The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are among the most breathtaking mountain ranges in the world. With their dramatic peaks, lush valleys, and charming villages, they offer some of the most scenic drives you'll ever experience. Whether you’re an avid road tripper or a casual traveler, these 15 routes showcase the best the Dolomites have to offer.

1. Great Dolomites Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti)

Route: Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo

The Great Dolomites Road is the most famous route in the region, stretching from Bolzano to Cortina d'Ampezzo. This drive takes you through awe-inspiring landscapes, including the stunning Sella Pass and Pordoi Pass, offering panoramic views of the towering peaks and verdant valleys.

2. Sella Pass (Passo Sella)

Route: Val Gardena to Val di Fassa

Connecting Val Gardena and Val di Fassa, the Sella Pass is a must-drive for those seeking a close encounter with the iconic Sella Massif. The route is dotted with hairpin bends and steep climbs, rewarding drivers with mesmerizing views of the surrounding mountains.

3. Gardena Pass (Passo Gardena)

Route: Corvara to Selva di Val Gardena

This drive connects Val Gardena and Val Badia, winding its way through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Dolomites. The Gardena Pass is particularly popular with cyclists and photographers, offering breathtaking views at every turn.

4. Giau Pass (Passo Giau)

One of the most scenic and challenging drives in the Dolomites, the Giau Pass offers sweeping views of jagged peaks and rolling meadows. The road twists and turns through lush forests before opening up to reveal expansive vistas of the Dolomite landscape.

5. Falzarego Pass (Passo Falzarego) & Passo di Valparola

Route: Cortina d’Ampezzo to Val Badia

Falzarego Pass, located near Cortina d’Ampezzo, is a historic route that offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The pass is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and provides access to the Lagazuoi cable car, where you can enjoy even more stunning views from above.

6. Passo di Costalunga (Karerpass)

Route: Bolzano to Vigo di Fassa

This route passes by the stunning Lake Carezza, famous for its emerald-green waters. The drive offers views of the Latemar and Catinaccio massifs, and is especially beautiful in autumn when the larch trees turn golden.

7. Passo Rolle

Route: Predazzo to San Martino di Castrozza

Connecting San Martino di Castrozza with Predazzo, Passo Rolle is a high-altitude pass that offers incredible views of the Pale di San Martino range. The drive is particularly stunning in the late afternoon when the mountains are bathed in golden light.

8. Pordoi Pass (Passo Pordoi)

Route: Arabba to Canazei

Pordoi Pass is part of the Sella Ronda circuit, a popular route for both driving and cycling. The pass offers stunning views of the Marmolada Glacier and the Sella Group, making it a favorite among photographers and nature lovers. Known as the "Terrace of the Dolomites," this pass offers a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding peaks.

9. Val di Fassa to Val di Fiemme

Route: Moena to Cavalese

This scenic route connects two of the most beautiful valleys in the Dolomites, Val di Fassa and Val di Fiemme. The drive offers a mix of rugged mountain landscapes and peaceful meadows, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore along the way.

10. Val di Funes (Villnöss Valley) & Passo delle Erbe (Würzjoch)

Route: Brixen (Bressanone) to San Martino in Badia

Driving through Val di Funes is like stepping into a postcard. This serene valley is framed by the jagged peaks of the Odle/Geisler Group and is dotted with picturesque villages and churches, including the famous Church of St. Magdalena.

11. Passo Fedaia

Route: Canazei to Rocca Pietore

Passo Fedaia offers breathtaking views of the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites. The route winds alongside Lake Fedaia, a serene alpine reservoir, providing a stunning contrast of turquoise waters against the dramatic mountain backdrop.

12. Val Gardena to Alpe di Siusi

Route: Ortisei (St. Ulrich) to Compatsch (Compaccio)

This drive takes you from the heart of Val Gardena to the expansive Alpe di Siusi, the largest high-altitude alpine meadow in Europe. The route offers stunning views of the Dolomite peaks, rolling meadows, and traditional Tyrolean huts.

13. Cortina d'Ampezzo to Misurina

Route: Cortina d'Ampezzo to Lago di Misurina

This route offers beautiful views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks, including the iconic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, as you travel through the picturesque alpine landscape.

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13 Most Scenic Drives in the Dolomites Italy