The Dolomites are one of those places that can make you feel like you have accidentally stepped into a postcard. Jagged limestone peaks rise dramatically above green alpine meadows, rifugios sit high on mountainsides, and every turn in the road seems to reveal another view that makes you stop and reach for your camera.
But there is one thing I learned when planning a Dolomites trip...where you stay matters!
The Dolomites aren't one compact destination. They stretch across a large area of northern Italy, and the mountain ranges, valleys and villages each have their own personality. If your goal is to hike, choosing the right home base can mean the difference between spending your day on the trail and spending your day driving to the trailhead.
Three places that stand out are Cortina d'Ampezzo, Ortisei, and San Candido. Each gives you access to a different side of the Dolomites, and each offers a slightly different experience.
If you're trying to decide where to stay in the Dolomites, here's how I would think about these three towns.
