Top Things to Do in San Martino di Castrozza, Italy (original) (raw)

San Martino di Castrozza is an alpine resort town in Primiero Valley in the Italian Province of Trentino in the Dolomites. Cradled by the Pale di San Martino Group and the Lagorai mountain range, San Martino di Castrozza is one of the best bases for exploring the Dolomites in summer.

From its advantageous location, visitors can hike in the heart of the Pala Group and into Parco Naturale Paneveggio Pale di San Martino, starting directly in town, or at Passo Rolle, Val Venegia, or Val Canali.

Stay in San Martino di Castrozza for a few days, and you’ll get to experience staggering sunsets, charming Malgas (alpine pasture huts), and some of the best day hikes and via ferrata climbs in the Dolomites.

In this San Martino di Castrozza summer guide, we’re sharing our favorite things to do in this unforgettable corner of Trentino. You’ll find everything mapped out in an interactive map at the end of this post.

Cimon della Pala, San Martino di Castrozza, Trentino Dolomites

1. Watch the Sunset at Baita Segantini

Sunset at Baita Segantini, Top Things to Do in San Martino di Castrozza

Baita Segantini is an alpine pasture hut accessible from Passo Rolle, a mountain pass located 9-km north of San Martino di Castrozza.

Sunset at Baita Segantini is an unforgettable experience. On clear days, you’ll see the highest peaks of the Pale di San Martino range light up in shades of yellow and coral, burning like flames.

The fiery tones transform into shades of rose and violet, slowly cooling off. And, before you know it, the sun sinks below the horizon, and it looks like someone blew out the candles.

We recommend combining the loop hike to Monte Castellaz with sunset at Baita Segantini. The whole hike takes about 3 – 3:30 hours.

Learn More: Baita Segantini Hike

2. Traverse the Moonscapes of Altopiano delle Pale di San Martino

Pale di San Martino, Tour of Pala di San Martino

The Altopiano delle Pale di San Martino is the central high plateau of the Pala Group, measuring 10 kms long and 5 kms wide. It’s accessible by cable car (Colverde Gondola + Rosetta Cableway) directly from the town center of San Martino di Castrozza.

When you exit the Rosetta mountain station (2700 m), it feels like you’ve landed on the moon. A sea of white rolling rockscapes stretches out before you. Some people describe this barren landscape as a stone desert.

Millions of years ago, the Pale di San Martino Group used to be an atoll, a ring-shaped coral reef, in the Tethys Ocean.

At that time, the Altopiano was the inner lagoon of the atoll, encircled by an enormous coral reef. The mountains you see today are these ancient coral reefs, which have been weathered and shaped by the elements over millennia.

Hike to Rosetta Peak

If your time is limited, you can ascend to Rosetta Peak (2743 m) in 20-30 minutes. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with striking views of the Pale peaks, San Martino di Castrozza, Primiero Valley, the Lagorai Range, the Latemar range, and the Catinaccio/Rosengarten mountains.

After conquering Cima della Rosetta, head to Rifugio Rosetta for a bite to eat. The Rosetta mountain hut is located on the plateau, about 10 minutes from the Rosetta mountain station.

Circuit Pala di San Martino

If you’re looking for a full day hiking adventure, consider circuiting Pala di San Martino (2987 m), a prominent mountain in the central Pala Group.

The loop trail starts at Rifugio Rosetta and heads to Rifugio Pradidali via Passo di Ball. From the Pradidali hut, the hike continues to Passo Pradidali Basso.

The path is exposed, at times, and involves a lengthy secured passage. Though no special equipment is needed, you should have a head for heights and experience hiking in karst terrain and scree.

Learn More: Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali Circuit

3. Summit Cima della Vezzana (3,192 m)

Cima della Vezzana Hike, Dolomites

Cima della Vezzana (3192 m) is the highest peak in the Pala Group. The hike to the Vezzana summit is a grueling endeavor replete with secured passages, steep snowfields, and crumbling terrain. In other words, it’s a beast.

Starting in San Martino di Castrozza, take the Colverde gondola, followed by the Rosetta cableway, to the Pale di San Martino central plateau. Descend 10 minutes to Rifugio Rosetta and then follow trail 716 to the peak. It’s a 6-hour out-and-back hike.

Only hike to Cima della Vezzana on clear days.

Learn more: Hiking to Cima della Vezzana

4. Amble through Val Venegia

Val Venegia, Pale di San Martino, Italian Dolomites

Val Venegia is a gorgeous alpine valley, flanked by the northern chain of the Pala Group. Filled with romantic scenes of grazing cows, alpine pastures, and forest, this scenic destination will make your heart weep.

