We are finally going to the Dolomites, i am trying to book a b and b or an aparment but i want to know which village is best to stay in. We are going in the beginning of October for 4-5 days, coming in from Venice and out of Milan. We could have a car or not, have not decided yet since it looks like we can get there easily. So which village between Ortesei, Santa Chritina or Selva di Gardena is best with or without a car. I see that some places are close at that time, is this going to be a problem for restaurants and groceries? Also we are med level hikers any suggestions on hikes to do or any advice at all is welcome!
Posted by
Germany, Germany
813 posts
I can't say which city is really best, but we've stayed in Selva di Gardena for skiing. We ski-ed the Sella Ronda area, which you can hike on in Summer, not sure how it would be in October, you can check their website. While many touristy places will be closed, there will be enough restaurants open in the town, as some locals will still be around.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Canada
691 posts
Thanks for your reply, i will definetely look up that website!
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
I stayed at the Hotel Santner in June and loved it. It is located in the middle of the Alpe Di Siusi. Check out their website as well.
Posted by
NYC area
2912 posts
Hi Martine, We stayed in St. Christina at the Garni Ariston. Bus stop is just a few minutes walk away. The travel time between each of the 3 towns/villages is just 5 minutes or so, so there is no "bad" choice. http://www.garniariston.com We've been to the Dolomites a couple of times anywhere from early to late October and never had a problem with there not being enough restaurants, shops, etc. being open. October is our favorite month to travel to the Alps in general. If you happen to be there the 2nd Monday in October, Ortisei has a town wide, all day market, selling everything imagineabe plus music and beer/wine tents. We were there for it in Oct. '03. The Mont Seuc cable car in Ortisei runs to the Seiser Alm/Alpe di Siusi until late October. http://www.seiseralm-seilbahn.com/index.html Paul
Posted by
NYC area
2912 posts
Hi Martine, Is it "in from Venice and out from Milan" (as in your original post) OR in and out of Munich? As Lane stated, a car is not necessary, but is helpful, plus you'll get to drive some of the extremely scenic Dolomite Passes. The Gardena Pass (aka the Grödnerjoch/Passo di Gardena) is probably our favorite. The Sella is another favorite. Ok, they're all spectacuar http://www.alpineroads.com/dolomites.php#groedner Paul
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Canada
691 posts
Paul based on your experiences do you think we will need a car?
We will be coming in and out of Munich. Are the cable cars easy to get to by buses? Thanks for the info about the market in Ortesei, we will be there at that time. Right now i have three options of good apartments in all 3 towns, i will just have to pick the one i like best :)
Posted by
Mansfield, GA
850 posts
Martine, No you would not need one but I think it is an advantage to have one for convenience and in order to really explore the Dolomite region with control on when you wish to stop to appreciate the stunning scenery. If you enjoy photography there will be many places to pull over for some beautiful shots. Driving from Venice take the Dolomite road to Cortina d' Ampezzo and on to the area you decide to stay. It is a beautiful drive and I would definitely recommend a car.
Posted by
OP
Ottawa, Canada
691 posts
yes sorry, change of plan in and out of Munich now, we are really leaning towards the car, will debate between both options over the weekend.
Posted by
NYC area
2912 posts
Hi Martine, Just wanted to say the drive from Munich into the Dolomites is very straight forward and relatively easy. Figure somewhere around 3 to maybe 4 hours drive time. Paul