Santo Stefano, San Pietro, Danta, and San Nicolò – experiences to enjoy during your mountain vacation

After discovering Comelico Superiore (Comelgu d Seuri) through Dudlè, Pasuli, Sciamazegn, and Ciandidi, our itinerary continues by exploring the geographical and historical heart of the valley. From the banks where the Piave River originates to the prehistoric peat bogs of Danta, these villages represent the most authentic and deeply rooted soul of the Dolomites.

The territory we explore in this stage includes the remaining four municipalities of the valley: San Nicolò di Comelico (San Nclò), San Pietro di Cadore (Sanpiero), Danta di Cadore, and Santo Stefano di Cadore (Sastefi). Each municipality is a mosaic of authentic villages:

• The municipality of San Nicolò is divided between the localities of Costa, Gera, Campitello (Cianpdel), and Lacuna;
• San Pietro di Cadore includes the hamlets of Valle (Val), Costalta (Costauta), Mare, and Presenaio (Parney);
• The municipality of Santo Stefano is the commercial hub, including the villages of Costalissoio (Costlisegn), Campolongo (Cianplongo), and Casada (Ciadada).
• Finally, there is the enchanting Danta di Cadore, an island of sunshine and silence at an altitude of 1,396 meters.

This chapter concludes our story of Val Comelico, but the column does not end here. Our journey will continue to discover hidden gems in the Dolomites.

At an altitude of 1,062 m, San Nicolò di Comelico lies in a green valley surrounded by the Popera Group and Mount Zovo. The villages of Campitello, Gera, Costa, and Lacuna tell a story linked to the collective management of the territory through the system of Regole, which for centuries regulated forests, pastures, and community life.

At the end of Venetian rule, San Nicolò took on an important role thanks to the mining activities in Ferrera and the workshops in Gera, where iron was worked to produce tools that were also exported across the border to Austria.
During the Napoleonic period, Campitello was the seat of the Canton of Comelico, one of the six cantons into which Cadore was divided.

The easternmost municipality in Val Comelico, San Pietro di Cadore is located at an altitude of 1,038 m and is surrounded by the peaks of Peralba, Monte Zovo, Monte Curie, and Terza Piccola. Once known as Colle or Oltreoterino (beyond the river), it retains strong ties with the Republic of Venice, for which it managed vast forest assets.

The hamlets of Mare, Valle, Presenaio, and Costalta complete a territory rich in historical evidence, traditional architecture, and unspoiled landscapes.

Located at 908 m above sea level, at the point where the Padola stream flows into the Piave river, Santo Stefano has been the administrative and commercial center of the valley for centuries. Historically linked to the timber trade, it still preserves artisan workshops and deeply rooted traditions, such as the All Saints’ Fair, documented since 1256.

The village is nestled between the Tudaio, Crissin, Aiarnola, and Popera mountains and is an ideal base for exploring the whole of Comelico in every season.

Located at an altitude of 1,396 m, Danta enjoys a sunny position between Cadore and Comelico. Inhabited since the 6th century AD by populations from Pusteria, it appears in medieval documents under the name of Anananto (952 AD), which evolved over the centuries into its current name.

The historic center preserves ancient dwellings and a timeless atmosphere. Here stands the Paleontological Museum “Le Radici della Vita” (The Roots of Life), which houses fossils of scientific value, including one of the oldest dinosaurs ever found in the world: a Psittacosaurus cub, which lived over 110 million years ago and is preserved in an exceptional state of completeness.

