Three of Sara’s Favourite Walks Around Cortina: Forests, waterfalls and breathtaking views of the Doloites
There are many ways to experience Cortina. You can stroll through its elegant streets, enjoy its restaurants and discover its shops. Or you can simply put on your hiking boots and set off into nature.
Sara, who works at Villa Oretta, loves doing exactly that whenever she has some free time. She enjoys exploring Cortina and its surroundings, following quiet trails, discovering new views and finding those special places where the beauty of the Dolomites can be enjoyed at its own pace.
So we asked her to share three of her favourite walks — three different experiences for anyone who would like to discover a quieter, more authentic side of Cortina.
Rifugio Mietres – Walking through the larch forests
Our first stop is Rifugio Mietres, reached by a beautiful trail surrounded by larch trees.
In autumn, the forest becomes particularly enchanting, with its warm colours and soft light filtering through the trees. But this is a walk worth experiencing in every season, when the landscape changes its colours, scents and atmosphere.
What Sara loves most is the feeling of being completely immersed in the forest, with the mountains gradually revealing themselves along the way. And once you reach the refuge, there is time to stop, breathe and simply enjoy the view.
“Mietres is one of those places where you don’t need to hurry. I love walking among the larch trees and seeing how the forest changes throughout the year. It is a place I would happily return to in every season.”
The Fanes Waterfalls and Pian del Loa – The sound of nature
For the second excursion, Sara suggests heading towards the Fanes Waterfalls, combined with the beautiful loop around Pian del Loa.
Here, the landscape changes as you walk: peaceful woodland gives way to dramatic rock formations and the sound of running water becomes an ever-present companion.
And then come the waterfalls.
Their power and roar make the experience truly unforgettable, as the water plunges through the rocks and suddenly fills the entire landscape with its energy.
It is a walk that brings together everything we love about the Dolomites — forests, rock, water and that sense of being completely surrounded by nature.
“What I love about Fanes is the contrast. You walk through the quiet of the forest and then, little by little, you begin to hear the water. When you reach the waterfalls, the whole atmosphere changes. It is something you really have to experience.”
Lake of Limedes – With the Tofane in front of you
The last of Sara’s three choices is the lake of Limedes, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by the extraordinary scenery of the Dolomites.
The real reward here is the view: the Tofane rising majestically in front of you, creating a panorama that makes you want to stop and stay for a while.
This is perhaps the perfect place to slow down. To sit beside the lake, breathe the mountain air and simply watch the landscape change with the light.
“Lago di Limedes is one of my favourite places when I want to spend some time in nature. The view of the Tofane is incredible. Once you arrive, you just want to stop and enjoy it.”
Three walks, one beautiful way to experience Cortina
Mietres, the Fanes Waterfalls and the lake of Limedes each reveal a different side of the mountains: the colours of the forest, the energy of the water and the grandeur of the Tofane.
They are places Sara loves to explore in her free time, and she is happy to share them with the guests of Villa Oretta.