The Giau Pass is a high mountain pass in the Dolomites in the province of Belluno in Italy. It connects Cortina d'Ampezzo with Colle Santa Lucia and Selva di Cadore.
20 pictures of Giau Pass from Cristina Gottardi, Luca Bravo, Flavio Gasperini and other travelers
Travelers' favorite tours and activities:
To reach Giau Pass, fly into Venice or Innsbruck and rent a car or take a bus to the nearby town of Cortina d'Ampezzo. From there, it is about a 30-minute drive along the scenic SR48 road. You can also cycle or join a guided tour for a more immersive experience, such as a cycling tour in the Dolomites.
It is essential to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak summer months when the area attracts many tourists. There are no entrance fees or specific reservations needed for Giau Pass itself.
The costs for visiting Giau Pass largely depend on your choice of accommodation, transportation, and dining. Expect to spend around €100-€150 per day on average for a comfortable stay in the area.
The best things to do at Giau Pass include:
1. Hiking: Numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels surround the area, offering breathtaking views of the Dolomites.
2. Cycling: Giau Pass is a popular destination for cyclists, with challenging climbs and thrilling descents.
3. Photography: The picturesque landscapes, dramatic mountain peaks, and vibrant wildflowers make Giau Pass a photographer's paradise.
For dining, consider the following options:
1. Rifugio Passo Giau: Located at the top of the pass, this cozy mountain hut offers delicious local cuisine with spectacular views.
2. Ristorante Lago Scin: A charming lakeside restaurant in Cortina d'Ampezzo, serving Italian and regional specialties.
3. Alverà: A fine dining restaurant in Cortina d'Ampezzo, offering a fusion of traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.
Recommended accommodations in the area include:
1. Hotel Villa Argentina: A charming, family-run hotel located at the base of Giau Pass, offering comfortable rooms and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
2. Rifugio Averau: A rustic mountain hut located at 2,413 meters above sea level, offering basic accommodation and incredible views.
3. Hotel Bellevue Suites & Spa: A luxury hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo, featuring elegant rooms and a relaxing spa.
Off the beaten path:
For an unusual travel experience, consider exploring the nearby open-air museum of World War I trenches and tunnels at the 5 Torri (Five Towers) area. This historical site allows you to delve into the region's past while enjoying the stunning natural surroundings. Guided tours are available, providing informative insights into the history and significance of the area. The 5 Torri area can be reached by car or by taking a cable car from the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo.
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View Giau Pass on a map with the the closest popular places nearby
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Giau Pass
⛰️ Mountain range spots ⛰️ Hill spots ⛰️ Summit spots ❄️ Glacial landform spots ⛰️ Hill station spots 🌲 Ecoregion spots 🗼 Landmark spotsThe Giau Pass is well known as one of the most impressive passes in the Dolomites. It is famous not only because it was one of the stages of the Giro d'Italia, but also because, during the year, important competitions take place there, such as the Ronde Dolomiti Bellunesi and the Maratona dles Dolomites, a one-day cycling race. In summer, the Giau pass is the starting point for hiking trails that climb to peaks such as Nuvolau, Averau, the Cinque Torri or the Cernera. The High Road n.1, which starts from the lake of Braies and ends in Belluno, also passes here. The Giau pass, which links Cortina to the Selva di Cadore, is one of the most legendary passes of the Giro d'Italia. The route on the Selva di Cadore side is mainly known as one of the hardest to ride, while the route on the Cortina side, although shorter, is nevertheless difficult. Another important event that takes place every year in July on the pass is the Maratona of the Dolomites, where about 10,000 cyclists, some famous and some not, compete fiercely in the passes of the Dolomites. Other spectacular competitions are the Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti, a vintage car competition held in September, and the Ronde Dolomiti Bellunesi, a special stage held in the first days of November that is not to be missed! In winter, ski lovers can enjoy the Lagazuoi-Cinque Torri ski lifts. The Lagazuoi-Cinque Torri is the departure point for the World War I ski tour and the Dolomiti Super Ski resort, and here skiers can also enjoy the slopes of Val Zoldana. The Giau pass is also the perfect place to try snowkiting (consists of using skis and a kite.)
You can stay at :
Yess, there are many high quality restaurants in Colle Santa Lucia (Giau Pass) such as Da Aurelio Rifugio, Al Crot, Belvedere, Pizzeria Fursil.
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20 km (12.7 miles) away from Giau Pass
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