Canazei to Cortina d’Ampezzo

1. looks wrong, in order to drive through Gardena pass you need to drive Sella and Campolongo passes also - too long
2. glorious and classic itinerary ("grande strada delle Dolomiti")
3. It does not convince me; as nice as is Fedaia, Pordoi is more scenic. I am old enough to remember a time you drove through the Serrai di Sottoguda, an extremely narrow canyon, but now there is an easier route and Serrai are closed to cars. I also walked, as a child, the Viel dal Pan - a track from Pordoi down to Fedaia, extremely scenic but with a drop on the right side still in my mind.

Thanks very much lachera

I would add, try to get the time to stop at Falzarego pass and take the cable car, if working, to Lagazuoi. The area up there is almost lunar and was completely messed up by bombs in the 1st World War. When I say messed up, I mean, just for example, that Italians bore an elicoidal tunnel, corkscrew-like, still existing, loaded it with 35 tons of explosive and blew up the top of a mountain.

Great suggestion thank you

I’d highly suggest going from Canazei, over the Sella Pass, then the Gardena Pass. The Gardena branches off the Sella. Both passes have a cafe, rest stop amid amazing scenery along them. On the way to Cortina, via La Villa, stop at the Lagazuoi Cable Car trip. Quick to the top, right on the main road at the start of the Falzarego Pass. This drive can easily be done in a few hours. We’ve done it a few times.

Thanks very much Paul

I agree, the Lagazuoi area is almost lunar like, otherworldly. Between the Gardena Pass end in Colfosco, Alta Badia and getting to Cortina, this is basically at the mid point of the drive.

https://lagazuoi.it/index_en.php

Hi Neil,

All three options will treat you to spectacular scenery, as the Dolomites are stunning no matter which pass you choose. That said, each route offers a slightly different experience:

1. Via Passo Gardena to Arabba then Passo Falzarego:
   This route takes you through the heart of the Gardena Valley, offering beautiful vistas of the Sella group. It’s an excellent choice if you appreciate lush alpine meadows and dramatic rock faces, but it might be a touch longer and slightly more winding.

2. Via Passo Pordoi to Arabba then Passo Falzarego:
   Passo Pordoi is often considered one of the most iconic and panoramic Dolomite passes. The views over the Sella massif are truly unforgettable. The descent into Arabba and then up towards Passo Falzarego consistently provides picture-perfect landscapes. If you’re looking for a “classic Dolomites” feel, this might be your best bet.

   • Canazei (https://bestmountain.eu/en/trentino/fassa-valley/canazei/)
     
   • Passo Pordoi (https://bestmountain.eu/en/trentino/pordoi-pass/)
     
   • Arabba (https://bestmountain.eu/en/veneto/arabba/)
     
   • Cortina d’Ampezzo (https://bestmountain.eu/en/veneto/cortina-dampezzo/)

3. Via Passo Fedaia then Passo Falzarego:
   The Passo Fedaia route brings you close to the Marmolada (the highest peak in the Dolomites) and the striking Lake Fedaia. If you enjoy the interplay of water and mountains, this is a wonderful choice. The scenery is a bit different from Pordoi, with slightly fewer sweeping panoramas but more varied terrain and the lake as a highlight.

If I had to pick a personal favorite, I’d lean towards the Passo Pordoi route. It’s iconic, offers extraordinary viewpoints, and perfectly captures the essence of the Dolomites. You really can’t go wrong, but Pordoi tends to leave a lasting impression on most travelers.

Have a great trip!

Much appreciated thank you