Holidays in San Candido in Val Pusteria
San Candido in Val Pusteria is the ideal place for a holiday in both summer and winter. A multitude of activities, fantastic countryside and an abundance of relaxation are guaranteed. Whether hiking, MTB and cycling excursions, skiing, snowshoeing, or simply relaxing, there really is something for everyone's taste here.
- Summer holidays
- Winter holidays
Summer holidays in San Candido in Val Pusteria
Located on the southern side of the main Alpine ridge, San Candido (1,175 m above sea level) makes an ideal starting point for numerous excursions and hikes in the magical world of the Dolomites (World Natural Heritage Site Dolomites). Follow the hiking trails with special signposts and enter a unique mountain landscape of extraordinary beauty. Its perpendicular and pale craggy peaks reveal a diversity unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
There are still untouched forests, alpine pastures and mountain slopes plus a unique panorama to be found in this remote natural setting. At the crossroads between South Tyrol (Dolomites) and East Tyrol (Carnic Alps & Villgrater Mountains), the stunning San Candido scenery offers a variety of recreational opportunities for the whole family, from leisurely hikes to challenging mountain excursions.
San Candido makes the ideal starting point for numerous cycling excursions and mountain bike tours. There are designated cycle paths for all levels of difficulty leading every which way. Combine the main ‘classic’ options and benefit from a convenient bike/train combo: ‘Drautal cycle path’ to LIENZ (A) – possibly as far as Maribor (SLO) and the westbound Pustertal cycle path to BRUNECK – possibly as far as Bressanone or Bolzano.
The historic centre of San Candido is largely car-free and reserved for pedestrians. Check out the impressive Romanesque collegiate church and the monastery museum. There are also several other historic buildings worth a visit, and loads of different shops to browse in.
Villa Christina is conveniently situated in a central yet quiet location, just 2–3 minutes' walk from the pedestrian zone, which has a whole host of shopping and entertainment amenities. It is also close to the Baranci ski lift with its summer toboggan run (FUNBOB), the adventure swimming pool (AQUAFUN – we are partners, so our guests can enjoy significantly reduced admission prices), as well as all other essential services (bus station, tourist office, hospital, etc.).
A wide variety of cultural and folklore events are held between May and September: flea markets, folk festivals, street theatre, the Gustav Mahler Festival, choir festivals, etc. You will find everything you need to know about them locally.
Winter holidays in San Candido in Val Pusteria
In winter, the Val Pusteria around San Candido offers every possible option for a sports-filled and relaxing winter holiday.
The start to the Baranci ski resort is just 200 m away from Villa Christina. It has a very well-organised ski school in addition to ski hire, lifts, and different slopes – perfect for alpine skiers. Great efforts have been made to ensure the area is suitable for families with children, as well as snowboard fans.
A free shuttle service provides easy access to the ski areas at Monte Elmo, Prati di Croda Rossa and even over the Passo di Monte Croce di Comélico to Padola in Comélico (BL). Altogether, there are more than 50 km of slopes of various degrees of difficulty and 30 lifts for you to choose from. They also give you the magnificent panorama of the Dolomites World Heritage Site to admire as well as carefully maintained slopes and excellent quality food in the welcoming mountain chalets and huts.
Other classic ski resorts such as Cortina and Plan de Corones are a mere half an hour by car.
The beautiful winter landscape around San Candido also has more than 200 km of perfectly prepared and groomed cross-country trails for cross-country skiers. These trails connect the various valleys of Alta Pusteria (Val Drava to the state border, Valle di Sesto to the end of the Val Fiscalina, Val Pusteria to Dobbiaco, Villabassa with connection to the Valle di Braies and finally the renowned cross-country trail through the Valle Rienza over the former 'Cortinese railway line' to CORTINA.
Other cross-country valleys such as the Valle di Casies, the Valle di Anterselva and the as yet untouched Valle di Villgraten can be quickly reached by car or bus.
There are also endless possibilities for ski touring and snowshoe hiking. Even experts find the numerous forest paths challenging, especially the pistes, slopes and mountain peaks of the nearby Dolomites. Mountaineering ski schools and certified ski tour guides are at your beck and call.
Tobogganing has recently become very popular, with the San Candido-Baranci and Sesto Croda Rossa toboggan runs being of special interest thanks to their nearby ski lifts. Nature lovers will love the enchanting Val Campo di Dentro where they can enjoy a memorable toboggan ride.
San Candido and the surrounding area also offer a variety of events in winter, such as: 'Puster Valley Marathon', 'Dobbiaco - Cortina Cross-Country Ski Event', 'Dolomiti Balloon Festival', 'Snow Sculpture Festival in San Candido' along with cultural and folklore performances. Needless to say, there are restaurants in a wide range of price categories and shopping facilities with everything you could possibly desire that are open throughout winter.