There are two ways to get to Val Venegia. You can hike to Val Venegia from Passo Rolle via Baita Segantini. Or, you can drive to the entrance of the valley, which is located between Passo Rolle and Passo Valles on SP81 – a 35-minute drive from San Martino di Castrozza.

We’ve explained everything you need to know about parking and parking fees in Val Venegia in our Val Venegia – Rifugio Mulaz trail guide.

Val Venegia is a great place to visit if you’re traveling with children, or you simply want a low-key day full of easy walking. Saunter through the valley and eat lunch at Malga Venegia and/or Malga Venegiota. These two alpine pasture huts serve regional dishes and fresh dairy.

5. Hike to Rifugio Mulaz

Rifugio Mulaz Hike, Pale di San Martino

Rifugio Mulaz is a mountain hut in the Pale di San Martino mountains, accessible from Val Venegia. A wonderful 12.6 km circuit hike begins at Malga Venegia and takes 6:30 hours.

Initially, you’ll steadily ascend from Malga Venegiota (1824 m) to Passo Mulaz (2619 m). From the mountain pass, descend to Rifugio Mulaz for lunch. The loop continues to Passo dei Fochet and Passo di Venegiota.

Before completing the circuit to Malga Venegiota, you’ll cross rolling meadows dotted with solitary stone pine and larch trees. This was one of the most memorable stretches of trail we’ve experienced in the Dolomites.

Learn More: Val Venegia to Rifugio Mulaz Circuit Hike

6. Visit Val Canali

Malga Canali, Val Canali, Trentino

Val Canali is a stunning alpine valley in Trentino, which serves as the southern gateway to the Pale di San Martino Dolomites. Guarded by the ruins of Castel Pietra castle, Val Canali delights immediately.

Venture here for at least half a day, and you can experience the magic of the Malga Canali alpine pasture, Laghetto Welsperg lake, Torrente Canali stream, and of course the spires of the Pala Group.

It takes about 30-40 minutes to drive from San Martino di Castrozza to Val Canali.

Laghetto Welsperg

Laghetto Welsperg is a small man-made lake directly off the main valley road. There’s a place to eat at the lake called Bar Le Guane. A flat walking path circuits the lake.

Walk to the southern-end to see the majestic Cimerlo, Sass Maor, and Cima Canali peaks reflected in the Welsperg waters.

Exact Location | Google Maps

Parking | You can park at Bar Le Guane, or across the street.

Malga Canali

A “malga” is a hut on an alpine pasture. These huts were created to provide shelter for shepherds and herdsmen who tended their livestock during the summer months. Usually, a malga consists of a house structure and a stable for their animals, surrounded by grazing pastures.

If you’ve hiked in other areas of the Alps, you may be familiar with these terms: “Schwaige” (South Tyrol, Italian Alps), “Alm” (Austrian Alps, Bavarian Alps), “Alpe” (Vorarlberg, Austrian Alps), “Planina” (Slovenian Alps), and “Cabane” (Swiss Alps).

Some alpine pasture huts still process the milk produced on their alpine pasture into cheese, butter, and yogurt, on-site.

Many of these huts are open to the public. So, while you’re out walking, or hiking, you can take a break at a Malga, to eat lunch and sample fresh dairy products.

While you’re visiting Val Canali, we highly recommend eating lunch at Malga Canali. It’s a popular destination, so reservations, especially on weekends and holidays, are recommended. Tel.: +39 0368 7413582.

Open | Easter until mid-October.

Parking | Park your car at the Malga Canali Parking lot (We parked here: GPS: 46°13′11.06″N 11°53′09.08″E). From there, it’s only a 5-10 minutes walk to the Malga.

Rifugio Treviso (1629 m)

Rifugio Treviso is a popular mountain hut overlooking the inner Val Canali.

From Malga Canali, it’s a straightforward 1-hour hike to reach Rifugio Treviso. Simply cross the Malga Canali alpine pasture and head down to a gravel road and trail number 707.

After a few minutes, you’ll reach an intersection. Turn right and cross the riverbed “Torrente Canali” via a bridge and continue through the forest.

At the intersection with trail number 711A, stay right on trail 707 and follow the hairpin ascending turns up to Rifugio Treviso (1629 m).

Open | Rifugio Treviso is usually open daily from late June until late September and on the weekends in May, June and October.

Where to Eat

San Martino di Castrozza, Trentino, Italy

San Martino di Castrozza boasts some atmospheric and delicious restaurants, pizzerias, and taverns, where you can explore the flavors of Trentino. We recommend making reservations.

When dining in Trentino, remember that there’s usually a Coperto (cover charge) added to the bill. Also, restaurants generally open at 7 pm, at the earliest.