• Danta di Cadore
  The Church of Saints Rocco and Sebastian, rebuilt between 1786 and 1790, houses an altarpiece attributed to Francesco Vecellio, brother of Titian.
  The Church of Santa Barbara stands in a dominant position. Construction began in 1913 and was completed in 1923. From here, you can enjoy one of the most expansive views of the entire valley.
• Padola-Danta: starting from the small church of Sant’Anna in Padola, you arrive at the small church of Santa Barbara in Danta di Cadore.
• San Nicolò di Comelico
  The Church of San Nicolò Vescovo, mentioned as early as the 12th century, houses frescoes by Gianfrancesco da Tolmezzo and a painting attributed to Cesare Bagni.
  In Gera, the small church preserves the relics of Santa Giulia, transferred from Rome in 1845.
• San Pietro di Cadore
  The Church of St. Peter the Apostle, dating back to medieval times, is one of the finest examples of Comelicense Gothic architecture.
  Don’t miss Villa Poli de Pol, a 17th-century frescoed residence considered one of the most beautiful villas in Cadore.
• The Danta Peat Bogs
  A rare ecosystem of extraordinary biodiversity, which can be visited via an easy, hour-long trail that is also suitable for families.
  A dedicated audio guide is available.
• Val Visdende
  A wide, flat valley at the foot of Mount Peralba, famous for its monumental fir trees and resonance fir trees, sought after by luthiers for the construction of musical instruments.
• Val Frison and Cima Vallona
  Places where nature intertwines with historical memory, among the fortifications of the Great War and the evocative Chapel of the Fallen in Cima Vallona.
  The valley is rich in short and long trails, each with its own history:
• Trails dedicated to Pope John Paul II, loved by the pontiff for their “sense of infinity”: gentle, scenic, and spiritual. Discover them here
• Sentiero Frassati, part of the national project dedicated to Pier Giorgio Frassati. A route in stages that combines faith, nature, and physical commitment. Discover the stages here
• Gera – San Nicolò: Visit the Chiesetta Ss. Trinità and the Chiesa di San Nicolò (1475), which preserves the most complete cycle of frescoes in Cadore.
• Dosoledo – Casamazzagno – Candide: Itinerary following the traces of late medieval Gothic architecture (Churches of S. Leonardo Vecchio and Sant’Antonio Abate), in addition to the Tròi dli Tradizion themed trail.
• The Via Crucis in Padola: A route focused on the values of Christian faith and community life
  Discover some of the cultural and religious routes in Val Comelico here.

• Santo Stefano di Cadore: ~50 km from Cortina | ~65 km from Belluno | ~145 km from Treviso Airport | ~155 km from Venice Airport.
• San Pietro di Cadore: ~55 km from Cortina | ~70 km from Belluno | ~150 km from Treviso Airport | ~160 km from Venice Airport.
• San Nicolò di Comelico: ~56 km from Cortina | ~71 km from Belluno | ~151 km from Treviso Airport | ~161 km from Venice Airport.
• Danta di Cadore: ~45 km from Cortina | ~62 km from Belluno | ~142 km from Treviso Airport | ~152 km from Venice Airport.

By train and bus: The nearest train station is Calalzo-Pieve di Cadore-Cortina, connected to the villages by DolomitiBus services (we recommend always checking the official website for confirmation of routes and updated timetables).

Val Comelico is not only nature, but also a treasure trove of stories. Each village offers a unique museum experience!

In Danta di Cadore, the Paleontological Museum “Le Radici della Vita” (The Roots of Life) is a real leap back in time. You can admire the intact skeleton of a Psittacosaurus cub along with a rich collection of fossils that tell the geological history of the Dolomites.

In Costalta (San Pietro), the “Angiul Sai” Ethnographic Museum is one of the oldest and most characteristic wooden houses in the village. When you visit it, you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the past, discovering how local architecture and ingenuity have stood the test of time.

In Costalissoio (Santo Stefano), the Luigi Regianini Museum of Surrealism is an unexpected surprise, housing the works of the master Regianini and offering a fascinating contrast between the traditional Alpine landscape and the dreamlike visions of contemporary art.

Strolling through the centers of Santo Stefano, San Pietro, Danta, and San Nicolò, you will find cozy inns, mountain huts, and village bars where you can take a refreshing break. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the famous casunziei, local speck, and traditional desserts, accompanied by the warm welcome typical of these mountain peaks.

• Panifico pasticceria Baldissarutti (SNC)
• Pasticceria Bressan
• Bar All’Amicizia
• Bar Tiziano
• Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria Krissin
• Monaco Sport Hotel Ristorante “La Žìria”
• Pizzeria la Notla
• Bar Caffè Fontana
• Pizzeria Hosteria Grani Antichi
• Pizzeria Joya
• Bar La Siega
• Battglia il Fornaio
• Baldissarutti Luana bar Gambrinus
• Bar Gelateria Molin
• Camping Comelico Pizzeria alla Baita
• Bar 2000-Campolongo
• Panifico pasticceria Baldissarutti (SNC)
• Pasticceria Bressan
• Bar All’Amicizia
• Bar Tiziano
• Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria Krissin
• Monaco Sport Hotel Ristorante “La Žìria”
• Pizzeria la Notla
• Bar Caffè Fontana
• Pizzeria Hosteria Grani Antichi
• Pizzeria Joya
• Bar La Siega
• Battaglia il Fornaio
• Baldissarutti Luana bar Gambrinus
• Bar Gelateria Molin
• Camping Comelico Pizzeria alla Baita
• Bar 2000-Campolongo
• Locanda La Baita
• Agriturismo Boton D’Oro
• Bar Ristorante Dolomiti
• Bar al Giglio SKY TV Lotto Sisal Tabacchi – SELF H24
• Bar Alimentari Giotti
• Bar Al Fral
• Caffè Bar Fabian
• Agriturismo Dolomiti Gioia e Luigi
• Panificio Eicher Clere di Eicher Clere e Marta
• Bar Milk & Coffee
• Hotel Tre Pini
• Locanda dal Mel

