Day Tour - Cortina & Dolomites + Ebook

Located in the province of Belluno, Veneto, northern Italy, the Lago di Santa Croce is a semi-natural lake encompassing the communes of Alpago and Ponte nelle Alpi. At an elevation of 386 meters (1,266 feet), the lake has a surface area of 7.2 square kilometers (2.8 square miles) and an average depth of 33 meters (108 feet). The lake was naturally smaller until it was expanded with the construction of a dam in the 1930s. The Piave River serves as one of its outlets. The area’s consistent winds make it a popular destination for sailing, watersports, and kitesurfing enthusiasts.

Located in the province of Belluno, in the Veneto region of Italy, Pieve di Cadore is a municipality with about 3,833 inhabitants. It spans an area of 66 square kilometers, with a population density of 58 inhabitants per square kilometer. Pieve di Cadore borders Calalzo di Cadore, Cimolais (PN), Domegge di Cadore, Perarolo di Cadore, Valle di Cadore, and Vodo Cadore. The town is famous for being the birthplace of the celebrated Renaissance painter Titian (1490-1576).

In the Valle d'Ansei, part of the Auronzo di Cadore municipality, stretches Lake Auronzo for two kilometers. This shimmering body of water is celebrated for its clarity and popularity in the Veneto region. Situated in the Province of Belluno, Lake Auronzo is an artificial lake formed by a dam constructed in the 1930s, diverting the flow of the Ansei River. Standing 55 meters high, the dam was completed in 1932, creating a reservoir with a capacity of 6.25 million cubic meters of water. Near the dam lies a charming 16th-century chapel dedicated to St. Cristina, hence the lake is also known as Lake of Santa Cristina.

Every season is an opportunity to marvel at the lake's beauty and the breathtaking landscape that surrounds it. In summer, this corner of Belluno invites visitors to unwind and connect with nature. A well-marked cycle and pedestrian path nearly encircles the lake, offering ideal conditions for leisurely strolls, exhilarating mountain biking adventures, or peaceful horseback rides. This scenic route connects Auronzo to Misurina, another enchanting destination nestled near the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo and the Cadini di Misurina mountain group. The initial leg of the path is pleasantly straightforward, beginning in Auronzo and extending to Palùs San Marco: a fifteen-kilometer stretch that remains mostly level, making it accessible for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.

Cortina d'Ampezzo is an Italian municipality in the Veneto region, province of Belluno, with about 5,954 residents. Renowned as a popular ski resort, it covers an area of 254.51 km², with a population density of 23 inhabitants per km². Cortina d'Ampezzo shares borders with Auronzo di Cadore, Badia (BZ), Braies (BZ), Colle Santa Lucia, Dobbiaco (BZ), Livinallongo del Col di Lana, and Marebbe (BZ).