Make a self catering villa in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy your home away from home

Cortina d’Ampezzo is a popular resort and one of the most elegant Tyrolean villages on the northeastern border between Italy and Austria. Set in an alpine valley in the centre of the spectacular Dolomites, the village has a history which dates back over a thousand years and has 7000 local residents and many more visitors. It is popular for its lively atmosphere, winter sports, fashionable designer shops and excellent cuisine. Choose a self catering villa in this delightful town and enjoy all the area has to offer at any time of year.

Things to do in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Cortina is best known for its skiing and of course the après ski fun too. Get out on one of the nearby ski slopes; if necessary enroll for lessons with a tutor and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Founded in 1893, the Cooperative di Cortina was one of the first cooperatives in Italy and it still flourishes today. This shopping centre houses news vendors, confectioners, toys and gift shops, ski stores and even a blacksmith.

The Piazza Venezia is the centre of several important buildings, including the Ciasa de ra Regoles. Once one of the most important buildings in the area for the local council, it is now used by Cortina’s Ski School.

Enjoy walking around the area from your self catering villa at any time of year. Explore the woods looking for mushrooms. Mountain paths will take you past waterfalls and beautiful views, or take a cycle ride along the nearby old railway line. There is always plenty of flora and fauna to enjoy and beautiful scenery to photograph whatever time of year you visit.

Places to visit near Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Venice is 162km south of Cortina, and well worth a day trip. It takes about 2 hours to drive there. You need a guide book to make the most of all the historic and world famous attractions such as St Mark’s Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. Take a water taxi or a more expensive gondola to get around the 150 canals of this beautiful “City of Water”.

Belluno is a delightful town on the Piave River, surrounded by mountains. This pre-Roman settlement has some beautiful buildings around the Piazza del Duomo. The 16th century Cathedral, or Duomo, is lovely, along with the bell tower or campanile which has some great views from the top. The Chiesa de Santo Stefano is another church well worth visiting, along with the Palazzo dei Rettori and the grand Palazzo dei Vescovi. Look for the 15th century fountain in the nearby Piazza del Mercato too.

Weather in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

Known for its winter sports and skiing, Cortina d’Ampezzo has an alpine climate.

Although temperatures drop below freezing in the winter when this area is popular for skiing, from May to October the days are sunny and warm. Average temperatures are from 22-28C (71-83F) during the summer. Expect rain and snow in the winter, along with cold temperatures and wind.

Flights to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

The area around Venice is well served by a number of airports. Bolzano airport is 112km from your villa, whilst Venice Marco Polo airport (VCE) is 157km and Verona is 200km away. There are plenty of cheap airlines serving all these airports daily.