Valerio Catullo Airport, also known as Verona Villafranca Airport, is located in Italy, just 10 km southwest of Verona. Serving over 4 million residents in the surrounding provinces, this airport has a rich history dating back to its military origins during World War I. With ongoing expansions and improvements, including a new terminal under construction to accommodate the growing passenger numbers, Valerio Catullo Airport continues to be a bustling hub for travelers heading to various destinations across Europe and beyond.

Tucked into a vertical cliffside over the Adige Valley, the Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is one of those places that looks like it came straight out of a dream. It’s peaceful, surreal, and completely unforgettable. Whether you're into history or just jaw-dropping views, this spot delivers.

And the best part? It’s an easy, scenic day trip from the Dolomites.

The sanctuary welcomes visitors year-round, with seasonal opening times:​ (can vary)

• April to October: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM

• November to March: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM​

-Take the walk down (or up!) the path from Spiazzi, a peaceful, slightly meditative trail through the forest.

-Check out the small museum and chapel, they give insight into the sanctuary’s history and spiritual significance.

So if you’re in the Dolomites and looking for something totally different, Sanctuary of Madonna della Corona is absolutely worth the trip.

Ortisei is a charming little town nestled in the beautiful Val Gardena region of northern Italy. With a population of just over 4,600 people. It is the largest town and most popular places to visit and stay in the Val Gardena area. It boasts lots of hotels, bars, shops and restaurants.

One of the best reasons in my opinion to stay in Ortisei is you don’t need a car to get around. Bus transit is free for Ortisei overnight guests, who are staying in accommodations that are members of the Tourist Association. Fortunately that’s all most all accommodations in Ortisei.

The town is famous for its stunning natural surroundings, including the majestic Dolomites mountain range. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering fantastic opportunities for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. It also has a rich cultural heritage, with its Ladin-speaking population and traditional woodcarving industry. So whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure or a peaceful retreat, Ortisei has something to offer everyone.

Attractions: Seceda Ridgeline, Resciesa Plateau, and Alpe di Siusi Plateau.

Things to do in Seceda:

1. The summit of Seceda (2518m) is a popular hike due to its spectacular vantage point of the jagged Fermeda Peaks.

When to hike:

Hikers can visit Seceda by cable car from Late May/Early June until late October/ Early November.

1. The Resciesa Alp: This is a high plateau of beautiful meadows and forest. I love Resciesa because it’s a great spot to start hikes for Val Di Funes & Seceda.

Resciesa Alp provides gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Resciesa is a peaceful spot and perfect for families too.In winter, Resciesa is super famous for its fun tobogganing slope.

Make your way to the Resciesa Funicular valley station in Ortisei and take the funicular up.

Address: Funicolare Rasciesa Str. Resciesa, 14, 39046 Ortisei BZ.

1. Luis Trenker Promenade

   This is a beautiful pedestrian walkway named after the local actor and mountaineer Luis Trenker.

Turonda pizza · bistrot · drinks is a trendy and inviting restaurant located in Ortisei, Italy. With its modern and stylish interior design, it offers a memorable dining experience for pizza lovers.

What I loved about it , is the menu features unique flavour combinations, including the Mediterranean yellow pizza, deep-fried pizza, and carbon pizza. Turonda also caters to dietary restrictions, making it a convenient spot for everyone.

Don't miss out on their impressive cocktail menu and artisanal beers. The friendly staff are always ready to make recommendations and ensure a great time. So, if you're looking for experimental flavors and a stunning view of the valley, Turonda is the place to visit.

Situated in the South Tyrol region of the Dolomites lies Seceda (Seceda 2,500m) an awe-inspiring, jagged, ridgeline, one of the most unique and beautiful views of Val Gardena and one of the best hiking spots in the Dolomites region!

🗓️ Best times to visit: June - September

There are multiple routes to reach this spot!

(Fastest option)⬇️😍

Start in the village of Ortisei (Val Gardena).

🚡Take the first cable car to Furnes

🚡Take the second cable car to Seceda

Once you reach the mountain station you can hike up for about 10 minutes to reach the top (2.500 m) with a stunning panoramic view 😍⛰️

🥾🌸From there a small narrow path veers to the left. In just 5 mins you will arrive at a meadow slope with flowers, from where you can enjoy this view!

❗️🥾INFO: There are a lot of hiking alternatives to reach the Seceda ridgeline without using cable cars.

My route

📍Hike from Col Raiser carpark situated in the town of Selva di Val Gardena.

The hike from here to the Seceda ridgeline is a steep but moderate hike, 6.4km and involves 970m of ascent. The route follows path 1 and 1a up the valley, zig-zagging beneath the gondola and should take

2-3 hours one way.

🧾 Quick Costs Summary 2025

Access MethodTotal Cost (approx.)

Ortisei + full cableway (round‑trip) €52 (entry via gondola + cable car) + up to €13 parking

Col Raiser lift + hike €28 (return gondola) + €5–8 parking; hiking after lift

Fully on foot (no lifts) Free—no entry fee, just hiking effort

If you head to the top of Seceda, i recommend you take extra time in and around the mountain huts. Hike down towards some of the huts that sit not too far from the top as they make a sensational backdrop, combined with the rolling green hills and flowers in summer. It’s absolutely stunning 🌸

Stay: Fermeda Hutte overnight, wake early to hike to Seceda ridgeline for sunrise 🌄

Bench spot at Seceda behind Col Razer. You’re going to love this one!

Boutique Hotel Planlim is a charming and stylish accommodation nestled in the heart of Ortisei, Val Gardena. With its modern alpine design and attention to detail, it offers top-quality rooms and suites that guarantee ultimate comfort for a dream holiday in the Dolomites .

The hotel's wellness area is a haven of relaxation, featuring saunas, a swimming pool, and a panoramic roof terrace with a hot tub jacuzzi, such a dream.

You can start your day right with a delicious breakfast buffet, offering a wide selection of sweet, savory, and healthy options. Whether you're here for winter skiing or summer hiking, Boutique Hotel Planlim is the perfect base for exploring the stunning Dolomites.