Holidays in Canazei

Perpetually watched over by the mighty Marmolada, Canazei is a springboard for some of the greatest summer walking in the Dolomites, reeling in walkers with a head for heights

  • Soak up Dolomite mountain panoramas at the Belvedere Viewpoint
  • Savour local food specialities; from canederli to kaiserschmarrn
  • Explore famous Giro D'Italia cycling trails

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 in the Val di Fassa

Some of the most scenic footpaths in the Dolomites traverse the 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, in the summer, 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.

Summer activities: 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. In the summer, many of the cable cars welcome bikes on board, transforming the Marmolada, Sella and Sassolungo mountains into cycling routes for almost every ability. This is the ideal place to visit if active summer holidays are your cup of tea.

Culture in Canazei: exploring 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 best places to try culinary Ladin specialities such as fig-filled cajoncie ravioli and the family favourite kaisershmarrn; 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, drink and dance. The festivals are fun for all age groups and a fantastic opportunity to get to know the local culture on your holiday.

Summer mountain adventures for families

From orienteering and e-biking to easy walking 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 splashing about in swimming pools with wrap-around views of the Dolomites; along with a spa treatment or two for the grown-ups. We love cooling down in the waterparks on a hot summer's day.

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 10th Jun - 16th Sept (subject to availability)

All holidays include flights from the UK and transfers

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

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

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 walking 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 9th Jun-19th Sep 2025. 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: The meeting point for this walk is at the bus stop in Canazei's central Piazza Marconi. 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.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Mondays: 9th, 23rd Jun, 7th, 21st Jul, 4th, 18th Aug, 1st, 15th 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 (approx €25 one way, payable locally). You'll also have the option to have lunch in a mountain rifugio (payable locally).

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Fridays: 13th, 27th Jun, 11th, 25th Jul, 8th, 22nd Aug, 5th, 19th 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 (approx. €13 one way or €25 return, 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).

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Mondays: 16th, 30th Jun,
14th, 28th Jul, 11th, 25th Aug, 8th 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: The meeting point for this walk is at the bus stop in Canazei's central Piazza Marconi. 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.

Summer 2025- This walk will run on Fridays: 20th Jun, 4th, 18th Jul, 1st, 15th, 29th Aug, 12th, Sep

For every walk you will need: suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, sun-cream, insect repellent, 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

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.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate
  • 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

Moena to Soreda

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.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate
  • 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.

Lake Fedaia and Rifugio Castiglioni Marmolada

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.

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

San Pellegrino Pass

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 Rifugio, where you can grab a drink or a snack.

  • Grade: Easy-Moderate
  • 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. 

 

Useful Information & Guidelines

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, insect repellent, 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.

Walking 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.

Hotels in Canazei

  • from£1209pp
  • @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.

  • 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£789pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 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.

  • 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£1129pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3.5 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 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£989pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    3.5 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.

  • 90 rooms
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. 

  • from£719pp
  • @accommodation.PropertyRating

    4 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 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 summer 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 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 wander round the cobbled streets where there are usually events taking place throughout the summer months; enjoy music concerts, food & wine shows and folklore festivals, just to mention a few.

Jumping on the lifts is one of the best ways to explore the mountains. Many of them allow for bikes so you can spend your summer holiday exploring the Sella, Marmolada and Sassolungo mountains by foot or on two wheels. You could also hop on the shuttle train and enjoy a sightseeing tour to Val Contrin. After exploring the peaks and valleys of the Val di Fassa, we love heading for the Doloandes Wellness Centre. With pools and relaxation areas, it's a great place for the family to have some fun splashing about. 

Throughout the summer there's plenty of entertainment, from international mountain running to the Ladin folk festival, where locals from all over the Dolomites come together to celebrate their culture. 

Food & drink in Canazei

When on a summer holiday in the Dolomites you must visit one of the many mountain huts - they're perfect for a scenic lunch. You can expect traditional Ladin recipes with ingredients having been sourced locally. Visit as many as you can, stopping off as you walk through the mountains, and taste different Italian dishes whilst enjoying 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 foodie snacks such as cheese and homemade strudel.

Summer walking and cycling in Canazei

There's loads of great walking near Canazei including the Strada dei Russi (The Road of the Russians). It's an easy two hour walk and the perfect way to warm up the legs at the start of your summer holiday. If you're looking for a more challenging route, why not try climbing up the Piz Boe, the highest mountain in the Sella group with an elevation of 3,152 meters. If cycling is more your speed then Canazei is the ideal place to spend your holiday, with over 400 routes to explore. One of the most popular routes 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 sections along the way but there's a playground and plenty of benches and tables for a pit stop or a summer 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 around 5 kilometres long. 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 summer 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 faster paced activity on your summer holiday, then an afternoon spent biking is perfect. Mountain biking is plentiful in Canazei, and there are lots of family routes to choose from.

If your family loves a good activity course, then 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.

Enjoying 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. This is a great place to come if you want to cool off from the summer heat, there's nothing better or more refreshing than splashing about in the water!

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 to mid September. It can get hot in August but the high altitude walks are a great way to cool off

Best for: Activities, nature, families, challenging walks 

Fly into: Verona Airport (approx. 2 hours)

Fly from: Manchester, London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Stansted, East Midlands, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, Belfast

Transfer Time: approx. 3 hours from Verona. Please note transfers could take longer during peak summer months especially when arriving to Verona late afternoon. Or, approx. 1 hour from Bolzano by coach.

Resort Card: Val di Fassa Guest Card, applicable to selected hotels only

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

Inghams Guided Walks included

What We Say
What You say
  • ‘[Our holiday] was a wonderful experience and it would be extremely difficult to improve. [Hotel] La Perla in Canazei was an outstanding hotel… for [its] rooms, location and food. The staff looked after our party of 11 and nothing was too much trouble for them. [We] highly recommend it and Canazei [was] the best location we have been to in the last 12 years…’

    Inghams Customer, July 2024
Feefo badge