Best Scenic Drives in the Dolomites

The Dolomite passes are some of Europe's greatest driving roads — hairpin after hairpin climbing through pale pinnacles, with a rifugio at the top of every pass. Here are the best.

Great Dolomites Road: Bolzano to Cortina

Must-DoIconic
110 kmDistance
3–4 hoursDuration
Jun–OctBest season

The SS241/SS48 over the Costalunga, Pordoi, and Falzarego passes — THE Dolomites drive. Start in Bolzano's vineyards, end in Cortina's elegance. Every pass brings a new world of towers and valleys.

Sella Ronda Loop

Must-Do
58 kmDistance
2–3 hoursDuration
Jun–OctBest season

Circle the Sella massif over four passes — Gardena (2,121m), Campolongo (1,875m), Pordoi (2,239m), and Sella (2,240m). The complete loop from any starting point. Clockwise gives you the sea side. Incredible from every angle.

Stelvio Pass (SS38)

IconicAdvanced
49 kmDistance
1.5–2 hoursDuration
Jun–OctBest season

Italy's ultimate driving road — 48 numbered hairpins to 2,758m. The Bormio side is the most dramatic ascent. Go at dawn for empty roads and clear skies. Usually opens late May.

Tre Cime/Misurina Circuit

Family
35 kmDistance
1.5 hoursDuration
Jun–OctBest season

From Cortina to Lago di Misurina (picture-postcard lake) then up the toll road (€30) to Rifugio Auronzo at the base of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The most accessible way to see the Dolomites' most iconic view.

Val di Funes to Seceda

Hidden Gem
20 kmDistance
45 minDuration
Jun–OctBest season

The road to Santa Maddalena in Val di Funes puts you in front of the Odle peaks — that Instagram photo of the white church with spires behind. Then take the Seceda cable car for the ridgeline walk. Magic.

💡 Pro tip: Early morning (before 9am) is the secret — the passes are empty, the light is soft, and the mountains glow pink. By 11am, tour buses arrive.
⚠️ Heads up: Most Dolomite passes close November–May/June. Stelvio and Gavia often don't open until late June. Check the pass status at provincia.bz.it.

Our pick

The Great Dolomites Road for a first visit — it covers the greatest hits. Add the Sella Ronda on day two for a deeper immersion.

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