia – a lively ski region that transforms into a laid-back hikers’ haven in summer. Active folk pilgrimage here from all over the world to spend their days walking, cycling, rock climbing and practising yoga in the crystal-clear mountain air. Come evening, you don’t need to look further than the town centre, where restaurants range from no-nonsense trattorias to gourmet eateries. This is also where you’ll find the ski lift that whisks you up to the mountain plateau for an aperitivo with a view.

Introducing: San Cassiano

At barely a kilometre long from top to toe, it’s easy to get to know San Cassiano (or San Ćiascian, in the local language of Ladin). Its roads smooth out along the green valley floor, leading between timber inns and eateries. San Cassiano church seems to mirror the mountains around, with its limestone cap, snow-white walls and finery-filled insides. There’s a Wednesday market too – check out the salami and olive oil stalls – and the summertime concerts.

Larches, lakes and limestone peaks

For an easy walk, head for the Path of the Larches, which loops around the – you guessed it – larch forests just north of San Cassiano, passing by water mills and stone-walled farms. It’s an easy route to some spectacular views. The neighbouring Fanes-Senes-Braies Natural Park is also best seen from its footpaths. From here, you can walk to peaks and high mountain meadows, or you could do a more moderate walk to the mirrored waters of Lago Lagazuoi or the slab-like peaks of Brunecker Turm; both of which can be reached by cable car. Alternatively, swap boots for bikes on one of the many cycling routes.

Mountain food & wine

San Cassiano might be small, but the food scene is mighty. Farmhouse restaurants and trattorias cook up rich mountain dishes like spinach ravioli (cajincí te ega) and apple pancakes (pössl da pom). The bakeries and delis are the best place for a cappuccino and the Dolomites’ signature bomboloni alla crema doughnuts. Go in search of rare wines from small vineyards in the Tyrol and the delicious mountain food found in traditional rifugi (mountain huts). “Bun pro!”, as they say in Ladinia.

Ursus ladinicus: the bear bones

You never know what you might find while walking in the mountains around San Cassiano. In 1987, a local hiker exploring Conturines Cave made the headlines by stumbling across the remains of 12 prehistoric bears. The reconstructed skeletons are now at home in the Museum Ladin Ursus ladinicus in San Cassiano. Over three floors, discover how archaeologists pieced together this previously unknown species of cave bear, while learning more about the intriguing geography and geology of the Dolomites.

Why book a summer holiday in San Cassiano 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 San Cassiano's best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to San Cassiano 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

24/7 support & tailored advice from our local resort team

All holidays include flights from the UK and transfers

Free Guest Card allowing free use of most public buses and local trains in the Alta Badia region

  • from£1318pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

Hotel Diamant, Terrace and Mountain View

Hotel Diamant is a stunning family-run hotel with traditional alpine style, wonderful spa facilities and magnificent views of the surrounding Dolomites. It's in the centre of San Cassiano and the mountain lift can easily be reached using the hotel's free shuttle bus. This is a fantastic base for a walking holiday in stunning scenery.

  • from£1060pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

Casa Esterna Web

Hotel La Stua's a welcoming family run hotel, with a rustic Alpine atmosphere. If you want to be in the centre of resort with great access to gondolas and mountain walking areas, then this is the perfect hotel for you!

Dolomiti SuperSummer Card

The Dolomiti SuperSummer card is useful if you’re looking to really take advantage of the walking trails and use several ski lifts throughout the Dolomite area. It gives you access to 120 lifts in the region. The card can be purchased in resort; ask your resort representative for advice on the best version of the card to suit your needs. For more information visit the Dolomiti Supersummer official website.

The card includes access to:

120 lifts in the Dolomites area
Included bike transport on lifts

For a 3 day card the cost is:

€120 per adult
€84 for children under 16 years

For a 5 day card the cost is:

€160 per adult
€112 for children under 16 years

Concessions:

Children under 8 years can access the card for free if accompanied by an adult who has purchased the pass

Prices are accurate at the time of publishing, for up to date pricings visit the Dolomiti Supersummer official website.

Guest Card

When staying in any of our hotels in Corvara, Colfosco and La Villa you'll have access to a free Guest Card.

The Guest Card includes:

  • Free use of most public buses in the Alta Badia region (not applicable to the private Cortina Express bus)
  • Free use of most local trains in the Alta Badia region

For more information on the card and how to access it, please ask your local representative in resort.

Things to do in San Cassiano

Set beneath a dramatic mountain backdrop, you could easily spend a day meandering around the pedestrianised streets of San Cassiano taking pictures. Nearby is La Villa, a lovely place for lunch one day and while in the area, visit Castle Ciastel Colz and the old manor house. The 16th century building overlooks La Villa and is an impressive site. 

Swap the car for cable cars

Buttercup-yellow cable cars climb from San Cassiano and up into the mountains behind. From the top, you can wander alpine trails or search out a mountain hut for an Hugo (that’s elderflower syrup, mint and prosecco). From here, you can return to San Cassiano – or take the cable car to the neighbouring village of La Villa, with its 16th-century castle and famed slalom slopes. The cable car to Corvara is another great pick, especially if you fancy tasting some of the best gelato in the Alta Badia.

Food & drink 

There's a wide range of places to eat in San Cassiano, from farmhouse restaurants to fine dining. Traditional local recipes such as Schlutzkrapfen shouldn't be missed. Handmade ravioli filled with spinach is a simple but delicious favourite of ours. 

There's a few bars in resort but for a tipple with a view, head up the lifts and stop in one of the mountain huts. The South Tyrolean region makes a great selection of red and white wines as well as sparkling wines, so there’s plenty of choice when it comes to local labels to try.

Activities

There's loads of leisurely walks starting from San Cassiano. Head through meadows and along the scenic trails. For more challenging hikes, the Fanes-Senes-Brais Nature Park or the trails around Lago Lagazuoi are the places to go. Further afield the Sella Group is a stunning set of mountains that are well worth a visit. The views from Brunecker Turm are particularly good, so don't forget to take your camera.

Cycling is a great way to explore the area. Either take to the mountains or head over to neighbouring resort of Corvara for the day and enjoy a refreshing gelato.

Good to know

Walking trails: 400km of walking trails and easy access to other valleys and mountains in the Dolomites

Terrain: Varied terrain from mountain climbs to flat, grassy meadows

Best time to go: June to September 

Best for: All walking abilities, nature, activities, food & drink

Fly into: Venice or Verona (approx. 2 hours) 

Fly from: Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle

Transfer time: 3 hours from Venice, 3 hours, 30 mins from Verona

Resort Card: Free Guest Card allowing free use of most public buses and local trains in the Alta Badia region

24/7 Support and advice: In person or over the phone from our local resort team based in San Cassiano

Feefo badge