In line with a slow and sustainable approach to tourism, the facilities in Santo Stefano, San Pietro, Danta, and San Nicolò offer direct contact with the local community. Choosing to stay here means supporting small local businesses and enjoying a true and profound mountain experience!

Santo Stefano, Campolongo, Costalissoio, and Casada: here you will find a wide choice of historic hotels, vacation apartments, and cozy B&Bs, ideal for those who want to have all amenities at their fingertips without sacrificing spectacular views! (especially from the slopes of Costalissoio).

• Monaco Sport Hotel Ristorante “La Žìria”
• Casa Giovanna Appartamento Turismo Comelico Cadore
• Affittacamere All’amicizia
• Residence Le Ante
• Appartamento Adalpina
• Appartamenti Zia Concetta – casa vacanze
• DaRenato- casa per vacanze
• Appartamento Casa Sabrina
• B&B Casamaddalena
• Albergo Centrale di Buzzo Gino & C. S.N.C.
• Hotel Ristorante Pizzeria Krissin Di Rosanna De Tomas Lioro
• Albergo Vittoria
• Palazzo Cervesato 
• Casa Capon
• Zia Ninni – Dolomiti Apartment
• Casanova nelle Dolomiti
• B&B il sogno
• Casetta Vanda
• Hotel- Ristorante Pizzeria Villanova
• Mansarda nelle Dolomiti
• Alla Baita
• A casa di Ada B&B
• Acquavita Pieirna
• Casa Laura
• Casaleanna
• Affittacamere Villa Tersilla
• Antico Tabià Dolomitico
• Casa per ferie Alle Alpi
• Monica
• AmicaCasa Appartamenti, Val Comelico Dolomiti
• Casada
• Montagna che passione!
• Affittacamere Al Sole
• B&B sotto un cielo di stelle
• B&B Il Bucaneve
• Tabiè Longiacosta
• La Terrazzetta

San Nicolò, Campitello, Gera, Costa, and Lacuna: the facilities in this area are the ideal starting point for those who love hiking and direct contact with rural life in the valley.

• Agriturismo Boton D’oro
• B&B Cèda Cmadins
• Lärchenwirt Dolomites
• Casa Vettori
• Casa Bellini
• Appartamento CALella nelle Dolomiti
• Monica
• Casa per ferie alle Alpi
• Dolomiti Opensapce Free parking
• B&b Campitello 13
• b&b de by
• Maso Drigo Appartamenti vacanze
• Al Piol Comelico

Danta di Cadore: the hotels and vacation rentals in Danta offer unique sun exposure halfway between Cadore and Comelico.

• Hotel Tre Pini
• B&B Danta di Cadore
• La casa di Beppe appartamento e camere
• Locanda dal Mel
• Casa vacanze da Olga
• R&L casa di montagna

San Pietro, Costalta, Valle, Mare, and Presenaio: in Costalta, in particular, you can enjoy the unique experience of the Albergo Diffuso, staying in the typical wooden houses that have made the village famous.

• A Ceda Toa B&B
• B&B Ai carpini
• Agriturismo Dolomiti Gioia e Luigi
• Cuore delle Dolomiti Alloggi e SPA
• Appartamenti i profumi del bosco
• Villa Lory
• Casa vacanze Cesco Resia
• Appartamento Miramonti SanPietro
• Albergo Stella Alpina

The streets of the villages and their hamlets are dotted with small shops that preserve centuries-old traditions. From typical products such as alpine cheese and pinewood crafts to technical mountain equipment…

Thanks to their proximity to the Val Comelico – Padola Ski Area, these villages are the ideal starting point for outdoor sports enthusiasts, skiers, and snowboarders, as well as for those who enjoy ski mountaineering and snowshoeing.
The slopes of Monte Zovo, Monte Curie, and the side valleys offer scenic and uncrowded itineraries, perfect for those seeking an authentic and peaceful mountain experience.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding

