A Stay in Corvara, Italy: Hiking, Rifugios, and the Breathtaking Sassongher

rahogard
Jul 24
4 min read

Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites in Northern Italy, Corvara in Badia feels like something out of a dream—alpine charm, dramatic mountain peaks, and a sense of peace that only fresh mountain air can provide. During my recent 5-night stay, I was completely captivated by this small yet spectacular village, especially by its proximity to world-class hiking and the unforgettable sight of the Sassongher mountain towering above it all.

The Heart of Alta Badia

Corvara is part of the Alta Badia region in South Tyrol, an area that is an amalgamation of Italian, German, and Ladin cultures. While it’s a beloved ski destination in the winter, the summer months offer a completely different kind of magic—lush green meadows, endless wildflowers, and a vast network of well-marked hiking trails that wind through some of the most awe-inspiring mountain scenery in Europe.

When planning a trip to the Dolomites, one of the biggest challenges is deciding where to base yourself. The region is vast, and while the beauty is endless, getting from place to place often involves winding mountain roads that can eat up precious hours of your day. That’s why we chose to stay in Corvara—and it turned out to be the perfect decision. Instead of spending our days in the car chasing far-flung destinations, we embraced a slower, more immersive experience by focusing on everything this charming town and its immediate surroundings have to offer. With world-class hiking trails, cozy cafés, scenic lifts, and breathtaking views right at your doorstep, Corvara makes it easy to fill your days without ever needing to drive anywhere at all.

Staying at Hotel La Perla

Our home base for this trip was Hotel La Perla, and what an experience it was. This family-owned Small Luxury Hotels of the World property is a perfect blend of understated luxury, Tyrolean warmth, and soulful hospitality. From the moment you walk through the doors, you feel like you’re being welcomed into someone’s home—because in many ways, you are. The Costa family’s love for their hotel, their guests, and the surrounding mountains is evident in every detail. One of the most memorable moments of our stay was being invited to enjoy aperitifs and snacks in the Costa family's original home, dating back to the 1400s. Tucked behind the property, this centuries-old house—where the owner’s father was actually born—offered a rare and heartfelt glimpse into the family's deep roots in the region. It was a true privilege to experience such history in such a personal way.

Our room was cozy and elegant with a balcony that framed postcard-perfect mountain views. The dining was exceptional, from casual bites to the Michelin-starred Stüa de Michil, and the wine cellar is legendary with over 30,000 bottles! After long hikes, nothing beat relaxing in the spa or simply enjoying a drink on the terrace while watching the light shift across the Sassongher.

Hiking to Rifugios: A Dolomites Must-Do

One of the highlights of my stay was hiking from Corvara to several nearby rifugios—charming mountaintop huts that serve delicious, hearty food and offer a warm welcome to weary hikers. These aren’t your average “mountain shelters.” Many of them are run like cozy little inns or restaurants, often with sweeping panoramic terraces and menus that include local specialties like speck, polenta, and dumplings.

It is incredibly easy to take a gondola up to the top of the mountain where you have your pick of multiple rifugios depending on how far you want to hike. A favorite hike took us to Rifugio Utia de Bioch, a scenic climb from Corvara that rewards you with incredible views over the valley and beyond. We also spent a day trekking the trail to Rifugio Franz Kostner which felt like walking into another world—peaceful, dramatic, and practically untouched. Each rifugio stop was a reward in itself: local wine, cold beer, or a homemade apple strudel, all enjoyed with jaw-dropping views.

The Lagazuoi Tunnels

While it’s tempting to chase the Dolomites’ most iconic sights—like Tre Cime or Lago di Braies—the views from Corvara are so stunning, you may find you don’t need to go anywhere else at all. The only hike we drove to was the Lagazuoi Tunnel, about a 30-minute drive from Corvara—and absolutely worth the short trip. This fascinating route takes you through restored tunnels carved into the mountain by Italian soldiers during World War I. As you descend through the dimly lit passageways, you’ll find handrails, a narrow staircase, and rock windows framing incredible alpine views. It’s part hike, part living history, and entirely unforgettable. Be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight, wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and consider gloves for the metal cables and cool, damp rock walls.

More Than Just a Hike

What I loved most about Corvara was the slower pace of life. Days were filled with crisp air, long hikes, cozy meals, and evenings spent watching the sky change colors behind the peaks. The town itself is picture-perfect, with family-run hotels, boutique shops, and alpine architecture that makes it feel like a postcard come to life.

Whether you're an avid hiker or just someone who loves being surrounded by natural beauty, Corvara is an unforgettable base for exploring the Dolomites. Between the friendly locals, the well-kept trails, and the chance to experience Italy in a way that feels both authentic and serene, I truly can’t wait to return.