Your guide to finding summer well-being in San Martino di Castrozza!
Welcome to San Martino di Castrozza, a picturesque alpine town nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites. Known for its stunning natural beauty and breathtaking mountain landscapes, San Martino di Castrozza is a hidden gem.
The charming town sits directly under The Pale di San Martino, the largest mountain group in The Dolomites. Not only is it a stunning landscape, it’s also easily accessible.
The location in the most southern mountain group of the fifteen ranges, makes it an easy road trip from The Veneto Region and locations like Venice, Verona, & The Prosecco Road (Strada del Vino di Prosecco).
Recently a friend and I went exploring, so I wanted to share some of what we found.
One of my Italian aunt’s favorite places, San Martino has been on my dream list (what I call my bucket list) forever! She’s loves the way the sunset glows on the mountain peaks, which I’d have to agree, is something special.
Living at the base of The Dolomites, spending time here is a regular part of my wellness travel lifestyle. Nature is the prefect place to take a step back from daily demands, practice mindful photography, and recharge. It’s blissful self-care in my book.
Curious?
Let’s explore the things to do in San Martino di Castrozza, through the lens of well-being.
Things to Do San Martino di Castrozza
One of the biggest draws of San Martino di Castrozza is its remarkable natural beauty. Think lush alpine meadows, crystal clear lakes, and snow capped mountains. It’s perfect for year round outdoor explorations, including skiing in the winter.
It’s a rejuvenating place with nature’s inspiration at every turn.
If you’re looking to add a weekend in The Dolomites to your Italian itinerary, this is an ideal spot.
My other favorite spot is Cortina, and either option provides an ideal setting for relaxing getaway in the mountains.
Here’s a taste of the wonders that await and some of the best things to do in San Martino di Castrozza.
Explore Panaveggio Nature Park
Right down the road from San Martino is one of the first nature parks in Italy, Paneveggio. With 24 lakes and well over 100 miles of trails, this is one engaging place to re-charge the batteries.
Covering 20,000 hectres, this mountainous environment has a great variety of tress, plants, flowery meadows, alpine pastures, valleys, gorges and geologic form. It’s a bit of magic in that sense.
The Paneveggio Forest is known as The Forest of The Violins due to the fact its spruce trees are used in the making of violins. There is even a museum with interactive displays, it’a fascinating and worth a look.
This was one of those unexpected gems we found totally by surprise.
In fact, the real reason we stopped while driving along the road, was to see some donkeys in the adjacent field. We just happened to see the sign for the museum and our curiosity got the best of us (we were glad it did).
Time and time again it’s these kind of local museums that reveal the heart of local areas, in such unexpected ways. It’s one of the surprising things about Italy, there is so much richness in the lesser known parts of the country.
I might sound like a broken record, but there really is much to love about Italy.
Wander Val Canali & Eat at a Malga
Val Canali is the home Panaveggio Pale di San Martino Nature Park Headquarters, Villa Welsperg. Located in a valley near Primero di San Martino, it is said to be one of the most beautiful valleys in The Dolomites.
Green meadows and a light turquoise stream, provide an enchanting backdrop as you as walk up the valley towards Malga Canali. It’s breathtaking.
The rustic atmosphere of this agriturismo, make it a charming place to stop for a cucina tipica, or a traditional Trentino lunch. Seasonal mushroom soup, polenta, and meatballs were on the menu and the soup in particular, was delectable!
From Malga Canali, you can extend your hike up trail 707 to Rifugio Treviso, which is open for the summer season. Here you can rest, refuel, and take in more of The Dolomites splendor. Roundtrip from Villa Welsperg to Rifugio Treviso is about 5.5-6 hours hike time.
Hike Monte Catellaz & Lunch at Baita Segantini
San Martino di Castrozza is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, making it top of my list for hiking adventures.
This particular hike was at the top of my long list, and gracious, it did not disappoint.
Leaving Passo Rolle it’s an uphill climb to get to the top of Mt. Castellaz, but the views are phenomenal. And they don’t stop there either. Circling around to Baita Segantini allows for a more intimate look the mountain chain.
Arriving under the shadow of the San Martino massif was an awe-inspiring feeling. It’s indescribable to be dwarfed by the rock faces, yet feel like you can reach out and touch them at the same.
After our awe-inspiring inspiration session, we stopped at Baita Segantini for lunch.
An alpine pasture hut with an idyllic location directly under the San Martino massif, it was hopping with loads of people and music. It’s the kind of place you kick back and relax, in the company of all the others who come to see the beauty too.
Amble Val Venegia
Val Venegia is a gorgeous alpine valley that lies underneath the northern chain of the Pala Group. It’s the perfect place to slow down the pace and enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk.
Think grazing cows, lush alpine pastures, a crystal clear stream flanked by forests, and you’ve got the idea. This scenic destination is blissful.
You’ll also find nourishment at Malga Venegia or Malga Venegiota, which are mountain huts that serve regional dishes, as well as coffee and sweets.
If you want to extend your explorations, you can hike up the mountain to Rifugio Mulaz. It’s an uphill climb, but geez, the views are worth the leg burn!
There are two ways to get to Val Venegia. You can hike down to Val Venegia from Passo Rolle via Baita Segantini or drive, which is about 35 minutes.
If you’re driving, there are two paid parking lots. Parking at the first lot allows to to wander through the forest before it opens up to the valley. But, it you want to more time to hike to Rifugio Mulaz or Baita Segatini, park in the second lot.
Enjoy Coffee & Pastries at Bar Rosetta
As a full fledged coffee lover, starting the day off with a cappuccino is a must. And if there’s a pastry shop too, well just try and stop me!
When it comes to yummy pastries, Bar Rosetta certainly delivers. They also have a variety of coffee drinks, like espresso with pistachio and cream, that will make your mouth happy. Don’t miss this place!
Dine at Ristorante La Stube
La Stube is a cozy and intimate restaurant located in the center of San Martino.
Decorated in typical wooden alpine features, it’s the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
We liked dinner so much the first night, we went back again. The spatzle was as light as a cloud and dessert was over the moon!
They also have a nice selection of wine and a unique offering of mixed drinks, so you can toast to a good day’s hike and relax into a leisurely evening.
Always true of travel, there are some places we didn’t quite get to experience. Still in the dream list for the next trip is:
- Barefoot Hiking on The Deer Trail (Sentiero del Cervo)
- Ride The Rosetta Gondola & Hike the Pala Plateau
- Explore The Colbricon Lakes
One of the things that stands out about San Martino, is that you are tucked up right under the peaks. So, no matter what things to do in San Martino sing to you, the mountains are ever present.
Making it an inspiring place to visit, any time of the year!
until the next time…
…live well – travel well – be well
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