• Val Comelico Ski Area: reach Padola and discover the Val Comelico Ski Area, an alpine jewel that opens the doors to the largest ski carousel in the world. The Padola Ski Area is your entry point to the 3 Cime Dolomiti / Alta Pusteria ski area (over 115 km of slopes). It is connected to the rest of the Sesto Dolomites circuit by a ski bus (Ski Shuttle SALTO).
• From here, you can take the chairlift to the Col d’la Tenda mountain hut, a transit point for the picturesque “Giro delle Cime” itinerary, an experience with views of the UNESCO Dolomites of Sesto. Along the route, spectacular views open up: Croda da Campo, Cima Bagni, Monte Popèra, Cima Undici, Croda Rossa, up to the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Cima Dodici, and Tre Scarperi.

Interesting fact: this route holds a record, as it is the only ski itinerary to connect two river basins of continental importance: the Piave (on the Belluno side) and the Drava-Danube system (on the Alta Pusteria side).

The ski school in Padola offers group courses and private lessons for all levels, from beginners to experts.

For equipment rental, we recommend Noleggio Sci Costantino and Ski Carving Center, both in Padola.

Discover the ski area on the map!

Cross-country skiing

The Comelico Valley is part of the  Dolomiti Nordic Ski circuit , the largest Nordic ski carousel in Europe. You’ll find groomed trails, loops of varying difficulty, and views alternating between forests, villages, and views of the Dolomites.

 Trail  information and  updates are available through the local consortium  and area representatives. Find the route that’s right for you  here !

Ski mountaineering

Ski mountaineering is one of the most sustainable ways to experience the mountains in winter: no lifts, no energy consumption, just the rhythm of your steps and the silence of the snow.
It allows you to rediscover the mountains in their most authentic essence, following their natural contours and original morphologies.

On the Comelico Outdoor  portal,  you’ll find numerous marked itineraries, with varying levels of difficulty and views ranging from the Sesto Dolomites to the peaks of the Popera.

Snowshoeing and winter trekking 

The Snowshoe Hike on Spina

An iconic route that follows the rocky ridge of the  Spina , a place of enormous geological interest. The route starts in  Casamazzagno , passing by the Church of  San Leonardo Vecchio , until reaching  trail marker 148. From here, unrepeatable views open up of the  Popera Group , the  Brentoni  , and the mountains that form the border between Italy and Austria.

• Don’t miss the  recommended experiences,  including guided moonlight excursions (organized by the  Val Comelico Consortium ).

Ice climbing

For adrenaline junkies, Val Comelico transforms into an open-air gym. Ice climbing enthusiasts will find numerous  icefalls  to safely scale (always accompanied by  expert Alpine Guides ).

Ice skating

Sleddog

For an unforgettable experience, you can experience  sled dog  riding and drive a sled pulled by Siberian Huskies across the snowy plains, accompanied by an   expert musher .  For information .

And much more…

This collection of activities is just a taste.
The Comelico Valley is a vibrant, ever-evolving valley, and this page will be  updated over time  with new itineraries, new suggestions, and new discoveries to share!

To not miss the events, check  here.

(Data according to the official Val Comelico Dolomiti tourist website)

The difficulty of the trails may vary depending on the season and hiking experience.

Easy and panoramic walks  (difficulty T)

Ideal for families and first-time explorers of the area.

• Padola – Danta: an itinerary that reveals the beauty of religious art and the spiritual power of nature, passing by the small church of Sant’Anna (in Padola) and the small church of Santa Barbara (in Danta). (Duration: 2 hours / Elevation gain: 40 m). Starting point: Church of Sant’Anna, Padola.
• Torbiere di Danta: in about an hour’s walk, you can take a real journey into biodiversity! (Duration: 2 hours 25 min / Elevation gain: 203 m). Starting point: Piazza Danta. Dedicated audio guide available.
• Path of Traditions (Trói dli Tradizion): themed walk (30 min) between Candide and Dosoledo, with wooden sculptures representing the ancient crafts of Val Comelico.
• Themed trails of Dosoledo: don’t miss the other trails! Mascri, Tradizion, and Bacani! Excellent all year round for combining nature and culture.
• Via dei Fienili – Dosoledo: cultural trail among eleven historic tabià (barns), rural courtyards, and vintage photographs.
• Monte Zovo: an easy trail between Costalissoio and Costa that leads to a 360-degree panoramic viewpoint over the center of the valley, from which you can admire all the villages of Comelico. (Duration: 2 hours 30 min / Elevation gain: 400 m). Starting point: Costa, road to Monte Zovo.
• Monte Spina: a short but pleasant walk leading to the summit, where you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the Popera Dolomites and Val Digon. (Duration: 1 hour 30 min / Elevation gain: 400 m). Starting point: Casamazzagno, Le Federe.
• Regina della Val Comuna: a short trail from Val Grande to admire the largest spruce tree in the Triveneto region (50 meters tall).
• The Aga Puza Spring: a nature trail immersed in the woods of Valgrande that leads to the famous Aga Puža thermal spring, the “smelly water” due to its sulfur content, with healing properties. (Duration: 2 hours 40 min / Elevation gain: 126 m). Starting point: Kral Ladin Padola.
• Lago di Campo: a simple and pleasant walk offering an enchanting viewpoint, ideal for families.
• Sentiero della Musica: an ideal route for an easy, flat walk where you can admire beautiful wooden sculptures, including a band of musicians, created by local artist Giorgio Osta.
• Casera Aiarnola, Lake Aiarnola and Lake Sant’Anna: water is the star of this itinerary! At the foot of Cima Aiarnola, near the Casera, you will reach the picturesque little church dedicated to Sant’Anna. (Duration: 1 hour 30 min / Elevation gain: 450 m). Starting point: Padola.

