San Vito di Cadore
San Vito di Cadore occupies a broad green basin at 1011 metres above sea level, framed by some of the most celebrated peaks of the...
Updated 12 July 2026 · Sources: https://www.veneto.info/en/belluno/san-vito-di-cadore/ · https://www.dolomiti.org/en/san-vito-di-cadore/lake-mosigo/ · https://www.montagnadiviaggi.it/2021/03/lago-mosigo-san-vito-di-cadore-estate-cosa-vedere-come-arrivare.html · https://www.dolomiti.it/en/san-vito-di-cadore
The story
The story of San Vito di Cadore
In the heart of the Ampezzo Dolomites
San Vito di Cadore lies in a green basin surrounded by an amphitheatre of Dolomite peaks among the most photographed in Italy. Antelao, known as the King of the Dolomites, dominates the landscape alongside Pelmo and Mount Marcora, while further away the Marmarole and Sorapis come into view. The village is part of Cadore, the historic Belluno area whose summits were inscribed in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, and its position, midway between Cortina d'Ampezzo and the rest of the Boite valley, makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider region at a gentler pace than the more fashionable resorts.
Lake Mosigo
Lake Mosigo, also known as Lake San Vito, is the village's recreational heart. Formed in 1929 from the reclamation of a marshy area, it is today surrounded by meadows and framed by views of Croda Marcora, Antelao, Sorapis and Pelmo. In summer its shores host a mini golf course, inflatables for children, a small go-kart track and tennis courts, while the lake itself is open for swimming and popular with families and holidaymakers. It is also known as a filming location for the Italian television drama Un passo dal cielo, which helped bring it to wider attention.
Trails to the mountain refuges
Several hiking routes set off from San Vito toward the area's alpine refuges. A classic destination is Rifugio San Marco, sitting at 1823 metres on Col de chi da Os, reachable in about two hours on foot or more quickly by chairlift, with open views of Antelao and the surrounding peaks. Other trails lead toward the foot of Pelmo or through the woods enclosing the basin, offering a range of options for both experienced hikers and those seeking gentler walks at moderate altitude.
Close to Cortina d'Ampezzo
San Vito di Cadore lies just a few kilometres from Cortina d'Ampezzo, the most celebrated Dolomite resort, with which it shares ski lifts and part of its mountain territory. Visitors staying in San Vito can therefore reach Cortina's slopes and lively atmosphere with ease, while returning in the evening to a quieter, less touristy village. This proximity, combined with more affordable accommodation, makes San Vito a frequent choice for families and for anyone seeking genuine mountain life without giving up the amenities of a major alpine resort.
Experiences not to miss
- Swim or relax on the shores of Lake Mosigo
- Hike or ride the chairlift up to Rifugio San Marco for views of Antelao
- Admire Pelmo and Antelao from the village's panoramic points
- Head to Cortina d'Ampezzo for a day on the slopes and in its historic centre
- Follow the wooded trails encircling the San Vito basin
- Explore the villages of Cadore, a Dolomites UNESCO territory
To see
What to see in San Vito di Cadore
Routes · Trovido Route