Pizzeria Ristorante Sass Maor

This was our favorite restaurant in San Martino di Castrozza. Always humming with hungry patrons, Sass Maor is a great place to eat dinner if you’re looking for a lively atmosphere. Skip the pizza here and save it for Hotel Stalon. Instead, order their pasta and main dishes.

Exact Location | Google Maps

Ristorante La Stube

Furnished in a classic alpine style, the small Ristorante La Stube feels intimate and cozy. The food is quite delicious, but the portions are small (for the price). We also thought the menu was a bit limited. They do have an excellent wine list, with lots of options by the glass.

Exact Location | Google Maps

Summer Hiking Season

San Martino di Castrozza Sunset, Trentino, Italy

We recommend visiting San Martino di Castrozza between early July and mid-late September. If possible, avoid August.

We visited in early September, and the weather was stable (only 1 day of rain), the sunsets were glorious, and the trails weren’t crowded.

The summer season more or less shuts down by end of September. Many accommodations and hotels start closing by mid-month.

San Martino di Castrozza Hotels and Apartments

The best base for this hike and many others in Pale di San Martino is San Martino di Castrozza. The Col Verde gondola valley station is located directly in town.

Budget | Residence Taufer is an affordable apartment-style accommodation, located 1 km from the center of San Martino di Castrozza. Apartments are clean and fully equipped, with all necessary appliances to make your stay here comfortable. The check-in/check-out is easy and uncomplicated. There’s a welcoming bar downstairs, where you can order espresso, drinks, and snacks throughout the day. And, the views of the Pala Group are sublime!

Midrange | Hotel Vienna is a welcoming family-run hotel, set in the heart of San Martino di Castrozza. This 3-star hotel delivers gorgeous mountain views, cozy and spacious rooms, and a great breakfast. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Luxury | Sayonara Nature & Wellness Hotel is a top-rated luxury hotel in San Martino di Castrozza. Stay here for the spacious, alpine-modern rooms, the rich and varied breakfast buffet, and the 1000 m2 spa and wellness area. The hotel is a 5-minute walk to the center of town. The hotel’s on-site restaurant is open daily for dinner.

Look for accommodation in San Martino di Castrozza.

San Martino di Castrozza Dolomiti Summer Card

Pale di San Martino, San Martino di Castrozza, Trentino, Dolomites

If you’re planning on staying in San Martino di Castrozza for 3 or more days, consider buying a Dolomiti Summer Card.

The card includes the use of various cableways and chairlifts. However, not all of these cableways operate the whole summer. So, this Dolomiti Summer Card is best employed during the high season.

You can purchase the card at any of the chairlift, or cableway valley stations. See pricing here.

Below, we’ve summarized the cableways that are included in the Dolomiti Summer Card. The dates will fluctuate depending on the snow conditions.

Please consult this page, or contact the San Martino di Castrozza tourist office for up-to-date information on operating times.

Colverde Gondola and Rosetta Cableway

The Colverde and Rosetta cableways connect the town center of San Martino di Castrozza to Pale di San Martino Altopiano, a vast stone plateau reaching an elevation of 2700 meters. From the Rosetta mountain station, hikers have access to a plethora of day hikes and via ferrata climbing routes.

Day Hikes | Rifugio Rosetta to Rifugio Pradidali Circuit and Cima della Vezzana Summit

Tognola Cable Car

The Tognola Cable Car valley station is located on Via Passo Rolle, 1 kilometer south of the San Martino di Castrozza town center. The Tognola cable car connects the Primiero valley to Rifugio Tognola on the Tognola Alpe in the Lagorai mountain range.

From the mountain station, you can enjoy impressive views of the Central Pale di San Martino range from the Tognola panoramic terrace and viewpoint.

Day Hikes | Malga Tognola, Ecological Path, Panzer trail, Cima Tognazza to Siror (return to Tognola valley station by bus)

Colbricon Express Cable Car

The Colbricon Express gondola connects San Martino di Castrozza with Pian delle Cartucce. From the town center, it’s a 13-minute walk to the valley station, or a 3-minute drive.

Paradiso Chairlift

The Paradiso chairlift is located just west of Passo Rolle. Visitors generally park along Strada Statale 50 near Malga Rolle. The Paradiso chairlift delivers you to the Tognazza ridge in the Lagorai range.

From Tognazza, hikers continue to Forcella Cavallazza, Cima Cavallazza, and Laghi di Colbricon lakes.

Day Hikes | Cima Cavallazza and Laghi di Colbricon

Castellazzo Chairlift

The Castellazzo Chairlift is accessible by foot from Passo Rolle. There’s no compelling reason to take this chairlift, unless you wanted to quickly visit Baita Segantini and trim off the 200 meter ascent.

Day Hikes | Baita Segantini, Val Venegia

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