Intermediate excursions  (difficulty E)

Longer, more structured routes, suitable for those with a minimum level of training.

• Val Visdende Loop: a wonderful circular route that allows you to immerse yourself in the centuries-old woods of the valley and admire the ancient villages. (Duration: 3 hours / Elevation gain: 547 m). Starting point: Cima Canale Val Visdende.
• Coltrondo and Nemes from Passo Monte Croce (Loop): a beautiful panoramic loop that leads to the Coltrondo and Nemes mountain huts. (Duration: 3 hours 30 min / Elevation gain: 400-450 m).
• Cima Colesei – Passo Monte Croce Comelico: a route of naturalistic, geological, and historical interest, where you can admire the Dolomite rocks and the imposing Vallo Littorio. (Duration: 5 hours 30 min / Elevation gain: 690 m). Refreshment point: Rifugio Lunelli.
• Vallon Popèra: a circular route that retraces the salient places of the war (Great War), passing by the old Sala Refuge (now a museum) and the monument to the Unknown Soldier. (Duration: 3 hours / Elevation gain: 450 m). Refreshment point: Berti Refuge.
• Col Quaternà: a route that combines geology and history. Here you can observe ancient rocks and see traces of Italian military posts from the Great War. Pope Karol Wojtyla also reached the summit. (Duration: 4 hours / Elevation gain: 640 m). Refreshment point: Malga Coltrondo.

More challenging / high altitude excursions  (EE difficulty)

Routes recommended for those with good preparation and adequate equipment.

• Dolomites Trail: For those who enjoy spiritual and slow trekking, Candide is an essential stop that combines art and landscape. A multi-stage itinerary that passes through iconic locations such as Mulin Berto, Cima Vallona, and the Piave Springs. Adequate physical preparation is required to tackle the following sections: Auronzo → Candide – Candide → Val Visdende – Val Visdende → Sappada
• Cima Colesei – Creston Popera: a challenging route, rich in evidence of the Great War. It runs alongside the main peaks of the Dolomites. (Duration: 3 hours 40 min / Elevation gain: 666 m). Refreshment points: Rifugio Lunelli and Rifugio Berti.
• Monte Cavallino: a long route in a high mountain environment, with access from Val Digon. (Duration: 4 hours 30 min / Elevation gain: 1000 m) Starting point: Val Digon
• Great War itineraries: numerous historical routes at high altitude, with trenches, posts, tunnels, and trails that require specific preparation.

Discover some of the hiking trails in Val Comelico here and visit the social media profile managed by the Val Comelico Dolomiti Tourist Consortium to find out about excursions accompanied by mountain and nature guides!

Iconic places not to be missed near the village:

Torbiere di Danta: a nature reserve known for its high biodiversity and rare plants.

Val Visdende: “The temple of nature,” an unspoiled place where the Piave River originates.

Col Quaternà: recognizable for its conical shape of volcanic origin, it is a geological and historical landmark, with ancient rocks and traces of the Great War.

Tre Cime di Lavaredo: the ultimate symbol of the Dolomites, easily accessible from Comelico.

Refuges and mountain huts reachable in the surrounding area

Always check the opening dates and the accessibility of the routes

Reachable with easy or intermediate walks

Visit the Val Comelico Dolomiti Tourist Consortium website