Best First-Timer Bases in the Dolomites

One of the most confusing parts of planning a Dolomites trip is simple: Where on earth do you stay?

Everything looks close on the map but in reality, the valleys are spread out, the passes are slow, and your base will shape your whole trip. After years of going back again and again, these are the three areas I recommend most often for first-timers – and how to choose between them.

After years of repeat visits, these are the best first-timer bases in the Dolomites and how to choose between them.

Best First-Timer Bases in the Dolomites

Val Gardena: Ortisei, Santa Cristina & Selva

Val Gardena feels like the “classic” Dolomites experience for a first visit. Beautiful villages, great lifts, and plenty of options whether you’re hiking hard or taking it easy.

Why first-timers love it

• Three villages to choose from (Ortisei, Santa Cristina, Selva)

• Easy access to Seceda and Alpe di Siusi

• Lots of hotel choice, from traditional guesthouses to spa hotels

• Good public transport links if you’re not totally confident driving the passes

Best for

• First-timers who want a bit of everything

• People who like staying in a town with a real centre

• Those who want easy but spectacular hiking with lifts

Things to keep in mind

• It’s popular – expect more people in July/August

• Parking can be tight near lifts if you arrive late

• You’ll still need the car for day trips beyond the valley

More Val Gardena help:

• Ortisei Weekend Guide

• 5 Best Hikes in Val Gardena

• Where to Base Yourself in the Dolomites (free)

Alta Badia: Corvara, La Villa & San Cassiano

Alta Badia is my go-to recommendation when someone says:
“I want great scenery, great food, and a calm base that still feels special.”

Why it’s such a good base

• Corvara is incredibly central for the passes (Gardena, Campolongo, Valparola)

• The Pralongià plateau offers easy, panoramic walking with rifugi everywhere

• This area quietly has some of the best food in the Dolomites

• Lots of beautiful spa hotels if you like the idea of sauna + sunset after a hike

Best for

• Couples or friends who love good food + spa hotels

• People who prefer relaxed, scenic walks over big summit days

• Travelers who want to explore several valleys by car

Things to keep in mind

• Hotels here can be pricier, especially peak season

• Villages are a little quieter in the evenings – which I love, but some people want more buzz

• You’ll use the car most days for drives and passes

Plan Alta Badia with these:

• Corvara Travel Guide

• Dolomites Region Guide ($4)

3 Peaks / Sesto Area: Sesto, San Candido & Dobbiaco

If Tre Cime di Lavaredo has been on your bucket list for years, this is where you want to be. The scenery feels a bit wilder, and it’s an easy region to combine with lakes like Lago di Braies and Lago di Misurina.

Why it works for first-timers

• The famous Tre Cime loop starts from here

• Great mix of valleys, lakes, and shorter hikes

• Towns like San Candido feel lively but not overwhelming

• Good base if you’re arriving from Austria or Slovenia

Best for

• People who are Tre Cime obsessed

• Those who don’t mind a longer drive to reach Val Gardena / Alta Badia

• Travelers who want a slightly different feel to the “classic Instagram” areas

Things to keep in mind

• It’s a bit of a drive to reach other regions, so don’t try to “do it all” from here

• Tre Cime parking fills up early in peak season

• Weather can feel cooler and moodier – beautiful, but pack layers

Useful resources for this region:

• 40 Tips for Visiting the Dolomites

• Where to Base Yourself (free guide)

So…Which Base Should You Choose?

If you’re stuck, use this as a quick filter:

• “I want a bit of everything, and I’m slightly nervous about driving.”
  → Start with Val Gardena (Ortisei is perfect).

• “I care about food, views and spa days as much as hiking.”
  → Choose Alta Badia (Corvara or San Cassiano).

• “Tre Cime is non-negotiable and I love lakes.”
  → Base in the 3 Peaks / Sesto area.

If you have 7+ nights, you can combine two regions:
for example Val Gardena + Alta Badia or Alta Badia + 3 Peaks.

Need Help Choosing?

If you’re still torn, this is exactly what I help people with. I’ve been visiting the Dolomites for years and regularly help first-time visitors choose the right base for how they travel.

Download my “Where to Base Yourself in the Dolomites” guide for a quick overview

Or get in touch for custom trip planning and I’ll help you choose the right base for how you like to travel.

More Dolomites tips, free guides, and custom trip-planning help: dolomitesjourney.com

Laura